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

Unlocking the right mix

A former prison site in Portsmouth has found a new purpose, in a combination of new build and refurbishment for a ‘tenure blind’ mix of luxury flats and affordable homes – by two housebuilders. Roseanne Field reports Located on one... View Article

One whole week focused on offsite

16 – 20 September Coventry Building Society Arena The Offsite Expo has been integrated into a week boasting educational seminars, interactive panel debates, and factory tours, as part of Offsite Construction Week. A UK-first, taking place from 16-20 September, Offsite... View Article

Combined versatility from composite

Distinction Doors’ Owen Jones explains the performance benefits of composite entrance doors, and why their versatile aesthetics make them an appealing option for small and large-scale developments. Today, customers want products which deliver return on investment while offering an improved... View Article

Changing tides

As the high-end residential flagship of an ongoing project to rejuvenate Folkestone’s seafront and harbour, Shoreline represents a complex, curvaceous success for a collaborative project team, as Roseanne Field found out. Like many UK seaside towns, Folkestone has seen times... View Article

Local sensitivity

Roseanne Field reports on a high-end nine house development in a small village in Kent, built by an SME developer that prides itself on its local knowledge and respectful approach to schemes. Situated just outside Maidstone in Kent, the village... View Article

Clearing the path to timber

The Government’s roadmap for increasing timber use in construction is here, but how is the industry tackling the obstacles? James Parker spoke to Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the Structural Timber Association. How can structural timber, the ultimate sustainable material... View Article

Setting up base

An ambitious project in Gosport demonstrates how utilising modern methods of construction is possible for all kinds of developments, as VerdeGO Living’s David Craddock explains to Roseanne Field Portsmouth is a city known for its naval history. Since the 15th... View Article

Part S: Charged with the responsibility

Part S provides clear challenges as well as opportunities for the car charging industry, however while the solutions are available, the requirements for major housing developments remain somewhat mysterious. James Parker spoke to specialist charging firm Fortis EV to find... View Article