David Hoyle of Hoyles Electronic Developments discusses the fire risks in students accommodation, as well the possible solutions including combatting false alarms The last thing students off to university will be thinking of is fire safety. Shared accommodation such as university... View Article

Laura Keily of Accsys Group summarises three of the most common materials when planning decking and discusses some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing your preferred route In January 2019, the Global Decking Market... View Article

Mark Crowsley of Cellecta discusses the continued need for large new schools to install underfloor heating floating floor solutions that achieve excellent acoustic performance as well as efficiency Schools can be noisy environments – excessive background noise, loud corridors, and... View Article

With eco-friendly materials fast becoming rising stars in the world of interiors, Lindsay Appleton of Architextural discusses the many benefits of using architectural films and how they can refurbish existing surfaces. Gone are the days when wrapping was exclusive to... View Article

It’s a given that schools need good quality daylight for good learning environments; Tony Isaac of Brett Martin explains why enabling natural light to enter has never been more important Good quality daylight is a readily available and sustainable natural... View Article

Eliot Warrington of Solarcrest explains how airtightness will affect any building, whether clients want to build a certified Passivhaus or just meet Building Regulations UK Building Regulations are really promoting airtightness and it’s now mandatory to pressure test every new... View Article

Architects are under increasing pressure to ensure the comfort of building occupants – particularly regarding acoustics. Will Jones of Ecophon discusses how acoustic solutions can be included within the design of the building without sacrificing the aesthetic From sales of... View Article

Danny Birrel of Kawneer advises on how to design curtain wall facades to accommodate building movement Land-pressed developers are increasingly turning to high-rise buildings to deliver best footprint value but the interaction between the facade of a building, particularly a tall... View Article

Adrian Pargeter of Kingspan Insulation looks at the new guidance underpinning an increased focus on wellness in education environments, and the overall impact that thermal comfort has on students’ learning Keeping students focused on the task in hand is a... View Article

David Strong of consultancy Curtins discusses how education institutions are responding to increased student expectations, and the current trends which are driving the design of education facilities It’s no secret that to be popular with students and therefore be considered... View Article

Michael Barker of Stephen George + Partners discusses why architects need to have a better understanding of the requirements of developers, contractors and tenants As architects, Stephen George + Partners has decades of experience designing offices – sometimes we do... View Article

Imran Kassim from architecture and building consultancy practice AHR discusses the opportunities ‘modern methods of construction’ offer the education sector in meeting its tough building targets, and the architect’s role in delivering successful projects Demand for high-quality new schools and... View Article

Claudia Iannantuoni from fast-growing commercial and residential practice gpad answers ADF’s questions on what makes her tick Why did you become an architect? I come from Brianza, northern Italy, an area with many interior design and furnishing workshops. My uncle... View Article

Professor Steve Goodhew of the University of Plymouth reports on the CobBauge project, which is seeking to bring a traditional sustainable building material up to date and into line with thermal Building Regulations Building using earth in its unfired form... View Article

Tanzeela Yasin of IQ Glass explains the aesthetic benefits of including frameless glass balustrades in your project, but also the safety considerations that you need to take into account. Frameless glass balustrades are becoming a popular glazing feature across many... View Article

Lee Dunderdale of Bradstone spells out everything you need to know about block paving a driveway, from planning, design and excavation through to the key aspects of installation, and finishing touches For those who have embarked upon a self-build or... View Article

Paul Bailey of Grohe UK offers tips to self-builders on how to add a luxurious feel to your bathroom, whether you’re working to a tight budget, or you are ready to ‘splash some cash’ The term ‘luxury bathroom’ is no... View Article

Adrian Wild, founder of Integro Construction Software, looks at why smaller housebuilders and developers are missing out on practical BIM software solutions which could bring a range of benefits. Feature-heavy CAD and Building Information Modelling software products are popular with... View Article

In the wake of the Hackitt review, Paul King of Vicaima explains the changing landscape around fire doors. Government departments are poring over technical data and preparing new directives, and trade bodies are examining every aspect of potential market implications.... View Article