Arachnitecture

A reinforced ETFE dome, inspired by the bubble-shaped nest of the water spider, demonstrates the feasibility of virtually formwork-free carbon fibre construction. Stephen Cousins reports. Carbon fibre–reinforced polymers are an extremely strong, rigid and light form of reinforced plastic, commonly... View Article

A study in glass

A landmark educational building featuring an innovative use of glazing has lit up a run-down part of the Spanish town of Torrelavega, writes Steve Menary. A mix of squares, circles and an innovative use of glazing has been used to create... View Article

A refreshingly different view of mental health

Suburban Liverpool is home to a highly praised example of the new generation of sophisticated mental healthcare facilities that are emerging across the UK. Ray Philpott explores how its design contributes to a better patient experience. Clock View Hospital in... View Article

Hilton’s industrial inspiration

London’s grimy industrial past was the unlikely inspiration behind the £48 million Hilton London Bankside hotel, which conjures up an understated refinement from a palette of robust and exposed materials. Stephen Cousins reports. Take a stroll along the riverfront at... View Article

Let us play

A redundant Bedford church has been converted to a theatre that serves both a school and the local community. Mark Smulian reports. Church building was widespread in more pious ages than our own and nowadays the number standing can exceed... View Article

New look for New Street

After a five-year redevelopment, Birmingham’s most important railway station has swapped 1960s brutalism for light-filled fluidity, as Ray Philpott discovers Birmingham New Street station has been transformed with some spectacular new architectural features. Externally, the nondescript, grey concrete, pebble dashed... View Article

Living in Hope

Rising numbers of students and increasing demand for better accommodation in Liverpool have led to a .boom in purpose-built developments in the city centre that shows no sign of slowing. There are now 50,000 students studying in Liverpool, drawn to... View Article

Eye-catching academy is vital to regeneration scheme

Ray Philpott finds out how a well thought-out free school in inner-city Leeds manages to look so strikingly different despite working to the rigours of the Government’s school building programme. When it opens for business next year, the Ryder Architecture-designed... View Article

A giant leap forward

With the BBC due to demolish the corporation’s old Wales’ headquarters in Cardiff there will be few major examples of the architecture of renowned Welsh architect Sir Percy Thomas in the principality’s capital. One of those remnants is the Grade... View Article

Reed all about it

The University of East Anglia’s new Enterprise Centre makes large scale use of thatch as a carbon reduction measure, Mark Smulian reports. Ais one approaches the University of East Anglia’s new 3,400 square metres Enterprise Centre, its surface presents something... View Article

Sleek new interchange design delivers the best of both worlds

A striking blend of modern architecture and heritage transport infrastructure makes Altrincham Interchange something of a destination in itself. Ray Philpott reports. Atruly integrated transport interchange where it’s possible to access several different modes of transport with minimal effort is... View Article

Crossrail’s family affair

London’s big, bold Crossrail project has given birth to a striking new family of surface railway stations in the western suburbs of the capital. Ray Philpott looks at the two busiest of them – Ealing Broadway and Hayes and Harlington... View Article

Seeking a radical transformation in Chelsea

Located prominently on the Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea, the National Army Museum is undergoing a major redevelopment led by Building Design Partnership (BDP), which seeks to radically transform the visitor experience. Steve Menary reports The museum was established by... View Article

An arena with a difference

An impressive multi-purpose sporting venue in Derby leaves its regional rivals standing because it has something they don’t – an indoor cycle racing track. Ray Philpott reports There’s something mesmerising about Derby Arena. With its skin of gently curving, multi-coloured... View Article

Specifying external sliding doors

Latest developments in window technology have radically improved the design, performance, and security of fully-glazed external sliding doors for residential use. However, as sliding doors become increasingly sophisticated, specification also becomes more complex. Andy Trewick, VELFAC direct sales manager, comments Site suitability To... View Article

Just add water

New Government planning requirements for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) incorporating techniques such as concrete block permeable paving came into force this April, amidst a growing realisation that they can deliver far more than just drainage as a key part of... View Article

The retail revolution

A tectonic shift has overtaken the retail construction sector over the past five years as retailers have responded to the challenges of persistently weak consumer spending and changes to how and where people shop. Stephen Cousins asks “where is it... View Article