ICF – sense and sustainability

Robin Miller of Beco Wallform gives his views on why insulating concrete formwork (ICF) is the ideal practical choice for self-builders concerned about sustainability and climate change There is growing recognition – now almost universal – that unless significant action... View Article

Natural stone, ethically sourced

Matt Rob of the Stone Federation discusses the rising trend of buyers searching for ethically sourced natural stone, and the systems that are in place to prove the authenticity of such products. In 2015, The Modern Slavery Act was created... View Article

A clear set of options

When looking to create a unique home, glass gives you a wide range of options, especially when it comes to balconies and even atriums, as Susan Sinden of glass processor ESG Group explains One of the most common themes we... View Article

The brick essentials

With an increasing number of homeowners choosing to pursue self-build or embark on self-renovation work, Simon Taylor of Ibstock examines one of the key considerations for any self-builder – the aesthetics as well as function of the bricks they will... View Article

Reclaimed retreat

A timber cabin in the woods, designed as a tranquil Cornish rural retreat, has been carefully crafted from reclaimed, natural and sustainable materials As a Cornish farmer, Bob Coad has always held strong opinions on ecology and the merits of... View Article

Forest canopy

Inspired by the ‘Bamboo Forest’ of a nearby national park, the Wuxi Taihu Show Theatre near Shanghai marks the entrance to a huge new tourist attraction in its city. Roseanne Field reports The city of Wuxi sits on the banks... View Article

Climb every mountain

Challenged by steep topography, unspoilt alpine surroundings, and a devastating fire after its initial construction, the creation of a community sports and activity hall brought architect, client and locals together in the Swiss village of Le Vaud. Sébastien Reed speaks... View Article

All hands on deck

The UK’s official agency for shipping and Royal Navy data has a new headquarters in Somerset, designed to push collaboration to the fore, in an open and fluid structure enhanced by timber throughout. Jack Wooler reports on how the AHR-designed... View Article

Looking past the uncertainty

Gavin Knowles of Howarth Timber & Building Supplies on why scrutiny needs to be applied to ensure correct product specification, which is also being applied to the industry The construction sector is the second largest consumer of plastics behind retail,... View Article

Is your timber specification fit for purpose?

Janet Sycamore of the Timber Decking and Cladding Association discusses why and how the details of timber protection needs to be embraced to ensure specifications are always fit for purpose Knowledge of fire protection terminology in the design and build... View Article

Modification, innovation and sustainability

Dr Andy Pitman of Lignia Wood Company discusses how the UK timber industry is embracing change and innovating – for the benefit of the environment and the customer All over the world we are surrounded by wooden structures of all... View Article

Assured solutions in a crisis

Andrew Carpenter of the Structural Timber Association says that the timber solutions already exist for building the energy-efficient low-carbon dwellings the Government is calling for to address the housing crisis, now underpinned by robust assurances Offsite construction presents many new... View Article

Growing opportunities for specifying timber

Kevin Underwood of the British Woodworking Federation discusses the challenges as well as wide-ranging benefits of using wood as a construction material Wood, the world’s oldest and most traditional building material, is increasingly being re-evaluated as a modern-day first choice... View Article

Added protection where needed from Crittall MW40

Crittall’s Corporate MW40 steel windows can be specified where superior air, wind or water resistance and greater sound attenuation are required. Offering the same high-quality appearance as the company’s successful Corporate W20 range the MW40 variant can accept glass up... View Article

Kawneer helps Wales get creative

Aluminium glazing systems by Kawneer feature at Welsh University’s new creative and digital centre. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer played a key role in a new state-of-the-art building which is at the heart of Wales’ creative and digital... View Article

Watertight basement solutions

Alex Burman of Sika discusses the key guidance, and technology options, for specifiers looking to achieve watertight concrete basement constructions When beginning a basement construction or renovation, the waterproofing standard of BS 8102:2009 is key. It recommends and provides guidance... View Article

Flexibility and agility

A new sports centre forms a key part of an ongoing masterplan at Oxford University’s iconic Iffley Road Sports Complex, where Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile. James Parker reports on a highly flexible space with an innovative glass floor... View Article