The reality of fire safety

The question for fire resistance in cavity closers is how to achieve tested ‘safer alignment and confinement’ onsite, says John Shillabeer from Cavity Trays Buildings should be constructed to eliminate or minimise as much as possible, all potential fire and... View Article

A guide to low carbon heating

Joseph Raftery from Samsung Climate Solutions gives architects the lowdown on the specification and installation of heat pumps One of the central conundrums to solve in architecture over the next decade will be how our homes can be sustainably built,... View Article

Roll on sustainability

Paints and coatings can deliver sizeable sustainability benefits to a building project. Peter Howard from Dulux Trade outlines some of the top considerations for specifiers To meet net zero targets and customer demand for more sustainable building practices, it is... View Article

A renewed focus on sustainability

All sectors are having to strike the tricky balance between addressing the climate crisis and navigating a pessimistic economic outlook. Thomas Pearson from Arup looks at an example of renovation and renewal in hospitality as one solution The built environment... View Article

Every breath you take

Paul Williams from Domus Ventilation addresses the critical need to remove air pollutants from homes, and how the Healthy Homes Bill might just hold the key to unlocking cleaner air for all In May of this year, the Healthy Homes... View Article

Cradle to zero

Mike Vaczi from Soprema UK discusses how applying circular economy principles in roofing specification can help achieve net zero As part of the UK Government’s 2021 strategy to achieve net zero in the built environment (meaning the amount of carbon... View Article

Capitalising on copper

Simon Walker from SIG Zinc & Copper shares his knowledge and insight into the benefits and approach to using copper in builds For designers and architects, selecting the most appropriate solution for cladding or roofing involves finding a balance between... View Article

Sizing up steel roofing tiles

David Padmore from Metrotile UK Ltd explores the versatile world of lightweight metal roofing systems: what they look like and their uses Even in these enlightened times, many people in the construction sector mention a ‘metal’ roofing system and they... View Article

Think zinc

Jonathan Lowy of VMZinc looks at the precise requirements of a complex metal roof and addresses the aesthetics and challenges involved The new library at Magdalene College in Cambridge – designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects – sits next to part... View Article

Security without compromise

STS202 is changing the game for security standards across the construction sector. Ash Pearson from Jack Aluminium talks us through the specification and what security benefits it can offer for buildings Security should always be a concern, but never an... View Article

Timeless architectural copper

Copper continues to intrigue and inspire architects. With limitless possibilities for innovative contemporary design, copper also provides exemplary recyclability, sustainability and longevity explains Chris Hodson from Aurubis As one of our oldest building materials, copper’s unique, timeless architectural qualities are... View Article

Combinations unlocked

Combining cladding with stone, brick and other materials on residential facades can create character and have effective results, as Lisa Grosse from Cedral explains Contemporary houses are particularly suitable for combining cladding materials – we are seeing a shift away... View Article

Challenges & opportunities

Dennis Milligan from the British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers Association gives his view on the ups and downs for the stove and chimney/flue industries currently The regulatory framework for construction is changing; from the Building Safety Act to the Building... View Article

There’s more to floors

Manufacturers can help specifiers navigate their carpet choices to help underpin sustainability aims, says Becky Gordon from Interface Building sustainably is a challenge that applies at a macro level across entire projects. However, there’s no silver bullet; it’s ultimately achieved... View Article

Practice Profile: Scott Brownrigg

Consistently ranked among the leading UK architectural practices, Scott Brownrigg have grown steadily and diversified over the decades. Tom Boddy speaks to CEO Darren Comber about how they have evolved while nurturing talent internally Scott Brownrigg’s origins date back over... View Article

The compliance balancing act

Balancing air quality and guidance with meeting energy and carbon reduction metrics can be a challenge. Ian Rogers from Gilberts Blackpool offers compliance advice  Designers and specifiers of HVAC are facing a raft of new, diverse issues to address, prompting... View Article

Offsite technology innovation

Taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 20-21 September, Offsite Expo is the home of innovative offsite building and digital construction technologies Offsite technology is now seen as the most important solution to overcome many of the challenges... View Article