K+B design London joins Ecobuild at ExCel

The kitchen and bathroom design show moves in next door to Ecobuild to connect buyers directly with the supply chain. Dubbed ‘the ultimate design event for forward-thinkers in kitchen and bathroom design’, K+B design London will be held on 7-9 March at ExCel... View Article

Exploring new avenues for 2017

The annual conference and exhibition will turn the ExCel centre into an “immersive city” packed with the latest innovations for the built environment. Ecobuild returns in March with a focus on regeneration and a complete overhaul of the floor plan... View Article

High ambition – The Beacon, Hemel Hempstead

The Beacon, shortly to begin construction in Hemel Hempstead, is set to be the world’s most sustainable residential tower. James Parker spoke to the project’s architect to hear about this proposed model of luxury eco-living. The Beacon is an ambitious... View Article

An education in modular buildings

Andy King of Wernick Buildings gives a lesson in how modular construction can delivering the extra space schools need for the future, without added disruption. With pupil numbers in UK schools forecasted to increase over the coming years, space is... View Article

Fifty shades of green

Green roofs have proven benefits but care must be taken when choosing from the different types of systems available, says ZinCo director Fabian Kaiser. From creating green havens in concrete-dominated cities to safeguarding the waterproofing system of a building, the... View Article

Specifying for high performance

Vernon Charles of Prospec offers a route through the specification minefield for washroom surface materials and storage. Wowing visitors with bespoke design and elaborate finishes in washrooms can boost brand identity and cement a business’ reputation. But while manufacturers are... View Article

Securely in control

Electronic access control systems can enhance security by offering a centralised solution to building management. Systems manufacturer Paxton explains further. The protection of employees and assets is a priority for any business, so an adequate access control system can go... View Article

Solid credentials

Brian Newell of Shackerley explains how ceramic granite can transform buildings thanks to a mixture of durability and design versatility . Ventilated facade cladding is well proven and widely used as an aesthetically versatile approach to completing the building envelope,... View Article

Fire safety in multi-storey buildings is a hot issue

Tim Vincent of Rockwool explains why specifiers should consider non-combustible stone wool insulation in multi-storey buildings. Buildings over 18 metres in height present numerous challenges when it comes to insulation requirements and fire safety standards. Given that most fires occur... View Article

Showcasing key brick trends

The annual Brick Awards celebrate every aspect of brick design and construction and showcase some of the key trends. These trends were evident in the Brick Development Association’s 2016 awards held in November, particularly these highly commended and award winning... View Article

Sealing the deal of airtightness

Iain Fairnington of the A.Proctor Group, discusses how the performance of the building envelope can be improved through airtight membranes. The need for airtightness is driven by the global challenge to reduce carbon emissions and the drive to create more... View Article

Bottom-line benefits

Offering even heat and better energy efficiency, underfloor heating is an increasingly popular choice for self-builds. Steve Harris of Wavin offers some advice on the practicalities Why install underfloor heating rather than more conventional heating methods such as radiators? What... View Article

Creating a home fit for tomorrow

Richard Hayward of Legrand takes a look at how technology can support not only homeowners’ currently fast-changing lifestyles but also those of future generations Understanding the needs and wants of a growing and diverse population is imperative for our future... View Article

Natural living

Interior designer at Stovax Hannah Stone sheds some light on some key emerging trends in interiors, which are all about embracing nature Taking inspiration from the world around us is a time-tested way of making your home truly yours. This... View Article

Inspiration for an ideal home

Discover everything the UK’s biggest home show has to offer at Olympia, London from 24 March – 9 April The Ideal Home Show is now the longest running-show in the world spanning 109 years, closing only during WWII and reopening... View Article

The lowdown on drainage installation

Stevie Fairbairn, Scottish regional manager for Lanes Group, looks at the most common mistakes made when installing drainage systems – and how to avoid them If there is one area of a new build project where the expression ‘once it’s... View Article

Construction’s big event regenerates for 2017

A reinvented Ecobuild returns in March with what’s been hailed as an immersive exhibition and conference programme, under the umbrella theme of regeneration The leading show for the built environment, Ecobuild 2017 will see ExCeL London transformed into a ‘city’... View Article

European inspiration

Eve and David Jervis travelled to Germany to find inspiration for their spacious, contemporary eco self-build in Yorkshire. Words by Heather Dixon, pictures by Feature Services Eve and David Jervis didn’t know whether to celebrate or commiserate when they realised that... View Article

Internal doors: doing it right

Simon Johnson from Derbyshire wooden door specialists JB Kind, answers your questions on choosing internal doors What style should I go for? Everyone has their own sense of style – no one more so than the creative and determined self-builder... View Article