Warm words

Jonathan Ducker of Kingspan Insulation explores how warm roof construction combined with advanced insulation materials can help meet our ambitious energy targets without compromising internal space. In the next few months, the final text for the Future Homes Standard (FHS)... View Article

Bathroom innovation for modern living

Tom Farrent of Lecico Bathrooms discusses the latest innovations in bathroom design and technology for modern homes, which put the focus on sustainability, performance, and future-proofing. Ask developers what challenges they have, and you’ll get familiar answers: legislation, buyer expectations,... View Article
Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

The housing target – out of practice?

Pressure is mounting on the construction sector, planners and policymakers to hit the Government’s housing targets. Patrick Mooney outlines what must change to achieve them, and who will be left behind if it doesn’t. In 10 years’ time the development... View Article

High hopes for low value Green Belt

David Churchill, partner at estate agent Carter Jonas, argues that a more flexible approach to releasing low value Green Belt land could help meet housing targets without compromising the countryside, or sustainability goals. Throughout the General Election campaign, the Green... View Article

Science and spatial insight are the keys to long-term BNG

A data-driven, science-backed approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is helping housebuilders manage regulatory risk and align with long-term sustainability goals, explains Neill Hogg at Fera Science Ltd. As the housing sector adapts to the realities of BNG regulation in... View Article

Cracking the carbon code

Stephen Callow of MPA Masonry unpacks a report from the Future Homes Hub which challenges assumptions about timber and masonry’s carbon impact and highlights the need for balanced, evidence-led solutions. The Future Homes Hub (FHH) recently published its report focused... 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

Timber steps up

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) outlines how timber construction offers housebuilders a route to ‘carbon-conscious design’ allied to commercial efficiency in the sector. As housebuilders and architects work toward delivering on the UK’s net zero commitments and... View Article

New town planning

Chris Adair of Marshalls, explores how developers can embed flood resilience into new housing schemes, especially as the UK prepares to deliver over a million homes, including a new generation of towns and communities. The UK Government’s recent announcement of... View Article
Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

Social housing delivery crisis

Patrick Mooney explores how social housebuilders are falling far short of targets, with severe underinvestment, rising homelessness, and regulatory pressures undermining efforts to deliver the new homes urgently needed. A fall in the number of new homes started by housing associations... View Article

Top glass performance

Paul Higgins of TuffX explores how glazing has evolved into a critical element in buildings’ energy performance, and offers  a practical guide to help specifiers achieve ‘futureproofed’ glazing solutions. With the Future Homes Standard (FHS) set to take effect soon,... 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

Make the right connections

24-26 June NEC Birmingham InstallerSHOW is the UK’s must-visit event focusing on sustainability in the built environment, bringing together more than 800 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors across three halls and three days at the NEC Birmingham. In addition to the... View Article

A sustainable mix of grey, green & blue

As the UK targets 1.5 million new homes, sustainable drainage must be part of the plan, says Ben Puddy of Hydro International; he explains how blending blue, green and grey systems can build the perfect drainage mixture to support climate-resilient... View Article

LVT: the sensible flooring choice

Luxury vinyl tiles combine style, durability, and easy maintenance, making them a top flooring choice for modern interiors. Lorna Williams at Amtico shares why it is the perfect solution for new developments. Choosing the right flooring is one of the... View Article