net zero carbon

6 months to go…

On 1st October this year, the Scottish Government will implement the next step in its move towards near net zero carbon buildings. The biggest changes are for new domestic and non-domestic buildings and these once again make the performance of... View Article
Modular Construction

Debunking the myths of modular construction

Modular buildings are still something of an unknown quantity, both inside and outside the construction industry. Wernick Group Marketing Manager, Leigh Fennell discusses some of the more prevalent misconceptions about modular offsite construction: “Modular buildings are low quality” Many people’s... View Article

The role of manufacturers in fire safety planning

Paul Pope, business innovation manager EMEA at Apollo Fire Detectors, explains how manufacturers are crucial to the success of any fire detection system, and highlights why they should be involved in a building’s design process Developing an effective fire safety... View Article

Ladders – not such a simple piece of equipment

Ladders can seem like such a simple piece of equipment, but there is plenty of evidence that they are not used and understood properly by people within a surprising range of industries. Myths about ladder use are nothing new –... View Article

Making the right choice

In influencing the choice of heating and ventilation systems architects can ensure these systems support their designs while delivering optimum building performance. Phil Brompton of Powrmatic explains: As regulations require improved thermal performance of buildings – through better thermal insulation... View Article

SFS systems: improving insulation while saving space

The demand for increasing levels of thermal performance is driven by both the market and regulatory pressures and can be answered by innovations in Structural Framing Systems (SFS) technology, writes Knauf The advantages of SFS methods of construction in terms... View Article

Putting train manufacturing back on track

This summer a new factory opens in the North East of England – the first large-scale railway train building facility to be built in Britain for more than a century. Ray Philpott finds out what makes it special. Aswathe of... View Article
stairs

The art of stairs

Architectural engineering elegance and intelligent design integrates into its surrounding environment transforming architecture into art. CANAL Architectural explores the art of stairs. Every piece of architecture should be as unique as the person who initially designed it. The ability to... View Article

Development draws home heating direct from the Thames

Kingston Heights, a pioneering mixed-used development near Kingston-upon-Thames’ town centre has won the prestigious Best Green Scheme award at a national housing awards ceremony.  The awards ceremony organised by 24 Housing magazine took place in Birmingham and was attended by... View Article

Autumn Statement reforms stamp duty

Housing commentators had to wait until almost the end of the government’s Autumn Statement before George Osborne announced major reforms to stamp duty. Before he detailed the changes to the threshold payments the Chancellor explained: “I am introducing today a... View Article

Mortgage Advice Bureau comments on the ONS House Price Index

Brian Murphy, Head of Lending at Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB), comments on the ONS House Price Index: “House prices have experienced a slight slowdown in recent months, with seasonal variations as well as tighter mortgage regulation reining in property prices.... View Article

Council planning budgets should be ring fenced, says FMB

Council planning departments should be treated as front line services and protected from local authority spending cuts, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the recommendations of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee Report on the... View Article

Handy Cross hub development

In Wycombe, proposals from the district council are heavily focused on retail and the authority is hoping that by taking control itself of the flagship £150 million Handy Cross development, that this will change perceptions of the Buckinghamshire town. By... View Article