It’s one of the most important considerations in new-build architecture – whether to finish the property with a pitched or flat roof. But it’s also a decision that inspires hotly-contested discussions on the pros and cons of each option, with advances in materials meaning the choice is wider than ever. In this article, George King, Divisional Managing Director at SIG Exteriors, gets to the heart of the debate, and looks at the solutions currently available to architects and specifiers.

In this article, Sean Ballard, Managing Director of Sunray Doors, unearths the dos and don’ts of timber fire door specification for high-rise buildings. Speaking on behalf of Sunray’s Timber Fire Door division, he briefly runs through the essential elements to consider for optimum specification and installation, and outlines key points you should address to ensure high performance and compliance.

The UK construction industry is continuing to weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic but is still facing ongoing challenges when it comes to design detail and the specification process. All too often, information is missing from drawings, leaving decisions to those on the ground, who may invariably take the opportunity to reduce costs by substituting products. This can lead to a loss of design intent and quality. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Hudson Lambert, Director at Safeguard Europe, answers some of the most common queries arising from waterproofing basements – whether new or refurbishment.

In a world of smart buildings, the link between building management systems and IT has never been more critical, but these computer-based systems require an army of efficient sensors to ensure a building’s performance is optimised. Stacey Lucas, Commercial and Marketing Director of smart sensor supplier Sontay, offers insight into the vital role of sensing devices and how they help create smarter buildings.