The great retrofit challenge

Retrofitting the UK’s ageing homes is now an urgent priority. Simon Storer of the Insulation Manufacturers Association highlights the challenges and opportunities of meeting evolving safety, sustainability, and efficiency standards through effective insulation solutions. It is well known that the... View Article

Renewed liveability

Post-Grenfell, the fire safety agenda puts the focus on facade design. Sandra Rubiano of AESG says recladding is a chance to improve sustainability, and overall liveability, and go beyond compliance. In recent years, the post-Grenfell regulatory landscape has rightly placed... View Article

Defying damp: Solving social housing’s mould problem

From October 2025, social landlords must rapidly address serious damp and mould risks. Luke Brooks of Tarmac shows how lime plaster systems are effective as a ‘people-first’ alternative. Social landlords will already be well aware of Section 42 of the... View Article

A higher bar for glass safety in high rise balconies

Andy Lake of Pyroguard explains the impact of the latest Building Regulations & fire safety legislation updates on glazed balconies for high rise buildings. In recent years, fire safety regulations in the construction industry have undergone significant changes, following the... View Article

Futureproof by design

Chris Stammers of the BEAMA’s Underfloor Heating Group explores the key benefits and latest research around low temperature heat emitters, and how they can support specification choices that futureproof residential projects. With the Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHS) due... View Article

Declaring an interest in hitting lower carbon goals

Neil Turner of Ecological Building Systems explores how Environmental Product Declarations are helping the construction industry move towards its goals of low carbon building, by providing verified information on environmental impact. The UK construction industry is working towards achieving net... View Article

Connecting the dots

Tom Reynolds of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association explains why joined-up thinking in bathroom design is vital, and how collaboration across the sector can drive innovation, sustainability, and smarter regulation. It may be a small space in the grand scheme of... View Article

Engineering-out structural emissions early

Jack Brunton and Ioana Price of AECOM explore how designers can redefine carbon calculations by assessing carbon at the early design and optioneering stage. The built environment is a significant contributor to the UK’s carbon emission and is responsible for... View Article

Canary conservation

Ruth Slavid reports on how Buckley Gray Yeoman successfully pursued the most sustainable option for a real estate client in Canary Wharf – reusing one of the site’s original offices with a BREEAM Outstanding refurb, enhanced by some striking cladding.... View Article

Framing your self-build

ecoHaus Windows & Doors’ Craig Luff offers a comprehensive guide for self-builders and renovators on selecting the ideal windows and doors for your home. When starting your self-build project, the decisions made during the planning stages set the tone for... View Article

A stone’s throw

Glen Bacon and Jane Healy have built an annexe suitable for elderly parents in the garden of their listed house, choosing a varied palette of cladding materials which includes limestone and flint. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES SOPHIE BATES ARCHITECTS /... View Article
An inspired choice

An inspired choice

Gwen Williams’ and Patricia Lynch’s Victorian terrace fuses the latest sustainable techniques and materials with inspiration from some iconic 20th century artists. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES FRENCH & TYE To a passer-by, this three bedroom, terraced Victorian home appears no... View Article

A splash of colour

Duravit UK’s Martin Carroll explains how bathroom design has evolved from functional to artistic, with homeowners embracing bold colours, luxurious furnishings, and unique wallpapers. When planning a bathroom scheme, colour is a key consideration. No longer limited to classic white,... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Kitchens & Dining

Few rooms in the house will cost more than the kitchen, making it one of the biggest interior elements of your project. Take inspiration from our selection of kitchen and dining products, from high end units, sinks and taps to... View Article

The gamble pays off

Buying a new home which was too small was a risk that the Leggett family were willing to take. TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ROBERT PERRY Robert and Isla Leggett had been living in Edinburgh’s Leith for 15 years but after... View Article

Make the right connections

24-26 June NEC Birmingham InstallerSHOW is the UK’s must-visit event focusing on sustainability in the built environment, bringing together more than 800 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors across three halls and three days at the NEC Birmingham. In addition to the... View Article

A sustainable mix of grey, green & blue

As the UK targets 1.5 million new homes, sustainable drainage must be part of the plan, says Ben Puddy of Hydro International; he explains how blending blue, green and grey systems can build the perfect drainage mixture to support climate-resilient... View Article

LVT: the sensible flooring choice

Luxury vinyl tiles combine style, durability, and easy maintenance, making them a top flooring choice for modern interiors. Lorna Williams at Amtico shares why it is the perfect solution for new developments. Choosing the right flooring is one of the... View Article