Mainstreaming modular

Richard Hyams of astudio describes how architects can use modular offsite construction to deliver good quality housing schemes with rich community benefits The adoption of modular construction techniques is rapidly accelerating in the UK. Policymakers have realised the benefits of... View Article

Compliance can no longer be ignored

Yvonne Orgill of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) says attitudes to compliance are changing, and housebuilders and developers cannot ignore their responsibilities to protect consumers when specifying bathroom products. Last year, the tragedy of Grenfell Tower highlighted the potential worst-case... View Article

Using data to boost building safety post-Grenfell

By Nicola Brown, Director of housing technology solutions provider ROCC In our lives, it seems we are inundated with a deluge of data. In housing, we have been conscious for some time now of Big Data sets, with software providers... View Article

Door closers create safer homes

With fire safety high on the agenda, Dr Lloyd Blewett of Samuel Heath investigates the potential of door closers for social housing The tragic events of last year have, understandably, brought the fire safety spotlight on to the social housing... View Article

How to add smart value to homes

Paul Hilditch of Systemline explains how smart technology can add value to new build homes, revealing the key elements housebuilders and developers should consider when choosing products, and the challenges to address. Technology is rapidly advancing to meet consumer demand... View Article

The efficiency checklist

When specifying heating systems, housebuilders need to take a variety of considerations into account to ensure that they can produce maximum efficiency returns from developments. Bill Jones of Potterton advises on best practice. The integration of an appropriate heating system... View Article

Engineered wood holds the floor

Katherine Mathews of Kährs explores the benefits of engineered wood flooring, and the significant impact the right kind of flooring can have on a development. When designing and building a home, flooring is just one of many things to consider.... View Article

Why UFH is still a hot topic

The UK’s underfloor heating (UFH) market continues to warm up – Nigel Sanger of JG Speedfit explores what architects and specifiers need to consider when specifying UFH systems UFH is no longer just the prerogative of the wealthy. Its increasing... View Article

Our electric future

Paul Hutchens is CEO of Midlands-based solar specialists, Eco2Solar. He is a board member of the Solar Trade Association (STA), the UK’s leading solar industry voice, and Chairman of the STA’s New Build Working Group which aims to inform governments,... View Article

Pocketing space efficiencies

Stephanie Lee of P C Henderson takes a look at how increasingly space-constrained builds are driving the trend in pocket doors, and discusses their key benefits and what to look for when specifying such systems As the number of first... View Article

Hidden benefits

Paul Bailey of Grohe explores the many benefits that come from installing concealed bathroom systems in new developments. Trends in the marketplace show that the demand for concealed bathroom products is continuing to grow, and it seems the shower space... View Article

Don’t compromise on commercial glazing

Jeff Pearson of Jack Aluminium Systems discusses the importance of considering energy efficiency, security and safety when specifying glazing systems – and why it’s so important not to compromise Compromise can be a wonderful thing. It’s great for building working... View Article

Windows worth their mettle

James Keeling-Heane of Senior Architectural Systems explains how developments in aluminium window systems can shed new light on cost-effective ways of ensuring energy performance targets are met. All properties lose heat through windows and doors, but the amount of energy... View Article

Don’t be an amateur

Surface preparation is critical in the restoration of a floor and mistakes at this stage can have catastrophic consequences for the finished result. Here Scott Coffey, regional sales manager at surface preparation expert National Flooring Equipment, explains how to choose... View Article

Uplifting research

Nick Mellor of the Lift & Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) advises on the latest standards on lift safety, and looks at some of the developments driving innovative solutions in the market There have been many changes in the legislative background... View Article

Practice Profile: Sarah Wigglesworth Architects

James Parker spoke to Sarah Wigglesworth about life running a successful practice from a pioneering, sustainable HQ which comprises two conjoined buildings – her office and her own home – and is an embodiment of her ethical approach Sarah Wigglesworth... View Article

Number 41 takes shape

Andy and Sarah Ball have made great strides on their sustainable Derby build since they last reported in Selfbuilder + Homemaker. Sarah updates on the recent progress. When you left Number 41 the last time round, the one tonne steel... View Article

Tackling timber humidity risk

Niall Crosson of Ecological Building Systems and Michael Foerster of pro clima discuss the need to ensure that unforeseen moisture trapped during timber builds can be released, avoiding damage over time Timber construction is undergoing something of a renaissance in... View Article

Perfect porcelain

The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse’s Chris Grainger discusses the compelling benefits of porcelain floor tiles, from efficiency, cost and maintenance, to the ability to create a precise visual result Choosing flooring for your new home is a big decision. While... View Article