What is ‘thermal performance’? When thinking about the energy efficiency of buildings, it’s easy to focus on heat loss through individual elements and forget the wider picture. It’s true that U-values often become the headline figures in a specification, but they are not the sole barometer of performance. There’s a reason for the relevant section… Read more
When looking to specify or purchase rooflights or roof windows, certainly terminology appears repeatedly. But the meaning or significance of that terminology is not always clear. This post explains three common features. Double, triple or quadruple glazed? These days, most people understand the benefits of having a glazing unit that is more than just single… Read more
In any construction project, having an early idea of likely material specifications is helpful to avoid last minute shocks and surprises. It’s particularly relevant to rooflights and roof windows, though, because designing a healthy building means not taking quoted U-values at face value. The composition of roof glazing units – including overall size, relative areas… Read more
If you’re trying to decide on the right rooflights for a project, be sure to take some time to consider the benefits of specifying frameless rooflights. After all, your choice of rooflight will have a big impact on the overall appearance of the property – both inside and out – as well as the amount… Read more
Having outdoor living space is an important consideration for modern homes. With space often at a premium, especially in urban locations, a roof terrace will allow you to make the most of an otherwise unused area and provide a desirable outdoor space, perfect for entertaining, growing food or just enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.… Read more
What’s the most important ingredient for success in any building project? Communication is up there. Delivering the right information at the right time, and in the most appropriate way, is what communication – and genuine collaboration – is all about. It’s what BIM is about too, giving the construction industry the tools and the flexibility… Read more
April 4th 2016 was a milestone in the adoption of BIM in the UK construction industry. Earmarked well in advance by the government’s 2011 Construction Strategy, it was the day on which all centrally procured projects were mandated to use Level 2 BIM. It was a watershed moment when full collaborative 3D BIM, with all… Read more
A BIM object, while providing an important visual representation of products and materials for use in design and construction drawings, must offer a lot more than that. Boiled down to the essentials, a BIM object is actually better equated to a spreadsheet in the way that it details the properties of the product in question.… Read more
Hearing the phrase ‘building information modelling’ conjures mental images of flashy 3D graphics, designed to show off the impressive architecture of some new multi-million pound landmark building. That mental image is almost inevitable – after all, most of our built environment is judged on how it looks, fuelled by media reporting of ‘prizes’ like the… Read more
When specifying rooflights or roof windows, the first thing you’ll probably think about is how the items will look once they’re installed. This is certainly an important aspect to consider – after all, appearance is critical. But you will also need to analyse the performance criteria of these glazing units to ensure they serve their… Read more
It’s easy to see why outdoor spaces are so highly desired among potential homebuyers. However, with space often at a premium, architects, designers and house builders are looking for creative ways to provide this luxury living space. This is where access box rooflights can provide an excellent solution. Outdoor space in urban areas Blocks of… Read more
The benefits of specifying roof windows and rooflights are clear: they provide high levels of natural light, they can be wonderful sources of ventilation, and they contribute to the thermal comfort of a building. Roof windows and rooflights also provide an aesthetically pleasing addition to the external appearance of a property. But what else should… Read more
