Taking a far sighted view

Nick Gander and Rod Davies of Energy Carbon discuss why they believe the government is missing a trick with its future homes standard, namely to promote the benefits of ‘far infrared’ radiation In January, as millions of people adjusted to... View Article

Take it to the bridge

Simon Hill of Schöck explains the complexities around balcony design detailing to avoid thermal bridges, and why it must incorporate efficient thermal insulation Improving the thermal performance of a building envelope by minimising energy usage has become increasingly important in... View Article

The art & craft of conservation

An Arts & Crafts Fire Station in North West London kept its original features in a sensitive residential conversion that saw architects Tate Harmer working adeptly within a strict conservation remit. James Parker reports Built in 1915, the Belsize Fire... View Article

Swiss movement

A new addition to a prestigious lakeside wellness resort in the Swiss Alps produced a dynamic but discreet form, as part of a landscaped composition that gently enhances its setting. James Parker reports Sitting on the shores of Lake Lucerne,... View Article

View Point: Neal Maxwell of Changing Streams

Neal Maxwell explains how a trip to the Arctic led him to found Changing Streams, with a mission to persuade the construction industry to end its ‘plastic pandemic’ You cannot solve the climate crisis unless you address the plastic pandemic.... View Article

Illuminating Nordic Copper

LISTEN HERE 🔊 “High quality materials, such as copper, were selected for the exterior with longevity a key consideration – materials that are robust, beautiful and will stand the test of time.” A bespoke perforated solar screen, formed from Nordic... View Article

Guiding the future of swimming pools

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Across Europe there has been a surge in the swimming pool sector. With many more people staying at home and foreign travel restricted both domestic and commercial pool manufacturers have seen a rise in new builds and... View Article

The next generation of composite fire doors

LISTEN HERE 🔊 The Guardsman Fire Door from ODL Europe is a gamechanger for the fire door sector and gives architects and specifiers the fire safety credentials they require. ODL Europe’s Managing Director Nathan Barr explains. For architects and specifiers... View Article

One size does not fit all

John Mellor of Glidevale Protect explains why specification matters in roofing membrane and ventilation products. Specifying pitched roofing underlays for new build or refurbishment projects is often a confusing subject with so many options available on the market, each offering... View Article

Post-pandemic paving

Outdoor space has taken on a fundamental new importance with Covid-19. Chris Hodson of Interpave explains why a fresh approach is needed when designing and selecting paving for housing, to meet a wide range of new requirements. Apart from social... View Article

A flood of enquiries

With many homes still being built on flood plains, and flooding an increasing risk, there are a host of issues for housebuilders to address when it comes to drainage. Chris Green of ACO Water Management explains further. Since 2013, one... View Article

Estimating a full recovery

Marcus Jefford of Build Aviator explains how some of the supply challenges faced by housebuilders and developers as a result of Covid can be relieved with the help of intelligent estimating software. The coronavirus has had a profound effect on... View Article

Why specify recycled plastic?

Sarah Mitchell of Goplastic explores how and why landlords and social housing providers should utilise recycled plastic in their projects. The world’s annual consumption of plastic materials has increased from around 5 million tonnes in the 1950s to nearly 100... View Article

Avoiding pitfalls from roofs

Marley’s Stuart Nicholson pinpoints the most common roof specification pitfalls, and advises housebuilders on how to avoid them for a best practice approach. The quality and security of pitched roofing in housing has seen some huge improvements over the last... View Article

The advantages of electric heating

Bill Walters of The Electric Heating Company explores how advances in technology and new energy efficiency standards mean there’s never been a better time to invest in electric heating. Electric heating is continually becoming an increasingly viable option for heating... View Article

Fluid dynamics

Aiming to set a new standard for air transport, the dramatic curves of ZHA’s first airport are as much the result of a need to provide maximum throughput, as aesthetic aspiration. The project’s lead architect tells Jack Wooler how the... View Article

Adding space, made easy

Ann Boardman of Saniflo highlights how, despite the uncertainty of the past few months, homeowners have carried on investing in upgrading their properties, and drainage connections are key to how their spaces can be reconfigured or added to Homes and... View Article