Door closers create safer homes

With fire safety high on the agenda, Dr Lloyd Blewett of Samuel Heath investigates the potential of door closers for social housing The tragic events of last year have, understandably, brought the fire safety spotlight on to the social housing... View Article

How to add smart value to homes

Paul Hilditch of Systemline explains how smart technology can add value to new build homes, revealing the key elements housebuilders and developers should consider when choosing products, and the challenges to address. Technology is rapidly advancing to meet consumer demand... View Article

The efficiency checklist

When specifying heating systems, housebuilders need to take a variety of considerations into account to ensure that they can produce maximum efficiency returns from developments. Bill Jones of Potterton advises on best practice. The integration of an appropriate heating system... View Article

Engineered wood holds the floor

Katherine Mathews of Kährs explores the benefits of engineered wood flooring, and the significant impact the right kind of flooring can have on a development. When designing and building a home, flooring is just one of many things to consider.... View Article

Hidden benefits

Paul Bailey of Grohe explores the many benefits that come from installing concealed bathroom systems in new developments. Trends in the marketplace show that the demand for concealed bathroom products is continuing to grow, and it seems the shower space... View Article

Windows worth their mettle

James Keeling-Heane of Senior Architectural Systems explains how developments in aluminium window systems can shed new light on cost-effective ways of ensuring energy performance targets are met. All properties lose heat through windows and doors, but the amount of energy... View Article

Water and gas protection

Kevin Dodds of Delta Membrane Systems explores the complexities and challenges around structural waterproofing for developments which also require ground gas protection. Waterproofing structures offers protection to structural components, buildings, and installations from the penetration of water. They reduce risk,... View Article

Streamlining the timber trade

Ian Church of Snows Timber discusses how timber companies are innovating in an increasingly competitive market, and the benefits they are bringing to construction customers, besides pricing. With timber currently at a premium, timber importers and distributors must now compete... View Article

Designing a smoke control system

Steve Knight of Whitesales explains the challenges of smoke control in multi-occupancy buildings. With 53 per cent of fire-related fatalities resulting from individuals being overcome by smoke or toxic fumes, smoke heat exhaust vent systems (SHEVs) make a critical difference... View Article

Ensuring high quality in housing

HOMES 2018 is the premier event dedicated to residential development, strategic asset management and procurement solutions. Housing sector professionals from housing associations, local authorities and the commercial sector will meet to discuss how to build more homes and ensure a... View Article

BS 8612 – A better future for all?

Keith Plummer of ubbink explores the impact recent standards have on dry fix roofing, discussing the benefits that they have brought to projects. British Standards launched BS 8612: Dry-Fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems in order to raise and control... View Article

Integrating cladding into the offsite process

Steve Thompson of EOS Facades offers his perspective on the offsite opportunities available to housebuilders in a changing political landscape. Following the Hackitt Report further changes in Building Regulations have been anticipated, and the ban on all combustible materials on... View Article

London Build returns

London’s dedicated construction and design show, London Build, will return to London Olympia from 23rd-24th October, with over 240 speakers and more than 200 hours of CPD content for visitors to benefit from. Since its launch four years ago, London... View Article

The appliance of science

Claire Alonge of Extension Architecture explains how a considered approach to sourcing kitchen units and appliances can bring dividends for housebuilders and developers looking to please their customers. Whether you are a project manager, architectural or interior designer, builder or... View Article

A watershed moment?

John Marsh of GtC explains how a new framework could allow independent network operators to provide new water and wastewater connections, providing beneficial market competition for developers. April this year saw a significant shake-up of the water market, as competition... View Article

Next generation housing

John Whalley of Nationwide Windows & Doors discusses why he believes offsite construction is fast becoming the solution to fix the housing crisis, and describes some of the benefits the method can bring to the fenestration industry. It is well... View Article

Play with fire

There are more than 1.25 million stoves in the UK, with around 200,000 stoves sold annually. As Ian Sams of Specflue points out, there are many good reasons for their popularity, not least their environmental performance. Wood-burners are a stylish... View Article

Bathrooms that sell homes

Rob Holroyd of Easy Bathrooms explains how housebuilders can create bathrooms that appeal to the target buyer. With the time people spend in their bathrooms on the rise – and the room often acting as an escape from the stresses... View Article

Supporting future delivery: the build show

The Government is injecting significant investment into construction technology, and housebuilders tasked with delivering on this agenda will want to take full advantage of this year’s Build Show, as part of UK Construction week. Build Show, sponsored by Easy-Trim, is... View Article

Safe and Sound with Part Q

Kevin Bonnar of Velfac explains why housebuilders should make a virtue of Part Q of the Building regulations, to underline the security benefits of their developments. Safety and security are a top priority for most homeowners, especially when it comes... View Article