Features

Paint isn’t exciting, but it’s hugely important in the commercial realm. Paul Smith of F.H. Brundle, which stocks a wide variety of paint alongside wrought iron, mesh, steel and other products, talks us through five key types of coatings in commercial projects, and what makes them useful and popular.

A whole host of factors need to be considered when it comes to the design, construction and ongoing maintenance of large commercial projects. With the growing pressure on developers to select products capable of maximising the performance and durability of the buildings they work on; windows have been looked to for those marginal gains. Steve Tonkiss, Commercial Manager at REHAU Windows, discusses the vital role windows play in commercial project design and the key factors that need to be considered for those tasked with selecting the best windows for their commercial build project.

In case you missed it, the UK ceased to be a member of the European Union (EU27) on 31st January 2020. In the early part of February 2020, the UK Government began to set out the trading landscape post-31st December 2020. So what does this mean? Gerry Myton, Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, explains.

For the last few years, the construction sector has been high on the Government’s agenda, particularly around the subjects of fire and building safety. Recently thrown into sharper focus through the publication of the Hackitt Report and industry reaction, 2020 has seen an assertive drive towards the establishment of new laws and a dedicated regulator to improve building safety. Importantly, the new legislation will also act as a much-needed catalyst in the move to digital transformation, which has started to stagnate following an initial flurry of activity, writes Richard Waterhouse, Chief Strategy Officer at NBS.

Architects, urban planners and roof designers are no longer dismissive of this ‘new’ building material which was widely introduced to them 12 years ago. Any initial hesitation they may have originally expressed has given way to a profound understanding and professionalism which has radically influenced our urban environment. In other words, they are no longer ‘green’ about the enormous physical, social and money-saving benefits of green roofs.

RMJM Shanghai was recently appointed by Hengyan authorities to design the Xiangjiang Gate. It is the culmination of an international design competition set to bring a monument to the city of Hengyang located in the province of Hunan in China. The confluence of the Xiang, Zheng and Lishui rivers will be home to the gate.

Competitive sports has a history that is practically as old as human civilisation. Born from humanity being faced with the great unknown, brought on by physical nature, it became a means for one to reflect on their own existence and cognition of function, proving their physical capabilities and striving to explore and further push one’s limits. To some extent, the competitive spirit it represents catalysed modern society – between people, between enterprises, between cities and between countries – becoming a catalyst for progress and positive growth, but it has also brought on some disadvantages.

Xuhong Zheng has worked at Hawkins\Brown for the past six years and completed her Part III qualification at the practice while working on a diverse range of projects across the residential, education and workplace sectors. Here, FC&A talks to Xuhong about her time before Hawkins\Brown and finds out more about her passion for architecture.

Verksbyen, a new green neighbourhood in Fredrikstad, Norway, showcases the future of sustainable living. As part of the project, construction company Arca Nova Bolig is building five, five-storey apartment buildings situated in Capjon Park area in Verskbyen. The buildings are being constructed using Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber) products – making the construction fast, light and green.

As the number of new homes being built increases, how we manage water needs careful consideration. The new houses that are being built today must be designed to be water-efficient, flood-resilient and save energy. Paul Winnett, General Manager for Building Services and Industry at Xylem Water Solutions, shares some key challenges and strategies house-builders should consider.