Ask the Manufacturer: The building blocks of success

To celebrate the family firm’s 75th anniversary, ADF contributor Jack Wooler talks to Giles de Lotbiniere, Chairman of block manufacturer Lignacite, about the company’s foundation, and what makes it special In 1947, retired ex-serviceman and engineer, Sir Edmond de Lotbiniere,... View Article

Learning through design

Rainscreen cladding systems are enabling architects to move away from the traditional school building design to create structures that inspire a new generation of students. Simon Gregory from Proteus Facades looks at the issue in detail School buildings have evolved... View Article

View Point: Alex Thomas

As the gaps on our high streets grow, it’s time to future-proof them for the growing cohort of tech-enabled and eco-conscious customers by harnessing the potential of digital venues, says Alex Thomas from HKS Architects There is no doubt we... View Article

Ask the Architect: Melanie Jacobsen Cox

The new head of healthcare at HLM, Melanie Jacobsen Cox, answers ADF’s questions on what makes her tick What made you want to become an architect? I have construction in my blood through my grandfather and dad, but my subject... View Article

Riding high

A world-class multi-storey skate park has been constructed in Folkestone, Kent, a novel concrete form also designed to attract climbers and boxers, and which has quickly become a popular local landmark. Jack Wooler reports F51 is a multi-storey, state-of-the-art sporting... View Article

World-first architectural glass produced using biofuel

  Phil Brown, European regulatory marketing manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, discusses how new milestones in sustainable manufacturing are creating more opportunities for architects to specify lower carbon materials to reduce the embodied carbon... View Article

Dawn of the STEAM age

A groundbreaking further education building in Bridgend, south Wales, integrates ‘art’ into the established STEM typology to make STEAM. It also combines a range of open workshop spaces alongside traditional classrooms, as James Parker discovered The concept of bringing together... View Article

Communicating efficiencies

Jon Tedstone from ESi Controls explores how architects can use choose modern heating controls and communication networks to precisely meet individual project requirements and maximise energy efficiency An architect selecting a new boiler for a new home or development needs... View Article

Framing the MMC challenge

David Atkinson at Metsec explores why harnessing digitalisation and lightweight steel framing can maximise the benefits of MMC as the industry pursues its various goals The UK construction industry faces a challenge to improve the availability, quality and affordability of... View Article

The rise of the agile office

Alistair Shove from IVC Commercial looks at the rise in ‘agile’-based offices, and how architects can respond to the needs of users with flooring that embraces ‘open design’ post-pandemic One of the lasting impacts of the pandemic on the design... View Article

Good vibrations

With the average person spending an estimated 90% of their time indoors, Sarah Cartwright from Polypipe Building Services says the need to ensure occupier acoustic comfort and noise reduction is now a key priority An article published by the BBC... View Article

Reclaiming bespoke’s role

Sourcing bricks and roof tiles for period renovations are a challenge for architects looking to balance aesthetic appeal, regulatory compliance, and heritage requirements. Nigel Dyer of Wienerberger proposes an alternative to reclaimed products External brickwork and roof tiles are critical... View Article

Inspiration returns

Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is returning after a two-year break from 24-26 May, taking over London’s creative hub with promises to be the ‘biggest and boldest’ yet Since it made its debut in 2009, CDW has become one of the... View Article

Practice Profile: THISS Architects

Looking to carve out a niche as a new practice, THISS Architects focus on craftsmanship, collaboration, and landscape with a goal of ensuring that no two projects are ever the same. The firm’s founders explain their working methods to Tom... View Article

Commercial flooring specification FAQs

The demand for larger warehouses has increased dramatically in the last few years with a 32% rise in the number of warehousing units since 2015. With the growth of online sales, warehousing now accounts for around two-thirds of all industrial... View Article

Food for thought

Recent research into how people use kitchens shows that designs can ensure schemes play a vital role in improving the homeowners’ wellbeing, says Natalie Davenport from Häfele UK While traditionall kitchens have been relatively small spaces added onto a home... View Article

LEEDing on low impact

LEED is a new rival to BREEAM in evaluating the sustainability of industrial, office, hotel and residential buildings. Wojciech Brożyna from Aluprof UK discusses its benefits, and ways to meet the standard LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is... View Article

Raising the bar for external spaces

Caroline Birdsall from Millboard describes the recent trends in including decking for outdoor areas, from entertainment to increasingly al fresco bars and dining in domestic and hospitality settings, post-pandemic An overriding trend we have all seen in recent times is... View Article