Get in the frame

Steve Griffiths of Taylor Lane Timber Frame discusses why working closely with timber frame manufacturers is going to be of benefit to any architect If I had to give just one tip for architects considering timber frame construction, it would... View Article

Natural slate, natural beauty

Allan Liddell of Cupa Pizarras explores the inherent beauty, as well as the environmental credentials, of natural slate Slate is formed through the regional metamorphosis of mudstone or shale under low-grade conditions. This happens when shale or mudstone is exposed to... View Article

Airshow contractors embrace Armstrong’s recycling lead

Armstrong leads the green agenda at its sixth Farnborough International Airshow. Armstrong Ceiling Solutions has recycled more than 10,000m2 of mineral tiles from this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, the sixth time the manufacturer has provided the recycling service at the bi-annual event. This... View Article

Compare and contrast: steel vs aluminium

Calvin Wilson of Metal Technology looks at the relative pros and cons of steel and aluminium from a structural perspective Architects need no introduction to the benefits of metal as a structural material with design flexibility, robust performance and aesthetic... View Article

Galvanizing sustainability in construction

Andy Harrison of Wedge Group Galvanizing explores the key benefits galvanizing brings to sustainable construction, and highlights the growing number of techniques adopted by the galvanizing industry to further reduce the sector’s environmental impact Galvanizing has long been recognised as... View Article

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

The most sustainable material of them all

Sean Parnaby of West Port says that the timber industry is gradually winning the war against misconceptions about what he claims is not only the oldest, but the best fenestration material There’s a growing awareness that timber isn’t the expensive,... View Article

The timber revolution

Sarah Harding of Accsys Group reports on how the UK is experiencing a revolution in timber in architecture, as designers and specifiers increasingly embrace the material’s combination of beauty and environmental advantages Running earlier this year at the Roca London... View Article

The membrane method

Adam Ford and John Mellor of Protect Membranes discuss how to achieve low U-values using membrane technology with low emissivity The use of timber in construction is now seen as a key route to address the UK’s housing shortage. The... View Article

Going with the grain

Here, Gregg Wright of Reliance Veneer explains how the demand for decorative timbers combined with modern manufacturing techniques not only makes environmental sense, but can also enhance design Have you ever looked at a beautiful piece of furniture and wondered... View Article

Kawneer helps Tonbridge School build on its literary history

Two new extensions to Tonbridge School’s Smythe Library feature Kawneer glazing systems. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified for the most significant external change to the £3.6 million refurbishment of a library at one of Kent’s most prestigious independent boys’ schools.... View Article

Kawneer windows give hotel guests a unique city view

The windows have been arranged in L-shapes over 16 storeys of Birmingham’s Holiday Inn Express. Aluminium windows by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer are at the heart of a striking patterned facade to one of Birmingham’s latest new hotels. The Holiday... View Article

Kawneer systems help line the path to new care standards

Kawneer’s healthcare windows and curtain walling feature at Atherleigh Park. Windows specifically designed by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer for the healthcare sector are bringing four-fold benefits to a new £40 million mental health hospital. Kawneer’s AA®3110HW windows maximise ventilation while... View Article

Step into the daylight

If you have ever had to spend any amount of time in a dingy office, or under the harsh glare of strip lights, you will know how uncomfortable and draining it can be. In addition to being thoroughly demotivating, being... View Article
apple-tree-court

Homes fit for Brits

The British take their homes seriously. If we’re not putting up shelves, mowing the lawn or staining the fence, we’re no doubt watching Grand Designs explaining to each other knowingly why that space-age carbon-neutral windmill will never come in on... View Article