Early stakeholder engagement matters

Richard Tocher at Permarock explains how facade system suppliers can bring greater benefits if engaged at the earliest stages of new build or refurb projects. It’s well understood that an externally insulated facade, when properly designed and installed, can yield... View Article

Do wood burning stoves belong in future homes?

Ben Paul of Neu Architects puts his case for why he believes architects should not specify wood burning stoves as part of future homes, based on the reality of their use. As the UK moves toward net zero and cleaner,... View Article

Architects need to network

Josh Collins at Altecnic Ltd explains the vital role of heat networks in the UK’s journey towards net zero and how architects could be key to ensuring their adoption. The UK’s Energy Act 2023 paved the way for a new... View Article

Practice Profile: CPMG Architects

This established education sector specialist was transformed following a management buyout, embracing innovation and a people-focused culture, as Kim Neville reports. Founded in Nottingham in 1997, CPMG has undergone a profound transformation, accelerated by a pivotal management buyout in 2011.... View Article

How landscape architecture futureproofs urban spaces

Kinley’s Sol Russel assesses the importance of utilising sustainable urban design solutions – to mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and create more liveable urban environments. While sustainability is rapidly becoming a major consideration of building design... View Article

Upwardly-mobile inclusivity

Rebecca Goldsmith at Knauf explains how expectations are now higher for inclusive bathrooms in high-rise multi-occupancy buildings, which are often where requirements for safety, acoustics, thermal performance and durability are tested. High-rise multi-occupancy buildings (HRMOs) now face unique regulatory obligations... View Article

Call to action at Futurebuild ‘26

Under the headline theme of ‘Connect’, Futurebuild 2026 is shining a light on the need for collective action in order to drive sustainable change, strengthen competitive standing and support a thriving built environment. There are a raft of heavyweight partners... View Article

View Point: Sean Ronnie Hill

Passivhaus architect Sean Ronnie Hill explains how simple passive design measures plus AECB-aligned targets could be the key to cutting peak summer loads in UK homes. For all the attention given to heat pumps, smart home dashboards and active cooling... View Article

All inclusive

A new SEND school in Stockport is providing a transformed education environment for vulnerable children, with architects AtkinsRéalis setting the bar high for inclusive education design that also embraces nature. Roseanne Field reports On the site where a disused school... View Article

The business case for daylight

Paul Smith of the Rooflight Association gives insights from a white paper showing how rooflights optimise daylight in large commercial buildings, to boost wellbeing, energy efficiency, and asset value, and offers some design strategies. The Rooflight Association commissioned a white... View Article

Ceramics’ creative freedom

Ceramic cladding can offer designers creative freedom by uniting ‘timeless materiality’ with modern performance. So says Robert Flello of Ceramics UK, exploring how ceramics are increasingly used to shape contemporary buildings, bringing versatility, sustainability, and innovation. Ceramics have been part... View Article

Collaboration is the key to Future Homes success

Ashley Cooper from WMS Underfloor Heating explores the latest developments surrounding the Future Homes Standard, and highlights why selecting suppliers who are ready for collaboration is crucial to achieving the low-carbon transition. Marking a decisive shift for the sector, the... View Article

Connecting ambition and action

As the global conversation around climate change intensifies, Futurebuild 2026 is turning shared ambition into tangible action. Returning to London’s Excel from 3-5 March 2026, it remains the UK’s only built environment event wholly dedicated to driving sustainable construction. Under... View Article

Shaping the future

The Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) explains how architects can employ high performance PIR insulation as the key to design homes that are not only low carbon and climate resilient, but which are of high quality. The UK housing stock accounts... View Article

The case for designing in structural timber

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) takes a look at the variety of factors behind a ‘clear direction of travel’ towards designing with timber. Within the context of net zero, decarbonising building stock has become an imperative, both... View Article

From 19th century roofs to 21st century facades

Jonathan Lowy of VM Zinc traces the architectural history of zinc, from its European origins to a modern role in durable, sustainable building envelopes. In 1811, a roofer in Liège tried something radical; he installed the world’s first rolled zinc... View Article

New power generation

The transformation of one of the UK’s first electricity power stations into a vibrant youth centre combines a respect for industrial heritage with a high voltage interior that’s designed to excite its teenage users. Stephen Cousins reports. Youngsters are of... View Article

Light, air & efficiency

Richard Williams of Velux explains why windows are fundamental to the balancing act architects need to perform in order to design the right building fabric. Windows and doors are not simply part of a building’s envelope; they shape how spaces... View Article

The case for bespoke flat roofs

With ensuring effective drainage and insulation being essential for all flat roof projects, Matthew Evans of Kingspan Insulation explores how tapered systems can be used to meet both requirements, and adhere to designs. As we head towards the winter months,... View Article