A flexible future for BNG compliance

Katy Davis at Carter Jonas (London) argues that, a year after biodiversity net gain became mandatory, flexibility is essential to ensure onsite ambition aligns with offsite realities and genuine ecological outcomes. A year after the introduction of mandatory biodiversity net gain... View Article

Building ‘beyond zero’

Rob East of Newland Homes, explains how the Gloucestershire housebuilder took a “conviction-based” decision to redefine its design approach beyond the norm to provide climate-resilient, and even carbon-negative homes. It was our development director, Jeremy Drew, who first raised the... View Article

Suffragette City

A development onsite in London’s Tower Hamlets creates a new neighbourhood on where Suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst first proposed improvements to conditions in the East End, over a century ago. Roseanne Field reports. In Bromley-By-Bow in the London Borough of Tower... View Article

Thermal comfort made simple

Chris Stammers of BEAMA explains how hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating creates a unique sense of thermal comfort by combining even heat distribution with efficient heat transfer. True thermal comfort is achieved when the indoor environment reduces the body’s need to... View Article

The perfect blend

Jason and Rachel’s extended Lincolnshire rectory balances period charm with contemporary design. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Andy Haslam The Lincolnshire Wolds may not have the same star power as the Cotswolds, but don’t let that fool you; they have their... View Article

The appeal of aluminium

Shaun Cartwright at Aluprof Living explains why aluminium systems are becoming the go to choice for self-builders who want to combine high performance with modern design. When planning a self-build, every decision should be regarded as an investment in the... View Article

A long time coming

Architect John-Barry Lowe’s award winning home in Dublin is designed to achieve Passive House standards of airtightness and is the first private home in Ireland to be built using cross laminated timber. TEXT Eve Dennehy IMAGES Andrew Campion In 2023... View Article

Exterior Inspiration: Outdoor Living

As we head into the colder months and dream of sunnier days there’s no better time to be inspired by our collection of outdoor furniture, accessories, and paving to ensure you have your garden ready for summer. 1. Keep your... View Article

Light fantastic

Designed around a courtyard to echo local farmsteads, Sarah and Jon Simpkin’s unique new home draws in light from every angle. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES DOM JONES When Sarah and Jon Simpkin set out to build a new home, it... View Article

Home is where
the hearth is

Percy Doughty explores how ambience shapes modern British homes and how self-builders can craft a truly warm, inviting space. As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, the focus naturally shifts indoors. Across the UK, homeowners are re-evaluating... View Article

Creative colourful cladding

Lisa Grosse at Cedral explores how cladding can improve aesthetics, support thermal performance, and offer weather resistance, sustainability and long-term cost savings for self-builders. Whether you’re planning a transformation or a new build, investing in a beautiful exterior means thinking... View Article

The rise of smart EV infrastructure for modern builds

Becky Hornby at Rolec explores why getting EV infrastructure right has become essential for developers in delivering Building Regulations Part S. It is not new to suggest that more needs to be done to tackle the current climate emergency. The... View Article

The business case for daylight

Paul Smith of the Rooflight Association gives insights from a white paper showing how rooflights optimise daylight in large commercial buildings, to boost wellbeing, energy efficiency, and asset value, and offers some design strategies. The Rooflight Association commissioned a white... View Article

Ceramics’ creative freedom

Ceramic cladding can offer designers creative freedom by uniting ‘timeless materiality’ with modern performance. So says Robert Flello of Ceramics UK, exploring how ceramics are increasingly used to shape contemporary buildings, bringing versatility, sustainability, and innovation. Ceramics have been part... View Article

All the elements of a great debut

19-20 November Excel London elementalLONDON is a new event coming to London’s Excel on 19-20 November. This specifier-oriented show is focused on the twin aims of advancing building efficiency and decarbonisation. The 4,000 attendees expected at elementalLONDON encompass a variety... View Article

Collaboration is the key to Future Homes success

Ashley Cooper from WMS Underfloor Heating explores the latest developments surrounding the Future Homes Standard, and highlights why selecting suppliers who are ready for collaboration is crucial to achieving the low-carbon transition. Marking a decisive shift for the sector, the... View Article

Connecting ambition and action

As the global conversation around climate change intensifies, Futurebuild 2026 is turning shared ambition into tangible action. Returning to London’s Excel from 3-5 March 2026, it remains the UK’s only built environment event wholly dedicated to driving sustainable construction. Under... View Article

London Build Marks 10 Years

19-20 November  London Build Expo London Build is taking over Olympia’s Grand and National Halls on 19 and 20 November to celebrate 10 years of connecting the construction industry. To mark the milestone, this year’s event will offer more content,... View Article

Shaping the future

The Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) explains how architects can employ high performance PIR insulation as the key to design homes that are not only low carbon and climate resilient, but which are of high quality. The UK housing stock accounts... View Article

The case for designing in structural timber

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) takes a look at the variety of factors behind a ‘clear direction of travel’ towards designing with timber. Within the context of net zero, decarbonising building stock has become an imperative, both... View Article