Terms of engagement with the circular economy

With project teams increasingly pursuing circular economy goals, the more stringent specifiers are looking for clarity on the types of recycled aluminium available. Gareth Evans from Technal UK explains the subtle but important differences in terminology How do you know... View Article

The medium rise of zinc

Jonathan Lowy from VMZinc explains how zinc, in the context of its long heritage as a familiar material on Parisian roofs, is slowly becoming in vogue in the UK for specifiers on mid-rise urban residential projects Zinc has a long... View Article

Maximising resources

How are you adapting to the ever-changing metals market? Simon Walker from SIG Zinc and Copper looks at how, as availability causes shifts in specification, architects need to adapt not only their understanding but also their designs As we move... View Article

Protect the future with aluminium facades

Simran Thiara from Sotech highlights the opportunities and reasons for building a ‘greener future’ with aluminium rainscreen cladding, as part of an environmentally-conscious approach to futureproofing buildings Sustainability is no longer a mere buzzword; it’s a global imperative towards carbon... View Article

Rewarding sustainability at the Brick Awards 2023

This year’s Brick Awards continues the organisers’ key focus on sustainability, with the Sustainability Award again featuring, following its introduction in 2022. The awards, which are organised by the Brick Development Association will be held at a ceremony at the... View Article

Casting cast stone in a new light

Devanshu Mudgal at Haddonstone explains why the durability of cast stone enables it to play an environmentally-responsible role in a wide range of construction projects For anyone who has stood and marvelled at the beautifully preserved floors within the 4th... View Article

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

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, and why... View Article

View Point: Dr Victoria Hutchinson

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 Minister Boris... View Article

How do we close the energy performance gap?

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 catch up... 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