august 2026 contents +hot topic
From adversarial to aligned: the case for change in supply chain relationships and why collaboration can’t wait
+fi re, safety & security
Why every smart building needs a security-fi rst design strategy
+sustainability & energy saving solutions
The untapped asset on every commercial roof
+schools, colleges & universities
Tackling the education maintenance backlog
+fl oors, walls, ceilings & acoustics
Designing walls for a tighter regulatory climate
+hospitals, care facilities & retirement living
Healthcare access control: The power of the key
+retail, commercial & industrial
Basements could provide a solution to UK cities offi ce squeeze – if managed correctly
in the next issue
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ISSN: 0966-9647 (Print) ISSN: 2978-6541(Online)
44 40 34 30 26
Kate Painter, Strategic Marketing Manager – Specifi cation at wienerberger UK & Ireland, explores how tightening regulatory demands are reshaping wall design, highlighting the need for clearer system thinking, robust data and a more coordinated approach to compliance. See page 34 for further details.
03
16 on the cover welcome... 21
...to the August issue of ABC&D magazine... This month’s architectural studies both focus on female-centred usage, beginning with a deep delve into Adam Richards Architects’ design for St Raphael’s Health & Wellbeing Centre at Mayfi eld Girls School in East Sussex (P. 04). The Centre is the world’s fi rst new building to combine a cross- laminated timber structure with a natural limestone brick masonry outer wall, and sets a new benchmark for environmentally responsible health architecture. Our second project article explores
Brooke House by GRID architects – a new aff ordable residential development for women on behalf of Women’s Pioneer Housing in Acton (P. 10). The scheme delivers 102 aff ordable homes that have been specifi cally tailored to the needs of single women in London. August’s Hot Topic sees Rekha
Thawrani make the case for change in supply chain relationships on P. 16; Richard Hilson explores how architects and specifi ers are successfully implementing security into design on P. 21; Dr Phil Wu looks at why solar has the potential to make a huge diff erence to commercial buildings on P. 26; and on P. 30, Portakabin off ers advice on tackling the education maintenance backlog. Kate Painter examines how tightening
regulatory demands are reshaping wall design on P. 34; Simon Wilson looks at the critical role of access control in healthcare environments on P. 40; and on P. 44, Mike Jones explains how basements can provide a cost-eff ective option for both businesses and landlords if managed correctly.
...from all at ABC&D...
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Although every eff ort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in ABC&D, the publishers can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright for materials published in this magazine remains with the agents.
© Koru Media Limited 2026
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