Practice Profile: Space Group

LISTEN HERE This Newcastle-based practice has built a reputation around the development of digital design services alongside project commissions, with a particular focus on harnessing the benefits of BIM. CEO Rob Charlton explains its ethos to Laura Shadwell North east... View Article

The power of aluminium

Aluminium door and window systems offer architects an easy way to introduce unique designs to any residential or commercial property. Andrew Cross at Kestrel Aluminium Systems explains how Architects are, by definition, creative thinkers inspired by the way buildings affect... View Article

Powered by good design

Darren Hyde for the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA), outlines how to balance safety, security and accessibility requirements when identifying powered pedestrian door (PPD) solutions for commercial buildings There are a variety of challenges that architects and specifiers need to... View Article

View Point: Oliver Lowrie of Ackroyd Lowrie

LISTEN HERE Oliver Lowrie, director and co-founder at Ackroyd Lowrie shares how his firm is championing new talent, and why greater diversity and inclusivity is essential for safeguarding the future of the industry At Ackroyd Lowrie, we are building a... View Article

The rise and rise of SuDS

Mark Manning of water management specialists SDS discusses upcoming legislation on surface water management, and how SuDS will increasingly be the solution Legislation scheduled for introduction in England next year (presently subject to a period of further consultation and full... View Article

Decked out in aluminium

Harriet Keohane from Saige Premium Composite Products shares essential pointers for architects and designers specifying aluminium decking for new build or retrofit projects, to ensure the safety and functionality of outdoor spaces There are key considerations when it comes to... View Article

Take the lift and slide route

Ryan Thompson from SIEGENIA UK explains why architects need to consider lift and slide doors as an aesthetic and secure alternative to the near-ubiquitous choice of recent years that is bifold doors With the recent hot summers and the events... View Article

Break the mould with thermal breaks for balconies

Thermal bridges in balconies considerably affect the overall thermal transmittance of building envelopes and, according to Nicolas De Vrieze from Leviat, can be the main cause of building defects such as condensation, mould formation, and degradation of materials. Here he... View Article

Ask the Architect: Jerry Ryan

LISTEN HERE As co-founder of London based international architecture and urban design practice HKR Architects, Jerry Ryan shares his passion for the history of architecture, and looks forward to a technological future as the practice celebrates its 30th year What... View Article

Site Lines: A heritage refurb checklist

LISTEN HERE Simon Castle from Chisholm & Winch discusses the varied, but essential considerations that architects need to bear in mind when approaching listed building renovations According to Historic England, there are estimated to be around 500,000 listed buildings on... View Article

Modern heating solutions in higher education

Dawn Simpson of Contour Heating provides some key attributes of modern heating solutions and why it is important to consider them while selecting a heating system for educational premises Choosing the right heating system for educational buildings is essential as... View Article

View Point: Ivanova Konstanca

Ivanova Konstanca from Stride Treglown outlines the benefits and features of a circular economy – one where waste and pollution are eliminated, products and materials are recirculated ‘at their highest value,’ and natural systems are regenerated Circular economy goes beyond... View Article

Streamlined methods

As the construction industry continues to face increased pressures amidst a global skills shortage, Martin Harvey from McAvoy discusses how offsite plus digital innovation remains a key means to streamline the industry’s methods Modern methods of construction (MMC) are disrupting... View Article

Brick’s net zero future

In today’s construction industry, brick forms part of the sustainability argument and the drive towards net zero carbon emissions. Keith Aldis of the Brick Development Association (BDA) explains how manufacturing has evolved Brick is not only one of the most... View Article

Practice Profile: PRP Architects

As PRP marks its 60th anniversary, senior partners Manisha Patel and Brendan Kilpatrick reveal to ADF how a strong ethos around community-led design and collaborative culture has been instrumental to achieving enduring success In the 1960s, the UK was grappling... View Article

Storing up future benefits

Tony Huggins from David Bailey Furniture highlights the importance of the humble cupboard and fitted storage unit within a modern educational setting, and offers some key pointers for architects to consider There is no doubt that schools are striving to... View Article

Educational copper

Copper has seen a dramatic change from its historic place in roofing to a leading role in today’s facades, particularly for academic structures. Here Chris Hodson from Aurubis provides some striking examples With an exceptionally long life, copper requires no... View Article

Keeping cool naturally

Alex Hill from Whitecode Consulting looks at fabric-based approaches to balancing thermal performance and comfort in UK school buildings, in the context of a range of challenges We are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of heat in the UK, and British... View Article

Dialogue by design

Oliver Moore of Design Engine Architects looks at how the design of Sixth Forms is evolving to harness the ability of non-hierarchical classrooms to foster more communal dialogue and learning Dialogue is fundamental to the way that Design Engine Architects... View Article

A sense of renewal

Rohit Sharma from Bona discusses how sustainable, high-performance flooring solutions can be achieved by renewing resilient floors in a variety of sectors Popular due to its low-cost, hard-wearing properties, as well as the ergonomic and acoustic factors, resilient surfaces are... View Article