Home improvements boosting construction work, says FMB

Repair and maintenance work is supporting recovery in the construction sector, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today’s Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The recovery in the construction... View Article

Steel windows’ split personality

Darren Lloyd of the Steel Window Association looks ahead at how the separate properties inherent to steel windows help them take key new roles beyond the pandemic The terms ‘heritage,’ ‘high performance’ or even ‘futuristic’ are all applicable to the... View Article

Ask The Architect: Aqua Architecture

Alia Beyg of Aqua Architecture answers ADF’s questions on running a ‘niche’ practice, and what the future might hold for her firm Why did you become an Architect? From a young age I loved to draw, and I became fascinated... View Article

An introduction to standing seam roofing design

Standing seam roofs are a popular choice with architects and specifiers looking for a design that really stands out. Simon Walker of SIG Zinc & Copper discusses what architects and specifiers should consider when designing standing seam roofing Traditional standing... View Article

Practice Profile: HLM Architects

James Parker speaks to HLM’s chairman Richard O’Neil to find out how 2020’s Architectural Practice of the Year has maintained a keen focus on ‘social architecture’ over nearly six decades, while continuing to broaden its horizons HLM is a longstanding... View Article

Four ways to reinvigorate your home in 2021

We’ve all spent the last several months spending a lot more time at home than we’re used to. During that time, if you’re anything like us, you will have been making a mental check-list of all the parts of your... View Article

Why cladding materials are used in high rise properties

Most modern properties today have designs and features that provide additional aesthetics and protection. For most high rise properties, cladding or siding is present. But what is it? What is its purpose, and what are the advantages of using it... View Article

L’Exotique takes shape in Monaco

The new L’Exotique development in Monaco is taking shape and is on schedule to welcome new residents in 2022. Perched on the cliff edge and boasting spectacular sea views, L’Exotique Monaco is just one of several new super-prime developments that... View Article

Joining the fight for increased diversity

Brian Berry explores how a different kind of diversity – housing diversification – is vital to meeting housing targets, and why the FMB has co-founded a new action group. The Government cannot meet its ambition of building 300,000 new homes... View Article

Interior design for the festive period

The days are definitely getting shorter, the festive adverts are on the tv, and towns and cities across the country are switching on their lights. And while this Christmas may not be like past Christmas’, that doesn’t mean we can’t... View Article

Roofing trends of the future

While a roof’s primary function is to provide shelter, the trends of each century and now each decade can be chartered by the roof. From the pitch to the colour, the gables to the materials used. In the 90s there... View Article

Is wood flooring really a good investment?

If you are thinking of replacing your floor with something a little different from before, maybe you should consider wood flooring. With many choices of patterns and materials to suit your budget, wood flooring is the favorite choice of many... View Article

Pocket and planet

Here Paul Bailey of Grohe UK answers FAQs on how water-saving products can be incorporated into self-builders’ bathroom projects, to save them money and help the planet With a staggering 32 per cent of household daily water usage used for... View Article

Why plywood is a good material for construction

Materials are an important part of any construction project. Materials will not only help determine the end look but will play into such factors as the durability and strength of the work and whether maintenance will be required. When it... View Article

Structural inspection & assessment of historic buildings

The structural integrity of historic buildings is subject to many environmental factors; repair, regularity and quality as well as the use of suitable materials for repair purposes. The assessment of heritage and historic buildings differs in many ways from the... View Article

Five reasons to use PVC strip curtains in your business

You have no doubt seen PVC strip curtains before. Sometimes referred to as strip doors, these plastic curtains make effective barriers for any business. While they are considerably cheaper than having new doors fitted, PVC strip curtains are just as... View Article

Using daylight to create a brighter future

By Russell Ager, Managing Director of Crittall Windows As winter approaches and the days shorten many people – office workers, students, home owners – look back on the long days of summer with a sense of regret. Daylight flooding into... View Article