The changing faces of facades

Philip West from Spanwall discusses the future of facades and how technology and legislation have created a new set of design expectations throughout the industry In the wake of unprecedented change, manufacturing firms across the globe are being forced to... View Article

A durable sustainability case

Sustainability needs to encompass long-term durability factors in addition to embodied energy to provide an accurate picture. Keith Aldis of BDA (Brick Development Association) explains how achieving this bolsters the eco case for brick When considering the materials that may... View Article

Sustainable fire safety

Kelly Westwood from Knauf Insulation discusses the critical need to combine fire safety and sustainability in buildings of the future COP26 in Glasgow brought a renewed focus and urgency to the long-term sustainability of the built environment. This is reflected... View Article

Striking a balance

The importance of ventilation and ensuring a healthy and comfortable interior environment is an essential part of building design. Andy Moul from Construction Specialties (CS) looks at factors which need to be taken into consideration when specifying external louvres as part... View Article

Under the skin

The Royal College of Physicians’ new WELL Platinum teaching base in Liverpool has been designed with an appropriately scientific approach, resulting in one of the world’s healthiest buildings, including a bespoke patterned envelope. James Parker reports A medical education facility... View Article

Creative cavities

The requirement for an open cavity in ventilated facade systems can present a challenge when it comes to ensuring the passive fire safety of the building envelope. Graham Laws from Siderise Insulation looks at the issues, and suggests solutions Also... View Article

In celebration of regulation

Dr Jonathan Evans from Ash & Lacy says that, far from stifling innovation in envelope design and cavity trays, the recent safety regulations actually put the UK on the verge of a ‘meritocracy’ that will benefit future buildings Contained in... View Article

A concrete idea for efficient builds

Chris Stride from the Insulating Concrete Formwork Association explains why this type of modern method of construction could provide the answers for your self-build when it comes to speed, efficiency and air-tightness Building your home can be a challenging task.... View Article

Sustainability strengths

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Nobody doubts the strength of steel as a construction material, but its qualities in the field of sustainability may be less immediately obvious, says Russell Ager from Crittall Windows It’s steel’s strength that makes the key contribution... View Article

Timber – the net zero hero?

The road to net zero is now set, and pressure is mounting on the construction sector to deliver. For housebuilders, choosing to use sustainable materials such as timber should be an easy decision; Andrew Carpenter of the Structural Timber Association... View Article

Bringing glass back 
into balconies

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Andy Lake of Pyroguard explores how glass can be used safely in balcony applications, as well as the various factors for housebuilders and developers to consider to ensure the right solution is specified. It’s no secret that... View Article

Looking into timber

Richard Dollar from The Sash Window Workshop discusses what self-builders should consider when choosing wooden framed windows for their home, in order to ensure that the windows not only look right, but also help make it more comfortable to live... View Article

Maintenance in mind

Choosing the right decking material can be the difference between enjoying your outdoor space and spending all your spare time maintaining it. Caroline Birdsall from Millboard gives some practical advice on picking a long-lasting decking area for your property One... View Article

Framing the MMC challenge

David Atkinson at Metsec explores why harnessing digitalisation and lightweight steel framing can maximise the benefits of MMC as the industry pursues its various goals The UK construction industry faces a challenge to improve the availability, quality and affordability of... View Article

Reclaiming bespoke’s role

Sourcing bricks and roof tiles for period renovations are a challenge for architects looking to balance aesthetic appeal, regulatory compliance, and heritage requirements. Nigel Dyer of Wienerberger proposes an alternative to reclaimed products External brickwork and roof tiles are critical... View Article

Aluminium: The best for balconies?

With combustible materials banned in the external walls of high-rise buildings, the industry has had to adjust to a new design environment, however as AliDeck’s Richard Izzard explains, it hasn’t always been a smooth transition for balconies. In the wake... View Article

The levelling-up agenda

Neil Sanders of F. Ball and Co talks through the steps to ensuring a flawless finish when installing floorcoverings using Luxury Vinyl Tiles. The increasing quality and variety of Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) and their suitability for a wide range... View Article