Features Articles

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

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

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

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

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

As aluminium windows and doors continue to grow in popularity in the housing market, Bruce Manning of the Synseal Group takes a look at the advantages of warm aluminium products. The surge in popularity for aluminium products last year will... View Article

Paul Croughan of EnviroVent looks at how the new build sector is meeting ventilation requirements and improving the air quality in new home construction Requirements for increased levels of air tightness and energy efficiency mean that around 25 per cent... View Article

James Butler of Pura Facades expresses his concern that despite the best intentions of the final Hackitt report following the Grenfell disaster, the fragmented nature of the industry could mean there are implementation challenges ahead The long-awaited final report from... View Article

GROHE UK’s Michael Gray discusses the growing trend for including smart technology to help create a spa-like haven in the bathroom, and the types of solutions available. Smart technology should be considered in any new bathroom design, particularly as more... View Article

Andy Fell of Hambleside Danelaw summarises the pros and cons of different flat and low-pitched roofing membranes. Housing maintenance is a demanding task, with cost, performance, lifespan, ease of installation and maintenance being the main governing factors. ‘Traditional’ roofing systems... View Article

Calum Forsyth of H+H puts the case for masonry construction methods as a key part of the solution to the UK housing crisis. The Government has been clear it wants housebuilders to deliver far more units per year, which means... View Article

A small practice with big ideas, Niven Architects is harnessing cutting-edge working approaches such as agile and lean alongside BIM, making it a force to be reckoned with in the north east. Sébastien Reed reports Niven Architects is a collective... View Article

12 months on from the change in regulations covering the accessibility of buildings, as well as the standards covering lifts, Oliver Greening of LIFTEX 2019 looks at the implications for developers. With regards to the current legal requirements for the... View Article

Fintan Wallace from Ecological Building Systems discusses the importance of an airtight and windtight building envelope and the natural insulation solutions that can help reduce heating bills and improve comfort for social housing tenants. The cost of heating a home... View Article

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

Paul Hutchens is Director of Midlands-based solar specialists, Eco2Solar. He is a board member of the Solar Trade Association, the UK’s leading solar industry voice, and Chairman of the STA’s New Build Working Group which aims to inform governments, councils,... View Article

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

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

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