Get on top of the issue

Despite British Standards regarding slating and tiling being updated, sadly practice is still lagging behind, resulting in voided warranties and significant roof failures. Dr Kevin Ley of Redland explains. The first iteration of BS 5534, the ‘Code of Practice for... View Article

GET THE DOWNTON LOOK

Tony Pell of the Wood Window Alliance and Sarah Latham, founder of interior design agency Etons of Bath, look at the resurgent trend for period features in homes, and the key importance of windows. With our fixation on the future... View Article

Funded solutions

Simon Lomax of Kensa Heat Pumps explores innovative ways to access funding streams for heating and renewable energy installations. Many in the ground source heat pump (GSHP) industry are encouraged by the proposed refinements outlined in the Government’s 2016 response... View Article

A tale of two housing associations

Joining two existing Registered Providers (RPs) together is exciting. However, realising the benefit of a merger can be tricky, particularly if both organisations have a very different approach and culture. RPs Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) and Helena Partnerships were... View Article

Next generation coatings and paints

Mike Turner of Ian Williams looks at some of the latest trends in coatings and paint products. Over the decades, formulations and applications have changed significantly and paint continues to be a dynamic sector, contributing heavily to the sustainability, aesthetics,... View Article
A Grand Home in Buckinghamshire – Case Study

THE SECOND ACT

Howard Reay and Amber Valentine both worked in TV and film, but this didn’t prepare them for the drama of their own journey to creating a grand home in Buckinghamshire. Roseanne Field of Selfbuilder & Homemaker reports. Tucked away up... View Article

The sound of silence

You want your home to be a relaxing and peaceful haven – and it’s easier to accomplish than you might think, as British Gypsum’s sound solutions expert Sarah White explains. The hustle and bustle of everyday life can be deafening,... View Article

Practice Profile – Cove Burgess

James Parker spoke to architect Tim Burgess, one of the founders of a young practice which has quickly evolved from a two-man set up to a firm making its name in London and beyond. CoveBurgess Architects has been in existence... View Article

5 genius ways shipping containers are used every day

If you think shipping containers are only used for imports and exports around the world, it’s time to think again. While shipping containers play a vital role transporting the products that we enjoy every day, they can also be used... View Article

Bringing light home

Chris Chaney of Sunsquare explains how rooflights can improve daylighting, boost wellbeing and minimise a building’s energy consumption. Spiralling property prices plus a lack of appropriate accommodation to move into have led to many homeowners preferring to carry out significant... View Article

Realistic rainwater storage

Ian Crickmore of Polypipe Terrain explains how adopting rainwater harvesting systems can provide sustainable drainage solutions in space-constrained urban areas. Obsessing over rain is something of a national pastime, but capturing rainwater could help meet sites’ increased drainage demands, particularly... View Article
Lighting: Get smart, get control – Felio Sylvania

Get smart, get control

Edward Lees of Feilo Sylvania shines the light on how sophisticated smart lighting control systems can offer efficiency benefits as well as design flexibility. The industry is now well versed in the benefits of LED technology and the energy savings... View Article

Designing a home for life

Inclusive design can help adapt homes to cater for the needs of an ageing population, writes Barry Eagle of anti-slip flooring solutions supplier GripClad. According to a YouGov poll, more than four in 10 Londoners aged over 55 believe they... View Article