Breaking the spec breakers

Product substitution, otherwise known as ‘breaking spec,’ threatens building performance and raises lifecycle costs. David Grace of K Rend highlights how manufacturers can help protect specifications to ensure design integrity. When a specified product is substituted and changed for one... View Article

The offsite keys to the Future Homes Standard

Will Frost from Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions asserts that the Future Homes Standard offers developers a chance to prioritise long-term benefits over short-term cost savings, while reducing carbon emissions. One of the best ways to achieve the ambitious aims of the... View Article

Site Lines: Redefining modular timber

Designer Nick Blunt of WeberHaus highlights how a demonstration project in Germany was created with an aim to “redefine prefabricated timber frame construction,” harnessing contractor-builder collaboration for innovative results. When tasked with designing Villa Blunt, the ambition was clear: to... View Article

Futurebuild: Making an impact with sustainable innovation

Futurebuild 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for architects eager to embrace sustainable design and innovation. Taking place at London Excel from 4-6 March, the 20th edition of Futurebuild will spotlight transformative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges and... View Article

Ask the Architect: Matt Spinks

Matt Spinks from fast-rising Shropshire practice Johnson Design Partnership, answers ADF’s questions on his architectural journey from assistant to director, leadership challenges, and his vision for growing sustainable design. What made you want to pursue a career in architecture? From... View Article

A brighter future

As a celebration of Manchester’s cotton mill past, this major residential scheme by shedkm combines respect for historic fabric with striking minimalist additions to help catalyse regeneration. Stephen Cousins reports. Back in the 19th century, Manchester and the surrounding towns... View Article

A sustainable retrofit

In the retrofit and extension of his old bungalow, Michael Collins has teased something special out of the ordinary. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES JACOB MILLIGAN  Sometimes, the perfect home project doesn’t need to be the dream building plot. Sometimes, it... View Article

Futureproofing homes means heat pumps

Neil Thompson of Ideal Heating explores why heat pumps are critical for future-proofing new homes on the journey to net zero, bearing in mind some of the key design challenges the industry needs to consider. Sustainable housebuilding has shifted from... View Article

Powering up homes’ water pressure

With growing challenges in the UK water industry, Mark Ayckbourn of Stuart Turner highlights key considerations around low water pressure for new builds, and explores effective methods and technology to improve performance. Under UK regulation, households should be supplied with... View Article

On trend with tiles

Following a year of exciting innovations and technological advances, María D Arráez of Tile of Spain UK and Clara Vicedo of ASCER outline the key tile trends set to dominate homes this year. From sensory, calm textures to dynamic dimensions,... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

For selfbuilder Carys and her family, their project has been an ongoing journey from a bungalow fit for retirement to a complete demolition and rebuild, all the while knowing that the value is in the plot rather than the bricks…... View Article

As nature intended

An innovative home, built as a flatpack from modular timber blocks, has been constructed on a highly sensitive and much cherished family site in Norfolk. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES JIM STEPHENSON Gaining planning permission to build in a peaceful Norfolk... View Article

Navigating the new Planning Reforms

Alec Cropper of Walton & Co gives the prognosis for meeting Labour’s 1.5 million new homes goal, and the key changes needed in the housebuilding sector. Following its victory in the 2024 General Election, the Labour Government has put housebuilding and... View Article

Where retro meets modern

David Patrick of Dimplex explores how updated storage heater technology remains essential for home heating, offering economical solutions while adapting to modern energy demands and environmental goals. Since the 1950s, storage heaters have been a widely used home heating solution... View Article

Building in Confidence

Peter Richardson of Build-Zone provides insight into structural defects insurance policies – including what they cover, and which features developers should focus on when choosing warranties for new housing developments. Even with the best care and due diligence, building houses... View Article

Testing times

Patrick Mooney warns the Government’s 1.5 million homes target requires urgent funding and policy reforms if it is to be achieved. Has the Government already signalled that it is unlikely to meet its ambitious target of building 1.5 million new... View Article

Modern performance from traditional methods

Developed by a Midlands housing association, a recent project in Handsworth, Birmingham shows a forward-thinking approach to sustainable housing, anticipating the Future Homes Standard. MPA Masonry explores how combining innovative materials with traditional construction methods can create efficient, low-carbon homes.... View Article

Unlocking smarter energy upgrades

Daniel Mackie of Hamilton outlines the critical steps in the pathway to achieving PAS 2035 compliance and emphasises the importance of recognising that up to six months of preparation may be required before projects can commence on-site. Energy efficiency upgrades... View Article

The questions to ask before you pick an EV charging solution

In June 2023, Part S made installing EV chargers compulsory in all new builds and major renovation projects, raising key challenges for housebuilder specifiers when selecting solutions, as Charlotte Stowe of Zaptec explains. There are a variety of key considerations... View Article

Celebrating 20 years of impactful innovation

Celebrating its 20th year, Futurebuild 2025 continues to lead the charge for innovation, sustainability and collaboration in the built environment, and this year’s theme is ‘making an impact.’ Visitors will have the chance to explore a diverse range of exhibitors... View Article