A total transformation

Building projects are not normally renowned for being ‘joyous adventures’ but David and Suzanne say their experience in Fife has been exactly that TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Robert Perry The couple’s self-build adventures commenced in August 2021 when the couple... 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

Using colour to create inclusive spaces

Careful consideration of architectural design is essential for developing spaces that are welcoming, futureproofed, and accessible for all. Dawn Scott of Dulux Trade discusses how colour can transform buildings and improve wellbeing for all Inclusive design is centred on creating... View Article

CCPI: an essential tool for building trust

The Building Safety Act has made it critical for cladding manufacturers to provide accurate product information. Alan Lamming from Valcan discusses how the advent of of CCPI is building a sense of trust among manufacturers and specifiers In today’s industry,... View Article

Navigating the future of sustainable heating

Peter Mintoft of Charlton & Jenrick explores the future of sustainable heating, focusing on ‘secondary’ heating appliances, and their impact on architectural practice The importance of integrating energy-efficient solutions within architectural design has never been more critical. As environmental concerns... View Article

Closing the carpet loop

ADF editor James Parker reports on how one major flooring firm is embracing the challenges of using recycled material but also full reuse of carpet tiles, to achieve sustainability wins at scale across a range of sectors The construction industry... View Article

Are we stuck on a hamster wheel of value engineering?

Christian Hale of high-end residential and commercial specialist contractor Hale.uk wonders whether collaboration can stop the spread of value engineering in the industry.  You’re eagerly awaiting the tender prices. Everyone’s buzzing with the anticipation of bringing the dream to life.... View Article

A precision-made offsite agenda

Acknowledged for connecting the offsite supply-chain with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors and clients who want to be “future-ready,” Offsite Expo took place recently in Coventry, boasting educational seminars, interactive panel debates, and factory tours, as part of Offsite Construction Week.... 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

The Climate Challenge – Building a Greener Future

Cassandre Le Galliard of Aggregate Industries discusses the driving factors housebuilders are facing concerning embodied carbon in cement Housebuilders are at the forefront of the move towards creating an eco-friendlier environment, incorporating high-quality materials, low carbon technologies and green energy... View Article

The handmade tale

Jason Hughes of Imperial Bricks lays down the reasons for using handmade bricks, from increasing kerb appeal, to home value and saleability.  In the past few years there’s been a significant increase in demand for handmade bricks. The variety of... View Article

No Access? Give tenants a stronger voice

In an increasingly complex landscape, where consumer and compliance standards have been thrust into the spotlight, Gary Haynes of Voicescape discusses the issue of no access and why reducing no-access rates and increasing tenant engagement through innovation are more important... View Article

The key steps to staircase safety

Kevin Underwood of the British Woodworking Federation outlines the vital importance of good staircase design when it comes to preventing injuries The risks presented by stairs are self-evident. While a homeowner may believe that this type of accident would not... View Article

Landlord Latest: Rykneld Homes

Rykneld Homes is responsible for the management, maintenance and improvement of properties and neighbourhoods in North East Derbyshire Rykneld Homes Ltd manages around 7,600 social properties across North East Derbyshire. Our footprint contains four towns, with surrounding rural areas, with... View Article

Raising the standard?

Jonathan Ducker of Kingspan Insulation GB, discusses the shortcomings of the Future Homes Standard, and why a more ambitious approach is needed for the building fabric in particular to create ‘net zero ready’ homes. At the end of 2023, the... View Article

Offsite timber systems are on the menu

The Structural Timber Association talks through timber-based offsite technology and how it can provide self-builders with the ultimate solution in terms of accuracy, control and cost-effectiveness Any structural method created in a factory away from the building site comes under... View Article