Addressing critical interfaces

Andrew Mitchell of NBT (Natural Building Technologies) discusses the challenges of achieving design integrity at building interfaces, for insulation or air-tightness The role of the architect in the design and construction process has changed over the years, with many of the... View Article

Shades apart

Louise Martin-Bennett of Fordingbridge discusses why an increased focus on user wellbeing is meaning that shading systems are more in demand than ever With continued focus on user wellbeing, client specification of shade systems is now commonplace in UK architecture.... View Article

Watertight basement solutions

Alex Burman of Sika discusses the key guidance, and technology options, for specifiers looking to achieve watertight concrete basement constructions When beginning a basement construction or renovation, the waterproofing standard of BS 8102:2009 is key. It recommends and provides guidance... View Article

View Point: Dr Gavin Dunn

Dr Gavin Dunn of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) looks at how the discipline of the ‘the golden thread’ from the Hackitt review is fundamental to ensuring building safety from design through construction to occupation One of the... View Article

Flexibility and agility

A new sports centre forms a key part of an ongoing masterplan at Oxford University’s iconic Iffley Road Sports Complex, where Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile. James Parker reports on a highly flexible space with an innovative glass floor... View Article

An open book

An adaptive reuse project in a former Netherlands train depot is being hailed as a sign of things to come for public libraries, with an open design that provides a lot more than just bookshelves. Jack Wooler reports Located in... View Article

Efficiency and safety, in synergy

Kevin Belben of water management specialists Cistermiser and Keraflo discusses the evolution of water temperature monitoring systems, and how the Internet of Things can offer the healthcare sector efficiency savings as well as patient safety benefits A tax-funded NHS is... View Article

The future is already here

Architect Paul Mercer discusses how designers and planners can learn from the past, as they contemplate how to adapt to the future of healthcare Recently published, the 2018 Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer is subtitled ‘Health 2040 –... View Article

Clean lines

Carole Armstrong of Delabie UK suggests that design, comfort, safety and hygiene should be seen as equal to compliance when specifying accessible washrooms Inclusive design for accessible facilities should be a given. However, adapted washrooms in the care sector are... View Article

The health benefits of good ventilation

Patrick Calvey of Siegenia looks at the issue of air pollution and the considerations designers of new facilities and refurbishments need to make in order to combat it The effects of air pollution and the dangers of exposure to NOx... View Article

Designing for dementia

Lisa Pilley of Dulux Trade discusses how colour is an intrinsic part of any health-focused design project, and can have a powerful impact on dementia patients in particular Globally, the number of people living with dementia is predicted to increase... View Article

The art of protection

Kate Waterston of Construction Specialties explains how good interior design can speed up patient recovery times in hospitals, but needs to be balanced with maintenance and whole-life costs The positive effects of a colourful, comfortable and welcoming environment on patient... View Article

A vision of inclusivity

Jack Wooler spoke to the architect of an innovative and sensitive housing project for a mix of visually impaired and open market residents, achieved on a challenging site in Surrey Work is now underway at the Royal National Institute of... View Article

Citadel of care

A new hospital in a sensitive location in Israel combines a state of the art, wellness-oriented healthcare facility with a design for resilience against attacks. Roseanne Field reports Situated in Ashdod, a large city in southern Israel, the Samson Assuta... View Article

View Point: Charles Bettes

Following the recent Stress Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Week, Charles Bettes of architects and interior designers gpad delves deeper into the importance of good design in “optimising the workplace for our mutual good” Mental health charity Mind recently... View Article

Ask The Architect: Ed Higgins

Ed Higgins from Hosta Consulting answers ADF’s questions on landscape design and green infrastructure Why did you decide to train as an architect? Like many at the start of their architectural education part of me, somewhat egotistically, wanted to create... View Article

Green house effect

Nestled into the Scottish highlands, a new kind of sustainable house design makes a simple, repeatable and inventive structure from abundant local materials to yield big cost savings. Sébastien Reed speaks to architect Gokay Deveci about Integra House Integra House... View Article

Building community links

Linking a housing estate in Bath with a new housing development, BDP’s new community centre and school provides a local landmark that also offers strong links back to the site’s D-Day heritage. James Parker reports The new Community Hub designed... View Article

Conscious uncoupling

David Wilson of BAL takes a look at why specifying an uncoupling system is a sensible option for making a floor tiling installation as efficient as possible With today’s requirements for faster installation of tiling and the use of more... View Article

Solving permeability problems

Duncan Andrews of SureSet looks at how cellular paving systems can offer the ideal solutions for SuDS requirements, in particular in sites with restricted space Permeable paving solutions are a hot topic at the moment with an ever increase range... View Article