Natural remedies

Velindre Cancer Centre Cardiff, Wales The new facility under construction in Cardiff designed by White Arkitekter will show it’s possible to achieve a significant NHS building using mass timber; in a project that aims to create the UK’s most sustainable... View Article

How to balance preservation with modernisation

Ardit Strica of Onduline Building Products discusses the challenges faced in heritage roofing projects and offers insights into selecting appropriate materials and techniques that meet both conservation and performance requirements Restoring heritage buildings is a meticulous process that requires a... View Article

Zinc: the natural choice

Jonathan Lowy of VMZinc says the history of zinc specification aligns with its future When zinc was first used as a roofing material at the beginning of the 19th century many of the reasons for its choice all that time... View Article

Connections to a golden past

One of the last buildings bearing the signature of Zaha Hadid is a mixed use workplace sitting alongside Prague’s oldest railway station, and inspired by the historic ‘golden city’ and the dynamism of rail travel “Masaryčka can without exaggeration be... View Article

Towards a greener steel future

Andy Hackett of voestalpine Metsec puts the case for putting steel at the core of industry moves towards the goal of net zero carbon 2050, as production begins to evolve away from fossil fuels, and advises a holistic comparison of... View Article

Using colour to create inclusive spaces

Careful consideration of architectural design is essential for developing spaces that are welcoming, futureproofed, and accessible for all. Dawn Scott of Dulux Trade discusses how colour can transform buildings and improve wellbeing for all Inclusive design is centred on creating... View Article

CCPI: an essential tool for building trust

The Building Safety Act has made it critical for cladding manufacturers to provide accurate product information. Alan Lamming from Valcan discusses how the advent of of CCPI is building a sense of trust among manufacturers and specifiers In today’s industry,... View Article

Navigating the future of sustainable heating

Peter Mintoft of Charlton & Jenrick explores the future of sustainable heating, focusing on ‘secondary’ heating appliances, and their impact on architectural practice The importance of integrating energy-efficient solutions within architectural design has never been more critical. As environmental concerns... View Article

Closing the carpet loop

ADF editor James Parker reports on how one major flooring firm is embracing the challenges of using recycled material but also full reuse of carpet tiles, to achieve sustainability wins at scale across a range of sectors The construction industry... View Article

Are we stuck on a hamster wheel of value engineering?

Christian Hale of high-end residential and commercial specialist contractor Hale.uk wonders whether collaboration can stop the spread of value engineering in the industry.    You’re eagerly awaiting the tender prices. Everyone’s buzzing with the anticipation of bringing the dream to... View Article

A precision-made offsite agenda

Acknowledged for connecting the offsite supply-chain with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors and clients who want to be “future-ready,” Offsite Expo took place recently in Coventry, boasting educational seminars, interactive panel debates, and factory tours, as part of Offsite Construction Week.... View Article

Ask the Architect: Eliot Postma

Eliot Postma, partner & group leader at Heatherwick Studio answers ADF’s questions on how his career has helped shape him as a designer, and what inspires him currently What made you want to become an architect? It goes back to... View Article

The embodiment of sustainable retrofit

Preserving the original structure and character of a notorious estate originally conceived as a ‘vertical garden city’ helped Mikhail Riches’ Stirling Prize-shortlisted redevelopment cut embodied carbon by 61%. Stephen Cousins reports The Park Hill estate has been a landmark on... View Article

Recycled material versus design flexibility?

Nick Haughton of Sapphire Balconies delves into the concept of ‘next generation’ manufacturing, and the need for firms to account for their recycled materials’ origin,  addressing the perceived impact on design flexibility Aluminium has been instrumental in companies advancing sustainable... View Article

The current outlook for innovation in daylighting

Joanna Vaiou of Sunsquare explores current glazing trends and discovers how evolving technologies are enhancing light and fluidity of space, as well as sustainability and aesthetics in contemporary architecture Step into the summer of 2024, where home design embraces a... View Article

Staying power

The seemingly humble door limiting stay is a key component which enables functionality and safety in entrance design in a range of sectors. Craig Fox of Strand Hardware outlines how architects might apply these little problem solvers Architects strive to... View Article

Steel windows at the core of sustainable design

Russel Ager of Crittall Windows explores how a historic window design continues to find favour for countless commercial and residential projects prioritising sustainability As we edge closer to the launch of the Future Homes Standard, sustainability-focused design has become a... View Article

Flushed with savings success

Increased awareness of water scarcity has prompted innovations in rainwater capture and a rethinking of toilet flush design. Delabie UK’s Eve Wellard looks at alternatives to cistern flush WCs which prevent unnecessary waste of potable water We are all aware... View Article