Better safety by design

Ben Meek of the Smoke Control Association (SCA) looks at significant upcoming changes to building codes with respect to design for smoke ventilation The British Standard code of practice BS 9991:2015 – ‘Fire Safety in the design, management and use... View Article

Going with the MMC flo

Amanda Mills from Saniflo discusses how pumps can facilitate water discharge from bathrooms and washrooms in a modular building when gravity drainage is not possible – or commercially viable  Modular buildings have never been so popular. For domestic, commercial and... View Article

Aesthetic access control: a balancing act

Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware explains why architects and design teams need to find the right balance between aesthetics, functionality and security when specifying access control systems on projects Following innovation and integration over the past decade, access control... View Article

Paving the way for change

With demand for new build housing increasing, Michael Davies from AG explains how new legislation will add leverage for architects to benefit from specifying SuDS SuDS represent a collection of strategies, management practices, structures, and design solutions that drain surface... View Article

Futureproofing our heritage

The restrictions that apply to alterations to listed buildings can be significant and challenging, particularly when it comes to balancing energy efficiency and condensation control, as Callum Anderson from A. Proctor Group explains Protecting listed buildings is about more than... View Article

SENDing a message on design for better inclusivity

LISTEN HERE Catherine Ward from HLM Architects explores the key principles of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) design and their importance for ensuring that every school pupil has a chance to thrive and reach their full potential The past... View Article

Uniting for a net zero future

LISTEN HERE When like-minded people come together with a common purpose, great things can happen. And what could be a more critical reason to do so now, than the need to secure a net-zero future for ourselves and generations to... View Article

Ask the Architect: Marion Room

LISTEN HERE Marion Room, the new director running DMWR Architects’ Manchester studio, answers ADF’s questions on future plans to grow the practice in the north west, and her personal goals What made you want to become an architect? I was... View Article

The heritage is in the detail

Andy Sharlot, chief designer at IG Masonry Support, explains how a mixed use scheme in south London required a high level of detail to achieve an authentic brickwork look that complemented repurposed Victorian structures The restoration and transformation of Victorian... View Article

View Point: Tom Dollard of Pollard Thomas Edwards

Architect Tom Dollard from Pollard Thomas Edwards looks at the likely impact of an AECOM-led research project into creating affordable low carbon housing at scale, highlighting the potential but also the serious barriers that remain Building for 2050 is a... View Article

Beware the dark side

Johanna Elvidge from Marshalls explores new findings that reveal how users’ perceptions of safety in public spaces change depending on the time of day, and how specifiers need to take this into account During winter months, streets and public spaces... View Article

A clear-cut case for glass

While the uninterrupted aesthetics of glass balustrades make them undeniably appealing, there are several considerations to be aware of from a safety and installation viewpoint, as Simon Boocock of CRL explains Glass is a trending material for stairs and balustrades,... View Article

Heating that’s fit for the future

The radiator industry has responded to the challenge posed by lower temperature heating systems using renewable methods, as Chris Harvey from Stelrad Radiators explains The development of lower temperature heating systems, utilising renewable heating appliances – such as ground source... View Article

A fix for high performance

Paul Brown from Swifix looks at the development of new EWI solutions that avoid old timber methods and combine performance with aesthetic appeal The external wall insulation industry has accelerated in importance for architects, developers, contractors and consumers alike, and... View Article

Practice Profile: Benedetti Architects

LISTEN HERE Although only established in 2016, London-based Benedetti Architects already has a clutch of high-profile projects under its belt. ADF’s Tom Boddy speaks to the practice’s founder Renato Benedetti about the journey so far Renato Benedetti’s background is, he... View Article

Back up to the surface in ‘23

LISTEN HERE A well-established part of the design calendar for nearly 20 years, the Surface Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre from 7-9 February to again showcase the best in materials innovation for specifiers The Surface Design Show... View Article

Futurebuild: sustainable ideas & inspiration

LISTEN HERE Taking place from 7-9 March at London’s ExCeL, Futurebuild’s three day programme will educate and inform across the entire spectrum of sustainability issues “Reaching net zero by 2050 is no simple task and no one person or company... View Article

A virtually perfect balance

Anthony Day at IMA Architects explains how the practice is pioneering the emerging concept of the Digital Twin, and proving how it can enable architects to hit the balance between efficiency and sustainability on projects As architects, the art of... View Article

The timber-paved road to zero

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association explores the vital importance of timber in construction on the path to net zero, but also the associated importance for specifiers of quality assurance and competency In recent decades timber has faced greater... View Article

The hot topic

With the UK breaking temperature records while homes become increasingly air tight, James Healey from the Institute of Acoustics looks at hitting the tricky balance between overheating and external noise This summer saw the hottest temperatures the UK has ever... View Article