Ask the Architect: Jo Cowen

Jo Cowen, founder of Jo Cowen Architects, explains her ethos for managing a practice and what drives her as a designer. Why did you decide to found your own practice in 2012? I have always had the ambition of starting... View Article

Practice Profile: Simone de Gale Architects

An agile firm with an open-minded remit, Simone de Gale Architects champions a wide range of design typologies, innovation in materials, and diversity in architecture. The practice’s founder speaks to Sébastien Reed Simone de Gale Architects founded her practice in... View Article

A vertical STEM

A new science and maths building at Charterhouse school in Surrey provides an appropriately ‘vertical’ form of chimneys and roofs to tie in with the historic architecture on the site, but also one with key functional benefits, as James Parker... View Article

New order

Combining a refined masterplan with a three-year conservation project and state-of-the-art gallery additions has restored a former 18th century west London party residence to its former glory. Sébastien Reed talks to lead consultant Jude Harris of Jestico + Whiles Pitzhanger... View Article

Offsite timber is construction’s future

Stewart Dalgarno of Stewart Milne Timber Systems discusses why modern methods of construction coupled with a build fabric such as timber frame is key to meeting Government housing targets sustainably. Industry reports are increasingly signalling a move towards modern methods... View Article

How offsite benefits better fire protection

Ian King of Zeroignition looks at the benefits of modern methods of construction, and how the solutions offered by adopting an offsite approach can be applied to benefit fire protection and safety. Recently, the National Housing Federation found that more... View Article

Dilapidated 1930s property restored to former glory

Originally a 1930s build, the property sits in the middle of a terrace row, typical of the South London properties in the area. The property was previously converted into two separate flats and the owner commissioned Steve Adams Architects to... View Article

Rendering best practice more achievable

Dale Telling of Fassa Bortolo UK looks at the steps to take in choosing the best external render system for your next development. Practical, durable and stylish, render systems can completely transform the exterior of a property through colour or finish,... View Article

Getting cement selection right

Sandra Higginson of Tarmac Cement explains the importance of selecting the right cement products in order to reduce waste and costs. For professional builders, saving time and money remains of paramount importance. However, as anyone with experience knows, opting for... View Article

Building knowledge

The construction and design show for London is back, and this time it is ‘bigger and better than ever.’ Focusing on a diverse array of current topics, London Build is jam packed with content, networking and entertainment. This year, London... View Article

The SME Case for Self-Build

Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), explores how and why Government policy designed to aid self-builders can actually help SME housebuilders too. When discussing how to support small- and medium-sized housebuilders (SME), one area that is often... View Article

Raising the bar for renters

A new build-to-rent development is under construction in Leeds, which is set to bring a host of hotel-style amenities to over 500 homes across two high-rise blocks. In Leeds city centre, construction has begun on 515 homes spread over two... View Article

Belvin builds UK ‘Home of the Year’

One of the latest grand designs built by Lincolnshire based Belvin Construction has been named ‘Best Individual New Home’ at the 2019 LABC Building Excellence Awards. Barrow House, at Hatcliffe, is a bespoke, contemporary home that’s set within the Lincolnshire... View Article

A big eco ambition on a small site

Five new ‘eco’ homes have been completed on a ‘micro site’ in Enfield, which combine environmental efficiency with a traditional feel. Nic London, of SME builder and developer NLondon Construction, spoke to Jack Wooler. To the north of the capital,... View Article

Can councils deliver on the quality as well as the numbers?

The importance of getting local authorities building tens of thousands of new council homes has been amply demonstrated by the large-scale cuts made to housing association development programmes in recent weeks. It is also revealed in the growing figures of... View Article

A unique event for a diverse sector

With a new home for 2019 at the ExCel in east London, Homes UK will give the UK’s residential property sector the opportunity to connect, learn and do business over an action-packed two days this month HOMES UK is claimed... View Article