Timber has long been a staple construction material for domestic scale properties, although it is increasingly being used in high-profile structures such as the Weald & Downland Gridshell. However, exposure to the elements can result in changes to the chemical and physical properties of wood, affecting its aesthetics, structure and longevity.

Before we run through Argent's plans for King's Cross Central, the scene is set by showing how King's Cross's once famous gas holder Triplet lies mothballed in racks next to the still-standing-but-forlorn-looking gas holder 8 in a weed-strewn patch of the site.

Patrik Schumacher, partner at Zaha Hadid Architects, has recently come to prominence with his ideas on parametricism.

This programme looks at the various ways of subduing noise in buildings.

This programme explores Peter Eisenman’s architectural and theoretical works, as well exploring his opinions on the state of architecture today. Eisenman’s new book, Ten Canonical Buildings: 1950-2000, is explained in the context of his built structures, while his theory of coding and its application in his ongoing project for the City of Culture of Galicia is outlined.

Carver's Warehouse is one of the most important listed buildings in Manchester's industrial heritage. Built in 1806, the stone-built structure retains virtually all of its original timber and cast iron internal structure. The challenge for owner Town Centre Securities was to restore the building back to its former glory, but to do so in a way that made the development commercially viable. Key to the project was the addition of a new two storey building and atrium of contemporary design linking into the 19th century building.

The UK’s long industrial history means that there is a substantial legacy of former industrial land ripe for regeneration. South Wales was once an area synonymous with heavy industry – with the plant at Ebbw Vale once the largest steelworks in Europe. The plant survived until closure five years ago – and today the site is home to one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects. This programme looks at the project to prepare the site for development.

We know that BIM means general change in construction industry working practices; it also means change in specification writing practices by NBS technical authors and for project specifications in general.

We examine a wonderful temporary living façade at the Environment Agency HQ in Copenhagen.

Though most fabric and services systems and products can be used in facilities of all types, some are specific to a particular facility. So where does a specifier go for neutral authoritative technical information on systems and products pertaining to sports facilities?

We explore considerations when building low and zero carbon buildings without damaging biodiversity.

In this exclusive extract from NBS Shortcuts, written by noted industry figure Austin Williams, we introduce rainscreen cladding and its use in the UK.