Aluminium’s place in architecture – and human ecology

Architect Professor Michael Stacey looks at the case for aluminium, backed by ongoing research, on grounds of versatility, sustainability and durability As a light and versatile metal, aluminium has been serving humankind well since Humphry Davy identified it 200 years ago.... View Article

The challenges and pleasures of life in the Bronze Age

Architectural bronze has long been the choice for delivering a premier feel and finish to any building, but specifying it has always come with challenges. Warwick Penson of Bronze Architecture discusses the resurgence of this material and its uniquely distinctive... View Article

Setting the standards for structural timber

Structural Timber Association board member and managing director for Kingspan Timber Solutions and Potton, Mark Stevenson answers self-builders’ queries on how to use structural timber, and why solutions are increasingly likely to be factory-built. The Structural Timber Association (STA) has... View Article

The rise and rise of concrete facing bricks

Craig Mcbride of Tobermore tracks the rise in popularity of concrete facing bricks, explaining how they satisfy the needs of housebuilders facing unprecedented demand across the Uk. We all remember the story of the Three Little Pigs from childhood. When... View Article

Technical challenges of glass for megatall buildings

Glass for megatall buildings (i.e. skyscrapers over 600 metres high) often tends to be taken for granted in terms of its technical functions. Yet the high-tech, high strength glazing that covers today’s megatall buildings – such as the Burj Khalifa... View Article

3D printing presents multi industry opportunities

The recent broadening in knowledge and understanding about 3D printing and additive manufacture have generated new business ideas and opportunities ranging from home hobby machines to printing buildings on other planets. Andrew Watts, CEO of international Building Engineers Newtecnic, reveals... View Article

RIBA calls for a comprehensive ban on combustible materials

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has submitted evidence to the Government’s consultation on banning the use of combustible materials in the external walls of high-rise residential buildings. After a lengthy investigation, the Institute has concluded that a ban... View Article

Why timber is the answer

ADF caught up with Jeremy English of Sӧdra to discuss why he feels timber is the solution to the UK’s housing crisis, and how the material can help architects adopt less labour-intensive, offsite building techniques What do you see as... View Article

The disruptive power of tall timber

Kevin Flanagan of PLP Architecture explains how the firm’s pioneering research projects to build unprecedented tall engineered timber structures is driven by a wider agenda of increasing quality of life in ‘smart cities’ of the future The essence of our... View Article

Mineral Products Association welcomes construction sector deal

The industry has highlighted the sustainability benefits of making full use of indigenous supply of UK minerals and mineral products to ensure demand for the construction of housing and infrastructure projects, including Highway England’s roads programme, Hinkley Point C and HS2 is supplied. Typically,... View Article

RIBA responds to social housing boost

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) responds to the announcement of investment in social housing across England confirmed today (26 June 2018) by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, The Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP. Speaking... View Article

The Ellipsicoon pavilion

Introducing Ben van Berkel / UNStudio’s Ellipsicoon – part of the REVOLUTION PRECRAFTED pavilion series. A place of rest, retreat and mindfulness, the Ellipsicoon creates a tranquil nomadic extension to the home: a detached, secluded space of immersion in nature.... View Article