When scale, safety and style collide

For large scale, modern constructions, virtually anything is achievable in glass. Andrew Lake, Vetrotech UK general manager explains why selecting the right fire-rated glass system is therefore critical to the specifying process. From the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa... View Article

Aesthetics and functionality in glazing for historical buildings

Preservation efforts are primarily orientated towards maintaining historical structures and, if possible, cautious restoration. However, when material loss or irreparable damage threatens to halt the effort, alternative options need to be considered explains Ulrich Huber, Sales Manager EMEA, SCHOTT AG.... View Article

Legal Compliance for fire-resistant glazing

Steve Rice, director of technical affairs for the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), outlines the compliances and CE marking issues that impact all those responsible for making the glazing in a building fire-resistant. Making Insulating Glass Units (IGUs) with a fire-resistance characteristic... View Article

A study in glass

A landmark educational building featuring an innovative use of glazing has lit up a run-down part of the Spanish town of Torrelavega, writes Steve Menary. A mix of squares, circles and an innovative use of glazing has been used to create... View Article

3D printing shows its metal

Research into 3D printing using metal has produced the world’s first complex steel components and plans to print an entire steel bridge in mid air using automated robots. Stephen Cousins reports. The large scale application of 3D printing, or additive... View Article

European Copper in Architecture Awards 2015

An international team of architect judges has shortlisted ten projects for the 2015 European Copper in Architecture Awards, a celebration of the very best in contemporary architecture. By Chris Hodson. The seventeenth iteration of these popular, biennial architectural awards recognises... View Article

Bespoke Iron Castings

The principles of iron casting are pretty much the same as they have been for centuries; the technology, skills, materials and understanding have all progressed. Michael Hinchliffe, managing director, Hargreaves Foundry, gives us his view. Something foundries hear all too... View Article

A fresh approach to facade aesthetics

The sustainability and design life of zinc, copper and stainless steel facade and roofing systems have been major drivers affecting their growth. Improved cost effectiveness has also encouraged greater awareness of their technical performance and the scope they provide to... View Article

Metal offers a sustainable future

The Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) explains how metal building envelope systems contribute significantly to the sustainable design concept, thanks to its high recycled content, recyclability and energy efficiency. The Government has announced the end of the UK’s... View Article

Rolled Lead Sheet – spanning the centuries

Richard Diment, Chief Executive, Lead Sheet Association, discusses how a traditional material successfully bridges the gap between old and new. It is always satisfying to see a tried and tested traditional material finding modern uses. Rolled Lead Sheet has been... View Article

Operational energy efficiency

Dr Justin Furness, CAB technical director, discusses why aluminium is an energy-efficient option and outlines the role of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) in responsible sourcing. The need for investment in energy efficient buildings has featured in several of the... View Article

Why metal gutters are the popular choice

The Metal Gutter Manufacturers Association (MGMA) explains why metal gutter systems are growing in popularity. If you are looking for a rainwater system that really performs and stands the tests of time, metal systems should be the first choice. Although... View Article

Exciting the imagination

An unremarkable piece of canal-side industrial estate in a leafy Hertfordshire has been transformed into a showcase office complex for one of the UK’s most innovative companies, writes Ray Philpott When a world-leading technology business decides to build a new... View Article

A close-up view on polycarbonate glazing

Vicky Evans, director, Twinfix Limited, discusses the comparison of polycarbonate and glass in overhead glazing. Polycarbonate, a modern day engineering thermoplastic glazing sheet, offers many benefits over glass for use in overhead glazing. Polycarbonate sheet, with its high strength to... View Article

Skylights break new heights

With an increased preoccupation with creating more energy-efficient buildings, skylight manufacturers have seen a heightened demand for intelligent glazing solutions. But how do the flat roof skylights fair in comparison to their window counterparts? Justin Seldis, managing director of skylight... View Article

Daylight – the new building product

Architect Christopher Sykes looks at how the ‘rediscovery’ of daylighting is radically changing architecture and is having an increasing influence on our lives. He also examines the new design and engineering solutions delivered by leading glazing engineers and contractors, such... View Article

An altogether different glass

Increasingly used in modern railway station design, security glass is not only an aesthetically useful material, it helps to make these busy public spaces safer. Ray Philpott reports. The UK’s railway stations are visibly benefiting from significant overall investment in the... View Article

Design versus functionality

Jon Palethorpe, commercial director at Sapa Building Systems, examines the growing trend for using aluminium curtain walling systems and explains why they’ve become integral to contemporary architectural design . Creating beautiful and striking buildings that are also innovative and push... View Article