NASA’s first manned flight around the moon for 50 years has sparked fresh interest in space exploration while also reminding us of the tantalising properties to a vacuum: especially back here on earth. As the poster for the original Alien movie said: “In space no one can hear you scream.” There are many industrial applications for vacuum technology, and these continue to expand as technology advances. At the same time, falling costs are making it an increasingly practical s

The ever-tightening regulations and standards, along with the UK’s substantial population growth, mean architects and property designers must design urban spaces with energy efficiency and sustainability at the forefront. Through the integration of resilient and sustainable design strategies, landscape architecture plays a vital role, as Sol Russell, Specification Team Leader at Kinley, writes. While the UK’s decarbonisation journey continues apace, the frequent population ri

Architects today are under more pressure than ever. Tighter programmes, complex planning constraints, heightened sustainability targets and exacting clients mean there is little room for friction anywhere in the supply chain. When it comes to cast stone, architects are not simply looking for a manufacturer; they are looking for a partner who understands design intent, technical reality, and the long-term value of the buildings they create. Here, based on years of close collab

As the Future Homes Standard (FHS) moves into its final policy stage before implementation, the Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR) sector, led by Showersave and Recoup, has identified that the framework may limit opportunities for reducing domestic hot water (DHW) demand – despite hot water accounting for one of the largest energy demands in the homes of the future. The WWHR sector has gathered independent third-party feedback and modelled some national housebuilders’ house t

Paul Trace From Stella Rooflight Discusses Why Material Choice Matters In Conservation Rooflights Conservation rooflights are often judged on aesthetics first. Sightlines, glazing bars, flush detailing and planning compliance understandably dominate the specification conversation, particularly within listed buildings and sensitive heritage settings. Yet beneath the visual detailing lies a far more important consideration that is still too often overlooked within the industry:

Paul Trace, Director of Stella Rooflight, discusses why authenticity and performance must go hand in hand... There is a well understood principle in conservation and restoration work that extends far beyond architecture: the idea that the method must be appropriate to the material. A stonemason repairing a centuries old wall would not reach for modern cement where lime mortar is required, even if the modern material appears stronger, quicker or more convenient to apply. The w

Toby Marlow, Haddonstone's Building and Construction team director, discusses... As the built environment confronts the twin pressures of climate responsibility and an ageing building stock, retrofitting has shifted from a niche intervention to a fundamental design imperative. Across cities and communities, architects are challenged to elevate the performance of existing structures while honouring the architectural narratives they embody. Retrofitting offers a powerful means

By Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance.. In February 1877, a fire broke out in a Massachusetts mill. It was, by most accounts, an unremarkable fire and the kind of incident that at any other time would have gutted a building, destroyed livelihoods, and perhaps cost lives. But on this occasion, something different happened. The fire at the American Linen Mill in Fall River was stopped in its tracks before it had the chance to become catastrophic. It was the

Every year, design, technology and lifestyle shifts transform the way people experience and interact with their kitchens. Leading distributor of kitchen and bedroom components, PWS, highlights its top 3 influences shaping kitchens in 2026 from the popularity of wood cabinetry to timeless taupe. A nod to nature with oak Offering unparalleled quality, durability and beauty, last year saw a surge in popularity for natural wood-drenched kitchens. Providing quiet luxury and soph