The hottest trends

LISTEN HERE Steve Birch of Vogue (UK) explores the latest bathroom heating trends for 2020. The desire for versatile, energy-efficient solutions in the home has given the industry the opportunity to create new designs which are lightweight, non-polluting, durable and... View Article

An ‘I’ on innovation

LISTEN HERE Angus Macfarlane of James Jones & Sons discusses the increasing popularity of I-joists, and their inherent economic, technical and environmental benefits for addressing the current challenges the housebuilding industry faces. With the Government’s promise to build 300,000 new... View Article

Decking – do your homework

LISTEN HERE Sarah Francis of Arbor Forest Products gives an insight into how to spot quality decking products – both in terms of timber and composite options. Despite our changeable weather, we Brits are a nation of garden-lovers: even if... View Article

The multi-generational living opportunity

LISTEN HERE The growing trend of multiple generations living together in one house offers a whole new market for housebuilders – they just need to consider age-inclusive and flexible design options, says David Schill of Aritco Lifts. Much has been... View Article

Future fire compliance

LISTEN HERE Nick Rutter of FireAngel explains how to achieve ‘constant compliance’ in fire safety, exploring some of the intelligent solutions that can adapt to future needs. Following the Hackitt Review, many developers are looking to adopt its principles to... View Article

Open to smart & sustainable appliances

LISTEN HERE Phil Slater of Whirlpool UK looks at how sustainability drivers plus a trend for open plan living are being supported by innovation in modern appliances. Homebuyers seek the latest kitchen appliances and technology. With more households opting for... View Article

Stand out with a canopy

LISTEN HERE Phil Nash from Scotts of Thrapston discusses the many different styles and materials available for porch canopies, and the benefits they can bring Porch canopies come in many different styles and materials, are easy to install, and can... View Article

Fire compliance for balconies explained

LISTEN HERE Nick Haughton of Sapphire explores the key fire compliance considerations when specifying balconies for housebuilding projects. Balconies are a cost-effective way to add square footage to apartments and give residents coveted private outdoor access. Studies have shown that... View Article

2020 – the year it gets personal

kbb returns to the NEC with a focus on helping housebuilders and developers tap into the big trend of personalisation. The event is aimed at industry professionals who want to learn more about emerging trends and cutting-edge products in the... View Article

Be the catalyst for change

FutureBuild is again heading to ExCeL in March, this time aiming to unite construction professionals across the sector to create real change in addressing the climate crisis From recent demonstrations to Government declarations, according the the event organisers at Futurebuild... View Article

Not just any old place

London’s first luxury retirement community offers retirees independent living alongside hotel-inspired amenities, all within sight of Battersea’s Albert Bridge. Lara Haddock of Battersea Place walks Jack Wooler around the development. Just across the road from Battersea Park, within eyesight of... View Article

Keeping up external appearances

Listen here Chris Frankland of Marshalls makes the case for early involvement between developers and manufacturers to put great-looking, premium exterior spaces back on the agenda for every development – even when budgets are tight. As a developer, you’ll know... View Article

Minimising waste in water treatment

Listen here With new regulations governing the use of septic tanks in force, David Stagg of Graf UK talks housebuilders and developers through their options for compliance. Housebuilders and developers building properties off the mains sewage network need to be... View Article

Digitising construction: A critical mission

Listen here Adrian Wild of Integro Construction Software explains why every housebuilding business should be using the software now available to maximise profits. If housebuilders could have been offered today’s construction software all those years ago, they’d likely have have... View Article

A compelling case: Gable wall spandrel panels

Listen here In light of the Government’s 300,000 homes a year target and its recent push for higher quality in housing, Tim Tasker of Pasquill puts the case for why gable wall spandrel panels should be found on every building... View Article

More than just homes

A new £6m Places for People social community is being handed over in Salford, Greater Manchester. Michael Dong, CEO of developer Investar Proper ty Group, and Mike Watson, director of housebuilder Watson Homes, walk Jack Wooler through the Melody Gardens... View Article

Concrete and the circular economy

Chris Stanley of the Concrete Block Association explains where concrete can fit into a circular economy, and help to boost sustainable housebuilding. Talk of the circular economy has penetrated every part of the construction industry recently, and rightly so. The... View Article

Bathroom style statements

John Brooks of Lecico discusses changing bathroom design trends, and the impact that tV and other influences have had on consumers’ demands. At the end of a busy day, many people are keen to get home, kick off their shoes... View Article

Preparing for changes to ADL

The construction industry is facing a number of significant regulation changes over the coming years, with the consultation to approved Document L (ADL) 2020 closing on 10 January set to introduce significant sustainability challenges. James Hulbert of Knauf Insulation looks... View Article

The Brexit factor

Ben Lloyd of Pure Commercial Finance gives his views on how Brexit is impacting property developers. The ever-present debate over Brexit has continued to plague public and market sentiment, and it was particularly heated in the last 24 months with... View Article