Pump down the volume

With heat pumps becoming adopted as the realistic low carbon solution by more housebuilders as the Future Homes Standard looms, lower noise and sleeker aesthetics are coming to the fore as the goals to aim for. James Parker reports The... View Article

Wichelstowe fields forever

Labelled “South West England’s boldest new housing development,” Wichelstowe has recently grown to more than 4,000 homes. The council developer and Barratt tell Jack Wooler about this latest modular expansion to what is already a mammoth scheme A new development –... View Article

A viable sustainable alternative

There are multiple considerations when comparing polymer and aluminium windows, especially when it comes to sustainability, performance, and design flexibility. Here, Steve Tonkiss of REHAU addresses the debate head-on. As we approach government decarbonisation targets for 2030 and 2050, and... View Article

A panel discussion

With the market for wall panels growing, Lidia Cetrangolo of Multipanel explains why wall panels can be the sustainable option for bathrooms. Wall panels have been around for decades, traditionally used as an alternative to tiles in bathrooms. Thanks to... View Article

Radiating ‘carbon intensity’ benefits

Joanna Crown of WMS Underfloor Heating assesses the ‘carbon intensity’ of underfloor heating versus traditional radiator systems and explains why radiant technology ticks the boxes when it comes to embodied carbon reduction. There are many factors to consider when assessing... View Article

Homes UK 2022 is better than ever

Hailed by organisers as an “unmissable event for developers and sustainability professionals,” Homes UK returns on the 23-24 November 2022 to the ExCel in London Now in its eleventh year, Homes UK is claimed to be the largest free-to-attend conference... View Article

Change to the decentralised line

With design and installation of ventilation systems increasingly essential for both new builds and renovations, Richard Poole of Siegenia looks at how decentralised systems can offer an important way around trickle vents. As we produce more tightly insulated buildings, window... View Article

Political aims hit turbulence

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) wonders whether the UK’s current political turmoil will halt the ‘levelling up’ ambitions. The constant political turbulence over the last few years continues in earnest with a government on... View Article

Rising to the challenge of future floods

As building on flood plains continues to be an uncomfortable necessity, James Parker reports on a project to develop a house prototype that rises and falls as and when a flood occurs, thereby unlocking previously unviable sites across the UK.... View Article

Hastings rocks

A mixed-use development is bringing new homes and commercial space to a brownfield site on Hastings’ revitalised seafront. Patrick Hanlon, founder and CEO of Roost People, explores how the developer retained the building’s historic facade while replacing everything behind it.... View Article

Bringing a sense of community

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 Wooler about the... View Article

Bringing glass back 
into balconies

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 housebuilders and developers... View Article

A holistic approach to heating efficiency

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 low water temperature... View Article

Tracing the golden thread in balcony design

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 up-to-date live record... View Article

A schooling in planning strategy

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 have seen some... View Article

Micro solutions to macro problems

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 House is a... View Article

Get on top of the Part L challenge

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 explores why the... View Article

Raising the standard

The developers behind an award-winning development in Wiltshire talk to Jack Wooler about how they have included higher-end features as standard, and blended with the historic context. Somerbrook is a collection of 28 private and 10 affordable homes in Great... View Article

A heart of oak

Already in receipt of several awards, Hornsey Rise in Leicestershire was developed to meet strong demand for luxury detached homes with a more ‘intimate’ community feel. Lee Harris of developer Springbourne Homes explains to Jack Wooler how the site’s rich... View Article

Back to the Futurebuild

Futurebuild, the event that’s championed a sustainable built environment for the past 16 years, is back. Taking place from 1-3 March at excel, the event will connect specifiers, decision makers and ‘disruptors’ with major brands and start-ups from across the... View Article