The case for SIPs

Jim Nolan at hemsec Manufacturing discusses the case for adopting structural insulated panels (SIPs) to create more thermally-efficient superstructures in the housebuilding sector. The superstructure of a building – the frame, or its load-bearing framework including walls, main floor and... View Article

A tough year for SME builders

Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), takes a look at the barriers SME housebuilders have overcome in 2021, and the challenges that face them moving forwards. The industry closes out another year with enquiries still high and... View Article

Cornish past and future

Intended to perfectly synthesise the historical and contemporary, The Nest is a boutique development that has just been launched in a picturesque Cornish village. Jack Wooler spoke to Paul Stephens of Stephens + Stephens on the design and restoration processes... View Article

Quintain wins at Wembley

The 743-home Canada Gardens development – the latest step in Wembley Park’s major regeneration journey – is now occupied. ​​Julian Tollast at Quintain Living explores the lessons from the project so far with Jack Wooler, plus the wider benefits of... View Article

MMC: The only way to meet demand

With UK housing targets yet to be met, Chris Williams of Green Life Buildings (GLB) discusses how Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are the smart solution to pick up the shortfall. If we are going to hit the 300,000 properties... View Article

Futureproofing windows and doors

Adrian Pavey of Nationwide Windows and Doors discusses the importance of housebuilders and developers ensuring their properties’ fenestration meets the standards of tomorrow as well as today It is a pivotal time for the construction industry at the moment, and... View Article

Water savings in the balance

Richard Bateman at RWC UK looks at how thermal balancing valves help minimise water waste in larger buildings, as the pressure grows to save resources Wasting water is a particular problem in big buildings that use recirculating hot water systems... View Article

Traditional is the new modern

Tom Wright of George Barnsdale explores the use of timber in ‘minimalist’ designs “We must recognise the importance of timber in overcoming our climate challenge,” David Warburton wrote to his fellow MPs recently. On paper, politicians are making the right... View Article

Access best practice

Alastair Stannah from Lifts Distribution & Service (UK) discusses best practice specification for making public buildings fully accessible for all users Driving best practice for accessibility in commercial and public buildings are the legal framework; the Building Regulations, Part M... View Article

Test data in the frame

Steve Griffiths of Taylor Lane Timber Frame and the Structural Timber Association looks at the latest developments on fire test data in the timber frame industry, post-Grenfell For many years, the construction industry – not least the timber frame sector –... View Article

Passivhaus goes large

Agar Grove is set to become the UK’s largest Passivhaus scheme, with its housing tenants already seeing the benefits from the first completed phase. James Woodward, architect at Hawkins\Brown, tells Roseanne Field why the practice decided to pursue the ‘gold... View Article

Practice Profile: White Ink Architects

James Parker spoke to a Belfast practice founded at the start of the 21st century, which expanded to specialise in “difficult” mixed use schemes, and is now the first in Northern Ireland to be completely employee owned White Ink Architects... View Article

Opening a new volume in NYC

A renovation project on 5th Avenue opens up a public library facility and resolves the functional anomalies of a former department store to provide high quality spaces for all users. James Parker reports on a fruitful collaboration between two leading... View Article

View Point: Rory Bergin from HTA Design

Rory Bergin from HTA Design says that with timber under fire in the complex testing landscape post-Grenfell, specifiers are being wrongly deterred from choosing the material for taller buildings, while being asked for more sustainable designs Current amendments to Building... View Article

Going underground

Selecting and installing underground rainwater harvesting tanks can be a complicated process for self-builders, here David Stagg of Graf UK provides advice People’s increasing interest in rainwater harvesting, which was particularly noticeable during Covid lockdowns, means there is now a... View Article

Choosing a home lift

Steve Hill of Terry Lifts discusses the benefits and specifications for modern home lifts, and what you should consider when futureproofing your home Whether you are planning a self-build or renovating your home, it’s likely you will want the house to... View Article

AGILE CABLE MANAGEMENT

The way we use workspace is changing and so must the design of power supply in these environments says David O’Flynn, Regional Specification & Contractor Manager at Marshall-Tufflex. Here David explains how applying flexible cable management solutions can help meet... View Article

What makes a great roof?

Before embarking on any self-build or renovation project it’s important to understand the difference between offsite manufacturing (OSM) and traditional build roofing. Here Chris Powell from Pasquil explains the differences, and highlights the benefits of OSM What makes a great... View Article

Restoration drama

Carl and Rachel Philips invested everything they had in the restoration of one of the oldest, and most fascinating, properties in Stratford-upon-Avon TEXT: HEATHER DIXON. IMAGES: CARL PHILLIPS. Carl and Rachel Philips’ house is so old, and so ‘wonky,’ that... View Article

Factoring in the future

Implementing some planning wisdom into your build will help you design a home that meets your needs, as you get older. Yola Mealing of Stiltz explains There is an excitement that comes with planning a new build. Alongside the practical... View Article