A great finish at Wembley

An award-winning new development Chesterfield House in Wembley has been completed, bringing new public realm as well as regeneration to a neglected part of the locality. Damien Sharkey, managing director of Hub Group, explains the project’s features to Jack Wooler... View Article

The versatility of timber

Scott McAndrew of ITW discusses why timber is not only sustainable, but can also offer desirable flexibility as well as crucial fire safety Alot of information has been circulating about timber being a sustainable material, with fantastic initiatives such as... View Article

A difficult picture for SMEs

Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) takes a look at the challenges facing smaller builders this year, and what the Government can do to help. As the lockdown gradually lifts, and a semblance of normal life... 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

Why is MMC not more common?

A new NHBC report on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has just been released which looks at the benefits to industry, as well as current reluctance to adoption. The organisation’s head of standards, research and innovation, Richard Smith, explains. Prefabricated... View Article

Has Covid-19 been a catalyst for modular?

Lockdown and all the subsequent restrictions have seen greater emphasis placed on the utilisation of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Wayne Oakes, director at engineering consultancy firm Dice, looks at how this is breaking the stigma that still persists. The... View Article

Material change needed in 2021

The FMB’s Brian Berry takes a look at the changes that must be seen in Government policy to allow SME builders to thrive in these uncertain times. 2021 has started on a positive note. Only a matter of hours into... View Article

Planning for in-built sustainability

If the UK is to reach carbon net-zero by 2050 and its homes are to withstand the changing climate, sustainability needs to be ‘baked into developments’ from the outset. Isabella Krabbe of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) tells Jack... View Article

Micro developers, macro barriers

A collaborative JV between a micro developer and a local housing association is building four homes on a semi-rural Bristol site. CHI’s Alli Gay tells Jack Wooler how the developer navigated the many challenges SMEs face to achieve this. A... 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

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

Waging war on plastic waste

Plastic waste is ubiquitous in construction, and the consequences are becoming increasingly apparent. Dr Wendy Jones of Changing Streams spoke to Jack Wooler about what is being done to address this key industry challenge Plastic is everywhere in construction, with... View Article

400 canalside homes in Hayes get go-ahead

The green light for 400 new homes at Clayton Road in Hayes, west London, has been granted to property group A2Dominion. The design by Assael Architecture has undergone extensive consultation with Hillingdon Borough Council, and an “appropriate scale of redevelopment... 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