Change to the decentralised line

LISTEN HERE 🔊 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... View Article

Political aims hit turbulence

LISTEN HERE 🔊 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... View Article

Rising to the challenge of future floods

LISTEN HERE 🔊 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... View Article

Hastings rocks

LISTEN HERE 🔊 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... 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

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

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

Raising the standard

LISTEN HERE 🔊 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... View Article

A heart of oak

LISTEN HERE 🔊 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... View Article

Back to the Futurebuild

LISTEN HERE 🔊 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... View Article

Frugal fires

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Not only do fires and stoves provide a luxurious traditional aesthetic, but they can now also achieve high levels of energy efficiency. Annabelle Carvell of Stovax gives the argument for why they should be high on developers’... View Article

The outlook for glazing trends in 2022

LISTEN HERE 🔊 After some significant recent industry impacts including Covid and net zero targets, John McComb from Reynaers Aluminium uk looks at five key glazing specification trends and how it’s responding to them. During these undoubtedly uncertain times, it... View Article

Cornish past and future

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Intended to perfectly synthesise the historical and contemporary, The Nest is a boutique development that has just been launched in a picturesque Cornish village. Jack Wooler spoke to Paul Stephens of Stephens + Stephens on the design... View Article

Quintain wins at Wembley

LISTEN HERE 🔊 The 743-home Canada Gardens development – the latest step in Wembley Park’s major regeneration journey – is now occupied. ​​Julian Tollast at Quintain Living explores the lessons from the project so far with Jack Wooler, plus the... View Article

MMC: The only way to meet demand

LISTEN HERE 🔊 With UK housing targets yet to be met, Chris Williams of Green Life Buildings (GLB) discusses how Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are the smart solution to pick up the shortfall. If we are going to hit... View Article

Futureproofing windows and doors

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Adrian Pavey of Nationwide Windows and Doors discusses the importance of housebuilders and developers ensuring their properties’ fenestration meets the standards of tomorrow as well as today It is a pivotal time for the construction industry at... View Article