Spandrel panels have become an essential component of modern curtain walling and facade systems, helping to deliver fire performance, thermal efficiency and a consistent architectural appearance. Over the past 35 years, however, the expectations placed on these systems have changed dramatically.

AHR architects and specialist sub-contractors Q9 Cladding Solutions give Magply boards a definitive thumbs up.

The use of fire-resistant roofing boards from leading UK manufacturer Magply on an exemplar Passivhaus school was a first-time experience for the architects and installers. And both would be more than happy to use them again.

Drainage issues are rising as outdoor projects surge, with pooling water and failing paving becoming common. Many homeowners discover too late that surface water management is a structural decision, not an afterthought. For self‑builders and renovators, understanding the fundamentals can make the difference between a durable outdoor space and one that quickly develops problems.

When it comes to residential projects, few concepts have influenced the modern principles of design as much as ‘flow’. As homes open up, how do sliding doors and their hardware inspire superior spatial flow?

Space and movement are highly valued commodities in modern homes. In response, architects and specifiers are now embracing flexible layouts that encourage seamless room-to-room transitions, elevating spatial flow into a defining feature of residential design.