Stairways to design efficiency

Phil Waind of Waind Gohil + Potter Architects describes how the firm has developed a ‘design for manufacture’ approach to optimise the creation of staircases as a key element of buildings for users. Waind Gohil + Potter Architects believes it’s... View Article

Tackling staircase challenges

Nick Bligh of JELD-WEN discusses how involving manufacturers at the early planning stages of a project can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth delivery of a structurally sound staircase. Stairs can be viewed as a complicated element of... View Article

Travelling light – Travel Centre, Lahti, Finland

Bus and rail shelters are rarely seen as works of art but the copper-clad shelter for a new road-rail intersection in Lahti, Finland, is something of a metal masterpiece. Michael Willoughby reports from the Land of the Midnight Sun. What... View Article

Why the UK should think zinc

Zinc has been widely used in Europe for centuries but remains largely overlooked in the UK. Alex Murphy of VM Zinc looks at its key benefits and describes how to make zinc installations a success. Robust, easy to maintain and... View Article

Powder coating, by design

Richard Besant from Powdertech (Corby) provides tips on how to achieve the best possible coating appearance and integrity in the metal finishing process during design and manufacture. As with so many things, beginning with the end in mind can pay... View Article

Shaping our city skylines

Steve Thompson of EOS Facades shares his views on the latest developments in light steel framing for a variety of different living environments. The speed of construction coupled with enhanced quality and high levels of sustainability make light steel frames an... View Article

Facades for the future

Stephen Anderson of CMS Window Systems discusses what he sees as the bright future for unitised aluminium systems in sustainable facade design and build. The speed at which the building sector has adopted modern methods of construction (MMC) has been... View Article

The lowdown on lead

Lead remains highly specified but many construction professionals are unaware of the various types available or the quality standards. Boudewijn Tuinenburg of Midland Lead explores the sector’s knowledge of lead’s accreditations and green credentials. Over the past few months, the... View Article

Aluminium and sustainable cities – three exemplars

Specifying aluminium for windows, structure and cladding is an affordable way of creating durable architecture with performance benefits. Prof Michael Stacey reports. As part of the Towards Sustainable Cities (TSC) research programme, my practice Michael Stacey Architects, working with KieranTimberlake, architects... 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