A flexible future for BNG compliance

Katy Davis at Carter Jonas (London) argues that, a year after biodiversity net gain became mandatory, flexibility is essential to ensure onsite ambition aligns with offsite realities and genuine ecological outcomes. A year after the introduction of mandatory biodiversity net gain... View Article

Building ‘beyond zero’

Rob East of Newland Homes, explains how the Gloucestershire housebuilder took a “conviction-based” decision to redefine its design approach beyond the norm to provide climate-resilient, and even carbon-negative homes. It was our development director, Jeremy Drew, who first raised the... View Article

Suffragette City

A development onsite in London’s Tower Hamlets creates a new neighbourhood on where Suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst first proposed improvements to conditions in the East End, over a century ago. Roseanne Field reports. In Bromley-By-Bow in the London Borough of Tower... View Article

The point of WCs in BREEAM

David Davis of MEP engineer G&H says that with BREEAM remaining a well-used method for assessing sustainability goals, choosing the right product choices for earning points needs to be a prority, and why toilets are a key component. Achieving higher... View Article

Why modern wood burning stoves belong in Future Homes

Erica Malkin of the Stove Industry Association explains why modern wood burning stoves offer architects a low carbon, resilient secondary heat source for sustainable home design, and one which is now backed by policy. As the UK moves toward net... View Article

An education in colour

It is well known that colour can have a profound impact on building occupants; Dawn Scott at Dulux Trade explains how in educational environments, it can be used to enhance learning and wellbeing for students. Across the built environment, colour... View Article

The embodiment of quality?

Reyan Clarey of CA Group discusses the challenge facing the industry of balancing embodied carbon targets against design quality in the race to net zero. Decision makers are looking for a simple metric by which to measure products’ sustainability credentials.... View Article

Reporting on the future

Dorothe Kessels and Thomas Eurlings of Forbo Flooring Systems discuss how trend reports are helping to shape the future of design, helping architects create spaces that meet modern expectations and inspire creativity. Trends are a crucial part of the architectural... View Article

Don’t overlook thermal breaks

Paul Beech of Armatherm discusses the importance of understanding where thermal bridging can occur in housebuilding projects, such as around balconies, and why the solutions available should not be overlooked. When you think of thermal bridging, it’s most common that... View Article

Warm words

Jonathan Ducker of Kingspan Insulation explores how warm roof construction combined with advanced insulation materials can help meet our ambitious energy targets without compromising internal space. In the next few months, the final text for the Future Homes Standard (FHS)... View Article

Dealing with damp

Stephen Boulton at F. Ball & Co. Ltd. provides crucial advice to guard against the problems caused by excess subfloor moisture when installing floor coverings. Unchecked subfloor moisture, whether residual construction moisture or rising damp, can attack flooring adhesives and... View Article

Bathroom innovation for modern living

Tom Farrent of Lecico Bathrooms discusses the latest innovations in bathroom design and technology for modern homes, which put the focus on sustainability, performance, and future-proofing. Ask developers what challenges they have, and you’ll get familiar answers: legislation, buyer expectations,... View Article

Making the right splash

With the desire to develop sustainable solutions increasing, managing water usage is more important than ever. Sophie Weston of Twyford takes a look at recent water-saving innovations. Water scarcity is a growing global concern, and buildings play a crucial role... View Article

Affordable warmth that works

Richard Brown of Electrorad UK explores the advantages of high heat retention storage heaters, and the compelling benefits they offer both landlords and tenants. As UK winters become longer and energy prices continue to rise, providing reliable, cost-effective warmth is... View Article

Safer homes, by law

With the dawning of Awaab’s Law, social landlords will need to adhere to a new set of regulations to ensure building occupants remain as safe as possible in their homes. Dulux Trade explains more about the legislation and how landlords... View Article

A guide to fire & CO protection

Jennifer Bickford from Aico highlights the critical importance of proper installation and regular maintenance of life saving alarms, emphasising their role in protecting lives and ensuring long term safety in social housing properties. Designing a home plays a pivotal role... View Article

Who pays for building safety?

Chris Hemmings from the London office of estate agent Carter Jonas gets down to brass tacks on the incoming Building Safety Levy, and its impact on housing providers. He asks whether it runs the risk of further slowing the delivery... View Article

Structural timber: a smart choice

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) looks at timber as a sustainable, low-carbon building choice, increasingly popular among UK self-builders for its environmental and practical benefits. In recent years, structural timber has emerged as the material of choice... View Article

Beyond the looking glass

Al and Lily Chen’s renovated and extended Edwardian home is a masterclass in space and light. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES WILLIAM TOZER ASSOCIATES “We were looking for a family home with potential for expansion,” explains Lily Chen, who has two... View Article