Putting roof tile sustainability first

Mark Parsons of Russell Roof Tiles explores why housebuilders and developers need to be working closely with roofing manufacturers to incorporate sustainable solutions on new-builds, in order to ensure they are attracting the current generation of homeowners. The housebuilding industry... View Article

ICF – sense and sustainability

Robin Miller of Beco Wallform gives his views on why insulating concrete formwork (ICF) is the ideal practical choice for self-builders concerned about sustainability and climate change There is growing recognition – now almost universal – that unless significant action... View Article

Natural stone, ethically sourced

Matt Rob of the Stone Federation discusses the rising trend of buyers searching for ethically sourced natural stone, and the systems that are in place to prove the authenticity of such products. In 2015, The Modern Slavery Act was created... View Article

A clear set of options

When looking to create a unique home, glass gives you a wide range of options, especially when it comes to balconies and even atriums, as Susan Sinden of glass processor ESG Group explains One of the most common themes we... View Article

Kitchens that make sales

Andrew Story of Moores says tapping into kitchen trends can influence buyers’ decisions, and explores current trends from scandi retro to ‘slow living.’ When potential buyers step into a show home, they want to see their dream kitchen. Kitchen trends... View Article

Managing your build’s bottom line

Despite the numbers of self-builds growing rapidly, getting the right advice on mortgages can be tricky. David Lownds of Hanley Economic Building Society outlines the basics of self-build financing, and gives some tips on how to manage your build’s budget... View Article

The brick essentials

With an increasing number of homeowners choosing to pursue self-build or embark on self-renovation work, Simon Taylor of Ibstock examines one of the key considerations for any self-builder – the aesthetics as well as function of the bricks they will... View Article

Traditionally eco

An eco-afficionado achieved his dream to create a Passivhaus home in Leeds, but it had to be traditional in style so wasn’t plain sailing As a solicitor by profession, Stephen Cirell took a very methodical approach to planning his first... View Article

Back to nature

The world of home improvement is nothing new to Athena and Mark, but their latest project renovating a house to help it nestle into a Sussex nature reserve proved a challenge For some, a major renovation or self-build project is... View Article

The art of compromise

Perseverance and compromise paid off for Clare and Mark Gittins when they took on the virtual rebuild of a derelict cottage just outside Rotherham Most people wouldn’t have given the dilapidated old cottage on the edge of a busy main... View Article

Ask the Architect: Margherita Cesca

Margherita Cesca of Saunders Boston Architects answers ADF’s questions on what drives her personally and professionally Why did you become an architect? Art and architecture have always been a big part of my life; from a very young age, I... View Article

Forest canopy

Inspired by the ‘Bamboo Forest’ of a nearby national park, the Wuxi Taihu Show Theatre near Shanghai marks the entrance to a huge new tourist attraction in its city. Roseanne Field reports The city of Wuxi sits on the banks... View Article

Offsite Expo – the catalyst for change

The first ever Offsite Expo will bring together the sector’s most influential organisations, individuals, commentators and business leaders who are driving the offsite agenda forward, at Ricoh Arena, Coventry in September From ‘Rethinking Construction’ published in 1998 to the acclaimed... View Article

West End wellness

The Crown Estate’s first coworking venture, off London’s Regent Street, offers a nurturing environment for small businesses in a refurbished building which is also the first Well-accredited project of its kind. James Parker reports A new coworking space completed in... View Article

Protect and survive

Sally Osmond of Frontier Pitts discusses the importance of impact testing for product solutions for defence against vehicle-borne attacks, and looks at relevant regulations In the UK, and indeed the rest of the world, the current terrorism threat is constantly... View Article

The aesthetics of channel drainage for homes

External channel drainage systems can often be an overlooked factor in many projects, says William Poynter of ACO Water Management, explaining why architects should consider the aesthetic benefits of different options while addressing practical challenges The significance of drainage systems... View Article

Bespoke roof window solutions

Samantha Smith of Fakro GB discusses the ‘unrivalled’ choice that is now available across the UK roof window market Is the very way we are designing and building sustainable housing changing? Many of us spend around 90 per cent of... View Article

Technology benefits for all

Challenges can arise when specifying tailor made external door access solutions that suit a wide range of users. John Hardman of dormakaba reviews the solutions available, and how technology can help specifiers identify the right option Access control solutions have... View Article

Practice Profile: Shepheard Epstein Hunter

Shepheard Epstein Hunter may have garnered a strong reputation in its long history, from an initial focus on high quality public housing, but the practice hasn’t been resting on its laurels. James Parker spoke to two of its directors Evolving,... View Article