Social value: from policy to practice

Nicola Dibb & Jo Davis explore how meaningful social value can be delivered through the planning system in developments, to benefit all. Social value has evolved from a ‘nice-to-have’ into a fundamental pillar of planning policy, procurement, and project delivery.... View Article

Tackling the myths around offsite BNG delivery

Nathan Jenkinson of Environment Bank explores some of the myths around achieving biodiversity net gain offsets, and puts the case for wide usage of Habitat Banks. Offsite biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a much misunderstood subject. The most cited issues, expense... View Article

The best of both worlds

City & Country’s development in north Essex was designed and built with its green history in mind, creating a high quality development that respects the landscape and history of its location. Roseanne Field reports. Situated on the boundary of Essex... View Article

UKCW celebrates 10th birthday in Birmingham

This autumn, UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham marks a major milestone as it returns to the NEC from 30 September to 2 October, celebrating 10 years as the UK’s largest and most influential event for the built environment. With the... View Article

Defence of the realm

As climate change intensifies, the UK’s environment and buildings face mounting risks. Kirsty Girvan of the UK Green Building Council outlines why urgent, systemic action is needed to adapt to the changes being seen. The climate crisis is no longer... View Article

Curves in the capital

An affordable housing block inspired by Hercule Poirot has distinctive curving brickwork that brings a touch of class to a grey and constrained urban site in London’s East End. Stephen Cousins reports on a challenging project. Fans of the Agatha... View Article

Get on top of roof design for big gains

Nick Boulton of the Trussed Rafter Association explains how engaging those responsible for roof design early helps housebuilders reduce waste, cut carbon, and meet evolving sustainability regulations. One area of significant progress is the design and construction of roof structures... View Article
A site worth its salt

A site worth its salt

A development of 103 new homes in Cheshire overcame obstacles from the site’s industrial history as a salt mine – which did not deter developers Russell Homes. Roseanne Field reports One of Russell Homes’ latest developments, Brook View, has not... View Article

What does planning reform mean for you

With the benefit of 20 years of experience navigating planning policy, Mark Mirams, chief operations officer at Studio Charrette, gives readers a no-nonsense view of the practical changes brought by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. At Studio Charrette, we know... View Article

Ambitious plans

Lawrence Turner of planning consultants Boyer discusses how the revised NPPF aims to meet Labour’s ambitious housing targets, from brownfield passports to grey belts. Following Angela Rayner’s promise in July 2024 to spearhead a ‘decade of renewal’ with an ambitious... View Article
How to build greener homes

How to build greener homes

The climate crisis demands urgent action, explains Philippa Hoy of sustainability consultant Bioregional. She gives the case for the One Planet Living concept, and looks at how embracing sustainable design and low-carbon solutions can meet developers’ imperatives as well as... View Article

Tide is high once again in Croydon

Europe’s tallest modular building yet, the 50-storey College Road residential scheme in Croydon, is Tide Construction’s second tower in the fast-growing borough, with over 1,700 units on a narrow, densely urban site. Stephen Cousins finds out how they did it.... View Article
The routes to a greener world

The routes to a greener world

Over the last few decades, housebuilding design has drastically changed from every possible angle; from energy, technology and construction to industry standards and regulations. At the same time, the push towards carbon reduction and net zero, energy efficiency and biodiversity... View Article
From cowshed to retirement community

From cowshed to retirement community

A project in the affluent Surrey town of Godalming has transformed a listed cow shed as part of a group of vibrant apartments. Mark Smulian explores how Birchgrove is redefining retirement living with a strong sense of community in a... View Article
Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

As the Government and construction sector struggle to meet ambitious housing targets, record low planning approvals and economic uncertainty underscore the challenges. Patrick Mooney highlights the urgent need for reforms to address the crisis. The New Year brought with it... View Article

Make an impact

4-6 March | ExCeL, London As the built environment moves towards a more sustainable future, Futurebuild 2025 has a theme of Impact, underscoring the event’s dedication to innovation, collaboration and meaningful action. A hub for sustainability and cutting-edge solutions, Futurebuild is... View Article

Concrete’s route to net zero

As demand for eco-friendly homes and stricter regulations grow, Andy Campling of Tarmac explores how manufacturers are tackling the challege of developing low-carbon concrete solutions that could transform UK housebuilding. While the construction industry’s path to net zero is becoming... View Article

Making a fresh start

A highly sustainable housing development in the centre of Salford has set a new standard for healthy, high quality affordable housing, complete with Passivhaus certification. Roseanne Field takes an in-depth look behind the facade. Located in the heart of Salford,... View Article

Building a solid reputation

BRiCS is a new housebuilder on the block which is attempting to raise the bar on quality and sustainability. James Parker speaks to co-founder Hugo Reeve. BRiCS is a new SME housebuilder targeted at building high-quality homes in the south... View Article

Overheating – the hot topic

Overheating has become an increasingly important issue for homes. Dr Anastasia Mylona from CIBSE explains the issue further and outlines some potential solutions It feels odd to be talking about the impact of climate change after the UK has just... View Article