Bookended
sustainably

A home sitting at the end of a famous Edinburgh terrace has undergone a contemporary sustainable transformation, seamlessly blending with the locality while exuding its own distinct allure TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES WILL SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY This self-build project sits on... View Article

Step by step collaboration

Ed Rhys-Hurn from Zakuna explains the benefits of collaboration with interior designers, architects and contractors early on in the stair design process to avoid challenges presented by design, regulations and installation issues Regardless of the chosen method of construction for... View Article

Healthy energy efficiency

In order to reach the 2050 net zero targets, building designers are faced with some tough choices. Louise McHugh of Vent-Axia explains how heat recovery ventilation can provide the efficiencies plus the right air quality, while avoiding overengineering Despite the... View Article

In support of brick’s appeal

Bricks, in conjunction with innovative masonry support systems, are building on their appeal as architects increasingly specify them across a wide range of new buildings. IG Masonry Support’s Andy Sharlot explains Modern brick slip products enable the creation of bespoke... View Article

Openings for a net zero future

The UK Government has proposed the Future Homes Standard to ensure new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon. Chris Armes from Liniar Design & Development offers advice on choosing windows and doors for low carbon development projects... View Article

Colour under consideration

Colour can play an important part in the identity of any building. Here, Elissa Turnbull from Saint-Gobain Weber shares her tips for specifying render From the brightly colourful houses rendered in Portobello Road, to the traditional Suffolk Pink, colour can... View Article

View Point: Shikha Bhardwaj from Hawkins/Brown

Shikha Bhardwaj from Hawkins/Brown says understanding whole life carbon is no longer a choice; it’s essential knowledge for architects on every project. She explains the standards which are emerging to embed carbon measurement into the industry We are all familiar... View Article

Practice Profile: T2S Architecture

LISTEN HERE Born in the pandemic, T2S Architecture embodies adaptability, cultural diversity, and a distinctive design ethos. Tom Boddy speaks to the founder about the pillars of the practice’s approach, in the context of the industry’s evolving challenges Founded in... View Article

A class of its own

An ambitious vision for a pioneering CLT Passivhaus primary school building in a historic part of Edinburgh was realised thanks to an open-minded team effort. Clara Garriga from architects Holmes Miller explains all to Roseanne Field Despite its grade-B listed... View Article

A class of its own

An ambitious vision for a pioneering CLT Passivhaus primary school building in a historic part of Edinburgh was realised thanks to an open-minded team effort. Clara Garriga from architects Holmes Miller explains all to Roseanne Field Despite its grade-B listed... View Article

Powering up the future of EV charging

As the UK prepares for a net zero future, and Part S of the Building Regulations homes in on electric vehicles (EVs), housebuilders are grappling with the various practical issues around providing charging for residents of all new homes. Electrical... View Article

The ‘third’ way to prove building safety is being neglected

Helen Hewitt of the British Woodworking Federation’s Fire Door Alliance warns that third-party certification of fire doors is lagging, despite the emergence of the Building Safety Act and greater awareness of the importance of specifing third-party certified fire doors. Since... View Article

The time for MMC is now!

Richard Smith of NHBC looks at lessons from the history of Modern Methods of Construction, and how the growth of offsite is being driven by the combined forces of housing shortages, the need for quality, and climate change. Modern Methods... View Article

Hydronic Heating: A solution for net zero buildings

Gary Perry of Altecnic explores the advantages of using hydronic-based systems for heating future homes that are targeted to achieve much lower energy use There are many ways to provide space heating, cooling and domestic water heating in all-electric net... View Article

Plug subbie liability gaps

Daniel Sunley at Clear Insurance Management discusses insurance best practices when engaging subcontractors, and addresses common misconceptions around liability to help developers ensure that their agreements protect their interests. It’s no secret that UK housebuilders are battling a shortage of... View Article

Building a future for the Gascoigne Estate

A London council estate with a history of problems is being transformed in phases, thanks to a complex, high-density and high-quality scheme by council regeneration specialist developer Be First. They speak to James Parker about the recently completed Gascoigne West... View Article

Exploring solutions for stormwater management

ATTENDEES: Sue Illman, Illman Young  Chris Carr, FMB national president Steve Wilson, Environmental Protection Group Matt Clutton, Cameron Homes Martin Shaw, Meadfleet Ruth Clarke, Innovyze (sponsors) Jamie Gledhill, Brett Landscaping (sponsors) Charlotte Markey, Polypipe Civils and Green Urbanisation (sponsors) Our... View Article

Is the blue fading?

Patrick Mooney, housing consultant and news editor of Housing, Management & Maintenance magazine asks – could home ownership, one of the traditional strengths of Conservatives, be turning into a weakness? In a sign of the times, the Conservative party is... View Article