Hybrid education theory

Louise McHugh at Breathing Buildings puts the case for hybrid natural/mechanical ventilation to balance air quality and energy efficiency, to support school learning. The publication of updated Government guidance in February 2026 has reinforced the importance of ventilation in education... View Article

Going underground

Jon Whittingham at T-T Pumps explores how below-ground drainage and pumping strategies need to influence early architectural decisions, particularly where adoptable and package systems are required to manage site constraints, flood risk, and complex water movement on constrained urban sites.... View Article

Why every new home needs a digital black box

By Rob Norton, UK Director, PlanRadar When I speak to housebuilders about the target for 1.5 million new homes, one question keeps coming back. We have set the pace, but have we set the controls?  The Government’s target has put... View Article

SterlingOSB Zero, the versatile panel solution for UK builders

As UK builders face growing pressure to balance performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility, SterlingOSB Zero provides a practical and adaptable solution. Its ability to perform across multiple applications means it can often replace several different panel types within a single... View Article

Ask the Architect: Christopher Gray

Christopher Gray, director at SLR Consulting, tells ADF how he has nurtured the importance of landscape-led masterplanning in his career, and why resilient green infrastructure including sensitive SuDS has to sit at the heart of future development. What made you... View Article

Ask the Expert: Jonathan Lowy

James Parker speaks to Jonathan Lowy, operational marketing manager at VM Building Solutions UK, about changing perceptions of zinc; exploring its growing use in architecture, sustainability credentials, long-term value, and enduring misconceptions. How has architects’ perception on using zinc evolved... View Article

Conquering the castle

Transformed from a forbidding symbol of Norman power to an accessible heritage destination, Norwich Castle has undergone one of the UK’s most ambitious historic refurbishments. Stephen Cousins reports When William the Conqueror laid siege to England in 1066, ravaging vast... View Article

Specialist Self Build VAT Reclaim Service

Claim It Back VAT Refunds are a family run company based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire that specialise in VAT reclaims for self-build clients who have decided to create their dream home, be it a new build or conversion. One of the... View Article

The key to a more compliant site

Andy Smith, Director at KeyTracker.  Housebuilding sites have become increasingly complex environments to manage. Multi-phase developments, larger subcontractor networks and tighter delivery schedules have all added pressure on developers and principal contractors to maintain safe, efficient and well-controlled operations. At... View Article