The importance of green spaces

Paul Cassidy of Meadfleet explores how green space in housebuilding projects is crucial for the sake of residents’ health and their environment, and the role open space management specialists play here. If the last year has taught us anything, it... View Article

The great bungalow rescue

Years of wet and windy winters in rural Shropshire had brought the 1960s bungalow on Bob Griffiths’ farm to the point of near collapse, but he decided to give it a new lease of life Text Roseanne Field Tucked down... View Article

Functional flooring

Darren Trivett of Ridgespear Group offers insights into why developments in underfloor heating make it a practical option, and gives some installation tips The commonest forms of underfloor heating (UFH) involve circulating water through a high-performance plastic pipe, set within... View Article

Hanover gets the green light

A pioneering project by housing association Hanover (Scotland) to provide 15 Passivhaus social homes near Loch Lomond, on the site of the developer ’s first ever scheme, has been given the go -ahead. Jack Wooler speaks to the people behind... View Article

Radiating future relevance

With energy efficient heating systems fast becoming vital components of new homes, Chris Harvey of Stelrad Radiators looks at some of the hottest ideas when it comes to radiator innovation for self-builds With the major changes taking place in the... View Article

Power your life

Mark Chewter of Plug In Solar explains why solar energy remains a great investment, and how a solar PV system can be used to help you meet Building Regulations, while saving money on your self-build home’s future bills With an... View Article

Counting down to SAP10

With a return to normality comes a realisation that a new SAP method for assessing houses’ energy use is imminent. Harry Hinchliffe of C80 solutions outlines the impact that SAP10 will have. Having faced unprecedented challenges over the past year,... View Article

Support needed for SMEs to build greener

Brian Berry of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) explores why SMEs should be at the heart of the government’s plans for green construction to help them conquer obstacles This year, the UK will host the United Nations Climate Change... View Article

How modern masonry works with modern methods

Scott Denham from IG Masonry Support looks at how offsite solutions are delivering the architectural masonry details specifiers want, ensuring quality alongside a safer and faster way to create masonry facades Brick has long been the specifier’s choice when it... View Article

The Passivhaus balancing act

Iain Fairnington of the A. Proctor Group highlights some of the key technical factors relating to performance in Passivhaus design, and best practice for managing the balance of movement of heat, air and moisture within the building envelope Since time... View Article

Change is in the air: the benefits of radiant ceiling systems

Greg Cooper, managing director at climate control specialist Radiana, discusses the benefits of radiant ceiling systems for housebuilders, installers and residents alike. When it comes to ensuring the comfort of homeowners and creating standout for a property or development, one... View Article

Digital bathrooms

Tom Farrant of Lecico Bathrooms looks at how the ongoing pandemic has accelerated changes in the industry’s working patterns, including the move to a greater acceptance of 3D BIM, and how this has improved bathroom specification Digital transformation continues to change... View Article

Making an impact on noise

Recent research links unwanted noise levels with a heightened risk of mental and physical health problems. Karen Wilding of Forbo Flooring Systems says this shows that architects must adopt tools and materials that mitigate these effects Without effective management, unwanted... View Article

Finding the perfect blend

Co-located developments, an emerging trend, could help solve industry challenges by satisfying demand for both industrial and residential developments at a stroke. Peter Watkins of HDR | Bradbrook Consulting looks at the inherent design challenges A co-location can best be... View Article

A generational challenge

Paul Smith of F.H. Brundle explains how the Government’s changes to Part M of the Building Regulations could meet the challenge posed by Britain’s ageing population Between September and December 2020, the Government held a consultation on how they could... View Article

Water-tight partnerships

James Homard of Urban Environments explores how housing professionals can maximise value from their water hygiene consultancy. Many housing providers and landlords appoint a specialist water hygiene consultancy to manage Legionella control. Particularly for those with extensive portfolios this is... View Article

The smart approach to specifying smoke vents

Tony Stevens of Bilco UK shares the top three considerations they believe housing professionals should focus on when specifying NSHEVs. Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators (NSHEVs), more commonly known as smoke vents, provide essential ventilation in the event of... View Article

Waterproof wall panels: the modern option

In these turbulent times, waterproof wall panels may offer social housing providers and local authorities a more effective bathroom walling solution, explains Nicola Lewis of Fibo. This past year has been an unusual one for social housing providers and local... View Article