Cradle to zero

LISTEN HERE Mike Vaczi from Soprema UK discusses how applying circular economy principles in roofing specification can help achieve net zero As part of the UK Government’s 2021 strategy to achieve net zero in the built environment (meaning the amount... View Article

Capitalising on copper

Simon Walker from SIG Zinc & Copper shares his knowledge and insight into the benefits and approach to using copper in builds For designers and architects, selecting the most appropriate solution for cladding or roofing involves finding a balance between... View Article

Sizing up steel roofing tiles

David Padmore from Metrotile UK Ltd explores the versatile world of lightweight metal roofing systems: what they look like and their uses Even in these enlightened times, many people in the construction sector mention a ‘metal’ roofing system and they... View Article

Think zinc

  Jonathan Lowy of VMZinc looks at the precise requirements of a complex metal roof and addresses the aesthetics and challenges involved The new library at Magdalene College in Cambridge – designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects – sits next to... View Article

Security without compromise

STS202 is changing the game for security standards across the construction sector. Ash Pearson from Jack Aluminium talks us through the specification and what security benefits it can offer for buildings Security should always be a concern, but never an... View Article

Timeless architectural copper

  Copper continues to intrigue and inspire architects. With limitless possibilities for innovative contemporary design, copper also provides exemplary recyclability, sustainability and longevity explains Chris Hodson from Aurubis As one of our oldest building materials, copper’s unique, timeless architectural qualities... View Article

Combinations unlocked

Combining cladding with stone, brick and other materials on residential facades can create character and have effective results, as Lisa Grosse from Cedral explains Contemporary houses are particularly suitable for combining cladding materials – we are seeing a shift away... View Article

Challenges & opportunities

Dennis Milligan from the British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers Association gives his view on the ups and downs for the stove and chimney/flue industries currently The regulatory framework for construction is changing; from the Building Safety Act to the Building... View Article

There’s more to floors

Manufacturers can help specifiers navigate their carpet choices to help underpin sustainability aims, says Becky Gordon from Interface Building sustainably is a challenge that applies at a macro level across entire projects. However, there’s no silver bullet; it’s ultimately achieved... View Article

Practice Profile: Scott Brownrigg

Consistently ranked among the leading UK architectural practices, Scott Brownrigg have grown steadily and diversified over the decades. Tom Boddy speaks to CEO Darren Comber about how they have evolved while nurturing talent internally Scott Brownrigg’s origins date back over... View Article

The compliance balancing act

Balancing air quality and guidance with meeting energy and carbon reduction metrics can be a challenge. Ian Rogers from Gilberts Blackpool offers compliance advice  Designers and specifiers of HVAC are facing a raft of new, diverse issues to address, prompting... View Article

Offsite technology innovation

Taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 20-21 September, Offsite Expo is the home of innovative offsite building and digital construction technologies Offsite technology is now seen as the most important solution to overcome many of the challenges... View Article

The roof event returns

The Roofing Cladding and Insulation (RCI) Show has announced that registrations for the specialist construction event held at Stadium MK, Milton Keynes on 18-19 October, are now open, enabling visitors to enjoy a face-to-face experience Over the years, the RCI Show... View Article

Celebrate culture change

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Visitor registration for UK Construction Week Birmingham is now live, as the mammoth three-day show returns to the NEC from 4-6 October UKCW Birmingham 2022 will “celebrate culture change in construction” with three days of debate and... View Article

View Point: Sonia Travis of Nordan

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Following June’s significant changes to Part L, Nordan’s Sonia Travis reviews the implications for window specification, and aluminium-clad timber in particular The state-of-the-art demonstration COP26 Zero-Carbon House at last year’s international COP26 climate conference in Glasgow was... View Article

A durable sustainability case

Sustainability needs to encompass long-term durability factors in addition to embodied energy to provide an accurate picture. Keith Aldis of BDA (Brick Development Association) explains how achieving this bolsters the eco case for brick When considering the materials that may... View Article

The changing faces of facades

Philip West from Spanwall discusses the future of facades and how technology and legislation have created a new set of design expectations throughout the industry In the wake of unprecedented change, manufacturing firms across the globe are being forced to... View Article

Sustainable fire safety

Kelly Westwood from Knauf Insulation discusses the critical need to combine fire safety and sustainability in buildings of the future COP26 in Glasgow brought a renewed focus and urgency to the long-term sustainability of the built environment. This is reflected... View Article

Striking a balance

The importance of ventilation and ensuring a healthy and comfortable interior environment is an essential part of building design. Andy Moul from Construction Specialties (CS) looks at factors which need to be taken into consideration when specifying external louvres as part... View Article