Slate in demand

According to industry reports, demand for roof tiles is considerably higher than supply. This causes projects to be delayed, which also impacts overall costs. In this article, Nigel Tozer of Cupa Pizarras explains how careful specification can avoid these issues.... View Article

Rock-solid insulation credentials

With clients demanding versatility as well as robust credentials from insulation, Paul Barrett of Rockwool puts stone wool under the microscope. The ingredient of stone wool insulation is a hard, dark volcanic rock – basalt – that is formed when... View Article

Breaking the thermal mould

Heat lost through conventionally-wrapped parapets is a common complaint among architects, so an efficient space-saving alternative is welcome, says Schöck’s Chris Willett. In a similar way to the thermal insulation issues manifested with balconies, in the case of parapet connections... View Article

Future-proof buildings now

Jim Lowther assesses how we can future-proof a new generation of buildings through the specification of the latest rooflights and fire protection products. Specifying products for domestic and commercial building projects can be a daunting process, one which has to... View Article

The energy revolution underway in glass extensions

Christian Wiegel at Solurlux discusses glass as a construction material in the context of a research project on the development of ‘energy self-sufficient’ glass extensions. Constructions made of glass have their own special charm. As a trained architect and engineer,... View Article

The natural alternative: healthy results

With greater focus placed on healthier environments in addition to performance and sustainability, there has been increasing interest in lesser-known technologies. Mark Lynn describes the compelling benefits of natural insulation. We have long been familiar with the use of natural... View Article

Vinyl is back in fashion

From music to flooring, vinyl has made a comeback, and it is more versatile than ever. Flooring specialists Gerflor examine the trends . Bold design statements can either pay off stunningly well or, much like the derided 1970s pebble-dash, backfire... View Article

Showcasing key brick trends

The annual Brick Awards celebrate every aspect of brick design and construction and showcase some of the key trends. These trends were evident in the Brick Development Association’s 2016 awards held in November, particularly these highly commended and award winning... View Article

Checking out at the library

The new library at the University of Birmingham is wrapped in cladding that offers an interesting new variation on granite in four different finishes. Brian Newell of Shackerley looks at the aesthetics and function. The University of Birmingham’s landmark Edgbaston... View Article

Stairways to design efficiency

Phil Waind of Waind Gohil + Potter Architects describes how the firm has developed a ‘design for manufacture’ approach to optimise the creation of staircases as a key element of buildings for users. Waind Gohil + Potter Architects believes it’s... View Article

Natural routes to restoration

Two case studies in Wales and central London have recently seen the use of natural slate roofing to provide the right result for their respective renovation needs. Two prestigious heritage projects have recently benefitted from major refurbishments employing natural slate... View Article

Tackling staircase challenges

Nick Bligh of JELD-WEN discusses how involving manufacturers at the early planning stages of a project can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth delivery of a structurally sound staircase. Stairs can be viewed as a complicated element of... View Article

The rise and rise of CLT buildings

Dr Keerthi Ranasinghe discusses how cross-laminated timber is helping architects go to new lengths Architects’ desire to create sustainable structures has pushed technological innovations beyond the imaginable. Cross-laminated timber, or CLT for short, has been drawing a lot of attention... View Article

Calling for a shift in focus

Frank Werling of Finnish wood specialists Metsä Wood says the green agenda in construction must shift towards sustainable production of building materials – and timber leads the way as an alternative to steel and concrete. A brief history of timber... View Article

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

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