Practice Profile – Märraum Architects

James Parker spoke to an emerging young practice to find out how they got off the ground in Cornwall, including putting a focus on using virtual reality to give clients exactly what they want. Märraum Architects is an exciting new... View Article

A new dawn: Lambeth Borough Council

Lambeth Council delivered its first directly developed scheme in a decade – including the complex conversion of a heritage building into six social housing flats, writes Teodora Lyubomirova. At first sight, there’s nothing unusual at the corner of the busy... View Article

Refurb to reinvigorate

Updating a bathroom is no easy undertaking, but Chris Tranter of Bristan offers advice on how to tick all the boxes. When it comes to refurbishing social housing, there are several considerations to bear in mind. While the updates should... View Article

Relieving the pressure

Stuart Pearce of GeoSmart Information explains how SuDS can help mitigate the flood risk. Improving the country’s resilience to flooding is driving the need for a new approach to managing surface water runoff. Existing drainage systems and sewers have a... View Article

A network of opportunities

District heating schemes have gained popularity across Europe, but the UK is still trailing in the adoption of this energy-efficient heating method. Louise Howlett of RA Brown explains the benefits. While district heating is widely adopted in Northern Europe, it... View Article

Ready for a climate change

A regeneration charity has gone the extra mile by climate-proofing the external spaces at several social housing estates. Hannah Baker reports. Scientists predict that climate change is likely to bring more extreme weather events to the UK, significantly increasing the... View Article

View from the top

Allan Frizzell of roofing specialists Topseal looks at how innovation in roof coverings has taken the hassle out of flat roof maintenance. Flat roofs have a long history in the UK, and their benefits in terms of affordability and ease... View Article

Locking crime out

Robust door access control is key to a safer community. Tim Rogers of security specialists Key Management Systems reveals the options. Door Access In a world where population numbers are rising rapidly and social pressures change by the day, concerns... View Article

The soft/hard debate

Choosing your flooring is undoubtedly one of the most important elements of a self-build – but should you go for for carpet or hard flooring? Selfbuilder & Homemaker’s Roseanne Field weighs up the pros and cons Choosing the flooring for... View Article

Future Watch – Teodora Lyumbomirova on acoustics

With the housing crisis forcing developers to build homes at higher density, Teodora Lyubomirova examines how architects and clients need to look beyond the limitations of current regulations to achieve good acoustics Since the last substantial change to Approved Document... View Article

View Point – Sonal Rathod from PLP

Sonal Rathod from PLP comments on the impact that Brexit is having on the firm, which currently employs a large number of EU staff. Employees from the EU bring a breadth of international experience and different schools of thought to... View Article

An education in modular buildings

Andy King of Wernick Buildings gives a lesson in how modular construction can delivering the extra space schools need for the future, without added disruption. With pupil numbers in UK schools forecasted to increase over the coming years, space is... View Article

Fifty shades of green

Green roofs have proven benefits but care must be taken when choosing from the different types of systems available, says ZinCo Green Roof Systems director Fabian Kaiser. From creating green havens in concrete-dominated cities to safeguarding the waterproofing system of... View Article

Specifying for high performance

Vernon Charles of Prospec offers a route through the specification minefield for washrooms, its surface materials and storage. Wowing visitors with bespoke design and elaborate finishes in washrooms can boost brand identity and cement a business’ reputation. But while manufacturers... View Article

Securely in control

Electronic access control systems can enhance security by offering a centralised solution to building management. Systems manufacturer Paxton explains further. The protection of employees and assets is a priority for any business, so an adequate access control system can go... View Article

Solid credentials

Brian Newell of Shackerley explains how ceramic granite can transform buildings thanks to a mixture of durability and design versatility. Ventilated facade cladding is well proven and widely used as an aesthetically versatile approach to completing the building envelope, also... View Article

Fire safety in multi-storey buildings is a hot issue

Tim Vincent of Rockwool explains why specifiers should consider non-combustible stone wool insulation in multi-storey buildings. Buildings over 18 metres in height present numerous challenges when it comes to insulation requirements and fire safety standards. Given that most fires occur... View Article

Sealing the deal of airtightness

Iain Fairnington of the A.Proctor Group, discusses how the performance of the building envelope can be improved through airtight membranes. The need for airtightness is driven by the global challenge to reduce carbon emissions and the drive to create more... View Article

Lighting the way – smart solutions for social housing

Andy Davies, head of business development and specification at lighting specialists Harvard Technology, explains how one of the UK’s largest operators of affordable housing, Peabody, gave tenants improved and safer lighting across its estate, whilst delivering significant financial savings, reductions in... View Article

Traditional style meets modern standards

Tony Wereszczynski of Marley Alutec explains how to achieve the right balance in rainwater and eaves specification when dealing with heritage-style properties. Heritage-style buildings can pose challenges for developers, especially when they are tasked with finding the balance between traditional... View Article