Limitless possibilities

Here, Paul Higgins of TuffX explores the key reasons for self-builders to specify bi-fold doors, from slimline sightlines to revolutionary heated solutions. Bi-fold external doors offer the ideal balance of practicality, aesthetics, and functionality, whether used to create unobstructed garden... View Article

Engage science for the Biodiversity bonus

Paul Brown from Fera Science explains how developers can rise to the challenge of the Biodiversity Net Gain requirements for developments by embracing science, data and ecological expertise As a result of human activity, the UK has lost over half... View Article

How software is tackling the compliance challenge

With social landlords under increasing pressure to improve housing compliance, Dave Carr from Propeller explains the role of software in overhauling safety checks and meeting RSH standards A new regulation, enforced in April 2024, has put housing safety compliance under... View Article

Eliminating emissions

Eliminating the carbon emissions associated with housing involves understanding the impact of the dwelling over its lifespan. Anastasia Mylona of CIBSE explains how this should be approached Regular revisions to Building Regulations over the last two decades have focused on... View Article

Energy efficient block management

Robert Poole of Glide explains how regardless of the changing political mood, there is a real need for more energy efficiency in block management The shift towards greater energy efficiency within block management is crucial due to environmental, economic, and... View Article

Let’s go outside

Ronan O’Dowd from AG Outside Rooms shares his top tips for maximising your outside space and unlocking the potential of your garden, from tranquil sanctuaries to vibrant entertainment areas There was once a time when gardens across the nation sat... View Article

A dramatic rescue

A cottage in the Cornish village which hosted Poldark saw its own share of drama when it was rescued from the point of collapse by Mark Semmens TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES CORNISH GEMS In 2018, a tiny cottage in a... View Article

Cladding comes of age

Rainscreen cladding has been put under immense scrutiny post-Grenfell. While manufacturers have worked hard to regain trust, architects have become much more sophisticated when it comes to material specification. Rainscreen cladding has been put under immense scrutiny post-Grenfell.. Andy Thomas... View Article

Local sensitivity

Roseanne Field reports on a high-end nine house development in a small village in Kent, built by an SME developer that prides itself on its local knowledge and respectful approach to schemes. Situated just outside Maidstone in Kent, the village... View Article

Clearing the path to timber

The Government’s roadmap for increasing timber use in construction is here, but how is the industry tackling the obstacles? James Parker spoke to Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the Structural Timber Association. How can structural timber, the ultimate sustainable material... View Article

Beat the heat

Jason Bennett of Zehnder Group UK discusses ways to address the risk of overheating in homes, as summer temperatures begin to rise The way we build our homes has changed. Allowing more natural light to enter the home – along... View Article

What lies beneath?

Julian Thurbin of Wallbarn explores the key factors to consider when specifying the infrastructure beneath decking or paving that may be hidden, but is essential A well-designed, specified and installed decking or paving area can form the crowning glory of... View Article

Ascending to
greatness

Young couple Lianne and James took the design of their home into their own hands, despite a challenging steep plot in Neath, South Wales, and managed to take full advantage of their surroundings while offering a residence that worked well... View Article

Skilling up to design sustainable timber buildings

  Andrew Orriss from the Structural Timber Association says that with the Government’s Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap pinpointing skills as one of the key themes to address, the industry needs to take a series of steps According to the... View Article

Ask the Architect: Jane Duncan

Former RIBA president, founder of her own practice and recipient of an OBE for diversity, Jane Duncan answers ADF’s questions about what continues to inspire her What was the highlight of your career as a designer? Most of my professional... View Article

From standard ’80s to solar temple

Ruth Slavid reports on how Scott Brownrigg salvaged the ‘bones’ of a typical 1980s commercial building in Bristol to create an understated, sleek facility with greater capacity, and passive design measures to sustain it into the future The new Aztec... View Article

Why door and window colour matters

Victoria Brocklesby of Origin discusses the impact of colour when choosing doors and windows, and its importance in design decisions For self-builders and renovators, the decisions are endless: layouts, materials, and of course, aesthetics. One element that can be overlooked,... View Article

How to create a light-filled home

Whether it is a renovation, an extension or a complete new-build, creating a finished home filled with natural light starts with the design. Edward Stobart of IDSystems explains more We know that bright, light-filled spaces within a home are appealing... View Article

A long time coming

For Paula and David Matthews, creating their dream home began back in the late 90s when they first bought their house, completing decades of good (and not-so-good) alterations before finally unlocking its full potential TEXT HEATHER DIXON IMAGES PAULA &... View Article