Building airtighness into buildings for long term benefit

Neil Turner, UK Technical Manager at Ecological Building Systems, advises on designing airtight buildings with a focus on vapour openness and protection against moisture damage. “Creating an airtight home is a fundamental part of modern building design, particularly for specifiers... View Article

Preparing for next-level heat networks

Thanks to both innovation and government policy, heat networks are evolving rapidly.  Future-proofing them with low-carbon technologies is responsible investing, argues Jarrad Bedford, Head of Sales – O&M at Insite Energy. Serving multiple buildings from a single heat source, heat... View Article

What the hot melt code of practice means for specifiers

Mike Bradbury, Technical Guidance Manager at the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), discusses the updated Hot Melt Code of Practice and its importance for specifiers. During the past decade, construction industry guidance and practices have evolved significantly and continue... View Article

Using infrared technology to detect damp and mould

Damp and mould remain one of the most persistent issues in UK housing. They affect tenant health, damage buildings, and cost landlords millions each year. Thermal imaging is now one of the most effective ways to find hidden problems early... View Article

Straw wall panels now a sustainable solution for self-builders

Neil Turner, Technical Manager at Ecological Building Systems, looks at how self-builders are increasingly choosing straw wall panels as a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.  “Straw has been utilised as a building material in the UK for thousands of... View Article

Avoiding overheating when using large glazing

How to prevent overheating in glass extensions: Expert tips from Solarlux UK From glass canopies and verandas to wintergardens, bifolding doors and curtain walling, glazed extensions are widely used in UK architecture. Glazed extensions bring many functional and aesthetic advantages... View Article

Why every drop counts: sustainable washroom design

By 2027, all commercial properties in the UK must achieve an EPC rating of C, with a target of B by 2030. Yet, a significant proportion of existing buildings do not meet these standards, driving a major refurbishment boom. For... View Article

The importance of safe staircase design

Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the British Woodworking Federation Stairs are one of the most-used features in a building, yet they present a significant risk of injury through slips, trips, and falls. Research from the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) shows... View Article

Why we need more collaboration

Moving away from adversarial relationships towards greater collaboration has a wide range of benefits. Here, Rekha Thawrani OBE, Global Director, NEC Contracts looks at the use of collaborative contracts in the construction industry and what might be holding back their... View Article

Rethinking energy performance in heritage buildings

By Guy Willis-Robb, Director, Harley Haddow While the built environment races to meet net zero targets, the framework guiding how progress is measured remains worryingly static. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), long the compliance standard for UK buildings, is increasingly... View Article

Future homes, present decisions

What architects need to know about low-carbon heat network The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is no longer on the distant horizon. Neal Herbert, GTC Managing Director looks at how the forthcoming standard is shaping briefs, layouts and procurement decisions on... View Article