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

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

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 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

Choices in the bathroom

Making the right choices when designing a bathroom can make all the difference in a successful development. With more options available than ever before, Lisa Ward of Bristan looks at how housebuilders can best meet consumers’ rapidly evolving needs. Like... View Article

Tackling drainage challenges in Timber

Ann Boardman of Saniflo Uk explains how to overcome the particular set of drainage challenges presented to house builders constructing in timber. You may not be aware that by using a combination of macerators, pumps and shower cubicles, you can... View Article

Dynamic ceramics

Ceramique Internationale’s Peter Vann discusses the tiling trends that are currently influencing the market and the options available to self-builders. According to recent statistics, planning applications for major renovations and conversions have soared by more than 25 per cent over... View Article

More bang for your buck

Providing the authentic Asian streetfood dining experience, a new food hall in north London was also an intriguing dish for the architects to try, as Roseanne Field reports Opening a new restaurant in London is never an easy task, particularly... View Article

An introduction to specifying self-cleaning glass

Phil Brown of Pilkington UK offers a guide to the benefits of self-cleaning glass, and the science behind the product: Glass is the one of the ‘go-to’ materials used to create modern commercial and residential developments. Its ubiquity is a... View Article

Multiple buildings? Unlock Non Domestic RHI Funding

Homeowners and self-builders whose projects feature two or more domestic buildings on one site, could be earning themselves a profitable income by utilising a simple district ground source heat pump system architecture to unlock quarterly payments from the Government’s Non... View Article

Down & dirty

Have you ever wondered why a newly installed tiled floor looks dirty? in most cases it’s down to a poor initial clean, with over 70 per cent of all installation complaints being the result of this. Lisa Breakspear of FiLA... View Article

Eliminating the margin for error

Cath McLean from Promat UK explains the benefits of a whole-system approach for effective fire-resistant glazing Uncertainty and confusion still prevail in the market around the design and installation of passive fire protection measures, particularly fire- resistant glass and the... View Article

Lighting the way

Richard McLane of Bisca Staircases discusses various lighting options to bear in mind when designing a feature staircase, and why you should consult a specialist lighting designer as well as an architect to get it right. Astaircase is the central... View Article

Getting the light just right

Shaun Davis of LED lighting specialists tp24 explains why it is essential to plan early to ensure the perfect lighting scheme. Agood lighting scheme can really define a house and its interior .design. Getting it right is all about planning... View Article

Going below decks

Stefan Holmes of Millboard explains why plastic is fantastic when it comes to creating effective sub-frames for decking   The selection of materials for creating a deck is not just a choice between timber and composite surface materials: there is... View Article

Projecting a better image

Richard Twiddy of F. H. Brundle explains how the right balcony can elevate the entire feel of a property. Whether it is a place for peaceful reflection or a feature spot to host a gathering, there are many reasons why... View Article

Inspiration and ideas at Grand Designs Live

New and returning brands, innovative product launches and a host of seminars set to inspire as Grand Designs Live returns to London’s ExCeL exhibition centre in May. Grand Designs Live, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, will return to London’s... View Article

Engineering student safety

At a time when the volume of university students continues to rise across Europe, there is great commercial opportunity in the provision of housing to the growing demographic. But with great opportunity comes even greater responsibility. Heriberto Cuanalo of Collegiate... View Article

Seeing the wood for the trees

When installing a woodburner it’s important to consider what you’re going to burn in it, especially given the Government’s increased determination to clamp down on the use of ‘unsuitable’ fuel. Stephen Talbot of Logs Direct explains further. According to research... View Article