In last month’s Queen’s Speech, the industry responded to a number of important announcements concerning the efforts to keep Britain building.

Efficiency, productivity and comfort are top considerations for any office-based employer. Ultimately, the design of an office plays a crucial role in how employees perform, yet for a high percentage of UK-based offices, providing an optimum working environment isn’t always achievable. One current industry buzzword that encapsulates this need is biophilic design: a design revolution that connects buildings to the natural world – buildings where people feel free and inspired.

In this month’s Greenhouse, FC&A profiles the spectacular transformation of a moored concrete barge into a floating, sustainable office space. Designed by Märraum Architects, the design has a maritime theme and sustainability has remained at the heart of all decision making.

WALLTITE Spray Foam insulation from BASF was chosen for its ability to accommodate even the trickiest shapes and surfaces as well as its environmental credentials, helping the truly unique project achieve an impressive U-value of 0.12 W/m2K. For more details on this outstanding build, turn to page 8.

Meanwhile in this month’s Voice of the Industry, FC&A speaks with Paul Statham, CEO and founder of Condeco Software. Here he discusses the vital importance of flexibility in the workplace and reveals how companies can accurately measure and improve the way workplaces are being used.

Elsewhere in this issue you will find dedicated features on Retail Build, HVAC, RAIN/SuDS, Cladding and BIM.

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via Future Constructor & Architect’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google Play or the App Store.