Features Articles

With more sophisticated facade solutions come even greater expectations. Paul Hughes from FunderMax explains how the market is continuing to innovate to meet clients’ increasingly esoteric demands. In today’s construction market, competition is no longer simply about the best price.... View Article

An appreciation of the past and the need to conserve historic buildings and architecture has led to an increased use of cast stone as a substitute to quarried stone. Looking at the two types of materials available, it is clear... View Article

Combining rainwater harvesting with sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) enables architects to provide an efficient, space-saving water management solution that’s resilient against the future. Kevin Reed of Graf UK explains how. The effects of climate change are making headlines almost... View Article

Simon Shenton from lighting supplier Luceco describes how LED technology has permanently disrupted what was a stagnant market offering prescribed solutions for each sector, to provide the dominant solution for the future. The global lighting market has seen more innovation in... View Article

With significant numbers of new railway stations planned and many others due for redevelopment or modernisation, Peter Jackson of Jacksons Fencing explains how gates and fences can enhance security. Rail usage in Britain has increased to record levels over the... View Article

New washroom technology can improve hygiene and user experience while reducing water and energy consumption. Cistermiser’s David Meacock explains. Washrooms are top priority when designing customer-facing areas for transport infrastructure. A clean, hygienic and inviting washroom can make a positive impact... View Article

Jonathan Nobbs of Assa Abloy Entrance Systems explores how intelligently applied and well-designed automated entrances can help to improve the movement of people through ever-busier transport hubs. Public transport usage is booming. Last year, bus and coach travel in many areas... View Article

Glass is an invaluable and flexible design element in modern transport hubs, but also has to meet increasingly rigorous safety and security standards, says Sto’s Rob Freegard. In today’s increasingly fluid world, the demand for easy and convenient travel continues... View Article

Kitchens and bathrooms are increasingly being used for more than just their functionality. Dave Simpson of YESSS Electrical looks at how recent lighting developments can be harnessed to maximise a room’s enjoyment. The 2016 Kitchen Trend Report, from interior design... View Article

Kloeber’s Matt Higgs corrects some myths on sliding door performance, saying they are a thing of the past. The image in many people’s heads when they think of a sliding door is a thermally inefficient metal door which sticks on... View Article

Professor Alan Hedge, a leading ergonomics expert and consultant with office furniture manufacturer Humanscale, explains how workplace design that encompasses new ways of working is essential for worker well-being. Where do you work? When do you work? It may not... View Article

Oak-framed buildings are enjoying a renewed popularity due to the material’s strength characteristics. Ed Hamilton of Oakmasters explores why green oak has a place in modern construction and addresses structural questions. Oak Centuries-old barns, houses and churches all prove that... View Article

Norman Hayden finds out what makes architect Simon Baker, director of Nash Baker Architects, tick. Why did you become an architect? My father’s English and my mother’s Norwegian, and on the Norwegian side of the family there are quite a... View Article

Norman Hayden looks at how Building Biology, an established design methodology for creating healthier environments, is seeing a comeback as architects look to increase user wellbeing. Creating green buildings, but also being able to accurately assess their environmental properties, is... View Article

Designing swimming pools can successfully combine safety with creativity, but also need to be closely aligned to the particular requirements of users. SPATA provides some design advice. A swimming pool’s design, whether indoors or outdoors, will materially depend on the... View Article

Adrian Pargeter of Kingspan Insulation describes how ‘lower lambda’ insulation can be the architect’s friend, as more efficiency means less volume is needed to achieve regulations compliance. Building Regulations have recently become more demanding when it comes to insulating properties... View Article