Domino effect

An addition to the University of Massachusetts displays a composition of staggered copper and glass elements to create a dramatic entranceway. Jack Wooler spoke to architects BIG about how and why this domino effect was created The Business Innovation Hub... View Article

Zinc’s lasting sustainable appeal

Jonathan Lowy of VMZinc looks at the lasting appeal of zinc as a sustainable solution for the building envelope, as shown on projects from the 19th century to the present day The Parisienne rooftops adorning Hausmann’s famous 19th century buildings... View Article

A strong & secure story

Whether it’s building bridges or delivering homes, there’s plenty of scope for structural steel across the construction sector. Chris Holleron of Hadley Group details the material’s uses, from its invention to its current application in the offsite construction sector The... View Article

Extending design perspectives with aluminium

Richard Besant of Powdertech Corby discusses why powder coating on aluminium presents a convincing alternative for creating a wide variety of architectural features and designs Recent advances in powder technology and application now mean that aluminium and steel can be... View Article

The enduring appeal of metal ceilings

Here Peter Symons of Knauf AMF explores why metal ceilings are seeing a renaissance, encompassing robustness and efficiency as well as aesthetics The mainstream use of metal ceilings originated in the late 19th century when they were more commonly known... View Article

Sustainable and diverse: architectural copper

The last few decades have seen copper and its alloys grow in popularity as modern architectural materials, but the sustainability and performance characteristics of copper should also not be forgotten. Graeme Bell of Aurubis explains more Copper’s unique architectural qualities... View Article

An internal monologue on copper

Copper has seen a dramatic change in use from its historic place roofing prestigious buildings to being a thoroughly modern external skin for contemporary architecture. But its role as an interior surfacing material is also growing, presenting new opportunities and... View Article

Building good health

Built on a wooded rural site on the coast near Bristol, a stunning family home has been created that was prefabricated in Germany using natural materials, and designed with health and wellbeing in mind Those who have holidayed in the... View Article

What’s in store?

Grand Designs Live returns to Birmingham in October, providing a ‘one-stop shop’ for anyone looking for inspiration for their self-build, renovation or interior project Whether you’re starting out on your first home renovation, building a new home, adding the finishing... View Article

Open to debate

Jay Patel of aїr aluminium looks at the merits of bi-fold doors versus lift and slide options, and which may be better suited to your self-build. Wide-span glazing has become a critical part of any self-build project, with bi-folding and... View Article

Site Lines – Serving student wellbeing needs

Students in the 21st century face a wide range of health and wellbeing challenges as well as technological demands. James Allison of architects Bennetts Associates discusses an example of thoughtful improvement of student wellbeing facilities for Cambridge University In the... View Article

Wall-to-wall thinking

As part of meeting our commitments to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, Chris Miles of Kingspan Facades looks at the options for specifiers when it comes to holistic approaches to maximising thermal efficiency in facades In June, the... View Article

The highest standard in Camden

Chris Wood of Lomax + Wood tells ADF how Lomax + Wood helped transform a Camden landmark in to a luxury London hotel Lomax + Wood were selected, from the UK’s finest timber window specialists, to design and produce a... View Article

Seven reasons not to miss UK Construction Week

If you’re not yet registered to attend the UK’s largest construction event, here are seven things that might convince you to head to the NEC on 8-10 October. 1. Products New products are always being developed to meet different and... View Article

Eco solutions for woodburning

Defra’s publication of the Clean Air Strategy earlier this year saw the Government making it clear that ‘Ecodesign’ woodburning stoves would be an integral part of the UK’s solution for air quality. Dennis Milligan of the British Flue & Chimney... View Article

Contemporary tiling

Interest in tiling as a stylish, hygienic and durable finish for domestic walls and floors has never been stronger. Here the Tile Association (TTA) outlines some of the issues which housebuilders and developers need to be aware of. Driven by... View Article

A sporting advantage

Navjot Dhillon and Nick Egan of Gerflor discuss why specifying better quality flooring will give architects a key advantage in sports facilities A key function of sports flooring is to help protect players from injury, and enhance their athletic performance.... View Article

Demystifying ventilation

With the growth of whole house ventilation systems, ducting products and systems abound, specifying and installing them has become considerably more complex. Penny Jones of Domus Ventilation answers the most commonly asked questions when it comes to domestic ventilation ducting.... View Article

Waterproofing inverted roofs

Sarah Spink, CEO of the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) provides specification advice on waterproofing inverted roofs, which are increasingly popular The popularity of inverted roofs continues to grow with the construction of these systems offering many benefits. From... View Article