Dawn of the STEAM age

A groundbreaking further education building in Bridgend, south Wales, integrates ‘art’ into the established STEM typology to make STEAM. It also combines a range of open workshop spaces alongside traditional classrooms, as James Parker discovered The concept of bringing together... View Article

Recipe for success

Cooking-mad ex MasterChef contestant Ashley Byrne and his wife Alison have managed to create an eye-catching contemporary home through close working relationships with their architect, builder and suppliers – so who says too many cooks spoil the broth? TEXT JESS... View Article

The right balance

When specifying systems to control temperature in your self-build, the key is to balance style, substance and sustainability to ensure the end result ticks all the right boxes. Greg Cooper from Radiana looks at why radiant cooling could be the... View Article

Slotting into BREEAM excellence

103 Colmore Row in the heart of Birmingham’s business district is the city’s tallest office building, and “one of the cleanest and greenest”, achieving BREEAM Excellent. Built by BAM Construct UK, the 21,000+m² building uses 100% renewable energy for its... View Article

Ask the Expert: Delivering low carbon

Like a lot of self-builders, you may be looking to stay clear of fossil fuel heating systems and install a heat pump in your home. However, you may be asking how exactly does a heat pump work – and will... View Article

Opening statements

Being a key first impression of your home, doors also make a statement about who you are. Tracey Pomfret from George Barnsdale offers some advice to self-builders on specification choices The humble door has evolved over the years but its... View Article

A spiritual renovation

A passion for saving old houses meant that Glasgow architect Emma Jane literally took her work home with her, with an old church officer’s property TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ROBERT PERRY For some time, Emma had been searching for a... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Kitchens

People use their kitchens for much more than just cooking and eating; they often function as living and entertaining spaces, and even places to work, as hybrid working grows in popularity. Here are some key products to give you some... View Article

How To Keep Building Sites Safe From Dust

Health and safety is crucial on a construction site. It ensures workers can operate safely without their health being at risk. One thing that those working on a construction site must be aware of is the levels of dust in... View Article

Your invitation to Housing 2022

Housing 2022, Europe’s largest housing festival and the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual conference takes place at the end of June in Manchester. Amongst the 8000 attendees will be the Housing Minister with a delegation from DLUHC, the chief investment... View Article

Wow factor washrooms for large-scale commercial settings

Petal’s Full height Line Ultra cubicles and solid surface vanity troughs formed part of an impressive Supply & Fit package for Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, helping to reposition the centre as a premier retail venue. Positive User Experience Washroom design in commercial settings forms... View Article

Self build site insurance – top myths & misconceptions

Tips on choosing insurance to protect your self build home. Slaying the site insurance myth – insurance and warranty specialists at Self-Build Zone list the top 12 site insurance misconceptions. Compared to, say, choosing a building system, insurance is probably... View Article

F. Ball’s System LVT range delivers grand design

Products from F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s System LVT range, including the company’s fast-track, fibre-reinforced transitional adhesive, Styccobond F58 PLUS, have been used to install luxury vinyl tiles in an ambitious, modern self-build property in rural Cambridgeshire. Contractors from 4... View Article