The outlook for glazing trends in 2022

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 is difficult to... View Article

Achieving soundproofing standards we can proud of

By Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics It’s an all too familiar scene – the thumping of footsteps from noisy neighbours above or loud music being heard through adjacent walls, disturbing the tranquillity in our homes. For many people,... View Article

Stoves and chimneys working as one

Dennis Milligan of The British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers Association (BFCMA) explores the upcoming requirements for stoves, and the best design, installation and maintenance techniques to ensure their best performance. Next year will see Defra introduce the requirement for Ecodesign... View Article

The road to ‘levelling up’

Patrick Mooney says that the number of new homes needed across the North and Midlands to deliver the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda runs to hundreds of thousands, every year. The Government’s housebuilding policies have been ‘on hold’ ever since the... View Article

A heated debate

The department for business, energy and Industrial Strategy has released a paper outlining how Britain can cost-effectively electrify its heating system. Nick Gander and Rod Davies of Energy Carbon argue that Ministers are missing a trick. At the time of... View Article

The case for SIPs

Jim Nolan at hemsec Manufacturing discusses the case for adopting structural insulated panels (SIPs) to create more thermally-efficient superstructures in the housebuilding sector. The superstructure of a building – the frame, or its load-bearing framework including walls, main floor and... View Article

A tough year for SME builders

Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), takes a look at the barriers SME housebuilders have overcome in 2021, and the challenges that face them moving forwards. The industry closes out another year with enquiries still high and... View Article

Cornish past and future

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 and restoration processes... View Article

Quintain wins at Wembley

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 wider benefits of... View Article

MMC: The only way to meet demand

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 the 300,000 properties... View Article

Futureproofing windows and doors

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 the moment, and... View Article

London Build bounces back

Leading construction event London Build is returning to Olympia London on 17-18 November, providing housebuilders and developers with an opportunity to network face to face with thousands of London’s top contractors, developers, architects and more. London Build is regarded as... View Article

Pumped up

John Morris of Grant UK dispels some of the common myths around heat pumps, which are currently being hailed as the key means of heating homes to comply with the Future Homes Standard. The number of air source heat pumps... View Article

Shedding some light

Mark Pardoe of Roofglaze explores how housebuilders and developers can use rooflights to make the most out of the crucial benefits of daylight for their customers. Exposure to daylight has a whole host of benefits, both for residents’ wellness, and... View Article

How can SuDS Help Biodiversity Net Gain?

By Mark Manning, National Specifications Manager, SDS  THE potential for Sustainable Drainage Systems to green urban infrastructure and encourage wildlife has long been recognised as one of the four ‘pillars’ of SuDS, alongside their ability to protect against flooding, treat... View Article

The future of living

Homes UK is returning to the London Excel on 23-24 November, and is intended to provide a ‘safe and timely’ opportunity for the housing sector to collaborate and plan for a post-pandemic future. From discussing how to revive housebuilding to... View Article

Stay ahead of regs changes

Helen Hewitt of the British Woodworking Federation explains the importance of third-party certification in the context of the upcoming building safety legislation and the changes it will bring. The newly introduced Building Safety Bill – and new planning legislation introduced... View Article

Combat condensation

Condensation can be miserable and unhealthy for homeowners, and so prevention is key for any new build residential project. Martin Panes of Altaterra explores solutions, including roof windows. Water vapour is always present in the air – as a gas.... View Article

The lockdown legacy

Housebuilders, specifiers and developers are confronting new consumer demands for flexibility in post-pandemic Britain, says Louise Walters, commercial director for Designer Contracts. With the housebuilding and renovating market still booming across Britain, specifiers and developers could be forgiven for being... View Article