All Buildings, design and specification articles
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CPDCPD 12 2025: The importance and principles of insulation
Sponsored by ROCKWOOL®, this CPD module explores the key principles behind insulation performance and how specifiers can ensure that materials meet the required standards for modern construction
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NewsAI-DOMP moves into beta: Leeds Beckett’s AI platform for mould prevention enters real-world trials
The AI-enabled design diagnostics and optimisation system for mould prevention (AI-DOMP) – a collaboration between Leeds Beckett University’s CIDEL lab and BuildEco Ltd – has now entered beta testing phase
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CPDCPD 11 2025: Bi-fold and sliding doors for marine and coastal environments
Sponsored by Solarlux, this CPD module covers the specification of bi-fold and sliding doors for marine and coastal environments, focusing on performance, compliance and security
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CPDCPD 10 2025: Designing safe access for working at height
Sponsored by MSA Safety, this CPD explores best practice for safe access and egress when working at height
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CPDCPD 09 2025: Roofs, regulations and fire safety
Often underestimated in design conversations, the roof is increasingly recognised as a building’s fifth facade – a space with critical functional responsibilities and regulatory implications
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CommentIt’s time to see more recycled products in the fabric of our buildings
Nobody needs to be told the planet is in trouble and unfortunately the construction industry is a major contributor to both carbon emissions and waste. Our default approach of using virgin materials over recycled options is a key driver in global warming. As such, we are exhausting our planet’s resources ...
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CPDCPD 08 2025: Understanding and identifying grey belt land
As pressure mounts to deliver new housing and infrastructure in England, the Green Belt – long considered sacrosanct – is once again at the centre of planning debate
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CPDCPD 07 2025: Mastering sliding and bi-fold doors
Sliding doors date back over a thousand years to Japan, where shoji – paper-covered wooden frames – offered space-saving elegance in homes and temples. Even earlier, grooves in Pompeii’s stone floors suggest the Romans used sliding doors to enhance spatial flexibility.
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NewsOffice Ten Architecture proposes scalable retrofit model to tackle housing crises
Spearheaded by design studio Office Ten, the pilot project is rethinking the standard Victorian and Edwardian terrace homes, hoping to not only improve fabric performance but also increase housing density in a bid to solve the UK’s chronic housing shortage and the environmental impact of underperforming homes.
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NewsPre-assembled heat pump unit claims £2,000 installation savings
Hewer, a sustainable heating solutions provider, has launched Heat Saviour, a pre-assembled unit designed to simplify the installation and maintenance of heat pump systems. According to the company, the technology could save up to £2,000 per installation by reducing the need to overhaul existing heating systems.
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CPDCPD 06 2025: How glass mineral wool insulation supports net zero building design
This module explores how glass mineral wool insulation supports sustainable construction by reducing carbon emissions and improving energy performance
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CommentRebuilding trust: Why quality and accountability must lead the UK’s housing drive
The UK is counting on construction. We need to build 1.5 million homes, make progress on net zero, improve energy security, reduce bills and improve the comfort and health of all. But this is only possible if people trust the industry.
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CPDCPD 05 2025: Enhancing thermal performance
Despite decades of innovation in building materials, energy modelling and regulations, one stubborn truth remains: too many buildings still underperform
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CommentCould the UK’s new towns be a wash out?
As the House of Lords begins its inquiry into how to practically and effectively deliver the UK’s 100 new towns, deep consideration must be given to how these communities can withstand climate change.
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SponsoredGlass mineral wool: The smart choice for forward-thinking housebuilders
Thermal performance is under greater scrutiny than ever before, from both regulatory bodies and homeowners demanding energy-efficient homes. And it’s not just notional performance that’s under the microscope – increasingly, homes are being judged by their as-built performance too.
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CommentHeat networks: The low-carbon solution for social housing
The UK’s social housing sector is undergoing a significant transformation as it works to decarbonise its heat and hot water systems. Not only is there a need to support the country’s net zero targets by 2050, but improving energy efficiency is essential to address growing concerns about fuel poverty and ...
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NewsSmart socket claims to prevent electrical fires
A British inventor has launched a smart socket that is said to utilise thermal monitoring to prevent electrical fires with the aim of disrupting traditional safety standards
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CPDCPD 04 2025: Energy performance evaluation in architectural projects
This module, sponsored by Vectorworks, explores how architects can integrate early-stage performance modelling into their workflow to create more sustainable, energy-efficient designs
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CommentSolving the UK’s social housing heat pump challenge
Graham Rothwell examines the challenges of scaling up heat pump retrofits in social housing, from tenant engagement to grid constraints, and explores the strategies needed to drive successful adoption
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CPDCPD 03 2025: Segmental retaining walls for housing developments
Sponsored by Tobermore, this module explores the design considerations, applications and benefits of specifying segmental retaining walls in residential developments