Protect the future with aluminium facades

Simran Thiara from Sotech highlights the opportunities and reasons for building a ‘greener future’ with aluminium rainscreen cladding, as part of an environmentally-conscious approach to futureproofing buildings Sustainability is no longer a mere buzzword; it’s a global imperative towards carbon... View Article

Rewarding sustainability at the Brick Awards 2023

This year’s Brick Awards continues the organisers’ key focus on sustainability, with the Sustainability Award again featuring, following its introduction in 2022. The awards, which are organised by the Brick Development Association will be held at a ceremony at the... View Article

Casting cast stone in a new light

Devanshu Mudgal at Haddonstone explains why the durability of cast stone enables it to play an environmentally-responsible role in a wide range of construction projects For anyone who has stood and marvelled at the beautifully preserved floors within the 4th... View Article

Led by heritage lead

Victoria Ramwell from Kemper System explains the key considerations and advantages of specifying cold-applied liquid waterproofing for historical buildings M any older properties feature different roof shapes with flat roofs – typically seen on extensions, or over porches and dormers. Although... View Article

An air of concern

In the drive towards airtight buildings, to conserve energy and protect the planet, Roy Jones from Gilberts Blackpool warns that the industry is failing to allow users – and the building – their ‘right’ to breathe healthy air  Say ‘indoor... View Article

Going beyond fire compliance

Siderise’s Chris Hall asks whether an approach of merely complying with regulations in specifying passive firestopping in curtain wall systems is good enough, or if specifiers should be looking to other standards Curtain wall systems are typically constructed with a... View Article

How green is your aluminium?

Phil Slinger from the Council for Aluminium in Building provides expert insights on the current green credentials provided by aluminium production, and how EPDs and collaboration are supporting its specification Aluminium has enjoyed an extensive recycling lifespan since its commercialisation... View Article

Durability is the key to sustainable building envelopes

Clare Fenton of the Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) explains why durability must be a priority when specifying metal roofing and cladding panels and systems to deliver sustainable buildings As the physical separator between the interior and the... View Article

Practice Profile: Ackroyd Lowrie

LISTEN HERE In founding their own practice, Oliver Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd were able to pursue their passion for future cities, while applying lessons learned in their shared background as sustainability specialists. They tell ADF’s Laura Shadwell what drives them,... View Article

View Point: Dr Victoria Hutchinson

LISTEN HERE Dr Victoria Hutchinson from AtkinsRealis’ environmental practice explores how impact assessments can help unlock value as well as greater investment in projects – in a more favourable ESG context – and illustrates what this looks like Former Prime... View Article

How do we close the energy performance gap?

LISTEN HERE With a UK housing stock that doesn’t fare well in comparison to other European countries on energy efficiency, what is the solution to the UK’s thermal failings? Simon Blackham from Recticel Insulation explains how the industry is playing... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Bedrooms

Given the need to provide both comfort and functionality, crafting a well-designed bedroom can prove to be quite a challenge. Here we present a collection of products to assist you in creating a truly inviting and efficient sanctuary that you... View Article

Splashes of colour in the bathroom

Sophie Weston of Geberit explores some of the current interior styling trends – and how they can be recreated in your bathroom People across the UK have adopted an ‘improve not move’ mindset this year as they make more savvy... View Article

The future of green space heating

As the nation strives towards hitting net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the Heat Pump Association outlines the benefits and considerations for adopting heat pumps in our homes, and looks at current Government incentives Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular... View Article

Open up the potential for big savings

Rachael Munby from Anglian Home Improvements shares her insights on how switching to energy efficient windows could help homeowners save up to £1,800 on their energy bills – while adding greater value to properties With the cost of living showing... View Article

A leap of faith

Renovation novices Claire and Marco were sure they didn’t want a ‘project’ house, but they ended up taking a leap of faith to complete a transformation that realised the true potential of their site TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES PHILIP WADGE... View Article

A greener burn when you go off-grid

With solid fuel burning remaining in demand for home heating in rural and off-grid settings, Bruce Allen of HETAS and Woodsure offers guidance for more eco-friendly choices, while cautioning on the importance of maintenance Solid fuel burning is undoubtedly high... View Article

Pump up your indoor air quality

Clarissa Youden, associate director at Total Home Environment, provides a guide to ventilating an energy-efficient, airtight home, going beyond MVHR with heat pump ventilation technology People spend 70% of their time at home, meaning they breathe over 10,000 litres of... View Article

A clean break in Cornwall

When professional artists Pippa Young and David Mankin saw a sub-standard bungalow for sale on the Cornish coast, they decided to leave a lifetime of period properties behind and build a minimalist masterpiece TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES ANTHONY GREENWOOD/DAVEY CONSTRUCTION... View Article