All Features articles – Page 226
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FeaturesCPD 10 2014: Practical approaches to complying with Part L1A 2013
The latest in our series of CPD modules outlines the key changes to the thermal efficiency regulations, which were introduced last month, and suggests solutions for meeting the new requirements
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FeaturesA lesson in geometry: Knauf's UK headquarters
AHMM’s design for the new Knauf HQ is a masterclass in lineal precision, fitting seamlessly into its industrial riverside setting despite its modernist white exterior. Here’s how, with the use of some of the manufacturer’s own materials, the project stacked up to just £1.8m
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FeaturesThe 2014 consultants' salary survey
Wages are still slowly on the up according to this year’s Building/Hays Construction consultants’ salary survey, but more significant is the drive towards recruitment in 2014, with firms seeking - and competing for - new talent to avoid skills shortages on the horizon
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FeaturesWhat to specify: Commercial
This week we have some interesting settings for commercial products, including a fashion house in Manchester, the depths of Amsterdam’s subway system and Volkswagen’s HQ in Milton Keynes
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FeaturesLack of infrastructure investment could hit recovery
Arcadis report finds lack of investment in new and replacement buildings and infrastructure could threaten UK’s economic recovery
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FeaturesLead times: January - March 2014
Increased enquiries and workload are now affecting most trades throughout the industry, which is showing in increasing lead times. Brian Moone of Mace Business School reports
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FeaturesSketch of the week: Parthenon
Bryan Avery of Avery Associates Architects gives us a picture of the Parthenon
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FeaturesImage of the week: Workers’ Memorial Day
Trade union Ucatt pays tribute to workers who have lost their lives on sites this year
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FeaturesThe pressure of payment reform
The launch last week of a new payment charter adds to the legitmate pressure on contractors to pay their subbies promptly. But this pressure could also starve contractors of the cash they need to invest, push up prices, and even push some firms over the edge
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FeaturesGarden cities: Back to the future
Garden cities offered a utopian vision of town planning at the dawn of the last century. But could they be the answer to the current housing crisis? The coalition seems to think so
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FeaturesThe eco-supermarket pioneers
As Sainsbury’s Greenwich, the pioneer of retail sustainability, prepares for possible demolition just 15 years after its opening, we look at how eco-stores have evolved since, with supermarkets attempting to save energy and boost their green credentials
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FeaturesTracker: March 2014
Construction activity showed a slight fall in the third month of the year but remained in positive territory, pointing towards a period of sustained expansion. Experian Economics reports
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FeaturesSpring in our step
Business indicators point to plenty of momentum in the economy as household consumption expands and employment rises. Michael Dall presents highlights of Barbour ABI’s latest monthly Economic Construction Market Review, with a special focus on the education sector
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FeaturesSketch of the week: Royal Liver Building
Building art editor Sam Jenkins draws on his Liverpudlian roots
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FeaturesInterview: Alan Brown
With two investors behind it and the recent purchase of upmarket housebuilder Banner, Cala Group has come a long way from its precarious refinancing in 2009. Alan Brown talks about delivering volume at the top end of the market, and plans to treble turnover to £800m a year
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FeaturesCPD 9 2014: Optimal pump sumps for wastewater
The latest in our series of CPD modules focuses on best practice in the design of pumping stations as part of an effective modern sewerage network. This module is sponsored by Xylem Water Solutions UK
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FeaturesMarket forecast: Rebound on track
Although Q1 2014 saw output and price levels taper off, the overall direction of the industry remains encouraging, especially considering its supply and skills constraints
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FeaturesWhat to specify: Doors & windows
You can see clearly now with the latest doors and windows products. Innovations include automatic door operators, top swing reversible windows and electronic roof windows
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FeaturesHow to be cool: Tackling overheating in UK homes
Overheating in homes is set to become an increasingly urgent issue, especially in the capital, as global temperatures rise. With energy legislation demanding that buildings become ever more airtight, what is the best way for designers to respond?
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FeaturesSketch of the week: Milton Keynes gallery
Smith and Wallwork provides this week’s doodle – a concept sketch for Milton Keynes gallery