Ahead of his presentation at the QUALICOAT UK & Ireland conference 2022, ‘Future-proofing Facades’, Naveen Sandhu, UK & Ireland Specification Manager for QUALICOAT-approved system supplier, Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings, explores the fire performance of architectural powder coating.

In this month’s issue, FC&A puts Tim Ward, CEO at Chetwoods, under the spotlight to find out more about his profession. In this Q&A, he explains where his interest in building design began and reveals who influenced his journey into following the architectural career path.

A significant new high-rise residential project in the London Borough of Lewisham is being built to provide high quality social housing, with the design of the structure prioritising the use of non-combustible materials: including the choice of A1 rated Magply boards for pattresses within the external walls.

Hollaway Studio has designed the world’s first purpose-built, multi-storey skatepark in Folkestone, UK, as part of a major ongoing programme to regenerate the seaside town. The landmark building features three skateparks, a climbing wall (the tallest in the south east of England) and a boxing ring. It opens to the public this month.

Paul Foster is this month’s exclusive Q&A profile. The Associate Director and Healthcare Lead at Sheffield-based practice Race Cottam Associates (RCA) discusses his current portfolio and shares more about his inspiration together with advice for aspiring architects.

Our homes have long been our castles. And in the last two years, they’ve had to be everything else too. Our homes have also had to work overtime as gyms, office spaces, coffee shops and entertainment destinations. Now, as we emerge back into the world, it’s time to restore our homes to their rightful place. To do that, we’re going to need lots of colour, writes Garry Cohn of COHN Design.

Sollertia, a firm specialising in textile architecture and the design, fabrication and construction of lightweight tensile structures, has extended its innovative services and expertise. Backed by an experienced team of professionals who specialise in high-performance technical textile structures, Sollertia’s comprehensive service offering focuses on creating bold, durable and innovative solutions that are advancing the state-of-the-art architecture.

Jean Hanna, Design Director at WWA Studios, has over 30 years’ experience in delivering large-scale projects for new-build and remodelled extra care, retirement housing and general needs housing schemes at a range of urban and rural locations. Here, she answers a few questions about her career and looks back on the path that led her to the position she holds today.

With a master’s degree in architecture, Yorgo Lykouria started his career at Himmel/Bonner, then subsequently moved to Helmut Jahn in Chicago. Following these positions, he started his own multidisciplinary studio, which led to consulting with HOK and finally founding Rainlight Studio, where he is now the Creative Principal.

Magply boards are being used as part of Sky’s efforts to create the world’s most sustainable film and TV Studios, Sky Studios Elstree.