Security plus accessibility

Darren Hyde of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association discusses how powered pedestrian doors can integrate with modern security systems while ensuring accessibility and regulatory compliance. Devising access control requirements for commercial buildings can be a difficult task. A client may... View Article

Rugged good looks

Commercial washrooms endure heavy footfall, but as Amanda Mills of Kinedo highlights, bathroom wall panels can provide the necessary durability, maintenance and waterproofing characteristics, along with some glamorous aesthetics. Heavy usage in any hotel, camp site, gym or other sports... View Article

Placemaking for flood resilience

To avoid surface water flooding, holistic urban design include the ‘sponge city’ concept should include sustainable drainage from the very start, explains Chris Hodson, consultant to trade body MPA Precast Paving. In projects across the world, the ‘sponge city’ concept... View Article

Breaking the spec breakers

Product substitution, otherwise known as ‘breaking spec,’ threatens building performance and raises lifecycle costs. David Grace of K Rend highlights how manufacturers can help protect specifications to ensure design integrity. When a specified product is substituted and changed for one... View Article

Site Lines: Redefining modular timber

Designer Nick Blunt of WeberHaus highlights how a demonstration project in Germany was created with an aim to “redefine prefabricated timber frame construction,” harnessing contractor-builder collaboration for innovative results. When tasked with designing Villa Blunt, the ambition was clear: to... View Article

Futurebuild: Making an impact with sustainable innovation

Futurebuild 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for architects eager to embrace sustainable design and innovation. Taking place at London Excel from 4-6 March, the 20th edition of Futurebuild will spotlight transformative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges and... View Article

Ask the Architect: Matt Spinks

Matt Spinks from fast-rising Shropshire practice Johnson Design Partnership, answers ADF’s questions on his architectural journey from assistant to director, leadership challenges, and his vision for growing sustainable design. What made you want to pursue a career in architecture? From... View Article

A brighter future

As a celebration of Manchester’s cotton mill past, this major residential scheme by shedkm combines respect for historic fabric with striking minimalist additions to help catalyse regeneration. Stephen Cousins reports. Back in the 19th century, Manchester and the surrounding towns... View Article

Modern performance from traditional methods

Developed by a Midlands housing association, a recent project in Handsworth, Birmingham shows a forward-thinking approach to sustainable housing, anticipating the Future Homes Standard. MPA Masonry explores how combining innovative materials with traditional construction methods can create efficient, low-carbon homes.... View Article

Celebrating 20 years of impactful innovation

Celebrating its 20th year, Futurebuild 2025 continues to lead the charge for innovation, sustainability and collaboration in the built environment, and this year’s theme is ‘making an impact.’ Visitors will have the chance to explore a diverse range of exhibitors... View Article
Door hardware: The key to control

The key to control

Safe and seamless movement in our built environment ‘hinges’ on accurately specified and installed door hardware, as Russell Marks of Boss Door Controls explains. With millions of doors used every day, it’s important to recognise the details behind effective access... View Article

Green heat network providers

Neal Herbert of GTC discusses how heat networks are revolutionising heat and hot water delivery in new homes, playing a key role in the UK’s ongoing shift to sustainable, low-carbon developments. The integration of renewable energy into developments is becoming... View Article

Ethical routes to a perfect skin

From 04-06 February, London’s Business Design Centre will host the Surface Design Show (SDS), the UK’s largest show dedicated to surface material innovation. With over 180 exhibitors, it is the event of choice for architects and designers to see, source... View Article

New ways of working

Workplace fit-outs are no longer just about pure function; the focus has shifted to enhancing human experience and staff wellbeing. Ruth Evans of CPMG Architects explores the growing link between design and behaviour. Historic trends have showcased a ‘job for... View Article

The sensory power of floors

Catherine Helliker of Danfloor discusses harnessing the power of soft floorcoverings for creating inclusive education environments which support neurodivergence. In designing inclusive spaces which support all users’ needs, such as in education facilities, the need to focus on the importance... View Article

View Point: Patrick Inglis

Patrick Inglis, president of ACA, describes the new safety information regime post-Building Safety Act, and why architects are best placed to take on the Principal Designer role, while being mindful of the risks. The Phase 2 report on the Grenfell... View Article

Fit for a healthier future

The transformation of Edinburgh’s long-empty Royal Infirmary creates a sustainable new home for the University’s new Futures Institute, a flexible workspace and education facility designed by Bennetts Associates. James Parker reports. According to the University of Edinburgh, the core mission... View Article

Fighting fires: an unlikely washroom hero

In the post-Grenfell landscape, fire safety in commercial washrooms is a critical issue. Carole Armstrong of Delabie UK explains how WC frames can sit at the centre of a project’s fire strategy for preventing the spread of flame. Fire safety... View Article

Building the future with ICF

ICF is one means available for reducing the carbon footprint of new housing, says Christopher Stride of the Insulating Concrete Formwork Association. The drive to improve levels of energy efficiency and airtightness while reducing a building’s reliance on heating and... View Article