Another week, another Housing Minister, says FMB

Commenting on the announcement that Kit Malthouse MP is the new Housing Minister, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Another week, another Housing Minister. The industry has long bemoaned the turnstile approach to this crucial role but the pace... View Article

Fewer project starts during second quarter

The value of work starting on site in the three months to June was 21% lower than a year ago, according to the latest Glenigan Index. On a seasonally adjusted basis, starts fell by 8% against the three months to... View Article

Heathrow: What a third runway means for construction and the environment

Alastair Hamilton, partner at the national property, construction and infrastructure consultancy, Pick Everard, said: “Yesterday’s (26th June 2018) Commons vote resulted in an overwhelming majority in favour of Heathrow’s third runway following a thorough consultation period.” “The consultation highlighted a... View Article

Hackitt: Will it really ‘build a safer future’?

James Parker looks at the Hackitt review and the “broken” system of regulation and oversight that may have led to the construction failures at Grenfell Tower. In the wake of the Hackitt review looking at what needs to be done... View Article

Treating water pollution on construction sites

Dr Richard Coulton of Siltbuster outlines the main types of on-site water pollution, and how to treat them. Under the Environment Agency’s Regulatory Policy Statement (RPS), construction companies likely to discharge anything off site other than clean water need a... View Article

Transforming the industry for the better

Sarah McMonagle of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), explains the organisation’s three point plan to reform the sector’s approach to quality, in the wake of Grenfell. Let’s be honest, the construction industry does not have the greatest image in... View Article

View Point – Nigel Ostime from Hawkins\Brown

Nigel Ostime, delivery director at architects Hawkins\Brown and chair of the RIBA Client Liaison Group, looks at how a ‘chain of custody’ approach is fundamental to a new toolkit created to ensure a focus on quality in projects Last December... View Article

Four questions for selecting the right door canopy

While they may only form a small element of developments, door canopies can play a huge part in the end result. They can finish off projects perfectly, as well as instantly add a touch of individuality and aesthetic appeal too.... View Article

A brighter future for our kids

Imma Boada of Kingspan Light + Air looks at how the need for effective daylight within our schools extends far beyond issues of academic attainment In 1999, Heschong Mahone Group conducted a comprehensive study that analysed the academic performance of... View Article

Taking a circular route to emergency care efficiency

A new hospital in Cramlington, Northumberland, is the first in the NHS to be purpose-designed for emergency cases. Neil Harvey of Ramboll explains how the building simplifies the route from admission to specialists using a ‘panopticon’ ward design The Northumbria Specialist... View Article

The power of nature

HLM’s Aline Browers and David Greig explain how the benefits of biophilia are increasingly being recognised by designers working in educational environments Biophilia is a term popularised by American psychologist Ed Wilson in the 1980s. When you ask people where... View Article

Practice Profile: Saunders

With a pragmatic approach and a retail pedigree Saunders is broadening its horizons, with a newfound focus on the residential sector. Sébastien Reed spoke to the firm’s Martin Williams to find out more Saunders was established 30 years ago by... View Article

Clear innovation

Adrian Adams of Saint-Gobain Building Glass outlines the current and future ‘megatrends’ that are influencing architectural glazing specification: Architectural glazing is an exciting area, and there are always new trends and product developments. However, there are also a wide range... View Article

An introduction to specifying self-cleaning glass

Phil Brown of Pilkington UK offers a guide to the benefits of self-cleaning glass, and the science behind the product: Glass is the one of the ‘go-to’ materials used to create modern commercial and residential developments. Its ubiquity is a... View Article

Comment on Intergenerational Commission report

Mark Farmer, chief executive of Cast, said: “The price and availability of land is a major problem within the housing market. Developers have increasingly been accused of overpaying for land by suppressing affordable housing provision and challenging quotas through the planning... View Article

Sourcing done right

Jane Buxey from the stone industry’s trade body speaks to Hutton Stone’s Marcus Paine about what the sector’s focus on ethical sourcing means in practice. Stone Federation Great Britain is the official trade association for the natural stone industry, which... View Article

Will brick facades slip up?

Arup’s Alexis Harrison says that while the bricks sector has responded to increased demand from architects seeking to use the material in highly crafted exteriors, they still have questions about the long-term performance of brick slips. When I joined the... View Article