Behind the Façade – new documentary heralds ‘era of responsibility’ for the UK cladding industry

A groundbreaking film which explores the UK construction industry’s response to the Grenfell Tower disaster has been launched to encourage more open debate within the UK construction industry.   Funded by Vivalda Group and produced award-winning filmmaker Hamlett Films, the 25-minute [...]

Diamond life

Newfoundland, the first residential project in Canary Wharf – and London’s tallest build to rent scheme ­­– has been completed, and it’s an architectural landmark in its own right. Lead architect Billie Lee spoke to Jack Wooler about its distinctive [...]

Slated for natural versatility

LISTEN HERE 🔊 David Cooke from Cupa Pizarras discusses the versatility of natural slate when it comes to aesthetics, and the resulting design freedom it offers architects, giving recent examples In an age where the environmental impact of our actions [...]

A revealing take on later life

A project in north London offers highly individualised, non-institutional retirement village design both inside and out, producing a carefully detailed brick-clad form on a challenging site. Jack Wooler reports Belle Vue is a high-end retirement community in Hampstead, London which [...]

Architects’ Choice Award

Following the announcement that the 2021 Brick Awards shortlists, the Brick Development Association (BDA) would like to invite registered architects to choose which project from the Shortlist, should win the prestigious Architects’ Choice Award. The Architects’ Choice Award is a [...]

Latest Articles

Meshing with design goals

Bringing bespoke creativity to life in applications from cladding, ceilings and roofs, to staircases and balustrades, metal mesh is being used to push design boundaries safely and sustainably. Anthony Millington... View Article

Wood you believe it?

Richard Besant of Powdertech Corby on how developments in wood finish powder coatings on aluminium are providing a popular and realistic alternative to wood, as materials shortages increase We have... View Article

A copper-bottomed sustainability case

As well as wide applications in contemporary architectural design, there is more to copper than meets the eye when it comes to recyclability, sustainability and longevity, explains Graeme Bell of... View Article

Sealing concrete’s interior future

Architects and designers are broadening their concrete horizons – firmly cementing the time-honoured material’s place in ‘softer’ interior applications. Craig Bell from Osmo provides advice on maintaining its durability Trends... View Article

Fire safety in the frame

David Atkinson from Metsec discusses the increased focus on through-wall fire testing post-Grenfell, and how steel framing systems can contribute to improved performance as well as thermal efficiency Light gauge... View Article

Rolling out offsite benefits

Marian Kubisz of Adept Consulting (UK) looks at the increased specification of cold rolled steel frames in the current push for offsite construction solutions, and why system design considerations need... View Article

A 1970s revival

A controversial 1970s building in the historic heart of Cheltenham has been transformed by AWW Architects to provide a contemporary mixed-use commercial development. Neil Smith from AluK reports Once a... View Article

Performance through time

Jonathan Lowy of VMZinc looks back at how changes in technology have improved the manufacture of zinc over the decades to enable greater versatility and durability in today’s projects The... View Article

It’s time to buy British

A wide range of imported timber products are now hard to come by thanks to various supply issues, but the solution is close at hand, says Tom Barnes of Vastern... View Article

Sustainability from the ground up

Catherine Helliker of Danfloor UK calls on product manufacturers to ensure they understand how they are impacting the environment, and increase their sense of social responsibility to their surroundings Product... View Article

The long road to remediation

Peter Johnson of Vivalda Group discusses the progress being made on remedying the unsuitable cladding on high rise buildings, and the complex issues which have made it frustratingly slow While... View Article
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Product & Supplier News

The new stone age has arrived

Powder coatings are continually evolving with a number of aesthetic finishes demonstrating variations in colour and patination. Realistic alternatives to masonry materials such as GRC, pre-cast concrete and Portland Stone... View Article

Home extension reaches Finish Line

A striking home extension is one of the first to be clad in an exclusive product from James Latham. Utilising the Finish Line Collection, a high performing timber cladding developed... View Article

The future is JUWO Evolved SmartWall™

Chris Dewhirst of JUWO Evolved Smartwall™  discusses the benefits of this innovative monolithic clay block system using thin joint adhesive technology, providing a structural, ecological and sustainable solution for all... View Article

Topic: Tips to buying building materials

Most people focus on the kitchen, views, location, bedrooms, and bathrooms when buying a home. Hardly do they consider building materials that were used in constructing the house. Besides the... View Article
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