Barking’s new model housing

The UK’s first wholly private-financed council housing scheme, in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, has been designed to exploit the latest off-site manufacturing techniques. Stephen Cousins reports With cash-strapped councils across the UK struggling to deliver enough social... View Article

Just the spot

Designing outstanding hotels for difficult to develop locations pays off, writes Ray Philpott­­ Two impressive, high-end hotels have been created in interesting but rather challenging sites in the heart of London. On the South Bank and boasting breathtaking views over... View Article

Maximising daylight in design

It is clear that there is an opportunity for architects and specifiers to make much better use of daylight in buildings throughout the design process. Indeed daylight should play as central a role in the design as technical installations. However,... View Article

Specifying canopies, shelters and walkways

Vicky Evans, sales director of Twinfix Limited demonstrates that there are many things to consider when specifying a glazed canopy or walkway. Where is it going to be used? What is its purpose? Do you have a particular design in... View Article

Working with water

Glyn Hyett, managing director of 3P Technik UK Ltd and director and founding member of the UK Rainwater Harvesting Association, addresses the issues surrounding the implementation of rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage systems Water design stakeholders There are a number... View Article

From manor house to floating home of the future

Selfbuilder & Homemaker meets Tony and Nicky Maude who swapped their listed manor house for an ultra modern home that’s the model of minimal living. Tony and Nicky Maude lived in a listed manor house but dreamed of building a... View Article

One final hurdle for Belfast landmark stadium

Steve Menary reports on plans for Northern Ireland’s newest venue, the Ulster GAA Stadium, designed by Populous. With the troubles now hopefully consigned to Northern Irish history, a new political consensus has emerged that is aiming to heal wounds scarred... View Article

Something old and something new

The new University of Cumbria is not lacking in character and history – and architects are helping it get the message across, as James Pringle reports. The University of Cumbria may be a newcomer to British higher education, but it... View Article

It’s time to put fabric first

According to Peter Wilcox, technical manager at insulation specialist Recticel, the construction industry has a problem. It’s a problem that affects us all – whether designers, contractors or occupants – new buildings aren’t meeting their designed energy efficiency targets. The... View Article

Using modular balustrade systems in your designs

With modular solutions that increase efficiency and reduce carbon footprint, contemporary balustrade design is at the forefront of modern methods of construction. Jason Hensey, national sales manager at Neaco, explains the benefits of modular systems and the key considerations involved... View Article

Are you ready to specify an oak framed building?

Sarah Sell, sales manager at English Heritage Buildings, looks at what to consider when specifying an oak framed building. Traditional oak frame buildings are making a resurgence in the market as discerning customers look to achieve beauty, style and green... View Article

Roman House with 21st century technology

Richard Hayward, lead marketing manager for Legrand’s range of building automation systems, discusses the use of smart home technology at Berkeley Homes’ prestigious Roman House scheme. For the bespoke home and the penthouse apartment, intelligent control systems have become ubiquitous.... View Article

Too green to build?

So determined was a Peterborough school to gain a BREEAM Very Good rating that it had become too expensive to construct. Mark Smulian hears how the architects adapted the design Any architect in pursuit of a BREEAM rating has a formidable... View Article

A destination in its own right

London Heathrow Airport’s new, wave-roofed Terminal 2 building – The Queen’s Terminal – opened for business this month. Ray Philpott looks at architect Luis Vidal’s vision for this high-profile icon of air travel Architect Luis Vidal says he wants London... View Article

Throwing new light on station design

Intelligent use of glass and translucent products is helping to shape contemporary railway architecture, writes Ray Philpott The reborn, luminous masterpieces of St Pancras International and London King’s Cross stations are high-profile symbols of the railway renaissance that’s gripping Britain.... View Article

Making connections

A light-filled atrium designed by Ryder Architecture is central to the Scottish Crime Campus’ bespoke facility When the Scottish government commissioned the Scottish Crime Campus, the driving purpose was to create a secure campus, which would enable closer and more joined... View Article

Art meets architecture in Mayfair

Ray Philpott looks at the unique commercial development that’s a perfect fit for London’s Savile Row, famed for its bespoke tailoring Modern office and retail buildings frequently incorporate showpiece works of public art somewhere on the premises to endow them... View Article

Village concept at heart of cancer centre

Jess Unwin reports on the new £160 million state-of-the-art facility emerging at St Guy’s Hospital in London A place less like a hospital and on a human scale – but a place that still reassures patients they’ll get the treatment... View Article