Copper – the inside story

Graeme Bell of Aurubis says that copper has a wide range of uses in architectural interiors alongside external applications, and explores the various surface treatments available Copper has seen a dramatic change from its historic role in roofing prestigious buildings... View Article

Paving for change

In the ‘new normal’ of the pandemic, outdoor space has taken on new importance, but with the future uncertain, a fresh approach is needed to provide multifunctionality and flexibility to all spaces between buildings. Chris Hodson explains more Apart from... View Article

Aesthetics, performance and buildability

Jonathan Lowy of VMZinc discusses what architects should be looking for when specifying zinc, and its long-standing attributes ranging from aesthetic appeal to maintenance, durability and recyclability If you’re like me, then working from home – or should that be... View Article

Period dramas

Period properties are aplenty in Britain but with their age comes a plethora of issues for architects. Peter Daniel of The Rooflight Company discusses the minutiae that can’t be overlooked when working with historic buildings There is no binding definition... View Article

The answer for high-rise balconies and beyond?

In the wake of Grenfell, Building Regulations have rapidly shifted to a more fire-safe position – Richard Izzard of AliDeck explains how aluminium suppliers have responded quickly to provide an increased range of options for balcony specification Fire safety is... View Article

A platform for hygiene

Sean O’Sullivan of the Platform Lift Company discusses why the future of the industry means creating safer platform lift environments in tandem with meeting demand for sustainable, energy efficient products ‘Lift phobia’ used to be about feeling claustrophobic or fearing... View Article

Will Jenrick’s reforms succeed where others have failed?

HMM news editor and housing consultant Patrick Mooney bemoans the recent ‘revolving door’ of Housing Ministers, and speculates on Robert Jenrick’s chances of success. Every Housing Secretary or Minister that I can remember promises two things – to overhaul the... View Article

The Green Homes Grant – explained

Stewart Thompson of Global Energy Systems looks into the Green Homes Grant, and how small builders can reap the benefits of an increase in energy efficient projects. Following on from the Government’s commitment for the UK to be carbon neutral... 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

Patience is a virtue

By astutely saving up for over a decade, Chris and Linda Anderson had the time and money to re-configure their 1930s London semi to be exactly how they wanted, including a dramatic blend of indoor and outdoor TEXT KAREN WILSON... View Article

Offsite, on time

Paul Newman of Potton Self Build explains the ins and outs of offsite construction, and the many benefits it holds for self builders In many people’s minds, construction still happens ‘brick by brick’ on a building site. With the advent... View Article

Surrey splendour

Darren and Juliet Milgate fulfilled their lifelong ambition when they self-built a stunning Georgian-inspired property, sandwiched between central London and the splendour of the Surrey Hills TEXT JENNIFER GRIMBLE IMAGES PAUL NOBLE Darren and Juliet Milgate realised their lifelong ambition... View Article

Vital steps to safety

Kevin Underwood of the British Woodworking Federation discusses why staircase aesthetics must go hand in hand with safety, and why too often design flair can compromise it For many, the staircase is a central feature of any new home, and... View Article

Fabric comes first

Chris Stanley, Housing Manager, Concrete Block Association Although the 2020 news agenda has been dominated by COVID-19, the global Pandemic and the socio-economic impact of attempts to contain and curb it, we must not lose sight of persistent environmental issues. ... View Article

A signature entrance

Choosing the right front door is key to creating a good first impression and enhancing kerb appeal. With so many different products on the market, Stuart Shaw of Hörmann UK provides some insights to help self-builders make an informed decision... View Article

Locally sourced

Carolyn and Chris Brown’s dream house was right on their doorstep, but they still changed it beyond all recognition to create a very modern family home TEXT & IMAGES HEATHER DIXON When it came to the crunch, friends, neighbours and... View Article

A work in progress

Jack Wooler speaks to Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, CEO of the National Custom and Self Build Association, on why England lags behind the developed world on levels of self-build, and what can be done Self- and custom-build homes make up around 40... View Article

The path to green finance

The Government’s Green Homes Grant offers homeowners up to £10,000 for energy-saving home improvements. Jack Wooler explains how you can take up the opportunity, and enhance your project’s sustainability Able to fund up to two-thirds of the cost of energy-saving... View Article

The perfect front door

Bethaney Larkman, marketing manager at Distinction Doors gives practical advice for selecting the right entrance door for your self-build or renovation project An entrance door is a subtle yet effective way of enhancing your home. It is the exterior definitive... View Article

Small wonder

In just six months, Max Tillings and Katie Roach built their bijou coach house on an awkward infill plot, using reclaimed materials to complement the neighbouring Victorian property TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES MAX TILLINGS & KATIE ROACH Few people would... View Article