ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV

Features

District heating: The heart of the community

2010-01-15T00:00:00Z

District heating could hold the key for greening the UK’s existing homes. So why, when the technology exists and is used throughout Europe, do we still rely on individual systems?

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Open-plan flats: Opening up

2009-12-11T00:00:00Z

There’s pent-up demand for open-plan flats, but fire safety rules make it difficult for them to get approval. Giving designers a set of templates to follow that include sprinklers and enhanced detection systems could be the answer

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ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV pathology: Photovoltaic panels

2009-11-27T00:00:00Z

Photovoltaic panels can be great energy providers, as long as an eye is kept on potential problems with power output and deficiencies. Peter Mayer of BLP Insurance explains what to look out for

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ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV pathology: Water ingress

2009-10-30T00:00:00Z

Water penetration can be a problem for brick walls – even if a cavity is included to prevent moisture reaching the building interior

Features

Who turned the lights off? The Part L rooflight resurgence

2009-10-02T00:00:00Z

Proposals for the revised Part L of the ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV Regulations could lead to a resurgence in rooflights

ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV

ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV pathology: Air permeability

2009-09-18T00:00:00Z

Reducing air leakage is a cost-effective way of improving a building’s energy efficiency and reducing bills.

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Triple-glazing: Make mine a triple

2009-09-04T00:00:00Z

There are notable precedents when it come to adding a third layer to things. But should the principle be applied to windows?

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Green cement: reforming the carbon criminals

2009-07-31T00:00:00Z

Examining the latest attempts to find greener formulas for one of the world’s biggest carbon criminals – cement

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Knotty problem: when cladding goes bad

2009-07-03T00:00:00Z

Every man and his dog seem to be using timber for cladding. Well, it does look great. But without proper installation and maintenance, you could be in for a nasty surprise

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Tubular belge: Buro Happold's steel shopping centre

2009-05-22T00:00:00Z

Buro Happold’s roof for Liège’s new shopping centre takes the form of a 400m-long steel snake, which undulates to dramatically different heights. Stephen Kennett finds out how it was done

Features

On repeat: standardised flooring

2009-05-08T00:00:00Z

What if all aspects of flooring were as standardised as linoleum? Chloe Stothart reports on a drive to create a general specification for floor cassettes that could have consequences for all off-site modules

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ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV pathology: Screeds

2009-05-08T00:00:00Z

A problem with a cement-sand screed can put an entire floorspace out of action. Peter Mayer of BLP Insurance examines how it happens – and how it can be put right

Features

Something for the panes: vacuum glazing

2009-04-24T00:00:00Z

Double glazing isn’t always a suitable prescription for thermally inefficient older buildings, particularly in conservation areas where the original style has to be maintained. Could a slimline Japanese system be a better remedy?

Features

Brentwood Community Hospital: Operation sunlight

2009-03-13T00:00:00Z

Sheppard Robson’s redevelopment of a PFI hospital in Essex aimed to maximise views for patients. But how did it square this rather pricey ambition with the need to keep costs down?

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The return of the glazed terracotta tile

2009-02-27T00:00:00Z

Like an old punk band that reunites for one last gig, glazed terracotta tiles – famous for their early appearances on Victorian pubs and tube stations – are making a comeback. Stephen Kennett gives a big hand to two completed schemes that are shaking up the streets of London

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Floor performance: 'the difference between a surgeon’s knife hitting the right or wrong spot'

2009-01-30T00:00:00Z

You know how it is: you’re just about to cut out some tissue around the jugular vein when the floorboard moves under your feet. Oops… Stephen Kennett reports on what designers are doing to stop floors vibrating

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Eco-terraces: Urban jungle

2009-01-16T00:00:00Z

Eco-terraces are the next big thing in rooftop developments – but, says Stephen Kennett, it pays to have green fingers. Where’s Alan Titchmarsh when you need him?

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Window pains: Different ways windows can fail

2008-04-11T00:00:00Z

Peter Mayer of ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV LifePlans analyses the different ways windows can fail and how to prevent them doing so. For a full guide to suppliers, log on to www.building.co.uk/specifier

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Stars of the tiny screen

2007-02-16T00:00:00Z

Video entry systems aren’t just for posh flats. Oliver Ashbee of the Entryphone Company explains how it’s supplying social landlords and commercial clients, too.

Features

Georgious Washington

2007-02-02T00:00:00Z

Roofing If you liked the British Museum’s Great Court roof, you’re going to love its designers’ spectacular covering for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.