A word from our winner
[edit] 
Mark Wilson won our CIOB-backed competition in June with his article about insulation specification. A Chartered Architectural Technologist, Mark is principal at Design Office Architectural Ltd and developer of Building Design Expert. We asked Mark what motivated him to research insulation and why he chose Designing Buildings Wiki to showcase his work.
"You know what it's like, you ask the same question for the umpteenth time and get another answer that doesn’t seem quite right but has become part of the accepted norm. It's a little like the Albert Einstein maxim that dictates if you keep doing the same thing, but expect a different result - then you're mad.
I was continually told that insulation works by 'trapping the air' but I knew there had to be more to it than that. When I was offered the chance to research an article for a journal, it seemed the perfect opportunity to find out the truth. There had to be a commonality around which insulation products operated, beyond trapping air.
When I looked into the manufactured properties of some of the more 'high-tech' materials, it was clear there was no 'air', trapped, moving, or otherwise. There are gases and they are trapped, but I found it's actually more about the resistivity of the material, which is really reliant on conduction as a heat transfer mechanism - certainly in the 'closed cell' materials. Open cell insulants are more about slowing convection, in parallel with reduced conduction.
The journal I published in had a limited audience, perhaps this was price related. Then I found Designing Buildings Wiki and it was the perfect showcase for my research. It gave me the chance to share my findings on an almost infinitely public, global stage. Now when people ask the question – how does insulation work - they will be able to read my answer.”
Featured articles and news
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tommorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.