View Point: Alex Thomas

As the gaps on our high streets grow, it’s time to future-proof them for the growing cohort of tech-enabled and eco-conscious customers by harnessing the potential of digital venues, says Alex Thomas from HKS Architects There is no doubt we... View Article

Ask the Architect: Melanie Jacobsen Cox

The new head of healthcare at HLM, Melanie Jacobsen Cox, answers ADF’s questions on what makes her tick What made you want to become an architect? I have construction in my blood through my grandfather and dad, but my subject... View Article

Smart steps to wellness

SOM created the ‘smartest building in Chicago’ with a terraced form designed to bridge the gap between its historic low-rise and high-rise context. Its architect gives James Parker the lowdown on reaching high levels of workplace sustainability SOM, working for... View Article

Riding high

A world-class multi-storey skate park has been constructed in Folkestone, Kent, a novel concrete form also designed to attract climbers and boxers, and which has quickly become a popular local landmark. Jack Wooler reports F51 is a multi-storey, state-of-the-art sporting... View Article

Beard buys huge woodland in innovative carbon offset move

Beard Construction has bought 180 acres of stunning woodland near Bristol in a ground-breaking move to offset its environmental impact with carbon sequestration. Biological carbon sequestration takes place when carbon is stored in natural environments. The process sees carbon dioxide... View Article

World-first architectural glass produced using biofuel

  Phil Brown, European regulatory marketing manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, discusses how new milestones in sustainable manufacturing are creating more opportunities for architects to specify lower carbon materials to reduce the embodied carbon... View Article

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