Norma Macleod writes: We are a new group to building....have planted trees and run a domestic cooked-food composting scheme using the "rocket" composter. We have planning permission to build a2-level community space in the Irvine Bay area of North Ayrshire. We would like to use as much recycled material as ...

Read more...

SEDA member Linda Forbes writes to tell us that one of her fellow CAT MSc alumni, Magnus, is currently working in Pakistan with the Department for International Development, where he is trying to build-up relationships between students in the UK and the local architecture students in Pakistan who are really ...

Read more...

Titanium dioxide does a couple of clever tricks that mean we may well be seeing a lot of it in the future: it's self-cleaning, and it breaks down pollutants in the air. Full article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15694973 (image: The Jubilee Church in Rome which has titanium dioxide in its concrete "sails")

Read more...

Sustainable design principles were used to create a space designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker. The memorial consists of a peaceful tree-filled plaza and two reflecting pools in the exact places where the towers once stood. http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2nXAMo/inhabitat.com/nyc/911-memorial-uses-green-design-to-create-a-place-of-remembrance/

Read more...

The final four contenders for the 100k Art Fund prize and accolade of "Museum of the Year" were announced on 19th May. The public poll for people to vote for the winner re-opened today and will close again on 7th June. This is your last chance to tell the ...

Read more...

Prepared by SEDA member Matt Bridgestock at 55 North Architecture and edited by Richard Baynes, Your Buildings, Your Future is a guide to commissioning sustainable architecture for community organisations. The project was funded by SUST at Architecture and Design Scotland. This guide provides advice and assistance on the process ...

Read more...

This seminar was organised by the Good Homes Alliance, in partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, Ecos Trust and SUST / A+DS. A full report on the event can be seen by clicking on the following link: www.seda.uk.net/assets/files/Achieving low carbon housing.pdf

Read more...

In November 2010, the Building Standards Division issued a Consultation on Sustainability Labelling Within Building Standards. The public consultation on the proposals has now closed. A report on the consultation responses has been published and can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards/publications/pubconsult The system of labelling recognizes achieving the current minimum standards, ...

Read more...

In December 2010 A+DS teamed up with Kingsford Primary School in Aberdeen to run a workshop to deliver the architecture input that the school was looking for to help them in taking part in the National Theatre of Scotland Extreme Arts Project. The results of this partnership will be showcased ...

Read more...

The AECB website is currently showing four videos covering the application of Passivhaus principles, in part or whole, to the following property types: tower blocks; a mid-terrace, solid walled building, and a concrete-framed community building. The first two of the tower block projects are examples of how adding external insulation ...

Read more...