Features Articles

Maria Holton of Luceco looks at why energy efficient lighting should be considered as part of the overall design process in educational establishments to meet the needs of flexible learning spaces. The importance of lighting in education environments should be... View Article

Safe, stylish, durable flooring can have a major effect on an interior’s aesthetics and atmosphere. Simon Clark of Sika Flooring considers the benefits of resin flooring in education establishments. Higher education has become a fiercely competitive market as universities strive... View Article

Andrew Cooper of Senior Architectural Systems sheds new light on the process of window specification for the student accommodation sector and explains why aluminium systems can work so well. The days of dark, damp and depress- ing student ‘digs’ have... View Article

Renson Fabrications discusses the options for outdoor sun protection systems that allow the light in while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. The trend is clear. We want to allow as much natural light in as possible. That is why we... View Article

Rob Crampton of Hush Acoustics looks at the crucial importance of getting acoustics right in educational buildings. While modern educational buildings have benefited from various architectural and technological enhancements, good acoustics remain a key factor in enhancing the learning environment.... View Article

Michael Nicholls of OrganoWood UK explains what sustainability means when it comes to external wood treatment, and how self- builders can benefit from ‘going green’ Offering a beautiful combination of aesthetic and practical qualities, wood has always been a popular... View Article

Kidde Safety discusses current regulations for smoke and heat alarms and whether they go far enough to maximise safety Smoke and heat alarms are essential in minimising domestic fire fatalities and injuries. Installation of smoke and heat alarms to satisfy... View Article

Crown Paints’ Kathryn Lloyd looks into the latest paint shades and design ideas, and explains how quality formulations and technology can help bring colour to life both indoors and out Colour can be one of the most important elements to... View Article

Madeleine McDermott of Resin Bonded explores why resin-bound surfaces are becoming the latest trend to appear in driveways and gardens thanks to a range of performance benefits What is resin-bound surfacing? Firstly, it is fast becoming the popular choice for... View Article

Zip Water UK’s Russell Owens discusses why hi-tech kitchen appliances are such an important ingredient in today’s self-builds Modern technology has always played a huge part in improving convenience in the home, but nowadays high-tech appliances are becoming increasingly important... View Article

The thermal store is a powerful technology that can be used in a variety of ways to ‘future proof’ properties, enabling self-builders to take full advantage of renewables, when used in the best combination. Richard Hanson-Graville of Thermal Integration explains... View Article

From front doors to garage doors, David O’Mara of Hörmann UK answers all of your portal-related questions When it comes to front doors, what are the trends for 2017 in self-builds? The demand for unique, stylish and secure entrances that... View Article

Door closers may not define an interior design, but their clear impact on safety and aesthetics should convince architects to think twice before specifying them. Samuel Heath comments. Despite being essential safety features, door closers are rarely of the highest priority... View Article

From the spiky Stirling Prize-winning Newport Gallery to sensitive restorations and new build schemes, architects continue to reinvent brick in their designs. Jason Hughes examines the trends. Brick may be one of the oldest construction materials, but its popularity hasn’t... View Article

Alastair Stannah, managing director of Stannah Lifts, looks at the development of accessible lifts over recent decades and the options now available to specifiers. As a lift supplier with a 150 year history, accessibility has always been .our business. However... View Article