The home swap

Sharon and Jer Holland swapped their family bungalow in County Cork for a traditional stone farmhouse owned by Jer’s parents but in need of an upgrade TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Lynda Kenny This photogenic farmhouse in County Cork in the... View Article

Exterior Inspiration: Outdoor Living

Our gardens can be versatile living spaces, offering both a refuge to relax and enjoy nature, plus a great entertaining space on a warm summer evening. Here we have compiled a selection of products to enhance your outdoor areas, from... View Article

Embracing nature’s light

Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight discusses the importance of effectively introducing the biophilic benefits of natural light into the home. In an era marked by technological advancements and urbanisation, the longing for a connection with nature has never been stronger.... View Article

The natural choice

Neil Turner of Ecological Building Systems looks at why sustainable insulation offerings present a ‘natural choice’ for self-builders Natural insulation materials are experiencing a resurgence as self-builders are increasingly seeking sustainable materials that can offer similar performance, but with lower... View Article

Following a learning curve

Despite the tricky construction challenges presented by a crescent-shaped architectural design, a determined couple have succeeded in creating their dream ‘forever’ home in the countryside TEXT Jess Unwin IMAGES John Naccarato John and Debra Naccarato’s decision to embrace a striking... View Article

Fighting fires: an unlikely washroom hero

In the post-Grenfell landscape, fire safety in commercial washrooms is a critical issue. Carole Armstrong of Delabie UK explains how WC frames can sit at the centre of a project’s fire strategy for preventing the spread of flame. Fire safety... View Article

Building the future with ICF

ICF is one means available for reducing the carbon footprint of new housing, says Christopher Stride of the Insulating Concrete Formwork Association. The drive to improve levels of energy efficiency and airtightness while reducing a building’s reliance on heating and... View Article

More than just hot air

Clarissa Youden from Total Home Environment discusses how super-insulated and airtight building fabrics have seen the use of Passivhaus-certified systems that go ‘beyond’ MVHR to harness the benefits of heat pump ventilation. Imagine the appeal of a new home which... View Article

Follow the curve to innovation

Innovative manufacturing and collaboration are key to architectural success. Mick Beresford of Leviat details some unique, engineered solutions for complex projects. Today’s architects are not content with the conventional and frequently seek to create buildings that will challenge our perceptions... View Article

All in the detail

Jim and Jayne Smith have remodelled and extended a tired 1930s house, including rejuvenating the exterior with rugged local stone TEXT Debbie Jeffery IMAGES Dominic Jones “We were reminded of a bland 1980s Travelodge when we first viewed the house,”... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

For Eoghan, embarking on a self-build with his wife and son on the family farm where he grew up in County Kildare holds deep meaning, and sees him realise a further ambition to create a sustainable home in ICF. I’m... View Article

Cooking up your dream kitchen

To support self-builders who are looking to create their dream kitchen, Debra Hutt of Wren Kitchens shares her insights into how to get the most out of the process. With homeowners generally upgrading or replacing their kitchen space every 15-20... View Article

The power of colour in design

Victoria Brocklesby of Origin discusses how coloured doors and windows can transform home design, and offers practical advice on using colour to boost kerb appeal, enhance light, and add value. The decisions are endless when designing a home: from floor... View Article

London Build 2024: The biggest edition yet

20-21 November Olympia London On 20-21 November, what’s thought to be the UK’s largest construction show, London Build, is back, and this year the biggest edition yet, with brand-new, exciting features and stages for attendees to discover.  London Build 2024... View Article

Ask the Architect: Sarah Small

Weymouth native Sarah Small is an associate and Passivhaus designer at Dorchester practice SPASE Design – here she answers ADF’s questions on what drives her, from early concepts to current schemes What made you want to be an architect? From... View Article

Hive mind

Architects SPPARC encouraged a family business hesitant to the perceived limitations of heritage restorations to rescue a Grade II-listed Fitzrovia townhouse and create an elegant office. James Parker reports. London architecture studio SPPARC built on its existing relationship with an... View Article

Hive mind

Architects SPPARC encouraged a family business hesitant to the perceived limitations of heritage restorations to rescue a Grade II-listed Fitzrovia townhouse and create an elegant office. James Parker reports. London architecture studio SPPARC built on its existing relationship with an... View Article

Evidencing competency: Who is the judge?

Nigel Ostime, architect and principal at Ostime Consulting, questions the effectiveness of the new competency requirements for Principal Designers under the Building Safety Act, asking whether the varied systems plus no unified vetting will ensure safety. One of the glaring... View Article

Innovative app assists local authorities

Nicola Kennedy of Heero Technologies debunks prevailing myths around retrofitting and explores how technology can help local authorities drive sustainable change at scale, creating a future where every home is energy efficient. Local authorities have a central role to play... View Article

Competence, coordination & compliance

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve for residential building duty holders on fire door safety, Karen Trigg of Allegion UK reviews the importance of competence and coordination in a more rigorous environment When fire safety fails, lives are put... View Article