What is IAQ and how do we measure it?

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, but what... 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

Tiled hygiene

The pandemic has thrown the spotlight on issues of hygiene as never before; The Tile Association explains tiled surfaces’ wide applications for helping achieve clean, healthy environments. Tiles are a durable and aesthetic solution for walls and floors in domestic... View Article

Improvements in the kitchen

Dave Mayer of Reginox UK looks into how current kitchen trends will affect what’s installed in the new wave of home improvements predicted to occur. When planning for 2020, no one could possibly have predicted what the reality would turn... View Article

No time to waste

Carole Armstrong from Delabie provides specification advice to help schools increase hygiene levels while reducing water wastage, especially following building closures during the pandemic Social distancing, hand hygiene, Legionella prevention – the new academic year poses some serious challenges. Welcoming... View Article

Permanent protection

With the increased use of outside educational spaces now acutely in focus, Fraser Dixon from Fordingbridge explores how they can be specified with more robust solutions that support social distancing Following the full reopening of schools and colleges following the... View Article

A new era for acoustics?

As schools return to some sort of normality, the time is right to examine the upcoming changes to acoustics standards, says Paul Absolon from CMS Danskin Acoustics For the uninitiated, BB93 performance standards are a government initiative created to ensure... View Article

Flat-out waterproofing success

Victoria Ramwell of Kemper System explains how liquid waterproofing solutions offer the long-term solutions that education buildings need for flat roofs, and the key considerations for specifiers Whether as part of a refurbishment or new build, waterproofing flat roofs on... View Article

Watertight concepts

Christopher Burbridge from Delta Membranes looks at the importance of concrete in below ground waterproofing, and the key factors for achieving a robust specification The restrictions Covid-19 will inflict on the construction industry, and how the pandemic might influence how... View Article

Cradle to compliance

Peter Rigby at Cellecta proposes a simple way to achieve high levels of acoustic insulation to meet Part E in concrete floors, while providing acceptable tolerances It is not uncommon to experience uneven substrates in both new and existing concrete floors,... View Article

Closing the gap on acoustic performance

Joe Cilia from finishes and interiors trade body FIS looks at how a new initiative helps improve the quality of interior acoustics through specifying and installing products based on proven and verified test data It is in all our interests... View Article

A safe bet for aesthetics and efficiency

With efficiency and aesthetics and well as safety being top priorities in domestic settings, Mark Lester of Hörmann UK discusses the key features fire doors need to have for residential projects The safety and security of property and its occupants... View Article

Cladding fit for the future

With the Government targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Paul Richards from Aquarian Cladding Systems looks at why brick cladding systems might prove to be an ideal solution With architects under pressure to be cleaner, faster, and safer, one of... View Article