There are many aspects to consider when designing a building – from the building system and sustainability to ongoing performance and costs. With numerous routes to take along the design and construction journey, selecting the core structural solution is one of the most important decisions. Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association, offers his perspective on how to select the optimum building solution to meet the budget and specific needs of the client.

According to a far-reaching study by the Met Office, the UK’s climate is changing; bringing more warm spells and tropical nights. The Met Office also states that while the UK’s summer rainfall has been decreasing on average since the start of the 20th century, it has increased during winter, says Sean Robinson, Specification Director of Water Management Solutions at Polypipe.

Tracey Bamber, Managing Director of Zip Water UK, discusses the role that a drinking water system plays in a commercial building’s sustainability credentials.

Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager at RAVATHERM UK – manufacturer of POLYFOAM Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation – highlights the risks of inaccurate U-value calculations and the need for a more rigorous approach during the specification process.

Giving the Moderne a contemporary edge while maintaining the tenets of iconic 1930s design has been realised in the redevelopment of a prestigious London building.