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

Connections to a golden past

One of the last buildings bearing the signature of Zaha Hadid is a mixed use workplace sitting alongside Prague’s oldest railway station, and inspired by the historic ‘golden city’ and the dynamism of rail travel “Masaryčka can without exaggeration be... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Navigating a few significant bumps in the road hasn’t deterred Sally and Nick from persevering with a conversion from a Class Q to a full planning permission in Devon, knowing that dream can now become a reality People ask why... View Article

Ask the Expert: The comfort factor from underfloor heating

Andrew Curry of Schlüter-Systems discusses the benefits and installation options for underfloor heating systems, and how to create a cosy and energy-efficient heating solution What are the key benefits of using underfloor heating systems compared to traditional heating methods? It... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Bedrooms

For many of us our bedroom remains the important sanctuary – the ultimate space to switch off at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re creating your own relaxing retreat, a functional yet fun kids’ room or a peaceful... View Article

Ask the Architect: Eliot Postma

Eliot Postma, partner & group leader at Heatherwick Studio answers ADF’s questions on how his career has helped shape him as a designer, and what inspires him currently What made you want to become an architect? It goes back to... View Article

The embodiment of sustainable retrofit

Preserving the original structure and character of a notorious estate originally conceived as a ‘vertical garden city’ helped Mikhail Riches’ Stirling Prize-shortlisted redevelopment cut embodied carbon by 61%. Stephen Cousins reports The Park Hill estate has been a landmark on... View Article

Fire Door Safety Week

Helen Hewitt of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) explores how legislation is driving forward fire safety standards and how Fire Door Safety Week remains crucial for raising awareness of fire doors and their life saving role This September Fire Door... View Article

Remediation Success

Luke Driscoll of Hyde Group explains how engaging residents from the outset of building safety remediation projects is the key success The landmark Building a Safer Future publication and subsequent legislation reinforced the importance of building owners’ obligations to provide... View Article