Fix project performance and aesthetics

Mark Newell of EJOT highlights how some of the latest developments in fixings and profiles are enhancing system performance and aesthetics External wall insulation (EWI) systems, which we also refer to as ETICS, are playing a crucial role in upgrading... View Article

Ask the Expert: Prefab-ulous

Discover how kit homes can offer a streamlined approach to your self-build project, while minimising risks along the way. Baufritz’s Oliver Rehm sheds light on some important FAQs What are kit homes & modular solutions? A kit home looks the... View Article

Roadmap to decarbonised heating: Are we on track?

Global urgency demands net-zero emissions by 2050 to combat climate change. Addressing the building sector, primarily heated by natural gas, is crucial, as it constitutes nearly one-third of UK carbon emissions. Chris Caton from Ideal Heating explains Scientific consensus is... View Article

Hit the Passivhaus balance

Vasilis Giannopoulos from Internorm explains how to meet the stringent demands of Passivhaus and EnerPHit while balancing daylight, insulation, and durability The windows in any building, including Passivhaus designs, have a multi-faceted role. They need to provide abundant daylight, make... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Navigating their way through planning hurdles and DIY adventures, Fiona & Jon’s eco self-build journey is a testament to their patience and bravery, including getting their hands dirty to stay within budget constraints ‘Never again!’ That was what we said... View Article

Practice Profile: NBBJ

One of the world’s top architectural firms, US-founded NBBJ built a global reputation among healthcare and major corporate clients, but despite its size still aims to place people at the heart of all its buildings. Laura Shadwell reports Founded in... View Article

View Point: Rory Bergin of HTA Design

How can architects use place-specific data on design outcomes to have a meaningful impact in future projects? Rory Bergin of HTA Design proposes a change of approach ‘If you can’t measure it, you cannot manage it’ has been the mantra... View Article

A grand slam for eco-living

This year, Grand Designs Live promises an immersive experience with exhibitors across four key sectors: build, kitchens and bathrooms, gardens, and interiors.  The show will take place over nine days, including engaging talks led by renowned TV broadcaster and design... View Article

Shared opportunity

James Parker reports on how Assael Architecture achieved a pioneering co-living scheme which used a difficult site to the full to give single occupants and keyworkers a foothold in London, plus co-working and shared amenities to combat loneliness Sunday Mills,... View Article

Best practice for home life safety

When it comes to Home Life Safety, it is vital that systems specified for domestic properties are as reliable as possible. Here, Phoebe Beddows of Aico details best practice for achieving fire protection in developments. Choosing the right fire detection... View Article

Permeable retrofit is a way forward for SuDS

A new era for SuDS management begins this year, so says Jamie Gledhill of Brett Landscaping. Here he explains why permeable paving is key for futureproofing high-risk developments, and what developers and housebuilders need to know. There is wide consensus... View Article

IoT: Creating healthier, safer sustainable homes

Internet of Things (IoT) and connected home technologies are already transforming how we view the indoor environment. Without the data these devices provide, we are effectively blind to the health of our homes, as Aico explains The use of Internet... View Article

How to spot a quality ventilation system when you see it

Paul Williams of Domus Ventilation looks at why quality is more crucial than ever in specifying whole ventilation systems for domestic schemes, and how to identify it.  The word ‘quality’ gets bandied about all over the place. Let’s face it,... View Article

Absorb the ‘sponge city’ theory

With recent flooding reminding everyone of the results of climate change and sealing up urban areas, Chris Hodson from trade body MPA Precast (Interpave) explains how taking collective responsibility for the issue is leading to a new ‘sponge city’ concept... View Article

Winning strategies for biodiversity

Managing open spaces is much more than cutting grass and collecting litter and with the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation in January, it has become even more complex. In this article, David King of Meadfleet, explores the challenges... View Article

Foiling the doubters

Daniel McKane from YBS Insulation explains the thermal and practical qualities which reflective multi-foil insulation solutions are developed to provide, and why these make them well suited for domestic applications in particular For contractors and architects on a domestic housing... View Article

Radiators are much more than appliances

Offering a wide range of designs and features, radiators can have a major role as part of the decor, rather than simply heating. Stelrad’s Chris Harvey says take a closer look at the options available to specifiers. Until maybe a... View Article

Truly sustainable style in the bathroom

Tom Reynolds of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, urges specifiers to adopt accredited wood products to provide a genuinely sustainable bathroom solution for customers and the environment British consumers are increasingly attuned to the environmental impact of their choices, from packaging... View Article