Ask the Architect: Melanie Jacobsen Cox

The new head of healthcare at HLM, Melanie Jacobsen Cox, answers ADF’s questions on what makes her tick What made you want to become an architect? I have construction in my blood through my grandfather and dad, but my subject... View Article

Riding high

A world-class multi-storey skate park has been constructed in Folkestone, Kent, a novel concrete form also designed to attract climbers and boxers, and which has quickly become a popular local landmark. Jack Wooler reports F51 is a multi-storey, state-of-the-art sporting... View Article

World-first architectural glass produced using biofuel

  Phil Brown, European regulatory marketing manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, discusses how new milestones in sustainable manufacturing are creating more opportunities for architects to specify lower carbon materials to reduce the embodied carbon... View Article

Dawn of the STEAM age

A groundbreaking further education building in Bridgend, south Wales, integrates ‘art’ into the established STEM typology to make STEAM. It also combines a range of open workshop spaces alongside traditional classrooms, as James Parker discovered The concept of bringing together... View Article

Recipe for success

Cooking-mad ex MasterChef contestant Ashley Byrne and his wife Alison have managed to create an eye-catching contemporary home through close working relationships with their architect, builder and suppliers – so who says too many cooks spoil the broth? TEXT JESS... View Article

The right balance

When specifying systems to control temperature in your self-build, the key is to balance style, substance and sustainability to ensure the end result ticks all the right boxes. Greg Cooper from Radiana looks at why radiant cooling could be the... View Article

Ask the Expert: Delivering low carbon

Like a lot of self-builders, you may be looking to stay clear of fossil fuel heating systems and install a heat pump in your home. However, you may be asking how exactly does a heat pump work – and will... View Article

Opening statements

Being a key first impression of your home, doors also make a statement about who you are. Tracey Pomfret from George Barnsdale offers some advice to self-builders on specification choices The humble door has evolved over the years but its... View Article

A spiritual renovation

A passion for saving old houses meant that Glasgow architect Emma Jane literally took her work home with her, with an old church officer’s property TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ROBERT PERRY For some time, Emma had been searching for a... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Kitchens

People use their kitchens for much more than just cooking and eating; they often function as living and entertaining spaces, and even places to work, as hybrid working grows in popularity. Here are some key products to give you some... View Article

DECARBONISING HOMES OFF THE GRID

Last year, the UK Government set a clear ambition to decarbonise heating across all housing and building stock to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. For those on the gas grid, electrification and hydrogen are viable options – but for... View Article

Communicating efficiencies

Jon Tedstone from ESi Controls explores how architects can use choose modern heating controls and communication networks to precisely meet individual project requirements and maximise energy efficiency An architect selecting a new boiler for a new home or development needs... View Article

Framing the MMC challenge

David Atkinson at Metsec explores why harnessing digitalisation and lightweight steel framing can maximise the benefits of MMC as the industry pursues its various goals The UK construction industry faces a challenge to improve the availability, quality and affordability of... View Article

The rise of the agile office

Alistair Shove from IVC Commercial looks at the rise in ‘agile’-based offices, and how architects can respond to the needs of users with flooring that embraces ‘open design’ post-pandemic One of the lasting impacts of the pandemic on the design... View Article

Good vibrations

With the average person spending an estimated 90% of their time indoors, Sarah Cartwright from Polypipe Building Services says the need to ensure occupier acoustic comfort and noise reduction is now a key priority An article published by the BBC... View Article

Reclaiming bespoke’s role

Sourcing bricks and roof tiles for period renovations are a challenge for architects looking to balance aesthetic appeal, regulatory compliance, and heritage requirements. Nigel Dyer of Wienerberger proposes an alternative to reclaimed products External brickwork and roof tiles are critical... View Article

Inspiration returns

Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is returning after a two-year break from 24-26 May, taking over London’s creative hub with promises to be the ‘biggest and boldest’ yet Since it made its debut in 2009, CDW has become one of the... View Article

Practice Profile: THISS Architects

Looking to carve out a niche as a new practice, THISS Architects focus on craftsmanship, collaboration, and landscape with a goal of ensuring that no two projects are ever the same. The firm’s founders explain their working methods to Tom... View Article

Commercial flooring specification FAQs

The demand for larger warehouses has increased dramatically in the last few years with a 32% rise in the number of warehousing units since 2015. With the growth of online sales, warehousing now accounts for around two-thirds of all industrial... View Article