Hanover gets the green light

A pioneering project by housing association Hanover (Scotland) to provide 15 Passivhaus social homes near Loch Lomond, on the site of the developer ’s first ever scheme, has been given the go -ahead. Jack Wooler speaks to the people behind... View Article

Support needed for SMEs to build greener

Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) explores why SMEs should be at the heart of the government’s plans for green construction to help them conquer obstacles This year, the UK will host the United Nations Climate Change... View Article

Why choose composite decking?

Felicity Hodgkinson of Ecodek explores the benefits Wood polymer composite decking can offer to developers and home buyers alike ‘Kerb appeal’ is a well-used phrase in this industry, and creating an aesthetically attractive facade with an eye-catching front garden and... View Article

Kitchens for a new era

Tim Spann of Keller Kitchens takes a look at how kitchen designs might change in the wake of the pandemic. Every year brings a new set of trends, whether it’s fashion, cars, exercise or kitchens! However, after the tumultuous year... View Article

Taking a far sighted view

Nick Gander and Rod Davies of Energy Carbon discuss why they believe the government is missing a trick with its future homes standard, namely to promote the benefits of ‘far infrared’ radiation In January, as millions of people adjusted to... View Article

Take it to the bridge

Simon Hill of Schöck explains the complexities around balcony design detailing to avoid thermal bridges, and why it must incorporate efficient thermal insulation Improving the thermal performance of a building envelope by minimising energy usage has become increasingly important in... View Article

Post-pandemic paving

Outdoor space has taken on a fundamental new importance with Covid-19. Chris Hodson of Interpave explains why a fresh approach is needed when designing and selecting paving for housing, to meet a wide range of new requirements. Apart from social... View Article

A flood of enquiries

With many homes still being built on flood plains, and flooding an increasing risk, there are a host of issues for housebuilders to address when it comes to drainage. Chris Green of ACO Water Management explains further. Since 2013, one... View Article

Estimating a full recovery

Marcus Jefford of Build Aviator explains how some of the supply challenges faced by housebuilders and developers as a result of Covid can be relieved with the help of intelligent estimating software. The coronavirus has had a profound effect on... View Article

Avoiding pitfalls from roofs

Marley’s Stuart Nicholson pinpoints the most common roof specification pitfalls, and advises housebuilders on how to avoid them for a best practice approach. The quality and security of pitched roofing in housing has seen some huge improvements over the last... View Article

A luxurious blend

Broadoaks Park is a new high-end development that includes a restored mansion in Surrey, offering a taste of rural living within commuting distance of London and a mix of styles. Tim Banks of developer Octagon explains more to Jack Wooler... View Article

Bubble bathrooms

Ash Chilver of HiB looks at how the need to maximise safety in the pandemic, coupled with the growth in multigenerational living, are driving bathroom design choices which will attract homebuyers of all ages. Home life is changing across the... View Article

Beyond energy efficiency

Paul Barrett of Rockwool explains why housebuilders need to consider insulation that delivers safety and acoustic performance alongside maximising onsite benefits for installers, not just thermal factors Primarily driven by Approved Document L (ADL) of the Building Regulations, making homes... View Article

How to secure your funding in 2021

Simon Chapman of Pluto Finance gives expert insights on the key steps developers need to take when attempting to secure finance for their residential schemes, and what challenges might be in store currently In this extraordinary year, with many challenges... View Article

A new district on the waterfront

Set to bring over 10,000 homes to the capital, Barking Riverside has been called one of Europe’s “most exciting placemaking projects.” Housebuilder & Developer’s deputy editor spoke to David Watkinson of Barking Riverside London. The Barking Riverside project is set... View Article

Cradle to cradle – squaring the circle

Marco Abdallah of Drees & Sommer tells Housebuilder & Developer’s deputy editor Jack Wooler what a ‘circular economy’ could look like, and what concrete steps the construction industry can take to achieve this ideal. ‘Circular economy’ is a buzz phrase... View Article

Tiled hygiene

The pandemic has thrown the spotlight on issues of hygiene as never before; The Tile Association explains tiled surfaces’ wide applications for helping achieve clean, healthy environments. Tiles are a durable and aesthetic solution for walls and floors in domestic... View Article

The UK CA Mark is coming

With the end of the Brexit transition period looming, Dennis Milligan of the British Flue and Chimney Manufacturer’s Association (BFCMA) looks at how the UK CA Mark will differ to its EU predecessor Unlike many in the industry who have... View Article

Improvements in the kitchen

Dave Mayer of Reginox UK looks into how current kitchen trends will affect what’s installed in the new wave of home improvements predicted to occur. When planning for 2020, no one could possibly have predicted what the reality would turn... View Article

Manufacturing a recovery

Stormking explores the challenges the pandemic has brought to manufacturing, and the way in which the UK construction industry has responded to the pressures so far, particularly the move to offsite When it comes to manufacturing, the UK is a... View Article