Unlocking SuDS benefits

With plans for 1.5 million new homes requiring swathes of land across the country including flood plains, Richard Eddy of Polypipe Building Products discusses how SuDS could be the key for architects, as the sector enters unchartered territory. Ambitious targets... View Article

Take the first step

A staircase can be far more than a way of connecting storeys. Tom Blakeman of Winthill Engineering explains what makes a successful staircase and considers practical and aesthetic factors. Investing in a custom-designed staircase which suits your needs and your... View Article

The design evolution of shower toilets

Shower toilet technology is evolving – helping reshape bathroom design, as architects embrace these multifunctional solutions. Sophie Weston of Geberit shows how they blend luxury with space efficiency and sustainability in a variety of settings. Achieving the balance between space... View Article

Kitchen colour philosophy

The careful use of colours in the kitchen shapes aesthetics, functionality, and the behaviour of users for the better. Tim Spann of Keller Kitchens explains how architects can harness colours to create spaces that inspire, energise, or calm. In the... View Article

Emberton House, Olympia: From cars to culture

Trevor Morriss, principal at SPPARC discusses how the practice embraced the challenge to convert a historic multi-storey car park at London’s Olympia in the Streamline Moderne style into a hotel and school, as part of the site’s cultural redevelopment. “Adjoining... View Article

Harness the power of EPDs for sustainable specs

Dan Redfern of Marley explains why Environmental Product Declarations are an essential resource for architects seeking to specify sustainable materials. With the built environment accounting for 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions, architects play a vital role in decarbonising buildings.... View Article

Practice Profile: ECD Architects

Founded in 1980 as Energy Conscious Design, the subsequently abbreviated ECD Architects merged energy research with architectural practice. It later joined multi-disciplinary construction ‘one stop shop’ N-able Group in 2007, which was in turn recently acquired by the RSK Group... View Article

It’s all happening at UK Construction Week London

UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s No.1 construction destination, is gearing up for its milestone 10th anniversary edition from 07-09 May at Excel London – set to be its biggest and most expansive event yet. For the first time, UKCW... View Article

A highland hideaway

For many self-builders, the prospect of a steep sloping site surrounded by the inaccessible Scottish Highlands might feel overwhelming, but for Suzanne and Mark McPhillips, it was a chance to put their experience as architectural designers to good use. TEXT... View Article

Pixelated vision

Architect MVRDV’s new collection of mixed use buildings in Abu Dhabi makes a break from the city’s architectural norm by breaking down facades into ‘pixelated’ forms. In the ever-expanding skyline of Abu Dhabi, where luxury towers often dominate the architectural... View Article

The rise of seamless wall panels

Offering ease of installation and aesthetic flexibility Amanda Mills of SFA Saniflo UK (Kinedo) explains why seamless wall panels are emerging as an alternative to traditional tiling, painting or wallpaper. Today’s self-builders and renovators demand high-quality, efficient project solutions. This... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Lighting

Lighting is arguably one of the most important considerations for your home, given its ability to impact wellbeing and alter the mood of the room. Find inspiration with our selection of products, from table lamps and outdoor lighting to statement... View Article

The art of window dressing

Debbie Leigh of ILIV shares expert insights into selecting the perfect curtains and blinds for every home, with the right window dressing able to transform a room. When it comes to interior design, window dressings are often an overlooked yet... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries… the next chapter

The Selfbuilder catches up with Olly and Veronika Stothert who are building their family home and overcoming challenges like clay soil, financial hurdles, and self-building logistics, while balancing professional expertise and hands-on work for a sustainable, personalised space. “And… Action!”... View Article

Stylish, sustainable & functional

Charlton & Jenrick managing director Peter Mintoft speaks to The Selfbuilder’s James Parker about all things secondary heating including sustainability, trends, and what the future holds. What exactly is secondary heating? Secondary heating is very  complementary to primary heating systems.... View Article

Focussing on breathing

Ian Rogers of Gilberts Blackpool explains the importance of balancing ventilation with carbon reduction strategies in order to achieve the right air quality for users. Breathing – it’s essential to life not only for humans, but for buildings too. In... View Article

The pressure is on

T-T Pumps’ Jon Whittingham discusses the rise in use of package pumping stations as sites using gravity drainage for waste or surface water become rarer – and the key points that architects should consider. When it comes to specifying a... View Article

Secure specifications

As housing security needs evolve, Rhys McNichol of Videx Security highlights the importance of investing in high-quality, professionally installed systems over less reliable, lower cost alternatives. In the housing industry, the demand for high-quality, professionally installed and maintained security systems... View Article

VE may still have its day

Uncontrolled value engineering has rightly been criticised for its focus on cost cutting and poor-quality construction outcomes. Adam Sumner of Pura Facades thinks the time is now right to re-assess the potential of VE in the industry as part of... View Article

Illuminate sustainability

Incorporating natural daylight for sustainable design Natalie Goodridge of LAMILUX UK explains why incorporating daylight into architectural designs has become a central focus in sustainable designs. Integrating rooflights or roof glazing into a building design not only enhances aesthetic appeal... View Article