The quality of the pipework testing and commissioning process is vital to protect the system and prevent costly and time-consuming remedial work after the fit out is complete. Viega director Scott James looks at the issues to consider and explains why the choice of connection method is so important
Category: Technical
Technical note: the government ban on combustible materials in high-rise residential buildings
Amendment to Building Regulations will come into force on 21 December 2018 and affect buildings over 18m high. Hywel Davies looks at the detail
The living lab: making data count
Hoare Lea’s Living Lab is exploring how data can be used to optimise buildings for both energy use and the comfort of occupants. Alex Smith takes a glimpse into a smarter future
Train of thought – Elizabeth line lighting concept
GIA Equation’s Keith Miller explains the overarching principles behind the lighting concept for the Elizabeth line, Europe’s largest infrastructure project
Sensor sensibility: Newcastle University’s Urban Sciences Building
Newcastle University’s Urban Sciences Building has 4,000 sensors to help optimise user comfort and energy performance. Andy Pearson reports
Natural selection – measuring the effects of the Biophilic Office
A major BRE study on biophilic office design will focus on how lighting impacts on the wellbeing of occupants. BRE’s Flavie Lowres describes the aims of the project
High streetwise – SLL’s guide to retail lighting
The SLL has published its first guide to retail lighting. Jill Entwistle talks to author Simon Robinson about why it was needed and what it covers
Judicial renew – replacing heating and cooling at the Old Bailey
Fifty-year-old boilers at the Old Bailey are being replaced under the watchful eye of Lady Justice, in a major 10-year refurbishment. Andy Pearson speaks to the project team about the challenge of replacing heating and cooling without interrupting proceedings in 18 law courts
Reach for the stars – taking a lift into space
An elevator that takes passengers into space may sound like the stuff of fiction, but Dr Bryan E Laubscher’s keynote at the 9th Symposium on Lift and Escalator Technologies reveals that interplanetary travel by lift is rooted in scientific reality
Paradise forged – Heating and cooling at Center Parcs Longford Forest resort
Center Parcs Longford Forest resort required renewable energy generation, ventilation that didn’t harm tropical plants and a new €4.5m, 27km gas main. Andy Pearson reports