Smarter glass

Russell Shipton, marketing manager, ESG, explains why smart glass has come of age and why it has clearly got a bright future. The past 20 years has seen a dramatic increase in the use of glass as both an external... View Article

When scale, safety and style collide

For large scale, modern constructions, virtually anything is achievable in glass. Andrew Lake, Vetrotech UK general manager explains why selecting the right fire-rated glass system is therefore critical to the specifying process. From the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa... View Article

Aesthetics and functionality in glazing for historical buildings

Preservation efforts are primarily orientated towards maintaining historical structures and, if possible, cautious restoration. However, when material loss or irreparable damage threatens to halt the effort, alternative options need to be considered explains Ulrich Huber, Sales Manager EMEA, SCHOTT AG.... View Article

Legal Compliance for fire-resistant glazing

Steve Rice, director of technical affairs for the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), outlines the compliances and CE marking issues that impact all those responsible for making the glazing in a building fire-resistant. Making Insulating Glass Units (IGUs) with a fire-resistance characteristic... View Article

A study in glass

A landmark educational building featuring an innovative use of glazing has lit up a run-down part of the Spanish town of Torrelavega, writes Steve Menary. A mix of squares, circles and an innovative use of glazing has been used to create... View Article

A house for all seasons

When the O’Gradys built a new home in a remote Scottish hamlet near Inverurie, it had to withstand the ever-changing conditions of its dramatic setting by Heather Dixon For eight years Courtney and John O’Grady lived with their three children in... View Article

National Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns

The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is gearing up its forthcoming event with over 450 exhibitors, 16 free seminars and over 50 masterclasses. The show, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 14-17 April 2016, and sposored for the first... View Article

Grand Designs Live returns for 2016 at London ExCel

Grand Designs Live London, sponsored by Anglian Home Improvement returns to London for 2016, from 30 April – 8 May Grand Designs Live, based on the hugely popular Channel 4 TV series Grand Designs, offers visitors a chance to view... View Article

Wood flooring – what you need to consider

Tom Barnes of Vastern Timber offers an overview of options and considerations for people thinking of installing a wooden floor A wood floor is special. In recent years the popularity of uncarpeted wood floors has grown steadily as people rediscover... View Article

Putting the climate firmly under the spotlight

For people overseeing the new build and refurbishment of their homes, the weather is likely to have had a major impact out on site. However, planning and implementing strategies to cope with such conditions should not just feature at the... View Article

Fireplaces: the hearth of the home

Tracey Falshaw, marketing manager for luxury gas fire specialist Faber, explains why a gas fire focal point in the home is becoming ever more popular and the benefits they can bring to any self-build project From living rooms and bedrooms... View Article

Glazed roofing – let the light shine in

Installing a glazed roof on a section of your new-build is easier than you might think with improvements to glazing technology and building techniques. Not only will it add intrinsic value to the property, but it will allow natural light... View Article

Benefits of building with SIPs

Building with timber is becoming an increasingly popular choice for developers and self-builders who need to produce a highly energy efficient building as quickly as possible. With off-site construction requiring less time on site, and therefore reduced labour costs, it... View Article

Making the right choices with balustrades

As one of the more complex and varied architectural elements, balustrade can have especially variable results in terms of site impact and carbon footprint. Peter Melia, UK business development Manager at Neaco, explains how making the right choices can deliver... View Article

At home with LEDs

LED bulbs (or “Lamps” to those in the trade) have been available for more than 10 years now. With many people having tried them with mixed results, unfortunately some early users may have some bad memories hanging around of poor... View Article

Housebuilders: windows are just windows, right?

Visit the FIT Show at The International Centre, Telford, from 12 – 14 April There are few elements of a building that are so crucial to its performance and aesthetics and which therefore, can make or break a sale. So... View Article

The pros of aluminium guttering

Martyn Reed, the technical director of ARP Ltd in Leicester, is keen to discuss the benefits that aluminium can offer as a rainwater and roofline solution With the government looking to deliver a strategy of building affordable housing, improving the... View Article