There are many aspects to consider when designing a building – from the structural system and performance to the aesthetics and sustainability. Clearly the build cost plays a crucial part in the decision-making process – but does the lowest cost option really offer the best value?

Last month, Rockfon assembled some of the top names in acoustics to discuss the prevailing audible topics influencing today’s architecture. Here, FC&A reports on the findings from the stimulating roundtable held at South Shields’ impressive state-of-the-art cultural venue, The Word. Guided through the FaulknerBrowns-designed building by Project Director Nick Heyward, it was instantaneously evident that; to recognise an acoustically-sound environment, you have to physically experience the environmental change.

Friday, 07 July 2017 00:00

CLT chosen for Maggie’s Oldham

Maggie’s Oldham, the world’s first building made from hardwood cross-laminated timber (CLT), has opened in the UK. Designed by dRMM Architects and supported by the American Hardwood Export Council, this is a pivotal moment for modern architecture and construction.

Designed and created by Danish architecture firm 3XN, the Royal Arena project in the historic city of Copenhagen opened earlier this year and has since been awarded the ‘Jury Winner’ in the Sport and Recreation category at this year’s Architizer A+.

Style has helped transform the London offices of worldwide financial derivatives trading company, IG Group, by designing and installing numerous wall panels that slide and spin across an open space to create informal, collaborative meeting spaces for groups of anything from two to twenty people. Further increasing functionality, both sides of the panels act as magnetic writeable white-boards which can be swivelled round to share ideas with other groups, effectively bringing them into the discussion.

Forbo Flooring Systems has refreshed its popular Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) collection, Allura, in response to the growing trend for combining shapes, sizes and colours to create contemporary floor spaces. By playing with scale, direction and combinations across the range, the manufacturer has introduced new tile shapes and sizes that are ideal for use across the hotel, leisure and retail sectors.

ROCKWOOL has developed a new CPD for architects entitled ‘Acoustic Standards in Schools’. The CPD aims to explain the science behind acoustics, the latest building regulations, best practice guidance on acoustics and explore the most appropriate sound insulation solutions for education environments.

Vastern Timber has developed a CPD to help architects and other specifiers address the resurgence in timber cladding. Entitled ‘Selecting the Right Timber Cladding’ the presentation explains all of the options and factors that influence timber cladding installation and will help to ensure that cladding used in their designs looks good and lasts.

The UK’s founding wetroom brand, Impey, has added a new RIBA CPD seminar to their portfolio, ideal for architects and specifiers who are keen to develop technical knowledge of bathroom adaptations and easy-access showering solutions.

Dutypoint, manufacturer of innovative and efficient water pump systems for construction projects, has launched a new CIBSE approved CPD providing guidance on the specification of cold water boosting solutions.

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Future Constructor & Architect is a specification platform for architects and building contractors, which focuses on top-end domestic and commercial developments.

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