A natural approach to thermal comfort in social housing

Fintan Wallace from Ecological Building Systems discusses the importance of an airtight and windtight building envelope and the natural insulation solutions that can help reduce heating bills and improve comfort for social housing tenants. The cost of heating a home... View Article

Get on top of the issue

Despite British Standards regarding slating and tiling being updated, sadly practice is still lagging behind, resulting in voided warranties and significant roof failures. Dr Kevin Ley of Redland explains. The first iteration of BS 5534, the ‘Code of Practice for... View Article

GET THE DOWNTON LOOK

Tony Pell of the Wood Window Alliance and Sarah Latham, founder of interior design agency Etons of Bath, look at the resurgent trend for period features in homes, and the key importance of windows. With our fixation on the future... View Article

Funded solutions

Simon Lomax of Kensa Heat Pumps explores innovative ways to access funding streams for heating and renewable energy installations. Many in the ground source heat pump (GSHP) industry are encouraged by the proposed refinements outlined in the Government’s 2016 response... View Article

A tale of two housing associations

Joining two existing Registered Providers (RPs) together is exciting. However, realising the benefit of a merger can be tricky, particularly if both organisations have a very different approach and culture. RPs Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) and Helena Partnerships were... View Article

Next generation coatings and paints

Mike Turner of Ian Williams looks at some of the latest trends in coatings and paint products. Over the decades, formulations and applications have changed significantly and paint continues to be a dynamic sector, contributing heavily to the sustainability, aesthetics,... View Article

The sound of silence

You want your home to be a relaxing and peaceful haven – and it’s easier to accomplish than you might think, as British Gypsum’s sound solutions expert Sarah White explains. The hustle and bustle of everyday life can be deafening,... View Article

RIBA responds to the Government’s Spring Statement

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) responds to the Government Spring Statement in which the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, gave an update on the UK economy. Speaking today, RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said: “We welcome positive news on the British economy, but... View Article

1,460 days young

As Resident®, the revolutionary property management software business, celebrates its fourth anniversary, founder and chartered surveyor Kate Boyes reflects on the journey so far. It’s incredible to think that just four years ago Resident® was merely an idea. A nagging... View Article

Future Watch – Embracing density

James Parker looks at how the new London Plan could transform the capital, as it puts high-density housing high on the agenda. London’s planning decisions, is still in draft form. When finally published next year it could have big repercussions... View Article

Editor’s Comment – March

In this issue of ADF we focus on the issue of the moment – housing. It is the biggest political football imaginable, with the conflicting demands of 300,000 homes per year to solve the housing crisis, versus developers’ and NIMBYs’... View Article

Do we need a use it or lose it approach to landbanking?

Editor of Housebuilder & Developer, James Parker looks at whether government needs to do more to get housebuilding moving. Depending on who you listen to, the number of unbuilt housing sites with planning permission is either shamefully high or scandalously... View Article

School’s the key for more women surveyors

As we approach this year’s International Women’s Day graduate surveyor Charlotte Williams is urging schools to do more to make young women aware of surveying as a career. Charlotte, 24, who is completing her training at national property consultancy Bruton... View Article