Features Articles

With most construction projects following the traditional sequence of design, specification and procurement, Andrew Cooper of Senior Architectural Systems looks at how getting suppliers on board early can lead to plainer sailing for everyone. As highlighted in the influential Farmer... View Article

Ann Boardman of Saniflo UK talks about overcoming drainage challenges and gives some examples of how ambitious projects can go ahead without relying on direct access to mains drainage. Architects and specifiers are confronted by domestic and commercial projects that... View Article

Revised regulations in England for septic tanks discharging to watercourses will be introduced in 2020. Andrew Baird of wastewater specialist WPL explains how this will affect self-builders with onsite treatment, and when they will need to upgrade Homeowners using off-mains... View Article

Andy Noble of CD (UK), the distributor of Corian in the UK and Ireland, investigates a relatively new solution for ventilated facades which offers fascinating possibilities. Meeting a set of challenging demands for the building envelope, from aesthetics to thermal... View Article

As Building Regulations have imposed ever-tougher energy performance criteria on the building envelope, the significance of localised areas of reduced insulation or thermal bridging leading to air leakage has become even more crucial. A. Proctor Group reports. The energy consumed... View Article

Karen Chugg of Intelligent Abodes discusses how using smart home technology in your self-build can save energy It was not that long ago that a smart home was considered aspirational but now, with all the latest products on the market,... View Article

John Whitby at dormakaba looks at the development of cloud-based access control systems, and the important benefits they can have for customers. The rapid pace of technological innovation in recent years has resulted in an increase in the capabil- ity... View Article

Choosing radiators might sound like an easy job, but with a ever-increasing number of options available it’s not as simple as it seems. Simon Morris of The Radiator Company offers his advice When it comes to choosing radiators, it’s no... View Article

The considerable benefits of underfloor heating are now widely understood but should you install a wet or electric system? Gaia Climate Solutions’ Steven Rooney weighs up the options While many people now appreciate the benefits an underfloor heating (UFH) system... View Article

Phil Harrison of EnviroVent offers advice on the best ways to achieve optimum ventilation and energy efficiency when upgrading the home or undertaking a self-build Agrowing number of homeowners and self-builders are realising that ventilation is an essential part of... View Article

Oliver Ronald of Boss Design discusses how employee wellbeing is heavily influencing workplace design and office furniture specification. Many of us spend a large proportion of our lives in the office – up to 40 hours per week or more... View Article

Maria Holton of Luceco explains how the importance of lighting comfort in the workplace has grown in importance, alongside the focus on efficiency. The minimum requirement of an office space should be to enable professionals to be able to work... View Article

Franz Lorenschitz of Allgood explores the power of ironmongery to offer the right first impression to users across a range of settings. Door handles are often the visitor’s first physical contact with a building, and consequently provide an instant first... View Article

Martin Cummins of Bostik looks at why smoothing compounds are advisable for workplace floors, and the key specification considerations to achieve the right result. The stage preceding the application of a floorcovering is an often overlooked but critical part of the... View Article

Designing the ideal workplace acoustics is a complex challenge, but getting the right balance of aesthetics and effective soundproofing is crucial for business success, as Hush Acoustics’ Robert Crampton explains. Soundproofing is often overlooked when it comes to designing the... View Article