Fire compliance for balconies explained

Nick Haughton of Sapphire explores the key fire compliance considerations when specifying balconies for housebuilding projects. Balconies are a cost-effective way to add square footage to apartments and give residents coveted private outdoor access. Studies have shown that access to... View Article
Melody Gardens

More than just homes

A new £6m Places for People social community is being handed over in Salford, Greater Manchester. Michael Dong, CEO of developer Investar Property Group, and Mike Watson, director of housebuilder Watson Homes, walk Jack Wooler through the Melody Gardens project.... View Article

Preparing for changes to ADL

The construction industry is facing a number of significant regulation changes over the coming years, with the consultation to approved Document L (ADL) 2020 closing on 10 January set to introduce significant sustainability challenges. James Hulbert of Knauf Insulation looks... View Article
Ben Lloyd of Pure Commercial Finance gives his views on how Brexit is impacting property developers.

The Brexit factor

Ben Lloyd of Pure Commercial Finance gives his views on how Brexit is impacting property developers. The ever-present debate over Brexit has continued to plague public and market sentiment, and it was particularly heated in the last 24 months with... View Article

Offsite timber is construction’s future

Stewart Dalgarno of Stewart Milne Timber Systems discusses why modern methods of construction coupled with a build fabric such as timber frame is key to meeting Government housing targets sustainably. Industry reports are increasingly signalling a move towards modern methods... View Article
How offsite benefits better fire protection

How offsite benefits better fire protection

Ian King of Zeroignition looks at the benefits of modern methods of construction, and how the solutions offered by adopting an offsite approach can be applied to benefit fire protection and safety. Recently, the National Housing Federation found that more... View Article

Rendering best practice more achievable

Dale Telling of Fassa Bortolo UK looks at the steps to take in choosing the best external render system for your next development. Practical, durable and stylish, render systems can completely transform the exterior of a property through colour or finish,... View Article

Getting cement selection right

Sandra Higginson of Tarmac Cement explains the importance of selecting the right cement products in order to reduce waste and costs. For professional builders, saving time and money remains of paramount importance. However, as anyone with experience knows, opting for... View Article

Building knowledge

The construction and design show for London is back, and this time it is ‘bigger and better than ever.’ Focusing on a diverse array of current topics, London Build is jam packed with content, networking and entertainment. This year, London... View Article
Build-to-rent development in Leeds – Raising the bar

Raising the bar for renters

A new build-to-rent development is under construction in Leeds, which is set to bring a host of hotel-style amenities to over 500 homes across two high-rise blocks. In Leeds city centre, construction has begun on 515 homes spread over two... View Article
Five new ‘eco’ homes in Enfield

A big eco ambition on a small site

Five new ‘eco’ homes have been completed on a ‘micro site’ in Enfield, which combine environmental efficiency with a traditional feel. Nic London, of SME builder and developer NLondon Construction, spoke to Jack Wooler. To the north of the capital,... View Article

The case for third party certification

Helen Hewitt of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) explores the intricacies of third-party fire door certification and its benefits. The purpose of a fire door in everyday use is just like any other door. However, since the break-out of fire... View Article

Going with the flow

Martin Lambley of Wavin assesses the predicted impact of new Sewers for Adoption drainage guidelines, and what they mean for the future of SuDS. New guidance for the design of adoptable drainage is set to be published later this year.... View Article
Home buyers are shaping the modern home

Shaping the modern home

As the housebuilding sector continues to evolve, Peter Kelsey of Designer Contracts offers his perspective on how buyer expectations have shaped the design of the modern home. It’s interesting to look back, particularly over the past 20 years, to see... View Article

Offsite: Not the panacea?

The Government is making a big push for modern methods of construction as part of the solution to the housing crisis. While offsite has a key role in the market, it might not be the panacea many hope it to... View Article

BIM for all

Adrian Wild, founder of Integro Construction Software, looks at why smaller housebuilders and developers are missing out on practical BIM software solutions which could bring a range of benefits. Feature-heavy CAD and Building Information Modelling software products are popular with... View Article

Change is in the air

In the wake of the Hackitt review, Paul King of Vicaima explains the changing landscape around fire doors. Government departments are poring over technical data and preparing new directives, and trade bodies are examining every aspect of potential market implications.... View Article

Window shopping

Tom Swallow of Quickslide Windows & Doors discusses some of the key performance and aesthetic considerations when selecting windows. Windows are crucial to the design of a home. Not only do they take the brunt of the elements such as... View Article

Balconies: Bridge the gap

Lee Barber of Balcony Life explains the benefits of, and methodology behind, bolt-on cantilevered steel balconies designed to avoid thermal bridging. Bolt-on cantilevered steel balconies are an architectural feature which are becoming increasingly popular in both the construction of new... View Article

Seal the deal

Richard Osborne of LTP Ecoprotec looks at the options for sealing outdoor surfaces, and the benefits that each can bring to projects. When discussing the best sealer for a job, it’s generally assumed that it’s for use indoors – for... View Article