Meshing with design goals

Bringing bespoke creativity to life in applications from cladding, ceilings and roofs, to staircases and balustrades, metal mesh is being used to push design boundaries safely and sustainably. Anthony Millington of Amron Architectural explains further Architects and designers are always... View Article

Wood you believe it?

Richard Besant of Powdertech Corby on how developments in wood finish powder coatings on aluminium are providing a popular and realistic alternative to wood, as materials shortages increase We have witnessed the increased use of architectural powder coatings to a... View Article

Renewing social connections

The light-touch refurbishment of a brutalist city centre bus station in the Czech Republic belies the extent of a young Czech practice’s achievement, catalysing the transformation of a local eyesore into a building of renewed social value. James Parker reports... View Article

Safety in numbers

Dave Walker of Distinction Doors explores how early engagement between architects and product manufacturers will be key to helping the industry design and construct safer buildings, post-Grenfell When speaking with architects and other product manufacturers, one point which comes up... View Article

A copper-bottomed sustainability case

As well as wide applications in contemporary architectural design, there is more to copper than meets the eye when it comes to recyclability, sustainability and longevity, explains Graeme Bell of Aurubis Copper is a natural element found within the earth’s... View Article

Sealing concrete’s interior future

Architects and designers are broadening their concrete horizons – firmly cementing the time-honoured material’s place in ‘softer’ interior applications. Craig Bell from Osmo provides advice on maintaining its durability Trends in interior design change constantly, and it can be hard... View Article

Fire safety in the frame

David Atkinson from Metsec discusses the increased focus on through-wall fire testing post-Grenfell, and how steel framing systems can contribute to improved performance as well as thermal efficiency Light gauge galvanised steel framing systems (SFS) are primarily used for wall... View Article

Taking fencing to the next level

John Abernethie of Birkdale looks at how fencing has evolved beyond a functional element to help architects provide increasingly in-demand, attractive outdoor spaces for clients Outdoor areas are becoming more important for both residential and commercial projects. The health and... View Article

Rolling out offsite benefits

Marian Kubisz of Adept Consulting (UK) looks at the increased specification of cold rolled steel frames in the current push for offsite construction solutions, and why system design considerations need to be brought into projects at the earliest stage Hot... View Article

A 1970s revival

A controversial 1970s building in the historic heart of Cheltenham has been transformed by AWW Architects to provide a contemporary mixed-use commercial development. Neil Smith from AluK reports Once a 1970s landmark in the centre of Cheltenham, but later becoming... View Article

Diamond life

Newfoundland, the first residential project in Canary Wharf – and London’s tallest build to rent scheme ­­– has been completed, and it’s an architectural landmark in its own right. Lead architect Billie Lee spoke to Jack Wooler about its distinctive... View Article

Performance through time

Jonathan Lowy of VMZinc looks back at how changes in technology have improved the manufacture of zinc over the decades to enable greater versatility and durability in today’s projects The first zinc roof was installed on St Bartholomew’s Church in Liege,... View Article

Fire safety standards in flat roofing

Craig Smith, Business Development Director – Roofing for TN International, advises specifiers and building owners on the latest fire safety requirements. Fire safety has always been a priority in the construction industry, and flat roofing systems had to comply with... View Article

View Point: Hywel Davies of CIBSE

With Covid-19 sadly not likely to disappear any time soon, achieving the correct ventilation of workplaces is critical to mitigate the spread in future. Hywel Davies of CIBSE discusses the issues for designers Covid-19 is not going away any time soon.... View Article

Practice Profile: Broadway Malyan

Tom Boddy speaks to Broadway Malyan about their journey to becoming a global architectural firm, and how the practice philosophy has evolved to increasingly embrace “holistic building design” It was in 1958 in Weybridge, Surrey that Cyril Broadway and John... View Article

New wine in old bottles

A historic soft drink bottling facility in a formerly run-down part of south east London has been stripped and restored by Studio RHE, bringing its attributes to the fore as a lively commercial and events space. Roseanne Field reports Located... View Article

Slated for natural versatility

David Cooke from Cupa Pizarras discusses the versatility of natural slate when it comes to aesthetics, and the resulting design freedom it offers architects, giving recent examples In an age where the environmental impact of our actions is rightly under... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Flooring

From creating a flow from the interior to the exterior using hard-wearing tiles, to making your living space into a cosy retreat, flooring has a crucial role to play in your home’s overall effect. Here are an array of new... View Article

A grand return

Grand Designs Live returns after a two year break to Birmingham’s NEC in October Featuring over 400 companies across four key home project areas, Grand Designs is back! The organisers have staged the 2021 event to be “the perfect day... View Article