Specifying lintels for the energy savvy

Steel lintels can have a crucial impact on a project, especially when it comes to addressing energy conservation. Richard Price, Technical Director at Catnic, provides a useful overview to help architects make a well-informed decision. No matter what type, size, scale... View Article
Net-Zero Educational Buildings – A lesson to learn

A lesson to learn

Creating educational buildings with zero energy usage and carbon footprints is perfectly possible. So why aren’t we building more? Neil Smith of design firm UK Energy Partners shares his thoughts. There’s no doubt the way we design and construct buildings consumes... View Article

Knowledge is power

Teachers know schools best and their input can be vital during a redesign. Pellings partner Nicolas Maari argues for the benefits of encouraging teachers to have a say in the design of UK schools. The soaring demand for school places... View Article
Washroom

The convenience of co-ordination

Architects are increasingly looking to tie washroom design into the overall look of a building’s interior – and high-spec products are becoming more commonplace. Trevor Bowers of Washroom Washroom explores the diverse range of solutions on offer. By continually pushing... View Article
Insulation: Bridging the performance gap

Bridging the performance gap

The movement to build ‘eco’ has led to greater focus on the importance of insulation, but the industry needs to ensure projects are built ‘as designed’ says Recticel’s Peter Wilcox. The final Evidence Review Report produced by the Zero Carbon... View Article

Structural glazing: Reshaping the modern skyline

As technology evolves, glass continues to be seen at the core of many exciting and iconic buildings, enabling achitects to achieve their goals. Phil Savage of Pilkington discusses the growing importance of glass in modern building design. A look across... View Article

Opinion: Carbon neutrality – a norm, not an aspiration

Earlier this year the Government scrapped its zero carbon homes plan – again. Darren Evans outlines why architects and developers must not abandon the zero carbon agenda. In May of this year the Government overruled the House of Lords and scrapped the... View Article

The power of vaults

Jeremy Cassady of Securikey looks at how modular vault systems can provide an effective, easy-to-install bespoke system for high security applications. When clients are storing expensive equipment and valuables, sensitive documents and drugs or chemicals, the risks are extremely high, both in... View Article
Social housing: Shaping spaces for people

SITE LINES – Shaping spaces for people

Architect and professor Fabrizio Rossi Prodi offers five principles for creating residential developments with rich and diverse opportunities for social interaction as well as a distinctive character, with a particular focus on social housing. A research project on social housing... View Article

Practice Profile – BuckleyGrayYeoman

BuckleyGrayYeoman is a name that is increasingly heard in connection with award-winning projects, as Norman Hayden discovers. Over the past 20 years BuckleyGrayYeoman has developed a growing reputation for delivering high-quality design that has been acknowledged by a number of... View Article

Opening up the possibilities

Garage doors have improved hugely in recent years as the value placed on them by homeowners has increased. David O’Mara of Hörmann looks at the different options available and how to decide which is best for you Garage doors have... View Article

Embracing nature

Garden designer Elaine James and her antique dealer husband Ian used their combined skills to design a tranquil home around the ever-changing view of the north Yorkshire countryside. It can be blowing a gale across the field at the back... View Article

Smart answers on smart homes

Ben Johnson, director of Powertrac Electrical Services, a Berkshire-based smart home and electrical contractor, answers some of the frequently asked questions on smart homes. What is a smart home? In short, a smart home intelligently automates and allows you to... View Article

RIBA shows support for custom and self-build

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has shown support for custom and self-build in its latest policy document: Housing Matters: 20 Ways to Tackle the Housing crisis. In a bid to help improve the housing market, RIBA has listed... View Article