The perfect blend

Jason and Rachel’s extended Lincolnshire rectory balances period charm with contemporary design. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Andy Haslam The Lincolnshire Wolds may not have the same star power as the Cotswolds, but don’t let that fool you; they have their... View Article

The appeal of aluminium

Shaun Cartwright at Aluprof Living explains why aluminium systems are becoming the go to choice for self-builders who want to combine high performance with modern design. When planning a self-build, every decision should be regarded as an investment in the... View Article

A long time coming

Architect John-Barry Lowe’s award winning home in Dublin is designed to achieve Passive House standards of airtightness and is the first private home in Ireland to be built using cross laminated timber. TEXT Eve Dennehy IMAGES Andrew Campion In 2023... View Article

Exterior Inspiration: Outdoor Living

As we head into the colder months and dream of sunnier days there’s no better time to be inspired by our collection of outdoor furniture, accessories, and paving to ensure you have your garden ready for summer. 1. Keep your... View Article

Light fantastic

Designed around a courtyard to echo local farmsteads, Sarah and Jon Simpkin’s unique new home draws in light from every angle. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES DOM JONES When Sarah and Jon Simpkin set out to build a new home, it... View Article

Home is where
the hearth is

Percy Doughty explores how ambience shapes modern British homes and how self-builders can craft a truly warm, inviting space. As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, the focus naturally shifts indoors. Across the UK, homeowners are re-evaluating... View Article

Creative colourful cladding

Lisa Grosse at Cedral explores how cladding can improve aesthetics, support thermal performance, and offer weather resistance, sustainability and long-term cost savings for self-builders. Whether you’re planning a transformation or a new build, investing in a beautiful exterior means thinking... View Article

The rise of smart EV infrastructure for modern builds

Becky Hornby at Rolec explores why getting EV infrastructure right has become essential for developers in delivering Building Regulations Part S. It is not new to suggest that more needs to be done to tackle the current climate emergency. The... View Article

The business case for daylight

Paul Smith of the Rooflight Association gives insights from a white paper showing how rooflights optimise daylight in large commercial buildings, to boost wellbeing, energy efficiency, and asset value, and offers some design strategies. The Rooflight Association commissioned a white... View Article

Ceramics’ creative freedom

Ceramic cladding can offer designers creative freedom by uniting ‘timeless materiality’ with modern performance. So says Robert Flello of Ceramics UK, exploring how ceramics are increasingly used to shape contemporary buildings, bringing versatility, sustainability, and innovation. Ceramics have been part... View Article

All the elements of a great debut

19-20 November Excel London elementalLONDON is a new event coming to London’s Excel on 19-20 November. This specifier-oriented show is focused on the twin aims of advancing building efficiency and decarbonisation. The 4,000 attendees expected at elementalLONDON encompass a variety... View Article

Collaboration is the key to Future Homes success

Ashley Cooper from WMS Underfloor Heating explores the latest developments surrounding the Future Homes Standard, and highlights why selecting suppliers who are ready for collaboration is crucial to achieving the low-carbon transition. Marking a decisive shift for the sector, the... View Article

Connecting ambition and action

As the global conversation around climate change intensifies, Futurebuild 2026 is turning shared ambition into tangible action. Returning to London’s Excel from 3-5 March 2026, it remains the UK’s only built environment event wholly dedicated to driving sustainable construction. Under... View Article

London Build Marks 10 Years

19-20 November  London Build Expo London Build is taking over Olympia’s Grand and National Halls on 19 and 20 November to celebrate 10 years of connecting the construction industry. To mark the milestone, this year’s event will offer more content,... View Article

Shaping the future

The Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) explains how architects can employ high performance PIR insulation as the key to design homes that are not only low carbon and climate resilient, but which are of high quality. The UK housing stock accounts... View Article

The case for designing in structural timber

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) takes a look at the variety of factors behind a ‘clear direction of travel’ towards designing with timber. Within the context of net zero, decarbonising building stock has become an imperative, both... View Article

From 19th century roofs to 21st century facades

Jonathan Lowy of VM Zinc traces the architectural history of zinc, from its European origins to a modern role in durable, sustainable building envelopes. In 1811, a roofer in Liège tried something radical; he installed the world’s first rolled zinc... View Article

New power generation

The transformation of one of the UK’s first electricity power stations into a vibrant youth centre combines a respect for industrial heritage with a high voltage interior that’s designed to excite its teenage users. Stephen Cousins reports. Youngsters are of... View Article

Flames with Purpose: Modern stoves in low carbon developments

Peter Mintoft at Charlton & Jenrick explores how Ecodesign Ready stoves contribute to low carbon builds, supporting building efficiency and sustainable heating without compromising air quality or design integrity. Housebuilders and developers are increasingly under pressure to deliver homes that... View Article

Balcony safety in high density – reimagined

Neil Windas of Alideck explores how aluminium balcony systems are becoming an integral part of safer building design, supporting robust fire and smoke protection strategies in high density residential developments. In today’s compliance-driven landscape, the balcony is no longer simply... View Article