Getting the light just right

Shaun Davis of tp24 explains why it is essential to plan early to ensure the perfect lighting scheme. Agood lighting scheme can really define a house and its interior .design. Getting it right is all about planning at the early... View Article

Going below decks

Stefan Holmes of Millboard explains why plastic is fantastic when it comes to creating effective sub-frames for decking The selection of materials for creating a deck is not just a choice between timber and composite surface materials: there is also... View Article

Projecting a better image

Richard Twiddy of F. H. Brundle explains how the right balcony can elevate the entire feel of a property. Whether it is a place for peaceful reflection or a feature spot to host a gathering, there are many reasons why... View Article

Inspiration and ideas at Grand Designs Live

New and returning brands, innovative product launches and a host of seminars set to inspire as Grand Designs Live returns to London’s ExCeL exhibition centre in May. Grand Designs Live, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, will return to London’s... View Article

Sourcing done right

Jane Buxey from the stone industry’s trade body speaks to Hutton Stone’s Marcus Paine about what the sector’s focus on ethical sourcing means in practice. Stone Federation Great Britain is the official trade association for the natural stone industry, which... View Article

Will brick facades slip up?

Arup’s Alexis Harrison says that while the bricks sector has responded to increased demand from architects seeking to use the material in highly crafted exteriors, they still have questions about the long-term performance of brick slips. When I joined the... View Article

Engineering student safety

At a time when the volume of university students continues to rise across Europe, there is great commercial opportunity in the provision of housing to the growing demographic. But with great opportunity comes even greater responsibility. Heriberto Cuanalo of Collegiate... View Article

Seeing the wood for the trees

When installing a woodburner it’s important to consider what you’re going to burn in it, especially given the Government’s increased determination to clamp down on the use of ‘unsuitable’ fuel. Stephen Talbot of Logs Direct explains further. According to research... View Article

Warm reception

As aluminium windows and doors continue to grow in popularity in the housing market, Bruce Manning of the Synseal Group takes a look at the advantages of warm aluminium products. The surge in popularity for aluminium products last year will... View Article

Better ventilated homes mean a healthier future

Paul Croughan of EnviroVent looks at how the new build sector is meeting ventilation requirements and improving the air quality in new home construction Requirements for increased levels of air tightness and energy efficiency mean that around 25 per cent... View Article

The obstacles to getting fire safety right, post-Grenfell

James Butler of Pura Facades expresses his concern that despite the best intentions of the final Hackitt report following the Grenfell disaster, the fragmented nature of the industry could mean there are fire safety challenges ahead. The long-awaited final report... View Article

Creating a smart spa

GROHE UK’s Michael Gray discusses the growing trend for including smart technology to help create a spa-like haven in the bathroom, and the types of solutions available. Smart technology should be considered in any new bathroom design, particularly as more... View Article

Give-and-take

Andy Fell of Hambleside Danelaw summarises the pros and cons of different flat and low-pitched roofing membranes. Housing maintenance is a demanding task, with cost, performance, lifespan, ease of installation and maintenance being the main governing factors. ‘Traditional’ roofing systems... View Article

Solid solutions in a crisis

Calum Forsyth of H+H puts the case for masonry construction methods as a key part of the solution to the UK housing crisis. The Government has been clear it wants housebuilders to deliver far more units per year, which means... View Article

Let’s face the music and dance

James Parker looks at the prospects for house building and gives his forthright views on Brexit. Yes, the weather has been appalling in recent weeks – and certain world leaders might be more than troublesome – but you can’t blame... View Article

Practice Profile: Niven Architects

A small practice with big ideas, Niven Architects is harnessing cutting-edge working approaches such as agile and lean alongside BIM, making it a force to be reckoned with in the north east. Sébastien Reed reports Niven Architects is a collective... View Article

An uplift in building accessibility

12 months on from the change in regulations covering the accessibility of buildings, as well as the standards covering lifts, Oliver Greening of LIFTEX 2019 looks at the implications for developers. With regards to the current legal requirements for the... View Article