High performance in the frame with OSB

With the need for more sustainable building materials currently critical, Rebecca Goldsmith of MEDITE SMARTPLY explains why OSB structural panels can streamline the fabric-first approach for high performance building envelopes The updated Part F and Part L requirements of the... View Article

The wow factor of bathroom wall panels

Have you ever thought about using decorative wall panels for shower spaces, utility rooms or cloakrooms? Amanda Mills of Kinedo presents the case for using wall panels to create stunning bathroom spaces in particular. Wall panels are one of the... View Article

Breaking barriers to sustainable drainage

In the face of escalating urban flooding challenges across the UK, Richard Eddy of Polypipe Building Products looks how to break down the barriers to introducing sustainable drainage systems in housebuilding projects. With the UK’s sewerage infrastructure straining under the... View Article

Future Homes Standard is a starting point

The upcoming Future Homes Standard represents an important step towards more sustainable housing but should be viewed as a foundation rather than a ‘ceiling’ according to Simon Garbett of Wienerberger There’s little doubt that the homebuilding industry still has a... View Article

Social strength

Patrick Mooney, housing consultant and news editor of Housing, Management & Maintenance magazine asks ‘has the case for an expanded social housebuilding programme ever been stronger’? During the height of council house building in the 1950s, councils built on average... View Article

Will housing be left in a state?

Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) says that as the Election looms, the current Government appears to have abandoned the need for more homes, and calls for a dedicated Secretary of State for Housing. Not long... View Article

Engage science for the Biodiversity bonus

Paul Brown from Fera Science explains how developers can rise to the challenge of the Biodiversity Net Gain requirements for developments by embracing science, data and ecological expertise As a result of human activity, the UK has lost over half... View Article

Local sensitivity

LISTEN HERE 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,... View Article

Clearing the path to timber

LISTEN HERE 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... View Article

Show of strength

25-27 June NEC, Birmingham InstallerSHOW, the UK’s biggest event focusing on the sustainable delivery of heat, water, air and energy for all those responsible for decarbonising our built environment, returns to the NEC, Birmingham from 25-27 June, bigger and better... View Article

Bespoke gardens for bigger margins

With 2024 likely to continue being a challenging year for sales, Ben Warren of Marshalls explains why bespoke and ‘templated’ gardens will help housebuilders unlock extra income from their developments  It’s the question so many in the industry are asking:... View Article

LVT installation needs a flawless finish

Neil Sanders of F. Ball & Co explains the steps to ensure a flawless finish when installing this ever-popular choice of floorcovering. The increasing quality and variety of luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) and their suitability for a wide range of... View Article

Navigating the path to buy-to-rent financing

Peter Wade of specialist development finance lender BLG sheds light on what developers need to know when looking to access buy-to-rent financing. Build to Rent (BtR) is increasing with record growth last year despite the economic headwinds. In part, this... View Article

Raising the standard for roofing in 2025

Lisa Grosse of Cedral discuss the impact the Future Homes Standard could have on current facade and roofing trends when introduced next year Discussions around sustainability, futureproofing and a fabric first approach, which have been taking place across construction generally,... View Article

Economic benefit

Patrick Mooney, housing consultant and news editor of Housing, Management & Maintenance magazine says the social housing market is in the doldrums, after a Budget which missed the opportunity for wider economic stimulus. The domestic housing market is a notoriously... View Article

The importance of backing apprenticeships

As the sector battles an unprecedented shortfall in skilled workers, Tom Dwyer, group production director at Keepmoat discusses how apprenticeships are being embraced to fill the current gap, which amounts to an 30,000 extra construction professionals needed by 2026. I began... View Article

Roof windows help create quieter homes

The best house developers aim to create quality homes that are quiet, as well as secure and energy-efficient. Success in this area starts with the roof windows, as Altaterra’s Mhairi McDougall explains. There are various elements that reduce the possibility... View Article

Setting up base

LISTEN HERE 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... View Article

Part S: Charged with the responsibility

LISTEN HERE 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... View Article