Bespoke fireplace designs: What’s next?

Andrew Munro, MD of CVO Fire, offers his predictions and advice for 2016 fires and fireplace trends Trends The two main predicted trends in interior design for 2016 are high efficiency and bespoke fireplace designs for special developments, where a... View Article
wood flooring

Natural wood flooring – a solid investment

Jeandre du Toit, sales director of London flooring specialists ‘Ecora’ outlines the key points to consider when selecting natural wood floors. In the UK wood floors are an essential element in any good quality construction or renovation project. Combining practicality... View Article
bi-folding doors

Securing homes for the future

The introduction of new government guidance on the security of properties on 1 October 2015, through changes to part Q building requirements, has meant that the security of doors and windows is more important than ever. Neil Ginger, CEO of... View Article
water

Managing water in a wetter world

Michael White, business development director of Alumasc Water Management Solutions, says climate change, increased urbanisation and more extreme weather is causing problems for our built environment. Incorporating high capacity steel rainwater systems into our buildings is an effective and affordable... View Article
The importance of interiors

Got the look?

How interiors can increase the value and desirability of your property. By Sarah Ritchie, creative director of The Gifted Few. The importance of interiors There are a number of factors potential house buyers consider when looking around a property. Is it in the... View Article

SIPs suitability

With an increasing drive to ensure homes are as efficient as possible – particularly where heating, cooling and ventilation is concerned – it is important to carefully consider the various housebuilding options available to ensure minimal thermal losses. Here, Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the Structural Timber Association (STA) looks at... View Article
The steel alternative

The steel alternative

Mike Rawlings from Saint Gobain PAM challenges housebuilders to look beyond alternative rainwater systems and consider specifying a steel system. Steel rainwater systems are quickly becoming a great alternative for all types of dwellings and offer significant benefits for social housing. The material is making... View Article
Staying informed and within the law with invasive plant legislation

Staying informed and within the law with invasive plant legislation

David Layland, joint managing director of treatment specialist Japanese Knotweed Control (JKC) offers a timely warning to landowners and developers on the perils of ignoring the latest invasive plant legislation. A difficult and expensive burden, invasive, non-native plants have long been the scourge... View Article
Achieving the elusive zero carbon status

Achieving the elusive zero carbon status

Michael Goddard, director of housebuilder Caplin Homes, assesses some of the challenges of the renewable technologies available to housebuilders and explores how a new application could change the future of eco building. Structural building design has improved dramatically in recent years and the... View Article

One million recruits needed to beat housing crisis

According to a white paper produced by EC Harris, construction companies will need to recruit one million new recruits by 2020 if the industry is to build more homes and beat the housing crisis. The paper, ‘People and money –... View Article

Finding flexibility in home design

According to recent research, location, location, location is no longer the top priority for homebuyers, with larger living areas and flexible space now taking the number one spot in home design needs. It is little wonder these factors are influencing... View Article