Buying into biomass

As a sustainable low-carbon technology, biomass has become an increasingly popular option for housing associations. What’s more, registered landlords who have installed biomass have seen a reduction in fuel bills for their tenants, making it even more attractive – particularly... View Article

Blending fire safety with aesthetics

Steve Bond, customer support manager, fire products, at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, explores how developments in glazing are enabling businesses to meet fire safety regulations without compromising on design or energy performance. Arguably the first consideration for architects, before aesthetics or... View Article

Home Defence force: effective flood defence measures explained

How architects can keep the planning authorities happy and homeowners reassured, by adopting simple, cost effective flood defence measures to both new builds or as ‘retrofits’ to existing properties, explains Frank Kelly, leading flood design engineer the founder of Flood... View Article

Just another day at the office

Trevor Bowers, director at Washroom Washroom, which has carried out a number of high profile office washroom projects in recent years, discusses the key trends which have helped shape today’s office washroom. Far from seeing the death of the office... View Article

Selecting the right flooring for your housing

Designer Contracts MD, Peter Kelsey, offers his expert opinion on how to select the right contractor and the right flooring products for any social or private rented property The nature of social and private rental properties should be researched and... View Article

Landlords and Legionella – complying with the law

In April 2014 the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines for prevention of Legionella were brought into law, requiring every landlord to undertake regular risk assessments for each of their tenanted properties, whether managed by themselves or an agent. Failure... View Article

Living in Hope

Rising numbers of students and increasing demand for better accommodation in Liverpool have led to a .boom in purpose-built developments in the city centre that shows no sign of slowing. There are now 50,000 students studying in Liverpool, drawn to... View Article

Eye-catching academy is vital to regeneration scheme

Ray Philpott finds out how a well thought-out free academy in inner-city Leeds manages to look so strikingly different despite working to the rigours of the Government’s school building programme. When it opens for business next year, the Ryder Architecture-designed... View Article

University’s new school for vets is UK’s first since 1965

Jess Unwin learns how the special requirements of the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine led to three separate state-of-the-art buildings – each with different design challenges to be overcome. A new £45 million School of Veterinary Medicine at... View Article

Climate control for students

When constructing or refurbishing educational buildings, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is key to providing an optimal living and learning environment. As David Simoes, brand manager with Zehnder explains, a good system means students can work, rest... View Article

Installing canopies and shelters in an educational environment

Installing products like canopies and shelters in schools can be both challenging and rewarding, but what are the main considerations when installing in an educational environment? SAS Shelters Managing Director Andy Swain shares his insights into manufacturing and installing products... View Article

Putting education on a firm footing

Guy Stanton, director, Nora Flooring Systems UK, highlights some of the useful qualities of rubber floor coverings in the educational environment. The physical environment has a strong influence on learning and with floor coverings forming a major component within the... View Article

Re-educating ourselves about space for staff

The interior design of office space within educational buildings is starting to become more innovative. Joel Barker, designer at Hunter Patel Creative Group, argues that architects, schools, colleges and universities increasingly need to be imaginative when it comes to creating... View Article

Construction safety should never be compromised comments BSIF

The recent (21st October 2015) BBC Newsnight investigation into the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card brings the health and safety of UK construction workers into focus. Commenting on the investigation, Alan Murray, BSIF CEO said: “We have a very good... View Article

US ideas reflects on new Papworth Hospital

Anish Kapoor provides an inspiration for HOK’s new Papworth Hospital, as Steve Menary reports. Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate is a highly polished bean-shaped sculpture at the centre of AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park in Chicago. The sculpture by the Indian-born... View Article

Recycling space and structures to create new homes

Jess Unwin learns how clever and flexible design is helping to create much-needed modern new homes, rented apartments, that integrate with existing communities. Canny architectural design should be able to help meet both the UK’s desperate need for more affordable... View Article

Treating damp and water ingress in historic and listed buildings

The fundamental challenge when dealing with buildings of special architectural or historic interest is to maintain structural and aesthetic integrity, while remaining sympathetic in the product application and still achieving the desired effect. Toby Champion of Newton Waterproofing Systems reports.... View Article

Construction consultants comment on new housebuilding proposals

Commenting on the housebuilding proposals for 200,000 new ‘affordable homes’ to be announced in David Cameron’s Conservative Party Conference speech later today, Michael Thirkettle, Chief Executive of leading property and construction consultants McBains Cooper, said: “The construction industry will welcome... View Article