Orbit appoints Paul Edwards as new non-executive director

Orbit has announced the appointment of Paul Edwards as non-executive director to its Common Board from 7 September 2026. Paul’s appointment further strengthens the effectiveness of Orbit’s governance, enhancing its oversight and guidance across both daily operations and its strategic... View Article

Specifying staircases for listed buildings

Richard Harding at British Spirals & Castings discusses best practice for specifying staircases in listed buildings, from conservation principles and material selection to regulatory compliance and modern surveying techniques. Historic buildings are an important part of the UK’s architectural landscape,... View Article

Sliding door specification for Passivhaus homes

Justin Spires at Solarlux UK explores how high-performance sliding doors can help Passivhaus and energy efficient homes achieve demanding thermal standards without compromising daylight, design or connection to nature. In the current architectural landscape, large areas of glazing are a... View Article

Overheating: why prevention should come before cooling

As overheating becomes an increasing challenge, Stuart Dantzic of Caribbean argues that architects should put passive measures such as external shading ahead of mechanical cooling. The Environmental Investigation Agency’s recent report, UK Cooling Policy in a Warming World, should prompt... View Article

Part 8 planning approval secured for Irishtown Leisure Centre

Dublin City Council has secured Part 8 planning approval for Irishtown Leisure Centre, following approval by council committee on 7th September 2026, marking a major step towards delivering a new community sport, health and wellbeing destination for Dublin’s south inner... View Article

Construction begins on 43-home Hampshire development

Regional housebuilder Bargate has started construction on its second phase of homes in Bedhampton, Hampshire, following clearance works. The new 43-home development, The Bluebells, builds on the success of its adjacent St Thomas Mead community, where residents have already established... View Article

The architect’s role is changing. Is the industry ready?

By Greg Bishop, Director of Digital Transformation, Creative ITC Architects have always combined creativity, design expertise and technical knowledge. These skills remain essential, but they are no longer enough on their own. As projects become more complex, data-driven and accountable, architects are... View Article

Low carbon cement – fit for the future

Garry Gregory at Tarmac explores how innovation in lower carbon cement is helping developers and contractors reduce emissions without compromising performance, programme certainty or build quality. The pressure on the construction industry to decarbonise continues to intensify, with housebuilders increasingly... View Article

Ask the Expert: Luke Osborne

James Parker speaks to Luke Osborne at Senior Architectural Systems, about why greater transparency in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is essential to help architects make informed specification decisions. Why does the fenestration industry need a more transparent, evidence based approach?... View Article

The final member of the Shard family earns its Place

Albert Giralt of Renzo Piano Building Workshop reflects on Shard Place, the final piece of the Shard Quarter, and how its design completes a 25-year vision for London Bridge. Almost 25 years have passed since Renzo Piano Building Workshop was... View Article

A greener kind of grandeur

The transformation of the former US Embassy in London into a five-star hotel by David Chipperfield Architects delivers an adaptive reuse with high-end luxury and BREEAM Outstanding sustainability credentials, despite whole life carbon compromises, says Stephen Cousins. At a time... View Article