Why a wood first policy stacks up

Greg Cooper of B & K Structures discusses the positive impact which cross laminated timber has made within the built environment. As construction makes up a total of 45 per cent of carbon emissions in the UK, sustainability is an important... View Article

Building-in cost benefits

As construction heads towards decarbonisation, choice of building materials is increasingly crucial. Andrew Carpenter of the Structural Timber Association (STA) outlines why timber provides built-in cost benefits. Cost is one of the main considerations for architects and specifiers when choosing a... View Article

The power of vaults

Jeremy Cassady of Securikey looks at how modular vault systems can provide an effective, easy-to-install bespoke system for high security applications. When clients are storing expensive equipment and valuables, sensitive documents and drugs or chemicals, the risks are extremely high, both in... View Article

Travelling light – Travel Centre, Lahti, Finland

Bus and rail shelters are rarely seen as works of art but the copper-clad shelter for a new road-rail intersection in Lahti, Finland, is something of a metal masterpiece. Michael Willoughby reports from the Land of the Midnight Sun. What... View Article

Why the UK should think zinc

Zinc has been widely used in Europe for centuries but remains largely overlooked in the UK. Alex Murphy of VM Zinc looks at its key benefits and describes how to make zinc installations a success. Robust, easy to maintain and... View Article

Powder coating, by design

Richard Besant from Powdertech (Corby) provides tips on how to achieve the best possible coating appearance and integrity in the metal finishing process during design and manufacture. As with so many things, beginning with the end in mind can pay... View Article

Shaping our city skylines

Steve Thompson of EOS Facades shares his views on the latest developments in light steel framing for a variety of different living environments. The speed of construction coupled with enhanced quality and high levels of sustainability make light steel frames an... View Article

Facades for the future

Stephen Anderson of CMS Window Systems discusses what he sees as the bright future for unitised aluminium systems in sustainable facade design and build. The speed at which the building sector has adopted modern methods of construction (MMC) has been... View Article

The lowdown on lead

Lead remains highly specified but many construction professionals are unaware of the various types available or the quality standards. Boudewijn Tuinenburg of Midland Lead explores the sector’s knowledge of lead’s accreditations and green credentials. Over the past few months, the... View Article

Wellness in the workplace

Mark Bauer at Forbo Flooring Systems explores how improving workplace design with a holistic focus on all interior elements has the ability to enhance employee productivity and satisfaction. Workers spend between 80 and 90 per cent of their time in... View Article

A hot favourite for heating sustainable buildings

Rising fuel prices and the need to cut carbon emissions has put greater focus on green building and renewable energy. Schiedel Chimney Systems’ Stephen Dodds explains why wood burning stoves are the smart as well as safe way to heat... View Article

Presenting a sophisticated front

With more sophisticated facade solutions come even greater expectations. Paul Hughes from FunderMax explains how the market is continuing to innovate to meet clients’ increasingly esoteric demands. In today’s construction market, competition is no longer simply about the best price.... View Article

Casting the ideal contender for restoration roles

An appreciation of the past and the need to conserve historic buildings and architecture has led to an .increased use of case stone as a substitute to quarried stone. Looking at the two types of materials available, it is clear... View Article

Storm-proof rainwater harvesting

Combining rainwater harvesting with sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) enables architects to provide an efficient, space-saving water management solution that’s resilient against the future. Kevin Reed of Graf UK explains how. The effects of climate change are making headlines almost... View Article

Shedding light on innovation

Simon Shenton from lighting supplier Luceco describes how LED technology has permanently disrupted what was a stagnant market offering prescribed solutions for each sector, to provide the dominant solution for the future. The global lighting market has seen more innovation in... View Article

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