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

Open the door to closers

With many different types of door closers on offer, David Saxby of IronmongeryDirect advises on the key features to consider in order to make an informed choice for your project Door closers are a vital component when it comes to... View Article

The practicalities of providing an outdoor living space

Balconies can enhance residential developments and provide the amenity of outdoor living space for residents. Lee Barber of Balcony Life explains how bolt-on cantilevered steel systems can avoid structural issues and problems with thermal bridging Bolt-on cantilevered steel balconies are... View Article

Practice Profile: Apt Architects

A rebrand of a fast-growing practice gave it a facelift and left staff re-energised. Sébastien Reed speaks to Apt’s studio leader Jason Geen “It wasn’t the best time to set up a studio,” says Jason Geen, studio leader at Apt.... View Article

Flexible, fascinating, and fitting

Jordan Perlman of Newground Architects explains that although a time-honoured material, brick has limitless possibilities for designers, illustrated by a recent mixed use scheme in London In the six years since our practice was founded, we have used brick in... View Article

Accessing improvements

The lack of access into commercial and public buildings is still a key issue affecting disabled people in the UK. Christian King of Kee Systems looks at the current regulations and explores how premises should be built or upgraded to... View Article

Future-proofing bathroom design

Robin Tuffley of Closomat explains how whether you are designing a bathroom for a domestic, multi-user or commercial environment, there is one overriding consideration to bear in mind: a proactive approach to suitability for all It doesn’t matter what words... View Article

What sustainability looks like

Peter Sotherton of Teknos GBI discusses the development of more sustainable exterior paints and coatings, and how they can help client organisations ensure they are acting responsibly when it comes to the environment Paints and finishes are an important part... View Article

The devil’s in the detailing

Alex Patrick-Smith of Ketley Brick discusses the performance considerations that need to be borne in mind when choosing increasingly popular textured brickwork facades Brick, which has of course been a major part of the British built environment for thousands of... View Article

Ask the Architect – Joe Morris

Joe Morris heads up his practice, but knows that collaboration is the way to good architecture. He answers ADF’s questions Why did you become an architect? My journey to architecture was relatively casual, without a clearly defined goal, but one... View Article

CDW celebrates turning 10

This year sees Clerkenwell Design Week celebrate its 10th edition, showcasing a host of the industry’s best in London’s key hub for design and architecture From new designs by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Established & Sons to Fritz Hansen’s... View Article

Vertical integration

Architype’s Eco Business Centre brings flexible shared workspace to eco-town North West Bicester, in what ended up being the UK’s first non-residential Passivhaus Plus accredited building. Sébastien Reed reports There are 6,000 new ‘true’ zero-carbon homes planned for North West... View Article

The big reveal

James Parker speaks to the architect of a complex restoration project in Manchester to create a boutique hotel which enhances industrial Victorian architecture, and celebrates the city’s trading history A new adaptive reuse project in Manchester has rescued three important... View Article

Building a cultural bridge

Jack Wooler spoke to Antti Nousjoki of ALA architects about how Finland’s biggest library combines an inviting ‘bridge’ structure with shifting timber and glass facades The new Oodi Library in Helsinki is a modern take on the building typology, offering... View Article

Floating an idea

Architectural glass specialist OAG gives an insight for designers into the possibilities, as well as practical implications, of ‘oversize’ glass float runs During the past two decades, feature glass entrances and double height ground and first floor facades have risen... View Article

Bringing light inside

Jade Cottee of IQ Glass Solutions discuss the different options available to maximise light with the use of internal glazing Light is the new luxury in many architectural and interior designs. Improving light within the home has been said to... View Article

Simpler facade solutions

Simon Boocock of CRL Europe discusses how advances in installation technology are making glass facades easier and quicker to install without putting people at risk All-glass buildings are a common sight in urban areas, making a dramatic architectural statement. Glass... View Article