1.Retaining walls can be complex and intimidating. However, they are often resolved not through the appointment of a Structural engineer but with guidance from an informed supplier.

An excellent resource is retainingwallsolutions.co.uk Covering everything from timber cribs, gabions to excavation and flood defenses.

2. I have mentioned the YouTube channel, Practical engineering before. It’s worth revisiting and catching up on things you might have missed. This video on lightweight  (styrofoam) void fillers is a good example

  1. Sustainability issues and embedded carbon dioxide will feature a lot this year. There are many approaches, and more are coming. The Sustainable Building Blog by John Butler is an easy read and covers a lot of issues with clarity
  2. Low carbon concrete is always an emotive and challenging subject to address. Here are some articles that offer insights and approaches to reducing embedded carbon in concrete and cement. https://www.carboncure.com/concrete-corner/a-complete-guide-to-low-carbon-concrete/

https://www.concretecentre.com/Resources/Concrete-Compass/Low-Carbon-Concrete.aspx

  1. Facade materials need not be conformist to stone, timber or tile based. Architectural materials can be used effectively in landscapes and gardens. Hi_Macs Exteria is a good example to how versatile such materials can be
  2. Is copper the new Corten? It certainly has a proven providence of weathering in a maritime climate such as the UK, and equally in more Scandinavian applications. Aurubis copper alloy is one of several architectural suppliers
  3. A new guide explaining how to manage surplus soil and aggregates has been published by the Construction Industry Research & Information Assoc. They have lots of excellent publications. The SUDS guidance is an industry standard.
  4. A black pond liner just not creating the reflective surface you had imagined? You can dye the water. Not all water features are suitable but where they are, the results can be effective. Dyeofix is a good place to start to learn more. Here’s a link for additional information