Untangling the issue

Long delays and landfill costs from dealing with Japanese knotweed could be a thing of the past thanks to new methods available to self- builders, explains Nic Seal of Environet. Discovering the presence of Japanese knotweed on a site where... View Article
Kitchen Trends

The view from the showroom

Howarth Timber researcher and blogger Kat Jacklin outlines key kitchen trends identified for 2018 and beyond. Providing a dedicated kitchen design service to both trade customers and homeowners offers a unique insight into design trends: not only those which glossy... View Article

The hot topic

With awareness of smoke and fire protection needs at an all time high, Steve Bright of A Perry & Co explains how safety goes beyond alarms. We also need to consider fire doors and other safety products. The tragic events... View Article

A green partnership

Heat pumps are often paired with underfloor heating, but a system featuring low-H2O radiators could provide greater comfort, control and efficiency. Jaga UK’s Claire Owen discusses why implementing renewable heating needs a ‘whole system approach’ to work best. Many people... View Article
Home Security: Safe as houses – netMAGmedia Ltd 

Safe as houses

With the number of thefts and burglaries rising, prioritising home security has arguably never been more important. Dr Steffan George of the Master Locksmiths association offers advice on securing homes during construction and over the long term. While cases of... View Article
New toolkit for better quality – Nigel Ostime, Hawkins\Brown | Hawkins\Brown Architects – ADF interviews Nigel Ostime

View Point – Nigel Ostime from Hawkins\Brown

Nigel Ostime, delivery director at architects Hawkins\Brown and chair of the RIBA Client Liaison Group, looks at how a ‘chain of custody’ approach is fundamental to a new toolkit created to ensure a focus on quality in projects A new... View Article

Shedding some light

Martyn Haworth from Bison Frames answers your questions about the wide range of window and door options available to self-builders, while describing some of the benefits of different styles and materials, and what to watch out for. Windows and doors... View Article

Underlying benefits

Shane Oxberry of YPS Plumbing supplies recaps the many compelling benefits of underfloor heating. Neat, economical to run, reliable and green, it’s tempting to recommend underfloor heating (UFH) for every new build, renovation or extension. Unless you demand period cast... View Article

Don’t forget your thermals

Karen Everitt of Ravatherm UK explains the importance of correct insulation specification in achieving high thermal performance. Housebuilding is on the rise. Research suggests that by 2050 there could be a 23 per cent increase in UK households, and the... View Article
Rooflights in schools

A brighter future for our kids

Imma Boada of Kingspan Light + Air, manufacturer of rooflights, looks at how the need for effective daylight within our schools extends far beyond issues of academic attainment. In 1999, Heschong Mahone Group conducted a comprehensive study that analysed the... View Article

Taking a circular route to emergency care efficiency

A new hospital in Cramlington, Northumberland, is the first in the NHS to be purpose-designed for emergency cases. Neil Harvey of Ramboll explains how the building simplifies the route from admission to specialists using a ‘panopticon’ ward design The Northumbria Specialist... View Article

The power of nature

HLM’s Aline Browers and David Greig explain how the benefits of biophilia are increasingly being recognised by designers working in educational environments Biophilia is a term popularised by American psychologist Ed Wilson in the 1980s. When you ask people where... View Article
Architects Interview: Martin Williams, Saunders

Practice Profile: Saunders

With a pragmatic approach and a retail pedigree architects Saunders is broadening its horizons, with a newfound focus on the residential sector. Sébastien Reed spoke to the firm’s Martin Williams to find out more Saunders was established 30 years ago... View Article
Homes

Better ventilated homes for a brighter future

Paul Croughan, Head of Sales – New build at EnviroVent, looks at how the new build sector is meeting ventilation requirements and improving the air quality in new homes. The Government’s plan to build at least 200,000 new homes per... View Article

A sense of place

Andy Speake of Aico advises on the importance of getting placement right when it comes to alarms. In the domestic smoke alarm sector there has traditionally been three alarm types: optical, heat and ionisation. These different sensor types react best... View Article
Off-grid

Going off-grid

Ian Digby of Calor discusses looks at how alterations to standard housing designs resulting from fuel choice can be reduced for off-grid properties, and the part played by Part L1A of the Building regulations. Complying with Part L1A of the... View Article
Aluminium

Getting a handle on aluminium doors

Will Jones of Senior Architectural Systems looks at how aluminium doors can open up new opportunities to create homes that offer the highest standards of style, security and sustainability. The term ‘patio door’ is often used to refer to a... View Article
Victorian revival

Victorian revival

When solicitors Hayley and Angus Mitchinson moved in to their Victorian terraced house in east London, they decided to revitalise it by adding an smart extension – now it’s the envy of the street. Reflecting on the beginnings of his... View Article
Gutter

Gutter bliss

Paul Jackson of Polypipe explains why developers need to ensure they are selecting the right guttering and downpipe system on each project, which might mean that plastic turns out to be the best option. When the Government announced that 217,350... View Article

Clear innovation

Adrian Adams of Saint-Gobain Building Glass outlines the current and future ‘megatrends’ that are influencing architectural glazing specification: Architectural glazing is an exciting area, and there are always new trends and product developments. However, there are also a wide range... View Article