Smart lighting management

New generation monitoring and management systems for indoor lighting and LED solutions are bringing significant benefits to social housing. Tim McKernan from Harvard Technology explains. Lighting, which can accounts for as much as 40 per cent of a building’s electricity bill, has... View Article

Restoring pride in social housing

Building more social housing is higher on the agenda than ever before, but future-proofing must be top priority for management teams, explains William McDowell of Rockpanel Group. Social housing tower blocks are easily one of the most controversial elements of... View Article

Opening up the possibilities

Garage doors have improved hugely in recent years as the value placed on them by homeowners has increased. David O’Mara of Hörmann looks at the different options available and how to decide which is best for you Garage doors have... View Article

Solar success: why PV systems are a win for landlords

Energy efficiency continues to be a hot topic for property as housing providers gear up to meet rigorous efficiency rules. John Forster, Chairman of Solar Trade Association Scotland, reveals how solar roofing can improve homes and lives. Despite the UK government’s commitment... View Article

Embracing nature

Garden designer Elaine James and her antique dealer husband Ian used their combined skills to design a tranquil home around the ever-changing view of the north Yorkshire countryside. It can be blowing a gale across the field at the back... View Article

Smart answers on smart homes

Ben Johnson, director of Powertrac Electrical Services, a Berkshire-based smart home and electrical contractor, answers some of the frequently asked questions on smart homes. What is a smart home? In short, a smart home intelligently automates and allows you to... View Article

RIBA shows support for custom and self-build

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has shown support for custom and self-build in its latest policy document: Housing Matters: 20 Ways to Tackle the Housing crisis. In a bid to help improve the housing market, RIBA has listed... View Article

Wellness in the workplace

Mark Bauer at Forbo Flooring Systems explores how improving workplace design with a holistic focus on all interior elements has the ability to enhance employee productivity and satisfaction. Workers spend between 80 and 90 per cent of their time in... View Article

A hot favourite for heating sustainable buildings

Rising fuel prices and the need to cut carbon emissions has put greater focus on green building and renewable energy. Schiedel Chimney Systems’ Stephen Dodds explains why wood burning stoves are the smart as well as safe way for heating... View Article

Presenting a sophisticated front

With more sophisticated facade solutions come even greater expectations. Paul Hughes from FunderMax explains how the market is continuing to innovate to meet clients’ increasingly esoteric demands. In today’s construction market, competition is no longer simply about the best price.... View Article

Preparing for winter with resilient properties

In recent years there has been significant damage to many properties as a result of harsh and persistent wintry weather. Flooding has been high up on the agenda with a national flood resilience review having been commissioned by the Department... View Article

Future is green: building envelopes and energy efficiency

Simon Wild, European Category Marketing Manager at Formica Group, discusses the importance of building envelopes in combatting carbon emissions and their role in energy efficiency. On a global scale residential and commercial buildings are estimated to contribute approximately 31.5 per cent of carbon... View Article

Feature: Wiping off the cost of maintenance

Industrial strength wipes can be a part of your overall cost saving strategy when it comes to housing association management and maintenance teams, explains Corinna Palin, International Marketing Manager of Big Wipes. According to the latest Health and Safety Executive... View Article

Potterton: Tackling fuel poverty with sustainable solutions

For the landlords of social housing, leaving a legacy has always been a core objective. But what options are available to housing associations aiming to tackle fuel poverty and support communities today? Bill Jones, sales director at Potterton considers what it... View Article

Round midnight – Cafe Monico

Michael Willoughby ventures into Soho House’s new eatery, Cafe Monico, to discover how its in-house design team worked against the clock to turn a former dance club into a cosy Art Deco retreat with a Jazz Age feel. One of... View Article

Casting the ideal contender for restoration roles

An appreciation of the past and the need to conserve historic buildings and architecture has led to an increased use of cast stone as a substitute to quarried stone. Looking at the two types of materials available, it is clear... View Article

Storm-proof rainwater harvesting

Combining rainwater harvesting with sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) enables architects to provide an efficient, space-saving water management solution that’s resilient against the future. Kevin Reed of Graf UK explains how. The effects of climate change are making headlines almost... View Article