Site Lines – Predictions of success

James Parker uncovers how the predictable quality offered by off-site construction using timber is being seen as a key part of solving the housing crisis. Modular construction is the hot topic currently, against the backdrop of the need to increase... View Article

Practice Profile – Pellings

Norman Hayden traces the growth of Pellings, a practice with a well-defined design vision, and a clear focus on balancing affordability with functionality and beauty. Architects tend to project their vision slightly cryptically across their branding, so it’s somewhat unusual... View Article

Solid credentials

Brian Newell of Shackerley explains how ceramic granite can transform buildings thanks to a mixture of durability and design versatility. Ventilated facade cladding is well proven and widely used as an aesthetically versatile approach to completing the building envelope, also... View Article

Fire safety in multi-storey buildings is a hot issue

Tim Vincent of Rockwool explains why specifiers should consider non-combustible stone wool insulation in multi-storey buildings. Buildings over 18 metres in height present numerous challenges when it comes to insulation requirements and fire safety standards. Given that most fires occur... View Article

Going for the ‘gold standard’

How ‘zero compromise’ do architects need to be when designing envelopes to the Passivhaus standard and are aesthetic, and other compromises necessary? Sarah Johnson reports on the challenges involved. The Passivhaus standard The Passivhaus standard is often seen as the... View Article

Sealing the deal of airtightness

Iain Fairnington of the A.Proctor Group, discusses how the performance of the building envelope can be improved through airtight membranes. The need for airtightness is driven by the global challenge to reduce carbon emissions and the drive to create more... View Article

Greening the envelope

Senior landscape architect at Arup, Sally Armour discusses weaving health and resilience into our cities through green building envelopes. Increasingly, the human population is becoming more urbanised – and by the end of the century it is estimated that 7... View Article

CDM 2015: how to comply

In April 2015, the main set of regulations for managing the health, safety and welfare of construction projects was replaced. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) were last updated in 2007, so the most recent update has put several... View Article

Construction skills shortage gets worse, warns FMB

The skills shortage in the construction industry has got worse and has now spread beyond bricklayers and carpenters to other key trades, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The FMB’s State of Trade Survey... View Article

PVC-U: A strong investment

Quality windows and doors must provide not only safety, but also comfort and adequate thermal performance. Andrew Reid of Profile 22 explores the benefits of PVC-U products. Social landlords can get caught up in a perfect storm when looking to... View Article

Landlord insurance explained

Renting out a property involves various safety and security risks so a flexible insurance policy is vital. Simply Business examines the options. A comprehensive landlord insurance policy can offer a peace of mind and help landlords protect their assets, while... View Article

Opening doors to accessibility

Phillip Jones of P C Henderson reveals how choosing the right door can improve accessibility. A staggering 97 per cent of councils in England do not have plans to address the country’s growing lack of accessible homes, an issue already... View Article

Getting to grips with U-values

Annemarie Shotton of CCF provides some insulation solutions to help achieve U-values, discussing the benefits new products are bringing to the market. When it comes to insulating a property, architects, specifiers and building contractors all know the importance of adhering... View Article

Kitchens for the ages

It’s high time that kitchens are adapted to functionally respond to the UK’s changing demographics, argues Mike Turner, executive director of kitchen specialists Ian Williams. Living conditions in social homes has improved significantly since the introduction of the Decent Homes... View Article

BSRIA responds to Prime Minister’s speech

In response to a speech by the Prime Minister on the UK’s future relationship with the EU, Julia Evans, BSRIA Chief Executive, said: “The Prime Minister, Theresa May, altered the political and economic landscape. It is fair to say that BSRIA... View Article

Lighting the way – smart solutions for social housing

Andy Davies, head of business development and specification at lighting specialists Harvard Technology, explains how one of the UK’s largest operators of affordable housing, Peabody, gave tenants improved and safer lighting across its estate, whilst delivering significant financial savings, reductions in... View Article

Bridging the gap between architects and contractors

By Tony Owen, Novus Property Solutions. Ask any architect how they feel about their faith in contractors to work accurately to a brief, and you’ll see some raised eyebrows. Ask a contractor about their relationship with architects, and you’ll likely... View Article