Medal to the Metal

The Metal Gutter Manufacturers association puts the case for why metal rainwater systems should be the first choice. Although metal rainwater drainage systems may often cost more initially, they offer excellent ‘lifetime’ value. With homeowners and specifiers increasingly looking at... View Article

First things first

Duncan Andrews of Sureset explains the impact a driveway surface can have on kerb appeal, exploring the pros and cons of different surfacing materials. In what is a highly competitive market, it is vitally important to make a good first... View Article

On-trend solutions

Decorative vinyls and LVTs are pushing new technical and aesthetic boundaries so that both customers and contractors benefit, according to Nav Dhillon of Gerflor. Decorative vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles and planks (LVTs) are practical, durable and straightforward to maintain... View Article

BIM for offsite: what’s stopping you?

While the housebuilding industry is educating itself on the practicalities and application of offsite methods of construction, the real opportunity for housebuilders is in how offsite is utilising the latest software platforms. Robert Clark of fusion Building systems explains the... View Article

The right tile for the project

Tiles have long been the go-to option when it comes to the bathroom, but today the demand for trend-led tiles throughout new builds is on the increase. Liam Poole of British Ceramic Tile explains how to select the right tile... View Article

Rethinking housing safety

In the aftermath of the Grenfell tower fire, Kidde safety explains why it’s more important than ever for developers to consider appropriateness of fire detection. As a straightforward, low cost early warning, the wider installation of interconnected smoke, heat and... View Article

SIPs vs timber frame

Ian Loughnane of Kingspan Timber Solutions weighs up the relative merits of structural insulated panels (SIPs) and timber frame structures. Despite them often being confused, there are quite a lot of differences between a SIPs and a timber frame structure.... View Article

Housing benefits

Alternative ground engineering solutions, such as those incorporating geogrids, can play a vital part in meeting the UK’s future housing needs. Jonathan Cook of Tensar explains. The UK Government is committed to building hundreds of thousands of homes a year... View Article

Modern materials, traditional facades

Adrian Storey of Horbury Facades looks at how innovation in modern rain screen cladding materials is resulting in a rise in brick facades. When most people think of modern rain screen cladding systems, they picture steel and glass. However, architects... View Article

A breath of fresh air

Eliot Warrington of Solarcrest argues that building regulations need to reflect 21st century ventilation. Building Regulations have pushed people in the UK closer and closer towards airtightness in recent years, but while this is a demonstrably good thing with regards... View Article

Safe as houses

With the number of thefts and burglaries rising, prioritising home security has arguably never been more important. Dr Steffan George of the Master Locksmiths association offers advice on securing homes during construction and over the long term. While cases of... View Article

Underlying benefits

Shane Oxberry of YPS Plumbing supplies recaps the many compelling benefits of underfloor heating. Neat, economical to run, reliable and green, it’s tempting to recommend underfloor heating (UFH) for every new build, renovation or extension. Unless you demand period cast... View Article

Don’t forget your thermals

Karen Everitt of Ravatherm UK explains the importance of correct insulation specification in achieving high thermal performance. Housebuilding is on the rise. Research suggests that by 2050 there could be a 23 per cent increase in UK households, and the... View Article

Better ventilated homes for a brighter future

Paul Croughan, Head of Sales – New build at EnviroVent, looks at how the new build sector is meeting ventilation requirements and improving the air quality in new homes. The Government’s plan to build at least 200,000 new homes per... View Article

A sense of place

Andy Speake of Aico advises on the importance of getting placement right when it comes to alarms. In the domestic smoke alarm sector there has traditionally been three alarm types: optical, heat and ionisation. These different sensor types react best... View Article

Going off-grid

Ian Digby of Calor discusses looks at how alterations to standard housing designs resulting from fuel choice can be reduced for off-grid properties, and the part played by Part L1A of the Building regulations. Complying with Part L1A of the... View Article

Getting a handle on aluminium doors

Will Jones of Senior Architectural Systems looks at how aluminium doors can open up new opportunities to create homes that offer the highest standards of style, security and sustainability. The term ‘patio door’ is often used to refer to a... View Article

Gutter bliss

Paul Jackson of Polypipe explains why developers need to ensure they are selecting the right guttering and downpipe system on each project, which might mean that plastic turns out to be the best option. When the Government announced that 217,350... View Article

Choices in the bathroom

Making the right choices when designing a bathroom can make all the difference in a successful development. With more options available than ever before, Lisa Ward of Bristan looks at how housebuilders can best meet consumers’ rapidly evolving needs. Like... View Article

Tackling drainage challenges in Timber

Ann Boardman of Saniflo Uk explains how to overcome the particular set of drainage challenges presented to house builders constructing in timber. You may not be aware that by using a combination of macerators, pumps and shower cubicles, you can... View Article