Remote management: sensible or intrusive?

Terri Hickman of Intergas Boilers discusses the pros and cons of remote management in the Covid-19 era. Working from home, such an alien concept at the start of lockdown, is now a much-loved (or tolerated, depending on your point of... View Article

Balcony fire safety

Richard Izzard of AliDeck explores the prevalence and causes of balcony fires. Following the Grenfell tragedy, various building regulation updates and Government initiatives have attempted to resolve the flammable cladding issue by outlawing combustible materials and mandating its replacement in... View Article

How to deliver on flat roof refurbishment projects

Clients are constantly trying to make the smartest investment, presenting surveyors with the challenge of delivering predictable project costs and providing precise technical data to enable clients to make the correct decision. Bauder explores how to deliver cost certainty and... View Article

Clarity on composite fire and security doors

Chris Flaherty of Winkhaus UK provides clarity for specifiers following a series of legislation and guidance updates covering the specification of composite fire doors. There is a lot of confusion and frustration among specifiers as to what is required and... View Article

What is IAQ and how do we measure it?

LISTEN HERE Vince House of Aereco explores what indoor air quality (IAQ) really means as residents are confined to their homes more than ever. There has been a lot of talk around Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), especially during the pandemic,... View Article

Taking fenestration design to new heights

Multi-story developments are a common sight in most major towns and cities across the UK, fuelled by the demand for affordable residential housing, high-quality student accommodation and versatile office space. As fenestration design is one of the most important elements... View Article

Steel windows’ split personality

Darren Lloyd of the Steel Window Association looks ahead at how the separate properties inherent to steel windows help them take key new roles beyond the pandemic The terms ‘heritage,’ ‘high performance’ or even ‘futuristic’ are all applicable to the... View Article

Ask The Architect: Aqua Architecture

Alia Beyg of Aqua Architecture answers ADF’s questions on running a ‘niche’ practice, and what the future might hold for her firm Why did you become an Architect? From a young age I loved to draw, and I became fascinated... View Article

An introduction to standing seam roofing design

Standing seam roofs are a popular choice with architects and specifiers looking for a design that really stands out. Simon Walker of SIG Zinc & Copper discusses what architects and specifiers should consider when designing standing seam roofing Traditional standing... View Article

Practice Profile: HLM Architects

James Parker speaks to HLM’s chairman Richard O’Neil to find out how 2020’s Architectural Practice of the Year has maintained a keen focus on ‘social architecture’ over nearly six decades, while continuing to broaden its horizons HLM is a longstanding... View Article

Sustainability defined

With increasing pressure to specify building systems offering clearly defined sustainability, Andrew Cross of Kestrel Aluminium Systems gives his thoughts on the use of aluminium as a key building component In construction terms, aluminium is considered to be a ‘permanent’... View Article

Secure in the knowledge

Stuart Glen of Jacksons Fencing discusses the considerations that need to be taken into account when specifying security fencing Specifying fencing for safety and security purposes requires careful consideration of key components that will ultimately determine whether the chosen solution... View Article

Copper – the inside story

Graeme Bell of Aurubis says that copper has a wide range of uses in architectural interiors alongside external applications, and explores the various surface treatments available Copper has seen a dramatic change from its historic role in roofing prestigious buildings... View Article

Paving for change

In the ‘new normal’ of the pandemic, outdoor space has taken on new importance, but with the future uncertain, a fresh approach is needed to provide multifunctionality and flexibility to all spaces between buildings. Chris Hodson explains more Apart from... View Article

Aesthetics, performance and buildability

Jonathan Lowy of VMZinc discusses what architects should be looking for when specifying zinc, and its long-standing attributes ranging from aesthetic appeal to maintenance, durability and recyclability If you’re like me, then working from home – or should that be... View Article

Period dramas

Period properties are aplenty in Britain but with their age comes a plethora of issues for architects. Peter Daniel of The Rooflight Company discusses the minutiae that can’t be overlooked when working with historic buildings There is no binding definition... View Article

The answer for high-rise balconies and beyond?

In the wake of Grenfell, Building Regulations have rapidly shifted to a more fire-safe position – Richard Izzard of AliDeck explains how aluminium suppliers have responded quickly to provide an increased range of options for balcony specification Fire safety is... View Article

A platform for hygiene

Sean O’Sullivan of the Platform Lift Company discusses why the future of the industry means creating safer platform lift environments in tandem with meeting demand for sustainable, energy efficient products ‘Lift phobia’ used to be about feeling claustrophobic or fearing... View Article

Will Jenrick’s reforms succeed where others have failed?

HMM news editor and housing consultant Patrick Mooney bemoans the recent ‘revolving door’ of Housing Ministers, and speculates on Robert Jenrick’s chances of success. Every Housing Secretary or Minister that I can remember promises two things – to overhaul the... View Article

The Green Homes Grant – explained

Stewart Thompson of Global Energy Systems looks into the Green Homes Grant, and how small builders can reap the benefits of an increase in energy efficient projects. Following on from the Government’s commitment for the UK to be carbon neutral... View Article