Copper – the real thing

Despite an unrivalled heritage including use on some of our oldest buildings, continuing developments make copper and its alloys thoroughly modern and sustainable options for contemporary architecture, as Graeme Bell of Aurubis explains Copper has seen a dramatic shift from... View Article

The fast route to compliance

Steve Howard of Neaco gives his view on why there has been a revolution in balconies and decking, with the dominance of wood being usurped by aluminium Decking design is undergoing something of quiet revolution. For many years, two materials... View Article

Aluminium’s place in architecture – and human ecology

Architect Professor Michael Stacey looks at the case for aluminium, backed by ongoing research, on grounds of versatility, sustainability and durability As a light and versatile metal, aluminium has been serving humankind well since Humphry Davy identified it 200 years ago.... View Article

The challenges and pleasures of life in the Bronze Age

Architectural bronze has long been the choice for delivering a premier feel and finish to any building, but specifying it has always come with challenges. Warwick Penson of Bronze Architecture discusses the resurgence of this material and its uniquely distinctive... View Article

View Point – Nigel Ostime from Hawkins\Brown

Nigel Ostime of Hawkins\Brown Architects discusses how practices can research and adopt aspects of AI and automation, and thereby stay one step ahead of the robots About five years ago, two academics from Oxford, Carl Frey and Michael Osborne, produced... View Article

Practice Profile: gpad London

With origins in small residential projects, gpad London is a firm that has proved its mettle through steady growth and diversification. Sébastien Reed speaks to managing director Charles Bettes The silver lining of gpad london founder and current chair Christopher... View Article

Glimpse the future at the UK’s premier construction event

The UK’s premier event dedicated to the built environment returns to Birmingham’s NEC between 9-11 October, with a vibrant display of products, knowledge, speakers and experts for anyone involved in design and specification to take advantage of Fire safety performance,... View Article

London Build returns

London’s leading construction and design show, London Build, will return to Olympia on 23 – 24 October Since its launch four years ago, London Build has established itself as the largest construction show for London, covering all sectors within the... View Article

View Point – Richard Harral of CABE

Richard Harral of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) says the lessons we need to learn from Dame Judith Hackitt’s post-Grenfell review must include a wider look at our society’s relationship with its buildings, and regulatory reform Attention has been... View Article

Celebrating 70 years of the NHS at Healthcare Estates

Healthcare Estates is only a month away, and this year the event celebrates the 70th birthday of the NHS – and the 75th birthday of the service’s professional estates body The theme of the conference is “Our Heritage, Your Future”.... View Article

GraftersLIVE showcases Northern Powerhouse

GraftersLIVE opens the doors to a what’s being called a ‘new concept in trade shows’ in Manchester Autumn brings with it a feeling of anticipation. People return refreshed from holidays, the new term starts, and Manchester opens its doors to... View Article

The big design event shakes things up

London’s design-focused event 100% Design announces a “shake-up to its core programming” with new exhibitions 100% Futures and 100% Forward, all located within the newly formed West Kensington Design District 100% Design, thought to be the UK’s longest running annual... View Article

The enduring warmth of wood

Katherine Mathews of Kährs UK explains why engineered wood comes out on top for a great looking, hard wearing floor covering that can offer the ‘human touch’ to interiors Despite its having been used for centuries, many architects and designers... View Article

Behind the headlines

Mark Blewitt of ESSE explains why environmental issues attributed to wood burning stoves are not as straightforward as they seem, and the impact of a new eco standard It is true that recent headlines relating to wood burning stoves have... View Article

Pushing the envelope with future facades

Aliva UK’s James Ormerod reports on how, while trends in facades are ever changing, environmental standards and end user demands call for new materials, fixing systems and different approaches, but signature facades can be created that will stand the test... View Article

Roofing elements of designing to Passivhaus

As designing to the Passivhaus standard continues to grow in popularity, not only for residential builds but also increasingly for commercial constructions, architect Nicolas Tye shares insights on the specific considerations a Passivhaus-accredited roof requires Over the last few years,... View Article

Ask the Architects

Leading female UK architects share their experiences of being a woman in the profession, and the challenges that still exist for achieving gender diversity. Participants: Sadie Morgan, co-founder, dRMM Architects; Jane Duncan, director at Jane Duncan Architects & RIBA past president; Fionn... View Article

Why timber is the answer

ADF caught up with Jeremy English of Sӧdra to discuss why he feels timber is the solution to the UK’s housing crisis, and how the material can help architects adopt less labour-intensive, offsite building techniques What do you see as... View Article

Practice Profile: Weston Williamson + Partners

Now big players in the transport and master planning sectors, Weston Williamson + Partners have helped shape infrastructure across London and the wider UK, with major clients including Crossrail and HS2. Sébastien Reed speaks to partners Chris Williamson and Philip... View Article

The first line of defence

Mark Stone of Securiscape explains how designers are using street furniture and planters as part of a defensive strategy to protect the public from terrorism We have come a long way since 2007, when, in the wake of a vehicle-borne... View Article