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

Building a solid reputation

BRiCS is a new housebuilder on the block which is attempting to raise the bar on quality and sustainability. James Parker speaks to co-founder Hugo Reeve. BRiCS is a new SME housebuilder targeted at building high-quality homes in the south... View Article

Overheating – the hot topic

Overheating has become an increasingly important issue for homes. Dr Anastasia Mylona from CIBSE explains the issue further and outlines some potential solutions It feels odd to be talking about the impact of climate change after the UK has just... View Article

Unlocking the right mix

A former prison site in Portsmouth has found a new purpose, in a combination of new build and refurbishment for a ‘tenure blind’ mix of luxury flats and affordable homes – by two housebuilders. Roseanne Field reports Located on one... View Article

London Build 2024 presents its biggest edition yet

20-21 November Olympia London On 20-21 November, the UK’s leading and largest construction show, London Build, is back and this year it’s set for its biggest edition yet, with brand-new, exciting features and stages for attendees to discover!  London Build... View Article

Natural remedies

Velindre Cancer Centre Cardiff, Wales The new facility under construction in Cardiff designed by White Arkitekter will show it’s possible to achieve a significant NHS building using mass timber; in a project that aims to create the UK’s most sustainable... View Article

How to balance preservation with modernisation

Ardit Strica of Onduline Building Products discusses the challenges faced in heritage roofing projects and offers insights into selecting appropriate materials and techniques that meet both conservation and performance requirements Restoring heritage buildings is a meticulous process that requires a... View Article