BCO-award-winning architectural practice, gpad london, has completed a 5705ft² new-build reception extension at Brunel House, Fitzalan Road, Cardiff. The lightweight glass and steel extension juxtaposes the existing Brutalist architecture of the 15-storey mass concrete office building. A new entrance with reception, external landscaping and signage gives the building an enhanced facelift and new brand identity.

A brick finish remains as popular as ever within British architecture but traditional methods of brick building have been challenged for some time now by the flexibility of brick slip cladding which offers a quick, easy and robust solution for new-build and retrofit projects, whether installed on- or off-site.

The draft London Environment Strategy, published by the Greater London Authority last year, sets out the authority’s plan to tackle environmental and energy challenges in the capital. It makes clear that if the target of making London zero carbon by 2050 is to be achieved, big changes need to be made to the way in which heating and cooling systems are designed. Mark Deeney, Business Development Director for Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation, considers how heat pumps can contribute thanks to an innovative new approach to heating and cooling city centre apartments.

In this article, Ivan Colvil, Technical Sales Manager of Alumasc Skyline, explains why roofs and rooflines offer the perfect platform to show off creativity and style.

Joe Bell from the Formica Group discusses attitudes to disabled toilets and the influence of specification.