An insider’s guide to station fencing

With significant numbers of new railway stations planned and many others due for redevelopment or modernisation, Peter Jackson of Jacksons Fencing explains how gates and fences can enhance security. Rail usage in Britain has increased to record levels over the... View Article

Transforming transport washrooms

New washroom technology can improve hygiene and user experience while reducing water and energy consumption. Cistermiser’s David Meacock explains. Washrooms are top priority when designing customer-facing areas for transport infrastructure. A clean, hygienic and inviting washroom can make a positive impact... View Article

The changing face of passenger terminal entrances

Jonathan Nobbs of Assa Abloy Entrance Systems explores how intelligently applied and well-designed automated entrances can help to improve the movement of people through ever-busier transport hubs. Public transport usage is booming. Last year, bus and coach travel in many areas... View Article

Versatile glass: take the safe option

Glass is an invaluable and flexible design element in modern transport hubs, but also has to meet increasingly rigorous safety and security standards, says Sto’s Rob Freegard. In today’s increasingly fluid world, the demand for easy and convenient travel continues... View Article

Thermal breaking in cladding and modern construction

With the European Commission for Energy stating that buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in Europe, it has never been more important for architects to look for energy efficient solutions when designing buildings.... View Article
Workplace design: Including a new WOW factor

Including a new WOW factor in workplace design

Professor Alan Hedge, a leading ergonomics expert and consultant with office furniture manufacturer Humanscale, explains how workplace design that encompasses new ways of working is essential for worker well-being. Where do you work? When do you work? It may not... View Article

Using oak, with confidence

Oak-framed buildings are enjoying a renewed popularity due to the material’s strength characteristics. Ed Hamilton of Oakmasters explores why green oak has a place in modern construction and addresses structural questions. Oak Centuries-old barns, houses and churches all prove that... View Article

Future watch – Norman Hayden looks at Building Biology

Norman Hayden looks at how Building Biology, an established design methodology for creating healthier environments, is seeing a comeback as architects look to increase user wellbeing. Creating green buildings, but also being able to accurately assess their environmental properties, is... View Article
Swimming Pools: Different strokes for different folks

Different strokes for different folks

Designing swimming pools can successfully combine safety with creativity, but also need to be closely aligned to the particular requirements of users. SPATA provides some design advice. A swimming pool’s design, whether indoors or outdoors, will materially depend on the... View Article

Turn down the volume

Adrian Pargeter of Kingspan Insulation describes how ‘lower lambda’ insulation can be the architect’s friend, as more efficiency means less volume is needed to achieve regulations compliance. Building Regulations have recently become more demanding when it comes to insulating properties... View Article

Complex stone cladding solutions

Tamsin Pickeral, business development manager, Szerelmey, explains how a combination of technology and tradition is overcoming the challenges of stone cladding for the 21st Century. The relationship between a contemporary visual aesthetic and fulfilling structural and legislative requirements is one that... View Article

Buyer beware

Designing a roof requiring tapered insulation is beset with challenges, with consequences for the contractor and specifier. Andrew Rowley, tapered design manager for Gradient Roofing, explains. Designing tapered insulation for a flat roof used to be relatively simple. The Building... View Article

Perfecting the building envelope

Graham Hurrell, commercial director at AluK, discusses how structural facades can optimise the performance of the building envelope. In order to achieve optimal building envelope performance, the envelope itself should integrate and work with other elements of the complete building. By... View Article
environment

Brick, the hero of our built environment

Just because a material was developed 9,000 years ago does that make it old fashioned? Apparently not, as brick is enjoying something of a renaissance. The Brick Development Association explains further. To those of us who work in the industry... View Article

Cover all bases using engineered fit-for-purpose canopies

Canopies UK Managing Director Jason Eastwood says that specifiers need to beware of seemingly cost-effective off-the shelf options for canopies, and discusses the importance of site-specific calculations for bespoke fit-for-purpose solutions. Research suggests that many leading canopy manufacturers apply surprisingly... View Article
Doors

Have an open mind on door design

Homeowners, interior designers and architects all agree that doors are more than just a commodity, they are central to the character of any home. James Dean, head of marketing for Todd Doors, explores further. A front door is the first... View Article

At your leisure – High Wycombe Leisure Centre

Mark Smulian reports on Wycombe’s new hilltop leisure centre. As patrons swim, climb, play bowls, or use exercise bikes at the new Wycombe Leisure Centre, they will perhaps give little thought to how a complex masterplan and financing arrangement lie behind the construction... View Article