Take it to the bridge

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Simon Hill of Schöck explains the complexities around balcony design detailing to avoid thermal bridges, and why it must incorporate efficient thermal insulation Improving the thermal performance of a building envelope by minimising energy usage has become... View Article

Why is MMC not more common?

A new NHBC report on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has just been released which looks at the benefits to industry, as well as current reluctance to adoption. The organisation’s head of standards, research and innovation, Richard Smith, explains. Prefabricated... View Article

Has Covid-19 been a catalyst for modular?

Lockdown and all the subsequent restrictions have seen greater emphasis placed on the utilisation of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Wayne Oakes, director at engineering consultancy firm Dice, looks at how this is breaking the stigma that still persists. The... View Article

Material change needed in 2021

The FMB’s Brian Berry takes a look at the changes that must be seen in Government policy to allow SME builders to thrive in these uncertain times. 2021 has started on a positive note. Only a matter of hours into... View Article

Planning for in-built sustainability

If the UK is to reach carbon net-zero by 2050 and its homes are to withstand the changing climate, sustainability needs to be ‘baked into developments’ from the outset. Isabella Krabbe of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) tells Jack... View Article

Micro developers, macro barriers

A collaborative JV between a micro-developer and a local housing association is building four homes on a semi-rural Bristol site. CHI’s Alli Gay tells Jack Wooler how the developer navigated the many challenges SMEs face to achieve this. A small... View Article

Post-pandemic paving

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Outdoor space has taken on a fundamental new importance with Covid-19. Chris Hodson of Interpave explains why a fresh approach is needed when designing and selecting paving for housing, to meet a wide range of new requirements.... View Article

A flood of enquiries

LISTEN HERE 🔊 With many homes still being built on flood plains, and flooding an increasing risk, there are a host of issues for housebuilders to address when it comes to drainage. Chris Green of ACO Water Management explains further.... View Article

Estimating a full recovery

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Marcus Jefford of Build Aviator explains how some of the supply challenges faced by housebuilders and developers as a result of Covid can be relieved with the help of intelligent estimating software. The coronavirus has had a... View Article

Avoiding pitfalls from roofs

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Marley’s Stuart Nicholson pinpoints the most common roof specification pitfalls, and advises housebuilders on how to avoid them for a best practice approach. The quality and security of pitched roofing in housing has seen some huge improvements... View Article

Waging war on plastic waste

Plastic waste is ubiquitous in construction, and the consequences are becoming increasingly apparent. Dr Wendy Jones of Changing Streams spoke to Jack Wooler about what is being done to address this key industry challenge Plastic is everywhere in construction, with... View Article

400 canalside homes in Hayes get go-ahead

The green light for 400 new homes at Clayton Road in Hayes, west London, has been granted to property group A2Dominion. The design by Assael Architecture has undergone extensive consultation with Hillingdon Borough Council, and an “appropriate scale of redevelopment... View Article

A luxurious blend

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Broadoaks Park is a new high-end development that includes a restored mansion in Surrey, offering a taste of rural living within commuting distance of London and a mix of styles. Tim Banks of developer Octagon explains more... View Article

Put fabric first

Ben Cheetham of Keystone Lintels considers how housebuilders can, by pursuing a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency and careful specification, avoid the problems of thermal bridging Preventing heat loss by addressing thermal bridging is growing in importance – particularly with... View Article

Bubble bathrooms

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Ash Chilver of HiB looks at how the need to maximise safety in the pandemic, coupled with the growth in multigenerational living, are driving bathroom design choices which will attract homebuyers of all ages. Home life is... View Article

Beyond energy efficiency

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Paul Barrett of Rockwool explains why housebuilders need to consider insulation that delivers safety and acoustic performance alongside maximising onsite benefits for installers, not just thermal factors Primarily driven by Approved Document L (ADL) of the Building... View Article

How to secure your funding in 2021

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Simon Chapman of Pluto Finance gives expert insights on the key steps developers need to take when attempting to secure finance for their residential schemes, and what challenges might be in store currently In this extraordinary year,... View Article

Whole-life carbon assessment – the only practical path towards Net Zero

By British Woodworking Federation Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), penned an article about the importance of ‘getting retrofit right’ for the report Why timber is leading construction’s Net Zero recovery, published by the Confederation of Timber Industries in the Summer.... View Article

Will Jenrick’s reforms succeed where others have failed?

HMM news editor and housing consultant Patrick Mooney bemoans the recent ‘revolving door’ of Housing Ministers, and speculates on Robert Jenrick’s chances of success. Every Housing Secretary or Minister that I can remember promises two things – to overhaul the... View Article