Making key management easy

Tim Hill from Keyzapp explains how combining contactless tags and cloud-based software helped two housing associations solve an age-old problem For housing associations key management can be a real headache. Keeping track of hundreds or even thousands of keys is... View Article

Intelligent tanks

David White of Mixergy explains why housing associations and landlords should consider installing intelligent hot water tanks, detailing the vast array of benefits they can bring both landlords and tenants We now live in a world where macro industry themes... View Article

Lending is fit and well. How are you?

Stephen O’Brien of Wolsey explores the role of SME housebuilders in meeting the Government’s housing targets, and how specialist lenders can aid this process. More homes were delivered to the market last year than in all but one of the... View Article

Acoustic Glass – A sound investment?

Tom Wright of George Barnsdale explains the difference between acoustic glass varieties, and provides examples of where increased investment is worth it. Increasingly, window manufacturers are being asked by developers and specifiers about the acoustic performance of windows and doors.... View Article

Efficiency and safety, in synergy

Kevin Belben of water management specialists Cistermiser and Keraflo discusses the evolution of water temperature monitoring systems, and how the Internet of Things can offer the healthcare sector efficiency savings as well as patient safety benefits A tax-funded NHS is... View Article

The future is already here

Architect Paul Mercer discusses how designers and planners can learn from the past, as they contemplate how to adapt to the future of healthcare Recently published, the 2018 Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer is subtitled ‘Health 2040 –... View Article

Clean lines

Carole Armstrong of Delabie UK suggests that design, comfort, safety and hygiene should be seen as equal to compliance when specifying accessible washrooms Inclusive design for accessible facilities should be a given. However, adapted washrooms in the care sector are... View Article

The health benefits of good ventilation

Patrick Calvey of Siegenia looks at the issue of air pollution and the considerations designers of new facilities and refurbishments need to make in order to combat it The effects of air pollution and the dangers of exposure to NOx... View Article

Designing for dementia

Lisa Pilley of Dulux Trade discusses how colour is an intrinsic part of any health-focused design project, and can have a powerful impact on dementia patients in particular Globally, the number of people living with dementia is predicted to increase... View Article

The art of protection

Kate Waterston of Construction Specialties explains how good interior design can speed up patient recovery times in hospitals, but needs to be balanced with maintenance and whole-life costs The positive effects of a colourful, comfortable and welcoming environment on patient... View Article

A vision of inclusivity

Jack Wooler spoke to the architect of an innovative and sensitive housing project for a mix of visually impaired and open market residents, achieved on a challenging site in Surrey Work is now underway at the Royal National Institute of... View Article

Citadel of care

A new hospital in a sensitive location in Israel combines a state of the art, wellness-oriented healthcare facility with a design for resilience against attacks. Roseanne Field reports Situated in Ashdod, a large city in southern Israel, the Samson Assuta... View Article

View Point: Charles Bettes

Following the recent Stress Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Week, Charles Bettes of architects and interior designers gpad delves deeper into the importance of good design in “optimising the workplace for our mutual good” Mental health charity Mind recently... View Article

Ask The Architect: Ed Higgins

Ed Higgins from Hosta Consulting answers ADF’s questions on landscape design and green infrastructure Why did you decide to train as an architect? Like many at the start of their architectural education part of me, somewhat egotistically, wanted to create... View Article

Green house effect

Nestled into the Scottish highlands, a new kind of sustainable house design makes a simple, repeatable and inventive structure from abundant local materials to yield big cost savings. Sébastien Reed speaks to architect Gokay Deveci about Integra House Integra House... View Article

Building community links

Linking a housing estate in Bath with a new housing development, BDP’s new community centre and school provides a local landmark that also offers strong links back to the site’s D-Day heritage. James Parker reports The new Community Hub designed... View Article

Conscious uncoupling

David Wilson of BAL takes a look at why specifying an uncoupling system is a sensible option for making a floor tiling installation as efficient as possible With today’s requirements for faster installation of tiling and the use of more... View Article

Solving permeability problems

Duncan Andrews of SureSet looks at how cellular paving systems can offer the ideal solutions for SuDS requirements, in particular in sites with restricted space Permeable paving solutions are a hot topic at the moment with an ever increase range... View Article

Open the door to closers

With many different types of door closers on offer, David Saxby of IronmongeryDirect advises on the key features to consider in order to make an informed choice for your project Door closers are a vital component when it comes to... View Article

The practicalities of providing an outdoor living space

Balconies can enhance residential developments and provide the amenity of outdoor living space for residents. Lee Barber of Balcony Life explains how bolt-on cantilevered steel systems can avoid structural issues and problems with thermal bridging Bolt-on cantilevered steel balconies are... View Article