Top marks for project to give old school new life

Jess Unwin reports on the renovation and refurbishment of a classic example of so-called 1960s brutalism architecture as classrooms are converted into loft-style apartments in the London borough of Lambeth In many ways the Baylis Old School development is a... View Article

UFH in conversion projects – the essentials

The most common question asked about the suitability of underfloor heating (UFH) in a building conversion is ‘how can we minimise the floor build up?’ This is an important area to master within a project such as an office to... View Article

Unravelling the options for cast stone specifications

There are three cast stone options available for architectural projects. Simon Scott of Haddonstone explains Cast stone is one of the most versatile building mat-erials available and, in a number of important ways, is markedly superior to quarried stone. One... View Article

Greenbuild Expo returns

With a packed conference and exhibition Greenbuild Expo returns to Manchester Central in May to highlight and promote sustainability in the built environment Greenbuild Expo takes place in Manchester on the 7 and 8 May featuring a packed conference programme... View Article

Ap-ply-ing a different pitch to roofing

By Martin Shave, business development manager for domestic roofing at Protan. Why do we build dwellings with pitched, tiled roofs? There is no law saying we have to; it is tradition, and a bad reputation for flat roofs. Yet a... View Article

SIPs – The third method of construction

By Tony Millichap, technical manager of Kingspan Insulation Limited. Conventional construction methods such as brick and block have two distinct disadvantages: programmes can become unpredictable in our wet climate, and walls are having to become thicker and thicker in order... View Article

Picking the perfect pipe

Jon Briafield at PE pipe specialist, GPS PE pipe Systems, advises on the considerations for pipe specification and the types of pipe required for different elements of a water installation. Regardless of the water pressure, geography of a site or... View Article

Building for the future

This year marks the 10th anniversary for Ecobuild, the world’s largest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment. Taking place this year from the 4 – 6 March, Ecobuild will bring together some 40,000-plus industry professionals, 600 speakers... View Article

How to specify the right ventilation system for your project

By Kevin Hippey, general manager at Vortice Ltd What are the key issues facing housebuilders and developers with regard to ventilation systems in modern houses? With regulations, legislation and products all driving up energy efficiency in modern homes, buildings are... View Article

EcoHaus design challenge launched for 2014

Challenging convention and inspiring innovation The British Homes Awards have been pivotal in providing a catalyst for change in the way we design and construct our homes and in the process recognise and showcase exemplars of best practice In his... View Article

Designing for the future

A cleaner, greener and more sustainable built environment at Ecobuild 2014 Each year Ecobuild hosts the most comprehensive showcase of sustainable construction products in the world. As architects, structural engineers, contractors and developers continue to play a vital role in... View Article

Versatile style

Nicola Seymour of Marbrex explores the potential of decorative yet highly practical internal cladding systems over more traditional wall coverings – from reducing labour costs and timescales to ease of installation; long-term cleaning and maintenance When it comes to creating... View Article

The importance of reducing false fire alarms

By Michala Ford, marketing manager of Safety Technology International (Europe) Ltd The problem caused by false fire alarms Every false fire alarm is costly, disruptive and detrimental to safety. Each year businesses and public services in the UK have nearly... View Article

FR Coatings Alert

By Stephen Young, director of the Wood Protection Association The Wood Protection Association (WPA) is calling on building designers to double-check the fire performance claims of flame retardant treatments before they commit to a specification. The move follows research for... View Article