A new era for acoustics?

As schools return to some sort of normality, the time is right to examine the upcoming changes to acoustics standards, says Paul Absolon from CMS Danskin Acoustics For the uninitiated, BB93 performance standards are a government initiative created to ensure... View Article

Flat-out waterproofing success

Victoria Ramwell of Kemper System explains how liquid waterproofing solutions offer the long-term solutions that education buildings need for flat roofs, and the key considerations for specifiers Whether as part of a refurbishment or new build, waterproofing flat roofs on... View Article

Watertight concepts

Christopher Burbridge from Delta Membranes looks at the importance of concrete in below ground waterproofing, and the key factors for achieving a robust specification The restrictions Covid-19 will inflict on the construction industry, and how the pandemic might influence how... View Article

Cradle to compliance

Peter Rigby at Cellecta proposes a simple way to achieve high levels of acoustic insulation to meet Part E in concrete floors, while providing acceptable tolerances It is not uncommon to experience uneven substrates in both new and existing concrete floors,... View Article

Closing the gap on acoustic performance

Joe Cilia from finishes and interiors trade body FIS looks at how a new initiative helps improve the quality of interior acoustics through specifying and installing products based on proven and verified test data It is in all our interests... View Article

A safe bet for aesthetics and efficiency

With efficiency and aesthetics and well as safety being top priorities in domestic settings, Mark Lester of Hörmann UK discusses the key features fire doors need to have for residential projects The safety and security of property and its occupants... View Article

Cladding fit for the future

With the Government targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Paul Richards from Aquarian Cladding Systems looks at why brick cladding systems might prove to be an ideal solution With architects under pressure to be cleaner, faster, and safer, one of... View Article

Revamp, don’t replace

Lindsay Appleton of William Smith Group looks at how vinyl wrapping can enhance interior designs using architectural finishes, as part of the trend to reuse and recover furniture on sustainability grounds, rather than rip out and replace The trend for... View Article

Why specify a complete roof system?

Stuart Nicholson from Marley answers some of the key questions around specifying a complete roof system. With a greater focus on future liability, more frequent episodes of volatile weather and stronger British Standards safeguarding compliance, there are real benefits for... View Article

MVHR: sourcing the essential resource

EnviroVent’s Larry Soper gives his top tips on specifying the correct MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system to provide fresh air to your air-tight property Self-builders are increasingly choosing MVHR as their preferred choice for ventilating a new home.... View Article

The hottest trends

Steve Birch of Vogue (UK) explores the latest bathroom heating trends for 2020. The desire for versatile, energy-efficient solutions in the home has given the industry the opportunity to create new designs which are lightweight, non-polluting, durable and most of... View Article

An ‘I’ on innovation

Angus Macfarlane of James Jones & Sons discusses the increasing popularity of I-joists, and their inherent economic, technical and environmental benefits for addressing the current challenges the housebuilding industry faces. With the Government’s promise to build 300,000 new homes per... View Article

Decking – do your homework

Sarah Francis of Arbor Forest Products gives an insight into how to spot quality decking products – both in terms of timber and composite options. Despite our changeable weather, we Brits are a nation of garden-lovers: even if it’s just... View Article

The multi-generational living opportunity

The growing trend of multiple generations living together in one house offers a whole new market for housebuilders – they just need to consider age-inclusive and flexible design options, says David Schill of Aritco Lifts. Much has been made of... View Article

Get on board with fencing trends

Fencing products are now seen as an integral part of a garden’s overall landscape, and an important aesthetic choice. Antony Reed of Birkdale looks at the latest fencing trends, and explores design choices that can garner impressive visual results In... View Article

Discovering property management software

Property management software is a program made to help acquire and maintain property portfolios, which can be incredibly useful for landlords, letting agents and property managers. Jodie Deakin of Decorus for Sage explains its uses and benefits Property management software... View Article

Exercising fire safety with due diligence

BAFE Fire Safety Register discusses the importance of quality fire safety in housing management As we approach the third anniversary of the tragic Grenfell Tower Fire, premises management teams need to fully understand their legal (and ethical) obligations in keeping... View Article

Holistic sustainability for windows or doors

Martin McCrimmon of CMS Window Systems explains why window and door specifications need to take a holistic view on sustainability for wider social and environmental benefits. The performance capabilities of today’s advanced window and door systems – when designed, manufactured... View Article

Showering solutions

Providing the best showering solutions for refurbishments is arguably more complex than ever before, given the range of choice today. Ann Boardman of Saniflo UK explains how shower cubicles can help. Remember the days when being a student generally meant... View Article

Adding clarity to curtain wall design

Andrew Cooper of Senior Architectural Systems takes a closer look ‘behind the curtain wall’ to reveal the key issues specifiers should consider when choosing aluminium fenestration solutions Aluminium is robust, durable and fully recyclable – a perfect partner for modern-day... View Article