Practice Profile: Apt Architects

A rebrand of a fast-growing practice gave it a facelift and left staff re-energised. Sébastien Reed speaks to Apt’s studio leader Jason Geen “It wasn’t the best time to set up a studio,” says Jason Geen, studio leader at Apt.... View Article

Timber types

How do you decide what style of house is for you? The materials you choose can heavily influence the space you create. Carpenter Oak talk through some of the timber choices open to self-builders who want to put wood at... View Article

Choosing the right rainwater system

Yeoman Rainguard’s Sally Moores discusses the variety of options available when it comes to rainwater systems, and how to choose the right one for your project With an abundant choice of rainwater systems on the market, there is certainly no... View Article

Grand gardens

Millboard discuss the various design approaches available to help self-builders achieve a truly ‘premium’ outdoor space Great outdoor spaces reflect the style and ambience of the properties that they belong to – and they also communicate the temperaments of the... View Article

Electric range cookers – at home in any kitchen

Stylish, versatile and easy to install, modern energy-efficient range cookers are enjoying a new lease of life in both town and country, as ESSE’s Mark Blewitt explains It’s an established rite of passage on the downshifter’s ‘road less travelled.’ Scour... View Article

A healthy home is a sustainable home

Heat recovery ventilation can make homes dramatically healthier, and going a step further with heat pump ventilation can also offer energy efficient heating and cooling, says Clarissa Youden of Total Home Environment With self-builders becoming more aware that they need... View Article

Flexible, fascinating, and fitting

Jordan Perlman of Newground Architects explains that although a time-honoured material, brick has limitless possibilities for designers, illustrated by a recent mixed use scheme in London In the six years since our practice was founded, we have used brick in... View Article

Accessing improvements

The lack of access into commercial and public buildings is still a key issue affecting disabled people in the UK. Christian King of Kee Systems looks at the current regulations and explores how premises should be built or upgraded to... View Article

The wellness case for roof windows

Samantha Smith of Fakro GB highlights the importance of including roof windows into projects to improve health and wellbeing. A house is simply not complete without windows. They are the crucial element to providing natural light and ventilation into a... View Article

Future-proofing bathroom design

Robin Tuffley of Closomat explains how whether you are designing a bathroom for a domestic, multi-user or commercial environment, there is one overriding consideration to bear in mind: a proactive approach to suitability for all It doesn’t matter what words... View Article

What sustainability looks like

Peter Sotherton of Teknos GBI discusses the development of more sustainable exterior paints and coatings, and how they can help client organisations ensure they are acting responsibly when it comes to the environment Paints and finishes are an important part... View Article

The devil’s in the detailing

Alex Patrick-Smith of Ketley Brick discusses the performance considerations that need to be borne in mind when choosing increasingly popular textured brickwork facades Brick, which has of course been a major part of the British built environment for thousands of... View Article

Ask the Architect – Joe Morris

Joe Morris heads up his practice, but knows that collaboration is the way to good architecture. He answers ADF’s questions Why did you become an architect? My journey to architecture was relatively casual, without a clearly defined goal, but one... View Article

CDW celebrates turning 10

This year sees Clerkenwell Design Week celebrate its 10th edition, showcasing a host of the industry’s best in London’s key hub for design and architecture From new designs by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Established & Sons to Fritz Hansen’s... View Article

Vertical integration

Architype’s Eco Business Centre brings flexible shared workspace to eco-town North West Bicester, in what ended up being the UK’s first non-residential Passivhaus Plus accredited building. Sébastien Reed reports There are 6,000 new ‘true’ zero-carbon homes planned for North West... View Article

The bottom line on floorboard insulation

Rob Firman of Polyfoam XPs highlights the key differences between floorboard insulation products, thereby illustrating the importance of correct specification in housebuilding. Both product specification and the housebuilding sector are constantly evolving. Changes to the planning system are designed to... View Article

The big reveal

James Parker speaks to the architect of a complex restoration project in Manchester to create a boutique hotel which enhances industrial Victorian architecture, and celebrates the city’s trading history A new adaptive reuse project in Manchester has rescued three important... View Article

Building a cultural bridge

Jack Wooler spoke to Antti Nousjoki of ALA architects about how Finland’s biggest library combines an inviting ‘bridge’ structure with shifting timber and glass facades The new Oodi Library in Helsinki is a modern take on the building typology, offering... View Article

Floating an idea

Architectural glass specialist OAG gives an insight for designers into the possibilities, as well as practical implications, of ‘oversize’ glass float runs During the past two decades, feature glass entrances and double height ground and first floor facades have risen... View Article