Stairways to design efficiency

Phil Waind of Waind Gohil + Potter Architects describes how the firm has developed a ‘design for manufacture’ approach to optimise the creation of staircases as a key element of buildings for users. Waind Gohil + Potter Architects believes it’s... View Article

Natural routes to restoration

Two case studies in Wales and central London have recently seen the use of natural slate roofing to provide the right result for their respective renovation needs. Two prestigious heritage projects have recently benefitted from major refurbishments employing natural slate... View Article

VIEW POINT: Nigel Ostime

Nigel Ostime of Hawkins\Brown Architects and chair of the RIBA Client Liaison Group discusses the group’s just-published industry survey, which has important revelations on what architects do well, but also what they must improve on The best projects generally come... View Article

The rise and rise of CLT buildings

Dr Keerthi Ranasinghe discusses how cross-laminated timber is helping architects go to new lengths Architects’ desire to create sustainable structures has pushed technological innovations beyond the imaginable. Cross-laminated timber, or CLT for short, has been drawing a lot of attention... View Article

Choosing the right workplace settings

Oliver Ronald of The Boss Design Group explains how the emergence of the concept of settings is influencing workplace design to benefit performance Workplace design and furniture specification are no longer just about the space available. The modern office is... View Article

Bridging the divide: a question of choice

David Clarke of IDSystems looks at the options for specifiers when it comes to choosing glazed doors to bring the outside in Bridging the divide between indoors and outdoors is one of the main reasons homeowners seek to employ ‘open... View Article

A bathroom that works for everyone

Designing washrooms for multi-ability use is a sensitive process and the influx of products combining style and substance means architects are spoilt for choice. Lisa Ward of Bristan offers expert guidance When planning a residential development, architects face the challenge... View Article

Specifying lintels for the energy savvy

Steel lintels can have a crucial impact on a project, especially when it comes to addressing energy conservation. Richard Price, Technical Director at Catnic, provides a useful overview to help architects make a well-informed decision. No matter what type, size, scale... View Article

The convenience of co-ordination

Architects are increasingly looking to tie washroom design into the overall look of a building’s interior – and high-spec products are becoming more commonplace. Trevor Bowers of Washroom Washroom explores the diverse range of solutions on offer. By continually pushing... View Article

Bridging the performance gap

The movement to build ‘eco’ has led to greater focus on the importance of insulation, but the industry needs to ensure projects are built ‘as designed’ says Recticel’s Peter Wilcox. The final Evidence Review Report produced by the Zero Carbon... View Article

Structural glazing: Reshaping the modern skyline

As technology evolves, glass continues to be seen at the core of many exciting and iconic buildings, enabling achitects to achieve their goals. Phil Savage of Pilkington discusses the growing importance of glass in modern building design. A look across... View Article

Calling for a shift in focus

Frank Werling of Finnish wood specialists Metsä Wood says the green agenda in construction must shift towards sustainable production of building materials – and timber leads the way as an alternative to steel and concrete. A brief history of timber... View Article

Why a wood first policy stacks up

Greg Cooper of B & K Structures discusses the positive impact which cross laminated timber has made within the built environment. As construction makes up a total of 45 per cent of carbon emissions in the UK, sustainability is an important... View Article

Building-in cost benefits

As construction heads towards decarbonisation, choice of building materials is increasingly crucial. Andrew Carpenter of the Structural Timber Association (STA) outlines why timber provides built-in cost benefits. Cost is one of the main considerations for architects and specifiers when choosing a... View Article

The power of vaults

Jeremy Cassady of Securikey looks at how modular vault systems can provide an effective, easy-to-install bespoke system for high security applications. When clients are storing expensive equipment and valuables, sensitive documents and drugs or chemicals, the risks are extremely high, both in... View Article

Opening up the possibilities

Garage doors have improved hugely in recent years as the value placed on them by homeowners has increased. David O’Mara of Hörmann looks at the different options available and how to decide which is best for you Garage doors have... View Article

Embracing nature

Garden designer Elaine James and her antique dealer husband Ian used their combined skills to design a tranquil home around the ever-changing view of the north Yorkshire countryside. It can be blowing a gale across the field at the back... View Article

Smart answers on smart homes

Ben Johnson, director of Powertrac Electrical Services, a Berkshire-based smart home and electrical contractor, answers some of the frequently asked questions on smart homes. What is a smart home? In short, a smart home intelligently automates and allows you to... View Article