Did the queen’s speech deliver?

Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), discusses his views on the recent Queen’s Speech, and how it compared with industry expectations. My previous two columns have touched on my hopes for a reformed planning process to... View Article

Estate of independence

Before newly-independent housing association Salix Homes got involved, other contenders had been put off by the scale of demolition needed at a major estate renovation in Salford. Terry McBride of Salix explains to Jack Wooler how they achieved vital community... View Article

Bringing a sense of community

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Plaza Collection is a ‘community’ of over 700 units being created in Mill Hill, London, with its focal point a new landscaped plaza alongside extensive commercial space. Terence Luo, director at developer Poly UK, talks to Jack... View Article

Bringing glass back 
into balconies

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Andy Lake of Pyroguard explores how glass can be used safely in balcony applications, as well as the various factors for housebuilders and developers to consider to ensure the right solution is specified. It’s no secret that... View Article

A holistic approach to heating efficiency

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Ashley Cooper of WMS explains why underfloor heating is in the spotlight following new requirements in the Building Regulations, and how the housebuilders can benefit from taking a holistic approach to system design. Following enforcement of the... View Article

Tracing the golden thread in balcony design

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Nick Haughton of Sapphire Balconies discusses how the ‘golden thread’ concept can improve data in projects to benefit the design and delivery of balconies for multi-occupancy apartment buildings.  The ‘golden thread’ is a term used for an... View Article

Ask the Manufacturer – The building blocks of success

To celebrate the family firm’s 75th anniversary, Jack Wooler of Housebuilder & Developer talks to Giles de Lotbiniere, Chairman of Lignacite, about the company’s foundation, and what makes it special In 1947, retired ex-serviceman and engineer, Sir Edmond de Lotbiniere,... View Article

DECARBONISING HOMES OFF THE GRID

Last year, the UK Government set a clear ambition to decarbonise heating across all housing and building stock to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. For those on the gas grid, electrification and hydrogen are viable options – but for... View Article

Building cultural change at UKCW

UK Construction Week (UKCW) comes to London on 3-5 May at ExCel, with the promises of a major face to face event for the construction industry for 25,000 expected visitors. The organisers have developed a key focus for UKCW London... View Article

Get FIT in 2022

FIT Show has been compiled by the organisers for 2022 to bring “every link in the fenestration supply chain together under one roof” – for the first time in three years  FIT Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 10-12... View Article

Aluminium: The best for balconies?

With combustible materials banned in the external walls of high-rise buildings, the industry has had to adjust to a new design environment, however as AliDeck’s Richard Izzard explains, it hasn’t always been a smooth transition for balconies. In the wake... View Article

A healthy approach to 
indoor air quality

Stephan Lang of Daikin explains how ‘whole-building approaches’ to heating, ventilation and air conditioning  in new build homes can balance energy efficiency and the vital need to improve indoor air quality. New build homes must be built in compliance with... View Article

The levelling-up agenda

Neil Sanders of F. Ball and Co talks through the steps to ensuring a flawless finish when installing floorcoverings using Luxury Vinyl Tiles. The increasing quality and variety of Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) and their suitability for a wide range... View Article

The right cover

Dean Stritch of LABC Warranty describes what to look for when choosing a warranty provider for your development, including for MMC projects With a range of options on the market, how do housebuilders and developers choose the cover that is... View Article

An uncertain 
future

Patrick Mooney explores how contrasting news on planning approvals, new homes and public finances are providing a confused picture of the future housing market In many respects the housing market was remarkably unaffected by the Covid pandemic, with strong demand... View Article

Work begins at Westwood Park

Keepmoat Homes has officially started work on site at Westwood Park, Glenrothes, which kicks off the eight-year building programme to deliver 420 residential homes to the area. The range of two, three and four-bedroom houses have been designed to cater... View Article

A schooling in planning strategy

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Neal Allcock, partner at property consultant Carter Jonas Birmingham, discusses how strategic planning could help address the current shortfall in student accommodation being built across the UK. The shortage of student accommodation is well known. Recently we... View Article

Micro solutions to macro problems

LISTEN HERE 🔊 A pioneering modular build to rent scheme, which offers young homeless people the chance to have a place they can afford in central London, has broken ground. Jack Wooler reports on the project. Developed by charity Centrepoint, Reuben... View Article

There may be turbulence ahead

Brain Berry confronts some of the myriad challenges that housebuilders are facing at present, including rising prices, inflation, shortages and new regulations. Not for the first time, small, local housebuilders are facing some tough months ahead. While the industry closed... View Article

Get on top of the Part L challenge

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Changes to Part L of the Building Regulations are planned to come into effect later this year as part of the Future Homes Standard, meaning a 31% reduction in new build carbon emissions. Stuart Nicholson of Marley... View Article