All Materials articles
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ReviewForm Follows Love: Anna Heringer on building with empathy, intuition and mud
In Form Follows Love, Anna Heringer reimagines architecture as an act of empathy and participation. Sumedha Kelegama explores how the book challenges dominant ideas of design, authorship and durability
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OpinionCopper’s role in designing resilient and sustainable water infrastructure
The UK’s water infrastructure is at a critical juncture, with the need for substantial investment and reform becoming ever more pressing. The country faces increasing risks from outdated systems, where ageing pipes and materials such as lead and plastic can lead to contamination and water leaks.
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Building StudyDesigning, building and growing the natural way: Wolves Lane community centre unveiled by Studio Gil and Material Cultures
Straw, clay and reclaimed materials come together in a strikingly unconventional eco build in north London. Mary Richardson reports on a project that rethinks not just how we build, but who gets to do the building
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NewsProject Reuse delivers first materials in pilot scheme to rethink fit-out waste
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has received the first batch of salvaged interior products under its pilot scheme aimed at exploring how reuse can be integrated into the commercial office fit-out process
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FeaturesDesigning with timber from day one
If the UK is to meet its commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and reduce embodied carbon in construction, the industry must improve the sustainability credentials of the buildings it constructs
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OpinionIt’s time to see more recycled products in the fabric of our buildings
Nobody needs to be told the planet is in trouble and unfortunately the construction industry is a major contributor to both carbon emissions and waste. Our default approach of using virgin materials over recycled options is a key driver in global warming. As such, we are exhausting our planet’s resources ...
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Information - BDCPD 06 2025: How glass mineral wool insulation supports net zero building design
This module explores how glass mineral wool insulation supports sustainable construction by reducing carbon emissions and improving energy performance
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FeaturesVelux repurposes timber warehouse into low-carbon innovation hub
A 30-year-old timber warehouse in Østbirk, Denmark, has been converted into Velux Group’s new innovation centre, now known as LKR Innovation House. The facility, which reuses over half of its original materials, will host around 500 employees working on product development, including roof windows and accessories.
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NewsModular Scottish holiday home showcases Querkus veneer in low-carbon timber interior
A new modular holiday home in northern Scotland has used Decospan’s Querkus veneer extensively across its interiors, in what is believed to be the largest residential specification of the product in the UK to date. Taigh na Coille, designed by Edinburgh-based WT Architecture, is located in the remote landscape of ...
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Information - BDCPD 05 2025: Enhancing thermal performance
This module explores how evolving building regulations are driving improved thermal performance and how stone wool insulation can help narrow the performance gap
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NewsLet’s be specific… Recycled plastics Q+A with Nichola Robinson, Hahn Plastics
Once seen as a low-grade byproduct, recycled plastic has rapidly evolved into a high-performance material embraced by the construction and landscaping sectors. Its journey from post-consumer waste to durable infrastructure reflects a broader shift toward sustainable, circular design. With growing pressure on architects and specifiers to reduce embodied carbon and ...
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NewsBindloss Dawes extends Victorian home in Stoke Newington
Bindloss Dawes has completed the renovation of a Victorian home in Stoke Newington, London, located within the Lordship Park conservation area. Originally purchased as a development project by clients Emma Dahlman and Nick Illston, the property has evolved into a long-term residence, requiring extensive collaboration to address its existing structural ...
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NewsThomas-McBrien Architects completes glulam roof extension of London HQ
The lightweight structure respects the existing industrial building’s character while introducing a contemporary addition – a timber pavilion nestled amongst the trees
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NewsMailen Design unveils Lee Terrace in Blackheath
This compact three-bedroom house features a stepped brick and stone facade, full-height glazing and a bronze-clad upper volume, offering a modern addition to a historic setting
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NewsSteel remains the preferred choice for structural framing, forecasting steady growth ahead
With demand expected to rise to 897,000 tonnes by 2028, key growth sectors – driven by green energy infrastructure and healthcare projects – could shape the future of structural steel in the UK
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FeaturesBuilding with confidence: Competency, skills and designing with structural timber
As the construction industry faces mounting pressure to meet the UK’s Net Zero targets, timber is emerging as a game-changing solution. However, its successful adoption depends on architects embracing timber-specific design principles, fostering early collaboration, and closing skills gaps. With support from initiatives like STA Assure and the TiC Policy ...
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FeaturesMeeting sustainability objectives with durability
With the built environment generating around 40% of our global carbon emissions, product durability is vital to achieving more sustainable building envelopes that deliver in-use benefits
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FeaturesReducing carbon in steel
As sustainability pressures mount on the construction industry, steel emerges as a surprising ally in reducing embodied carbon, offering innovative solutions for greener buildings
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FeaturesReimagining mainstream housing: the Living Places approach
Lone Feifer discusses how the Living Places concept and a new “recipe book” for sustainable housing aim to shift the housing industry toward healthier, low carbon communities