The risks of inaccurate U-value calculations revealed by RAVATHERM UK
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager at RAVATHERM UK – manufacturer of POLYFOAM Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation – highlights the risks of inaccurate U-value calculations and the need for a more rigorous approach during the specification process.
How creative glazing solutions can add the magic for office conversion projects
In 2015, the Government announced new measures to make it easier for developers to turn underused or derelict office buildings into new homes. While this relaxation of planning policy has opened up more possibilities for new town and city-centre accommodation, developers going down this route require a formidable creative touch to transform dated office blocks into desirable residential properties. Here, Steve Tonkiss from REHAU looks at how the clever use of modern glazing can give developers an edge.
Ancon honoured at third Buckingham Palace Royal Reception
Ancon has been honoured at a Royal reception to celebrate its success in the 2018 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – the third Queen’s Award for the company.
Removing the gender imbalance in construction
In lieu of the Grenfell disaster and the collapse of Carillon, the construction industry is having a huge identity crisis. With the industry’s ever-widening skills shortage getting worse, modernisation of the industry is long overdue. As well as this, the industry has the added pressure to solve what is sadly the worst gender balance of any industry. As a collective, how can we challenge the typical, often negative stereotypes of an industry where less than 14% of workers are women? Jayne Hall, Vice-President of CABE, looks at this growing issue, to see how the gender imbalances can potentially be resolved.
It all boils down to effective water management
Nowadays, architects and constructors are under mounting pressure to efficiently manage water resources right from the planning stages. Against this backdrop, GRAF UK’s Managing Director, Matthew Rolph, looks at how specifiers can minimise their project’s impact on water supplies, and ensure effective protection against flooding at the same time.
Gibson Hewitt on the hidden risks behind Special Purchase Vehicles (SPVs)
In recent years, the world of construction has seen significant growth in the number of Special Purchase Vehicles (SPV) set up by a number of large businesses to deal with one-off projects.
Büro Ole Scheeren specifies GKD architectural mesh for Bangkok skyscraper
Temples and dream beaches with turquoise-blue water make Thailand a sought-after destination for tourists from all over the world. The capital Bangkok, with a population of some nine million, is a city of contrasts with irresistible magic. In contrast to many other Asian megacities, however, the city has few contemporary architectural highlights. The German Architect Ole Scheeren created Bangkok’s new landmark in the form of the 314m-high MahaNakhon.
Bjarke Ingels Group’s Shenzhen Energy Mansion sports an exquisite intricate pleated facade
The new home for Shenzhen Energy Company looks different because it performs differently; the building skin is developed to maximise the sustainable performance and workplace comfort in the local subtropical climate of China’s tech and innovation hub in Shenzhen.
MAD Architects reinvigorates community of Niigata with awe-inspiring tunnel restoration
MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, has completed the restoration of the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel in Japan’s Niigata prefecture. The revitalisation project sees the installation of several permanent artistic spaces along the historic lookout tunnel, with the intention of bringing back the cultural energy that once empowered the region. The Tunnel of Light opened on the occasion of the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Triennale.
Lowboard provides ideal UFH solution for fit-out of Central London flats
A complex and time constrained redevelopment contract in central London is making extensive use of ‘LowBoard22’ underfloor heating panels, as well as other products from the OMNIE range, to offer optimum comfort and flexibility of living space for its future residents. The site in Hermes Street, a short walk from the Angel Tube Station, is being developed by MY Construction & Carpentry Ltd. being the main contractor for the project. The work has seen an existing property demolished, being replaced by a five storey structure with office accommodation at ground and first floor level while the upper storeys are being fitted out to create half a dozen dwellings.
