Features Articles

Underfloor heating is fast becoming the heating solution of choice for domestic and non-domestic buildings in the UK. When choosing underfloor heating, there are two options, Hydronic (wet) or Electric. By Antony White, technical director, Warmup Plc. There are many... View Article

With severe weather events becoming more frequent in the UK, more detailed consideration of the type of materials we specify and their capability to withstand a climate that is so unpredictable is crucial. By Steven Keitley, general manager, Parex Render... View Article

Steve Bond, customer support manager, fire products, at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, explores how developments in glazing are enabling businesses to meet fire safety regulations without compromising on design or energy performance. Arguably the first consideration for architects, before aesthetics or... View Article

How architects can keep the planning authorities happy and homeowners reassured, by adopting simple, cost effective flood defence measures to both new builds or as ‘retrofits’ to existing properties, explains Frank Kelly, leading flood design engineer the founder of Flood... View Article

Trevor Bowers, director at Washroom Washroom, which has carried out a number of high profile office washroom projects in recent years, discusses the key trends which have helped shape today’s office washroom. Far from seeing the death of the office... View Article

Rising numbers of students and increasing demand for better accommodation in Liverpool have led to a .boom in purpose-built developments in the city centre that shows no sign of slowing. There are now 50,000 students studying in Liverpool, drawn to... View Article

Ray Philpott finds out how a well thought-out free academy in inner-city Leeds manages to look so strikingly different despite working to the rigours of the Government’s school building programme. When it opens for business next year, the Ryder Architecture-designed... View Article

Jess Unwin learns how the special requirements of the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine led to three separate state-of-the-art buildings – each with different design challenges to be overcome. A new £45 million School of Veterinary Medicine at... View Article

When constructing or refurbishing educational buildings, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is key to providing an optimal living and learning environment. As David Simoes, brand manager with Zehnder explains, a good system means students can work, rest... View Article

Installing products like canopies and shelters in schools can be both challenging and rewarding, but what are the main considerations when installing in an educational environment? SAS Shelters Managing Director Andy Swain shares his insights into manufacturing and installing products... View Article

Guy Stanton, director, Nora Flooring Systems UK, highlights some of the useful qualities of rubber floor coverings in the educational environment. The physical environment has a strong influence on learning and with floor coverings forming a major component within the... View Article

Anish Kapoor provides an inspiration for HOK’s new Papworth Hospital, as Steve Menary reports. Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate is a highly polished bean-shaped sculpture at the centre of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park in Chicago. The sculpture by the Indian-born... View Article

Jess Unwin learns how clever and flexible design is helping to create much-needed modern new homes, rented apartments, that integrate with existing communities. Canny architectural design should be able to help meet both the UK’s desperate need for more affordable... View Article