Installing floorcoverings over calcium sulphate screeds

Calcium sulphate screeds have become an increasingly common choice of subfloor, especially where underfloor heating is incorporated within the subfloor. This is because of the speed with which they can be applied over large areas and other advantages over concrete... View Article

Did the queen’s speech deliver?

Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), discusses his views on the recent Queen’s Speech, and how it compared with industry expectations. My previous two columns have touched on my hopes for a reformed planning process to... View Article

Estate of independence

Before newly-independent housing association Salix Homes got involved, other contenders had been put off by the scale of demolition needed at a major estate renovation in Salford. Terry McBride of Salix explains to Jack Wooler how they achieved vital community... View Article

Bringing a sense of community

Plaza Collection is a ‘community’ of over 700 units being created in Mill Hill, London, with its focal point a new landscaped plaza alongside extensive commercial space. Terence Luo, director at developer Poly UK, talks to Jack Wooler about the... View Article

Bringing glass back
into balconies

Andy Lake of Pyroguard explores how glass can be used safely in balcony applications, as well as the various factors for housebuilders and developers to consider to ensure the right solution is specified. It’s no secret that housebuilders and developers... View Article

A holistic approach to heating efficiency

Ashley Cooper of WMS explains why underfloor heating is in the spotlight following new requirements in the Building Regulations, and how the housebuilders can benefit from taking a holistic approach to system design. Following enforcement of the low water temperature... View Article

Tracing the golden thread in balcony design

Nick Haughton of Sapphire Balconies discusses how the ‘golden thread’ concept can improve data in projects to benefit the design and delivery of balconies for multi-occupancy apartment buildings.  The ‘golden thread’ is a term used for an up-to-date live record... View Article

West Fraser UK appoints new Sales Director

The new Sales Director for West Fraser, UK and Ireland, is Dom West (pictured). With an extensive career in key sales positions – most recently as Sales Director and interim VP at Aliaxis UK – Dom’s role will encompass managing the... View Article

Fibo launches free trial for social housing sector

Fibo, the leading manufacturer of tile-effect waterproof wall panels, is giving housing associations the chance to trial its wall panel system for FREE. For many years, tiles have been the go-to solution for bathroom installations and renovations, despite wall panels... View Article

Leas Pavilion, Folkestone / Hollaway Studio

Final pre-commencement approvals have been given to restore Folkestone’s historic Leas Pavilion as part of a stunning residential development overlooking the town’s seafront. With all pre-commencement approvals now in place, work to return the Grade II-listed building to its former... View Article

Multiboard meets BS 5385 guidance on tiling substrates

Thanks to the continuing efforts of The Tiling Association (TTA), standards of training and workmanship across the industry have improved dramatically, while many specialist contractors and other building trades have made the switch to using high performance tilebacker boards, such... View Article

Grenfell inquiry: New “massively significant” report released

The Fire Brigades Union has termed a new report to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, released to the public today, “massively significant” evidence. The report (visible at https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/evidence/professor-luke-bisby), written by Professor Luke Bisby, a professor of fire and structures at Edinburgh University and an... View Article

ESG – Why doing the bare minimum is a business risk

The concept of ESG isn’t new. Discussion around how the construction industry can improve its environmental, social and governance factors has been gathering pace for some time now. But, do all organisations operating in this sector take it as seriously... View Article