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

Ask the expert – The art of colour selection

Choosing the right paint colours for different rooms is more than just a matter of aesthetics – it’s about understanding how colours interact with light, influence mood, and create a sense of continuity. Dulux Heritage’s Dawn Scott paints in some... View Article

How housing providers can support tenants effectively

Martin Brown of FM Outsource, explores how housing providers can develop tailored customer service strategies that tackle sensitive concerns and meet tenants’ needs effectively Social housing has been cast into the spotlight in recent years, with tragic stories of those... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Kitchens/dining rooms

Arguably one of the biggest purchases of your project, choosing the right kitchen/dining area is paramount. Explore our collection of dining tables, kitchens, and accessories and find inspiration for the heart of your home   1. The Dalani Dining Table... View Article

The handmade tale

Jason Hughes of Imperial Bricks looks at how architects are embracing the opportunities offered by the latest ranges in brick products, blends and finishes Bricks have long been used by architects to add interest to ‘basic construction.’ Durable and practical,... View Article

Scots take the Passivhaus road with new standard

This Summer, the Scottish Government is due to consult on the “Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard,” as a compulsory requirement for all new homes. This represents a significant shift, with modelling from the Passivhaus Trust suggesting that heating demand... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Jo and Andrew’s dream New England-style home on the Dorset coast is finally taking shape after years of planning woes, and their original builder dropping out a week before demolition began! Jo takes up the story… When we purchased our... View Article

Design your very own ‘Wonderwall’

Interior designer Judith Harrop describes how with careful design, you can make a media wall for all your home entertainment needs that’s an integral part of your interior design, and provides the right balance of aesthetics and function The term... View Article

Wetland wonder

Simon Roberts and Sarah Bruml managed to achieve their innovative, sustainable and flood-resilient cabin on a highly sensitive site next to a tidal creek and natural wetland in Southwold, thanks to a bedded-in design TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES DAVID VALINSKY Serendipity... View Article

Ready, steady, play!

Andrew Wood of ESP Play discusses the importance for the physical and mental health of children of planning inclusive and high quality playgrounds Ensuring equitable access to inclusive and high quality play spaces is crucial for nurturing healthy, resilient communities.... View Article

A digital approach to life safety systems

The duty of the Accountable Person, outlined in the Building Safety Act, is to take all reasonable steps to prevent building safety risks. Here, Nelson Godinho of SE Controls, outlines what is required and how a truly digitised approach helps... View Article

An education in aesthetics

Flooring in education is becoming a question of aesthetics, with schools and colleges giving more consideration to its importance in creating inspiring learning environments. Jake Parks of IVC Commercial explains how great design plus safety and practicality can be achieved... View Article

Why ventilation must be integrated earlier

Jason Bennett of indoor climate solutions provider Zehnder Group UK explores why including the consideration of heating and ventilation systems at design stages is the most effective approach, but it’s being overlooked Traditionally when designing properties, heating and ventilation systems... View Article

A sound footing for learning

Schools are hubs of learning, yet the effectiveness of teaching depends on an often-overlooked factor. Michael Anderson of Zentia discuss the how the acoustic environment is crucial for optimal education, and the guidance available The quality of sound within a... View Article

The dangers of neglecting smoke control

One crucial aspect of building safety that is often overlooked is the maintenance and repair of smoke control systems. Tom Archer from Colt explores the hidden dangers and why proactive maintenance is essential As a responsible building manager, ensuring the... View Article

Show of strength

25-27 June NEC, Birmingham InstallerSHOW, the UK’s biggest event focusing on the sustainable delivery of heat, water, air and energy for all those responsible for decarbonising our built environment, returns to the NEC, Birmingham from 25-27 June, bigger and better... View Article

Include sensory sanctuaries

Catherine Helliker of Danfloor discusses harnessing the power of carpets for creating inclusive education environments suitable for all to use In the dynamic field of education design, the significance of creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals cannot be overstated. Among... View Article

Airing the economic case for natural ventilation

Ian Rogers of Gilberts puts the case for how ventilation can be carbon neutral as well as cost saving, for the benefit of schools’ bottom line and students’ air quality The need for Britain to get back on track in... View Article

Bespoke gardens for bigger margins

With 2024 likely to continue being a challenging year for sales, Ben Warren of Marshalls explains why bespoke and ‘templated’ gardens will help housebuilders unlock extra income from their developments  It’s the question so many in the industry are asking:... View Article

Practice Profile: RX Architects

After working on projects in London and the south east for several years, Rob Pollard and Derek Rankin decided their true calling was to found a resi-focused practice in historic Rye. Roseanne Field reports on their successful partnership, and varied... View Article