DfMA: the great offsite hope

With productivity in construction a more acute problem than other sectors, Nigel Ostime of Hawkins\Brown says that architects need to embrace offsite Design for Manufacture and Assembly as the panacea which also delivers the quality they want Productivity in the... View Article

Reinforcing the message

William McDowell of Hambleside Danelaw puts the case for why GRP rooflights in metal roofing systems can help solve the many problems such as light levels that face architects when designing industrial buildings Think rooflights and you might think of... View Article

Sliding versus bifold

Edward Stobart of ID Systems looks at how recent trends in residential glazing are affecting the sliding versus bifold doors debate For the past two decades, the trends in home design and customer demand have seen significant shifts when it... View Article

Architects’ activism: How we can build a better 2021

With urban areas perhaps feeling the effects of lockdown most intensely, our built environment may seem an unlikely source of optimism in 2021. However, buildings have an unrivalled capacity to reflect our values as a society, so their design, planning,... View Article

Shout about acoustics when aspiring to WELL certification

By Ben Hancock Managing Director, Oscar Acoustics ‘I can’t think in this place!’ We’ve all been there. It’s a fact, poor acoustic conditions in the workspace can negatively impact individuals, sapping productivity and testing patience. Ground-breaking 2008 research by the... View Article

The art of render

Strong colours, silicone technology, textured effects and brick slip combinations – James Ormerod of Aliva UK sets out the ‘art of the possible’ with insulated render When looking for a cost-effective cladding option that can be applied quickly and easily,... View Article

Hot and sophisticated

Steve Birch of Vogue (UK) discusses how the market for radiators and towel warmers has become increasingly sophisticated, and how greater attention is being paid to the look as well as the functionality of heating solutions In a world where... View Article

Site Lines: Affordable homes-on-sea

Lee Davies of architects Conran and Partners explores how an East Sussex council’s initiative produced an exemplar partnership which employs an innovative design solution to tackle the local housing crisis Last year marked 100 years since the introduction of the... View Article

A guide to bespoke staircases

Antonia Harding of British Spirals and Castings discusses the various factors architects and specifiers need to bear in mind when selecting a bespoke staircase A staircase provides a key focal point in a property and its design can have a... View Article

Cool ideas for waterproofing

Victoria Ramwell of Kemper System offers specification advice on the versatile cold-applied liquid waterproofing method for residential properties A key theme throughout the roofing sector and the construction industry as a whole as we enter a new year is the... View Article

View Point: Assael Architecture

With plans to house the UK’s growing elderly population in new town centre developments recently making the news, Assael Architecture explains why it’s the right solution, giving a key recent example You would be forgiven for thinking that building new... View Article

Look Up and Be Inspired

By Anthony Millington, Business Development Manager at Amron Architectural Metal mesh is an extremely versatile product and can be used for a variety of different applications. Although common uses of metal mesh include balustrade infill panels, façade systems, or the... View Article

Steel windows’ split personality

Darren Lloyd of the Steel Window Association looks ahead at how the separate properties inherent to steel windows help them take key new roles beyond the pandemic The terms ‘heritage,’ ‘high performance’ or even ‘futuristic’ are all applicable to the... View Article

Ask The Architect: Aqua Architecture

Alia Beyg of Aqua Architecture answers ADF’s questions on running a ‘niche’ practice, and what the future might hold for her firm Why did you become an Architect? From a young age I loved to draw, and I became fascinated... View Article

An introduction to standing seam roofing design

Standing seam roofs are a popular choice with architects and specifiers looking for a design that really stands out. Simon Walker of SIG Zinc & Copper discusses what architects and specifiers should consider when designing standing seam roofing Traditional standing... View Article

Practice Profile: HLM Architects

James Parker speaks to HLM’s chairman Richard O’Neil to find out how 2020’s Architectural Practice of the Year has maintained a keen focus on ‘social architecture’ over nearly six decades, while continuing to broaden its horizons HLM is a longstanding... View Article

Sustainability defined

With increasing pressure to specify building systems offering clearly defined sustainability, Andrew Cross of Kestrel Aluminium Systems gives his thoughts on the use of aluminium as a key building component In construction terms, aluminium is considered to be a ‘permanent’... View Article

Secure in the knowledge

Stuart Glen of Jacksons Fencing discusses the considerations that need to be taken into account when specifying security fencing Specifying fencing for safety and security purposes requires careful consideration of key components that will ultimately determine whether the chosen solution... View Article

Copper – the inside story

Graeme Bell of Aurubis says that copper has a wide range of uses in architectural interiors alongside external applications, and explores the various surface treatments available Copper has seen a dramatic change from its historic role in roofing prestigious buildings... View Article

Paving for change

In the ‘new normal’ of the pandemic, outdoor space has taken on new importance, but with the future uncertain, a fresh approach is needed to provide multifunctionality and flexibility to all spaces between buildings. Chris Hodson explains more Apart from... View Article