The minimalist architecture of the Design Museum’s new London home meant its building services had to be silent and hidden from view. Andy Pearson explains how ChapmanBDSP overcame the challenges
Author: Alex Smith
Building services salary survey 2017
Salaries in the building services sector rose by a healthy 3.5% last year, according to the 2017 Hays salary survey, despite Brexit looming on the horizon. David Blackman reports on a jobs market showing strong resilience in the face of European uncertainty
How HIU performance testing will change heat network design
New codes and tests designed to root out poorly performing heat networks are shining a spotlight on the supply chain. Alex Smith reports on a new test for heat interface units that will have far-reaching consequences for designers and suppliers
Creature comforts – David Attenborough Building
How do you turn a brutalist, uninsulated, concrete structure – housing the University of Cambridge’s zoology department – into a naturally ventilated showcase of sustainability that encourages collaboration between conservation groups? Andy Pearson finds out
Life support – providing heat and power in Antarctica
The facilities team at the British Antarctic Survey are responsible for maintaining heat and power in some of the most isolated buildings on Earth. Alex Smith finds out how remote monitoring and controls are ensuring the welfare of staff and scientists living near the South Pole
Tidings of comfort and joy – cost efficient church heating
Churches may be full to bursting at Christmas, but smaller congregations at other times make planning a heating strategy difficult. In response, James Sheehan, heating adviser for the Diocese of Peterborough, has produced a cost guide that aims to minimise ecclesiastical heating bills
Body clock wise – lighting design for the circadian cycle
Human-centric lighting is a phrase that has been bandied about over the past couple of years – not least by lighting manufacturers – but what does it actually mean? Jonathan Rush explains
Why the London Plan is targeting zero carbon
Hywel Davies discusses the implications for new developments in the capital
Raising the bar – Land Rover BAR headquarters for the America’s Cup
Land Rover BAR will attempt to achieve Britain’s first America’s Cup victory next year. If its teamwork is anything like the collaborative approach taken to design its HQ, Sir Ben Ainslie stands a good chance of bringing home the trophy. Alex Smith reports
Fresh thinking: Meeting design and cost targets with single-side ventilation in schools
A single-sided ventilation strategy that meets environmental criteria – while upholding design quality – has been rolled out in two Nottinghamshire schools. Breathing Buildings’ Shaun Fitzgerald, Cundall’s Peter Hazzard, and John Leonard, from Nicholas Hare Architects, explain the system