Pixelated vision

Architect MVRDV’s new collection of mixed use buildings in Abu Dhabi makes a break from the city’s architectural norm by breaking down facades into ‘pixelated’ forms. In the ever-expanding skyline of Abu Dhabi, where luxury towers often dominate the architectural... View Article

The rise of seamless wall panels

Offering ease of installation and aesthetic flexibility Amanda Mills of SFA Saniflo UK (Kinedo) explains why seamless wall panels are emerging as an alternative to traditional tiling, painting or wallpaper. Today’s self-builders and renovators demand high-quality, efficient project solutions. This... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Lighting

Lighting is arguably one of the most important considerations for your home, given its ability to impact wellbeing and alter the mood of the room. Find inspiration with our selection of products, from table lamps and outdoor lighting to statement... View Article

The art of window dressing

Debbie Leigh of ILIV shares expert insights into selecting the perfect curtains and blinds for every home, with the right window dressing able to transform a room. When it comes to interior design, window dressings are often an overlooked yet... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries… the next chapter

The Selfbuilder catches up with Olly and Veronika Stothert who are building their family home and overcoming challenges like clay soil, financial hurdles, and self-building logistics, while balancing professional expertise and hands-on work for a sustainable, personalised space. “And… Action!”... View Article

Stylish, sustainable & functional

Charlton & Jenrick managing director Peter Mintoft speaks to The Selfbuilder’s James Parker about all things secondary heating including sustainability, trends, and what the future holds. What exactly is secondary heating? Secondary heating is very  complementary to primary heating systems.... View Article

Focussing on breathing

Ian Rogers of Gilberts Blackpool explains the importance of balancing ventilation with carbon reduction strategies in order to achieve the right air quality for users. Breathing – it’s essential to life not only for humans, but for buildings too. In... View Article

The pressure is on

T-T Pumps’ Jon Whittingham discusses the rise in use of package pumping stations as sites using gravity drainage for waste or surface water become rarer – and the key points that architects should consider. When it comes to specifying a... View Article

Secure specifications

As housing security needs evolve, Rhys McNichol of Videx Security highlights the importance of investing in high-quality, professionally installed systems over less reliable, lower cost alternatives. In the housing industry, the demand for high-quality, professionally installed and maintained security systems... View Article

VE may still have its day

Uncontrolled value engineering has rightly been criticised for its focus on cost cutting and poor-quality construction outcomes. Adam Sumner of Pura Facades thinks the time is now right to re-assess the potential of VE in the industry as part of... View Article

Illuminate sustainability

Incorporating natural daylight for sustainable design Natalie Goodridge of LAMILUX UK explains why incorporating daylight into architectural designs has become a central focus in sustainable designs. Integrating rooflights or roof glazing into a building design not only enhances aesthetic appeal... View Article

View Point: Magdalena Arent

Magdalena Arent, building performance consultant at architect Holmes Miller, discusses strategies for when a low energy building is required, but Passivhaus ‘doesn’t quite fit the bill,’ and something else on the sustainability standard menu is called for. Passivhaus certification has... View Article

A sensitive approach

Alongside the particular goals of a housing scheme for the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, its proximity to Grenfell Tower intensified the need for extensive collaboration with local stakeholders. Roseanne Field reports on how HNW Architects successfully delivered PRP Architects’... View Article

An electric shock

David Barrett of EHC discusses the major change coming in June which will affect over 900,000 electricity meters in UK homes with night storage heaters, and what this means for landlords. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is a nationwide system... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Home Office

Whether you’ll be working from home full time or only part, creating a cosy dedicated nook or designing a whole room, we’ve compiled products from desks and chairs to storage and lighting solutions to provide all the inspiration you need... View Article

The skinny on insulation

The growing demand for thin internal wall insulation (‘Tiwi’) addresses space constraints in retrofit projects, offering effective solutions for condensation and mould while meeting low U-value requirements, as James Erskine of CorkSol explains. Aterm many may have been hearing more... View Article

Clay brick: A timeless material

With clay bricks capable of retaining structural integrity for more than 150 years, Rob Flello of the Brick Development Association (BDA) explains why self-builders are increasingly viewing them as a long-term investment.   Whether you consider buying or building, a... View Article

Design for the future

Complying with legislation to create future-proof, carbon-neutral buildings is key. Andrew Watkins of wedi Systems explores sustainable, long-lasting solutions for bathroom and wet room design amid evolving regulations. Andrew Watkins, Technical Manager at wedi Systems (UK) Ltd, discusses how to... View Article