Quartz vs concrete – battle of the surfaces
The industrial concrete trend has been around for some years, featured on TV and in high-end architectural and interior design magazines. Poured concrete kitchen worktops, splashbacks and cladded walls are becoming highly fashionable, but there are shortcomings with the real thing, explains Jon Stanley, Vice President of Marketing at Caesarstone UK.
ErP – are you ready?
New legislation has changed the way that the seasonal efficiency of heating equipment is calculated. Danny Packham, European Product Manager – warm air and radiant – from Nortek Global HVAC, outlines the key points.
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho...
Cundall’s new Hong Kong office is a showcase in how to cost-effectively deliver a first-class office fit-out whilst creating a healthy, efficient and future-proof space that is both kind to the environment and puts the wellbeing of occupants at the heart of the design.
A new start to 2018
The tail end of 2017 was not without its fair share of announcements relating to the UK house-building industry. With a raft of budget commitments to increasing new starts and aiding first-time buyers through to an industrial strategy white paper containing a sector-specific deal for construction, there’s plenty to be optimistic about as we enter 2018, says Andrew Minson of the Modern Masonry Alliance.
STA annual survey of UK structural timber markets
The STA’s annual survey of UK structural timber markets forecast continued growth within the sector as companies are taking advantage of market opportunities. These opportunities include factors such as advances in off-site construction supported by modern manufacturing processes and computerised technology. Alex Goodfellow, Chairman of the STA and Managing Director for Stewart Milne Timber Systems, discusses the findings of the report and outlines the STA’s priorities for 2018.
Unleash your senses: The Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion is an iconic design element of Noor Island. Together with numerous installations, small structures, light, media objects, unusual plants and a musical soundscape, it gives rise to a holistic, multi-sensory experience.
Retentions: has the construction industry had enough following the Carillion disaster?
The use of cash retentions is commonplace in the construction industry. Some £3bn of retentions remain outstanding in the UK construction industry at any one time. With the collapse of Carillion, however, has the industry had enough? Jonathan Hyndman, Partner at Rosling King, investigates.
Fixing dry-fix
If properly specified, dry-fixed ridge, hip and verge systems create trouble-free roofs that remain maintenance-free for years. The new BS 8612 Dry-fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems for Slating and Tiling will help both contractors and designers get it right, says Kevin Ley, Technical Manager at Redland.
A cultural icon for 21st century Istanbul
The new Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) transforms a 1960s classic for cultural life into a new urban magnet for future generations.
Inconspicuous dune-like structure for Bee’ah HQ
Bee’ah, the Middle East’s leading fully integrated environmental and waste management company, has commissioned Zaha Hadid Architects to build its new headquarters in Sharjah, UAE, following the 2013 international competition.
