Led by heritage lead

Victoria Ramwell from Kemper System explains the key considerations and advantages of specifying cold-applied liquid waterproofing for historical buildings M any older properties feature different roof shapes with flat roofs – typically seen on extensions, or over porches and dormers. Although... View Article

An air of concern

In the drive towards airtight buildings, to conserve energy and protect the planet, Roy Jones from Gilberts Blackpool warns that the industry is failing to allow users – and the building – their ‘right’ to breathe healthy air  Say ‘indoor... View Article

Going beyond fire compliance

Siderise’s Chris Hall asks whether an approach of merely complying with regulations in specifying passive firestopping in curtain wall systems is good enough, or if specifiers should be looking to other standards Curtain wall systems are typically constructed with a... View Article

How green is your aluminium?

Phil Slinger from the Council for Aluminium in Building provides expert insights on the current green credentials provided by aluminium production, and how EPDs and collaboration are supporting its specification Aluminium has enjoyed an extensive recycling lifespan since its commercialisation... View Article

Durability is the key to sustainable building envelopes

Clare Fenton of the Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) explains why durability must be a priority when specifying metal roofing and cladding panels and systems to deliver sustainable buildings As the physical separator between the interior and the... View Article

Practice Profile: Ackroyd Lowrie

LISTEN HERE In founding their own practice, Oliver Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd were able to pursue their passion for future cities, while applying lessons learned in their shared background as sustainability specialists. They tell ADF’s Laura Shadwell what drives them,... View Article

View Point: Dr Victoria Hutchinson

LISTEN HERE Dr Victoria Hutchinson from AtkinsRealis’ environmental practice explores how impact assessments can help unlock value as well as greater investment in projects – in a more favourable ESG context – and illustrates what this looks like Former Prime... View Article

How do we close the energy performance gap?

LISTEN HERE With a UK housing stock that doesn’t fare well in comparison to other European countries on energy efficiency, what is the solution to the UK’s thermal failings? Simon Blackham from Recticel Insulation explains how the industry is playing... View Article

Why the industry must achieve timber integration

With mounting pressure on the Government to support and facilitate the increased use of timber in construction for sustainability and other reasons, it’s important that all stakeholders seek a more collaborative approach to deliver effective ‘timber integration.’ Andrew Orriss of... View Article

Take care with flooring

With environment heavily influencing health and wellbeing, Ashley Hooper from Joseph Hamilton Seaton discusses how the specification of care home flooring can aid wayfinding, provide visual stimulation, and boost social connectedness Conjure up in your mind the image of a... View Article

UK Construction Week calls on the industry to act

Innovative, inspirational and progressive, UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham returns for its ninth year this autumn, with a ‘call to action’ for the sector to set its own agenda rather than wait for the Government to respond.  The UK’s largest... View Article

Airing ventilated cladding’s healthy set of benefits

Rockpanel’s Mark Snowden outlines the benefits of ventilated cladding buildups, in terms of the affect on fire safety performance in the wake of Grenfell Tower, as well as how such systems can benefit internal environmental quality in projects The Grenfell... View Article

Primary colours

Jemma Saunders from Crown Paints shares tips on using colour in primary school design so that spaces are easier to navigate for young children’s wellbeing Designing a primary school is a tough balancing act; educational spaces must encourage creativity, inspire... View Article

Bringing a sense of theatre to Devon flood defences

LISTEN HERE Paul Hargreaves from Jacobs describes how the firm innovated a flood defence project in Sidmouth to create a dual-use amphitheatre for residents, as an amenity which enhanced the environment while helping protect them from future floods The Sidmouth... View Article

A performance-based approach to energy modelling & rating

LISTEN HERE Shikha Bhardwaj from Hawkins\Brown looks at the changing conversation around energy, and the shift from ‘designing for compliance’ to ‘designing for performance,’ as embodied in the increasingly popular NABERS approach The conversation around energy is changing. The energy... View Article

Solutions for Compliance: Part L and beyond

We staged our first industry round table a month before the legal requirement was brought in for all new dwellings to comply with the new Part L of the Building Regulations, which requires them to produce 31% fewer carbon emissions... View Article

Rooflights with the authentic touch

Keeret Eden from The Rooflight Company discusses retrofitting rooflights to heritage properties to deliver the latest thermal performance standards while also improving user experience Retrofitting describes not only an intention to renovate but also to reduce the energy and carbon... View Article

Sensitive to urban safety

New legislation in the form of Martyn’s Law means that organisations which operate venues and locations where people gather will have a duty to prevent terrorist attacks. Mark Stone from Securiscape discusses the architect’s role in the UK’s ongoing campaign... View Article

Getting to grips with Part L

A year on from the latest, and highly significant, changes to Part L in England, Chris Pateman of Engineered Panels in Construction (EPIC), explores why the current requirements are so important, and what specifiers need to know going forward now... View Article