Selfbuilder Diaries

For selfbuilder Carys and her family, their project has been an ongoing journey from a bungalow fit for retirement to a complete demolition and rebuild, all the while knowing that the value is in the plot rather than the bricks…... View Article

As nature intended

An innovative home, built as a flatpack from modular timber blocks, has been constructed on a highly sensitive and much cherished family site in Norfolk. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES JIM STEPHENSON Gaining planning permission to build in a peaceful Norfolk... View Article

View Point: Patrick Inglis

Patrick Inglis, president of ACA, describes the new safety information regime post-Building Safety Act, and why architects are best placed to take on the Principal Designer role, while being mindful of the risks. The Phase 2 report on the Grenfell... View Article

Fit for a healthier future

The transformation of Edinburgh’s long-empty Royal Infirmary creates a sustainable new home for the University’s new Futures Institute, a flexible workspace and education facility designed by Bennetts Associates. James Parker reports. According to the University of Edinburgh, the core mission... View Article

Make an impact

4-6 March ExCeL, London As the built environment moves towards a more sustainable future, Futurebuild 2025 has a theme of Impact, underscoring the event’s dedication to innovation, collaboration and meaningful action. A hub for sustainability and cutting-edge solutions, Futurebuild is... View Article

Concrete’s route to net zero

As demand for eco-friendly homes and stricter regulations grow, Andy Campling of Tarmac explores how manufacturers are tackling the challege of developing low-carbon concrete solutions that could transform UK housebuilding. While the construction industry’s path to net zero is becoming... View Article

Making a fresh start

A highly sustainable housing development in the centre of Salford has set a new standard for healthy, high quality affordable housing, complete with Passivhaus certification. Roseanne Field takes an in-depth look behind the facade. Located in the heart of Salford,... View Article

Taking a calculated approach

Caroline Bowler of SIG Distribution explores how combining the right calculations with a fabric-first approach can yield the most efficient increase to thermal performance. As winter draws in, the focus on how to efficiently heat a home becomes more apparent.... View Article

Landlord Latest: Stonewater

Stonewater is one of the largest social housing providers in the UK, owning and managing over 40,000 homes for more than 93,000 customers. Our core social mission is to provide homes for those who need them most and build foundations... View Article

Essential Insights for Social Housing

As the built environment moves towards a more sustainable future, Futurebuild 2025, taking place from 4-6 March at ExCeL London, is embracing the theme of Impact, underscoring the event’s dedication to innovation, collaboration and meaningful action. A hub for sustainability... View Article

All in the detail

Jim and Jayne Smith have remodelled and extended a tired 1930s house, including rejuvenating the exterior with rugged local stone TEXT Debbie Jeffery IMAGES Dominic Jones “We were reminded of a bland 1980s Travelodge when we first viewed the house,”... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

For Eoghan, embarking on a self-build with his wife and son on the family farm where he grew up in County Kildare holds deep meaning, and sees him realise a further ambition to create a sustainable home in ICF. I’m... View Article

Cooking up your dream kitchen

To support self-builders who are looking to create their dream kitchen, Debra Hutt of Wren Kitchens shares her insights into how to get the most out of the process. With homeowners generally upgrading or replacing their kitchen space every 15-20... View Article

Ask the Architect: Sarah Small

Weymouth native Sarah Small is an associate and Passivhaus designer at Dorchester practice SPASE Design – here she answers ADF’s questions on what drives her, from early concepts to current schemes What made you want to be an architect? From... View Article

Hive mind

Architects SPPARC encouraged a family business hesitant to the perceived limitations of heritage restorations to rescue a Grade II-listed Fitzrovia townhouse and create an elegant office. James Parker reports. London architecture studio SPPARC built on its existing relationship with an... View Article

Evidencing competency: Who is the judge?

Nigel Ostime, architect and principal at Ostime Consulting, questions the effectiveness of the new competency requirements for Principal Designers under the Building Safety Act, asking whether the varied systems plus no unified vetting will ensure safety. One of the glaring... View Article

Fabric first still makes sense

Stewart Clements of HHIC highlights that while “Fabric First” is key in decarbonisation strategies, it needs further explanation. This approach is crucial for improving sustainable housing and tackling fuel poverty in the UK. It’s important that those responsible for building... View Article

HOMES UK

HOMES UK and Unlock Net Zero Live, happening on 27-28 November at London’s ExCel, is set to be a pivotal event for professionals in housing, asset management, development, and sustainability. At the Labour Party conference in September, the government’s renewed... View Article

The Labour Renters’ Rights Bill

Allison Thompson of Leaders Romans Group (LRG) discusses the key changes & impact on the Labour government recently introduced Renters’ Rights Bill. The Renters’ Rights Bill, introduced by the Labour government, brings substantial changes to the private rental sector. It... View Article