Maintaining smoke control systems

Recent high-profile incidents have reaffirmed the need for regular smoke control system maintenance carried out by competent contractors. David Mowatt from the Smoke Control Association (SCA), examines the latest maintenance requirements Waiting until it is too late to find out... View Article

Revolutionising access control

Rhys McNichol from Videx Security explains how remote entry management is transforming the approach to access control across local authority and housing association developments In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of online and remote security management, housing associations and local authorities... View Article

Breaking the mould

Kathryn Tormay from Crown Paints discusses how anti-mould paints can help landlords and housing providers fight mould and damp, amidst a stubborn cost-of-living crisis The cost-of-living crisis looks set to continue into this winter. With energy prices remaining high, tenants... View Article

Event Preview – The best of brick

8 NOVEMBER | ROYAL LANCASTER HOTEL, LONDON This Brick Awards 2023 is placing a major focus on sustainability. The awards, which are organised by the Brick Development Association (BDA) and will be held in London’s West End on 8 November, celebrate... View Article

To the new Part L – and beyond!

New updates to the Building Regulations go some way to cutting emissions – but construction firms have the chance to go further, argues Nicola Harrison of Bereco July 2023 was recently confirmed as the hottest month on record – and... View Article

Terms of engagement with the circular economy

With project teams increasingly pursuing circular economy goals, the more stringent specifiers are looking for clarity on the types of recycled aluminium available. Gareth Evans from Technal UK explains the subtle but important differences in terminology How do you know... View Article

The medium rise of zinc

Jonathan Lowy from VMZinc explains how zinc, in the context of its long heritage as a familiar material on Parisian roofs, is slowly becoming in vogue in the UK for specifiers on mid-rise urban residential projects Zinc has a long... View Article

Maximising resources

How are you adapting to the ever-changing metals market? Simon Walker from SIG Zinc and Copper looks at how, as availability causes shifts in specification, architects need to adapt not only their understanding but also their designs As we move... View Article

Protect the future with aluminium facades

Simran Thiara from Sotech highlights the opportunities and reasons for building a ‘greener future’ with aluminium rainscreen cladding, as part of an environmentally-conscious approach to futureproofing buildings Sustainability is no longer a mere buzzword; it’s a global imperative towards carbon... View Article

Rewarding sustainability at the Brick Awards 2023

This year’s Brick Awards continues the organisers’ key focus on sustainability, with the Sustainability Award again featuring, following its introduction in 2022. The awards, which are organised by the Brick Development Association will be held at a ceremony at the... View Article

Casting cast stone in a new light

Devanshu Mudgal at Haddonstone explains why the durability of cast stone enables it to play an environmentally-responsible role in a wide range of construction projects For anyone who has stood and marvelled at the beautifully preserved floors within the 4th... View Article

Led by heritage lead

Victoria Ramwell from Kemper System explains the key considerations and advantages of specifying cold-applied liquid waterproofing for historical buildings M any older properties feature different roof shapes with flat roofs – typically seen on extensions, or over porches and dormers. Although... View Article

An air of concern

In the drive towards airtight buildings, to conserve energy and protect the planet, Roy Jones from Gilberts Blackpool warns that the industry is failing to allow users – and the building – their ‘right’ to breathe healthy air  Say ‘indoor... View Article

Going beyond fire compliance

Siderise’s Chris Hall asks whether an approach of merely complying with regulations in specifying passive firestopping in curtain wall systems is good enough, or if specifiers should be looking to other standards Curtain wall systems are typically constructed with a... View Article

How green is your aluminium?

Phil Slinger from the Council for Aluminium in Building provides expert insights on the current green credentials provided by aluminium production, and how EPDs and collaboration are supporting its specification Aluminium has enjoyed an extensive recycling lifespan since its commercialisation... View Article

Durability is the key to sustainable building envelopes

Clare Fenton of the Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) explains why durability must be a priority when specifying metal roofing and cladding panels and systems to deliver sustainable buildings As the physical separator between the interior and the... View Article

Practice Profile: Ackroyd Lowrie

In founding their own practice, Oliver Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd were able to pursue their passion for future cities, while applying lessons learned in their shared background as sustainability specialists. They tell ADF’s Laura Shadwell what drives them, and why... View Article

View Point: Dr Victoria Hutchinson

Dr Victoria Hutchinson from AtkinsRealis’ environmental practice explores how impact assessments can help unlock value as well as greater investment in projects – in a more favourable ESG context – and illustrates what this looks like Former Prime Minister Boris... View Article