Architecture, Design & Innovation
Climate change has become one of the most important environmental and social issues of the past decades, and thus mankind also faces its crucial challenges in 2019. The building industry has a special responsibility in …
Ellina Webb visits the “Living with Buildings” exhibition at the Wellcome Collection and discusses the innovative building techniques used in The Global Clinic commission. Health, wellbeing and unique construction techniques for (and in) buildings has …
The Wildlife Trusts call for all new developments to contribute to a Nature Recovery Network The Government consultation into a new legal requirement which could make developers actively improve nature closed at the weekend. It …
Government departments are pouring over technical data and preparing new directives, trade bodies are examining every aspect of potential market implications. No, this is not another missive on BREXIT, but the reality of the changing …
When it comes to designing emergency lighting, there are many factors to consider. Peter Adams, Mackwell’s Central Service & Training Manager explains more. Not only must the emergency lighting system be fit for purpose, but …
Air conditioning trainer Ben Bartle-Ross looks at what installers need to know about R32 As a trainer, I see lots of installers both young and old and I’m still getting questions about the ‘new’ refrigerant, …
It is generally accepted that it is warmer by a few degrees in urbanised areas than their rural counterparts. This is because of a phenomenon called the ‘Urban Heat Island’ effect. This effect is a …
Are feelings of lethargy, despondency and irritability at work familiar? These traits are commonplace in offices, classrooms and lecture theatres across the country and are often the cause of unsuitably lit environments. Effective lighting in …
At Roof Edge, we regularly talk about the benefits of our Equality Act (DDA) compliant Kee Access fittings, which provide access for all across the UK in all manner of applications. Handrail must meet several …
Carl Dickinson looks at the background to the use of a new refrigerant in air conditioning units. If you work with air conditioning in any way, whether as a consultant, installer, service engineer or corporate …
Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has welcomed the Government’s Clean Air Strategy, launched on 14th January 2019, which highlights the importance of clean air in the home. The strategy sets out how the Government aims to …
At the start of the 20th century, there were around a million freshwater ponds in Britain, supporting a bio-diverse mix of animals, plants and herbs. By the turn of this century, half had disappeared and, according …
Where possible, the work at height hierarchy of controls states that a collective fall protection system, such as guardrail, is preferable to a personal fall protection system such as a lifeline and harness. Though guardrailing …
80% of consumers want to increase the amount of natural light entering their home, according to a survey of 1,000 people conducted by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, …
There seems to be much confusion recently re the use of assessments in fire door certification and Ahmarra would like to clarify our position and hopefully pass on our knowledge of the systems in place. …
Over the centuries, zinc has proven to be a reliable, durable, corrosion-resistant and attractive metal for use in roofing and cladding. In this article, Marta Danylenko, marketing manager at materials search engine Matmatch explains the history, applications and …
by Ellina Webb ~ Senior Marketing Executive After visiting the new Mitsubishi Electric office space in London Bridge, Ellina Webb looks at the sustainable construction options that are ideal for flexible working and meeting spaces. A …
As modern demands on the built environment have changed, so have air conditioning units and, as a result, condensate pumps have evolved too. Stuart Newbury, Product Manager at Aspen Pumps explains the evolution and how …
After a trip to the tip, Ellina Webb ponders over the trivial topic of recycling to uncover if 70% of waste really can be recycled or reused in some way. This weekend I finally decided …
Rain blown against a cavity wall will gradually permeate the exterior masonry skin and gravitate downwardly. Where the cavity wall incorporates an arched opening, the downward flow is interrupted and water is prevented from permeating …
A defining feature that sets the tone of the space and bridges the gap between separate floors and living areas, the staircase isn’t just a structural necessity but an opportunity to be creative and make …
Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia is delighted to welcome the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Healthy Homes and Buildings’ White Paper Building our Future: Laying the Foundations for Healthy Homes and Buildings, published on …
Whilst there’s no such thing as a typical building, are there standard control strategies that can be adopted for open plan offices? Controls expert Scott McGavin investigates. I’ve had conversations with customers asking for the …
Coming back from the summer break with recharged batteries and a suitcase full of souvenirs and good intentions, September always seems to do its best to challenge this with a tsunami of shows. For myself …
So, what are the top 5 things you need to know about R32? There’s been a lot of talk about R32 in the air conditioning world over the past few years, but if you haven’t …
by Russell Jones ~ Communications Manager at Mitsubishi Electric With the launch of a new IPCC Report into the urgency behind tackling climate change, Russell Jones looks behind the headline-grabbing use of the word ‘idiot’ and …
8 years and 8 months is average time, post qualification, to go it alone Architects tend to set up their own practice eight years and eight months on average after qualification, according to new research …
In the UK, (and probably mainly in London), there has been a growing trend towards retrofitting buildings with green roofs. However, not all buildings are suitable for retrofitting and it is currently an unknown quantity …
The future of heating in the UK is renewable but many have still not heard of a heat pump so product specialist, Max Halliwell, looks at the top 10 most frequently asked questions. The government …
Studying for a degree is an expensive business and rising tuition fees have heightened expectations amongst students, as well as the parents and carers who help fund their education. Students are no longer prepared to …
With their large and often complex water supply systems, hospitals and healthcare estates are potential breeding grounds for waterborne pathogens. Over many years instances of Legionnaires’ disease have regularly made the news headlines and its …
With the launch of World Green Building Week, Martin Fahey looks at why the focus this year is on you and your home. This week sees the start of this year’s World Green Building Week …
With summer done for another year, and winter fast approaching, now is the perfect time to ensure the roof and exterior of your property is prepared for the bad weather by carrying out any necessary …
* ‘Digital assistant’ (71%) is the feature Brits who do not own smart home products are most aware of * Thereafter, ‘voice recognition/control function’ (64%) is the next best recognised aspect of smart home devices …
Marketing manager for renewable heating, Sharon Oliver heralds 2018 as the year that marks the start of the transition from gas to heat pump heating for Europe’s homes. It’s official, 2018 is the year that …
In the face of spiralling prices and a growing raft of legislation designed to reduce carbon emissions, building owners and managers need to do all they can to manage energy use. This article from Trend …
When people think of green roofs, many of them tend to think of a roof covered in grass or perhaps wild flowers such as those typically found in a meadow like corn flowers, poppies and …
Jordan Jeewood discusses how quiet HVAC plant can help create a more fulfilling urban environment. The lure of the bright lights of the big city may have waned in recent years, but 80% of us …
In this brief article, we thought it may be a good idea to look at some of the varieties of sedum plants that you may wish to include on your sedum roof. What is sedum? …
by Max Halliwell ~ Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric With energy prices rising for the second time this year, Max Halliwell explores the impact this is likely to have on fuel poverty and looks at what …
