An altogether different glass

Increasingly used in modern railway station design, security glass is not only an aesthetically useful material, it helps to make these busy public spaces safer. Ray Philpott reports. The UK’s railway stations are visibly benefiting from significant overall investment in the... View Article

Design versus functionality

Jon Palethorpe, commercial director at Sapa Building Systems, examines the growing trend for using aluminium curtain walling systems and explains why they’ve become integral to contemporary architectural design . Creating beautiful and striking buildings that are also innovative and push... View Article

Mount Pleasant Mail Centre sorted

For Boyes Rees, architects working on the project to redevelop London’s historic Mount Pleasant Mail Centre, the differing styles in the external envelope were to present a challenge, particularly with regard to the windows and glazing. Steve Menary reports. The Mount... View Article

Gehry’s Parisian Dream

Featuring 12 giant glass and steel ‘sails’, the £80 million Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Foundation for Creation in Paris is arguably Frank Gehry’s most structurally daring project to date, requiring a plethora of innovative construction products and technologies to realise.... View Article

The design options for internal glazing

The design options available for internal glazing are as wide as the design options available on the external face of a building, but there are two clear trends emerging at the moment and they sit at opposite ends of the... View Article

Making the right choice

In influencing the choice of heating and ventilation systems architects can ensure these systems support their designs while delivering optimum building performance. Phil Brompton of Powrmatic explains: As regulations require improved thermal performance of buildings – through better thermal insulation... View Article

Single ply roofing systems – a sustainable alternative to metal

Hard-wearing and aesthetically pleasing, metal roof surfaces have long been a popular choice for refurbishments and new builds alike. However, these systems also include a number of potential drawbacks. Paul Martin, architectural sales manager at Langley Waterproofing Systems Ltd, looks... View Article

SFS systems: improving insulation while saving space

The demand for increasing levels of thermal performance is driven by both the market and regulatory pressures and can be answered by innovations in Structural Framing Systems (SFS) technology, writes Knauf The advantages of SFS methods of construction in terms... View Article

Putting train manufacturing back on track

This summer a new factory opens in the North East of England – the first large-scale railway train building facility to be built in Britain for more than a century. Ray Philpott finds out what makes it special. Aswathe of... View Article

The art of stairs

Architectural engineering elegance and intelligent design integrates into its surrounding environment transforming architecture into art. CANAL Architectural explores the art of stairs. Every piece of architecture should be as unique as the person who initially designed it. The ability to... View Article

Handy Cross hub development

In Wycombe, proposals from the district council are heavily focused on retail and the authority is hoping that by taking control itself of the flagship £150 million Handy Cross development, that this will change perceptions of the Buckinghamshire town. By... View Article

A new dimension: Adapting design for educational environments

By Robert Mustoe, managing director of the Senator Group Understanding the importance of individuality is paramount, whether it’s in an educational environment or a Silicon Valley boardroom. By personalising the ways in which we approach tasks, we increase the potential... View Article

Abode – urban living in a rural setting

Joint winner of the Sunday Times British Homes Awards’ Development of the Year (with more than 100 homes) Countryside’s Abode community proves that volume housing does not have to look and feel like a faceless executive estate This exemplary development,... View Article

Jury out on need for further housing standards

It was confirmed at the recent Housing Standards Review briefing that the government would consider implementing further standards or regulations in the future if the review process identifies the need. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) head of... View Article

Eight steps to the perfect roof

SIG Design & Technology’s Sales Director Ross Finnie outlines how the perfect roof can be built using a structured approach to roof design and specification. He offers useful guidance which you can apply time and time again to ensure maximum... View Article