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

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

Acoustic Glass – A sound investment?

Tom Wright of George Barnsdale explains the difference between acoustic glass varieties, and provides examples of where increased investment is worth it. Increasingly, window manufacturers are being asked by developers and specifiers about the acoustic performance of windows and doors.... View Article

Timber types

How do you decide what style of house is for you? The materials you choose can heavily influence the space you create. Carpenter Oak talk through some of the timber choices open to self-builders who want to put wood at... View Article

Flexible, fascinating, and fitting

Jordan Perlman of Newground Architects explains that although a time-honoured material, brick has limitless possibilities for designers, illustrated by a recent mixed use scheme in London In the six years since our practice was founded, we have used brick in... View Article

Building a cultural bridge

Jack Wooler spoke to Antti Nousjoki of ALA architects about how Finland’s biggest library combines an inviting ‘bridge’ structure with shifting timber and glass facades The new Oodi Library in Helsinki is a modern take on the building typology, offering... View Article

Floating an idea

Architectural glass specialist OAG gives an insight for designers into the possibilities, as well as practical implications, of ‘oversize’ glass float runs During the past two decades, feature glass entrances and double height ground and first floor facades have risen... View Article

No-compromise composite doors

Adrian Pavey of Nationwide Windows & Doors discusses the advantages of composite doors for new build developments. Specifiers and housebuilders have lots of choice when it comes to the different types of door materials on the market. Naturally however, product... View Article

Bringing light inside

Jade Cottee of IQ Glass Solutions discuss the different options available to maximise light with the use of internal glazing Light is the new luxury in many architectural and interior designs. Improving light within the home has been said to... View Article

Simpler facade solutions

Simon Boocock of CRL Europe discusses how advances in installation technology are making glass facades easier and quicker to install without putting people at risk All-glass buildings are a common sight in urban areas, making a dramatic architectural statement. Glass... View Article

Achieving peace of mind

Sean Haynes of FireGlass UK discusses the importance of recent accreditation and certification systems when it comes to specifying the correct fire-rated glass Insulated glass units (IGUs), including double glazed units, are individually sealed units which are made up of... View Article

Natural light for natural learning

Jens Christoffersen of Velux looks at why natural light is so important in learning environments, and discusses various design interventions for increasing it A common antidote to the ‘winter blues’ is often a break in a warmer, sunnier climate, preferably... View Article

The fledgling market for bird-safe glass

Birds colliding with glass on building facades is one of the leading causes of avian mortality across the globe, however despite this fact it’s an issue that has often flown under the radar in the UK. Here Leo Pyrah of... View Article

Architectural copper for the long term

There is more to architectural copper than meets the eye, with an unrivalled lifespan counted in hundreds of years, no maintenance and full recyclability as Graeme Bell of Aurubis explains Despite its heritage, roofing some of our oldest buildings, continuing... View Article

Decking decisions

Laura Keily of Accsys Group summarises three of the most common materials when planning an outdoor deck and discusses some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing your preferred route In January 2019, the Global... View Article

High rise not high risk!

Danny Birrel of Kawneer advises on how to design curtain wall facades to accommodate building movement Land-pressed developers are increasingly turning to high-rise buildings to deliver best footprint value but the interaction between the facade of a building, particularly a tall... View Article