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

The battle against mould and damp

Are we doing enough to prevent mould and damp, David Bly of Cornerstone is of the opinion more can be done With constant year-on-year damp, condensation and mould in many homes it could be argued there needs to be ‘reset’... 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

Retrofit for zero carbon

The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund provides one way for social housing providers in England to improve the quality of homes for their tenants although bidding teams may need support in working out the best way to treat older properties –... 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

What is happening with the Future Homes Standard 2025?

Victoria Brocklesby, COO at aluminium windows and doors specialist, Origin, discusses how the Future Homes Standard legislation could impact housebuilding and offers her advice to self-builders and renovators The UK is placing more onus on ‘green building’ than ever before.... 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

Limitless possibilities

Here, Paul Higgins of TuffX explores the key reasons for self-builders to specify bi-fold doors, from slimline sightlines to revolutionary heated solutions. Bi-fold external doors offer the ideal balance of practicality, aesthetics, and functionality, whether used to create unobstructed garden... 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

How software is tackling the compliance challenge

With social landlords under increasing pressure to improve housing compliance, Dave Carr from Propeller explains the role of software in overhauling safety checks and meeting RSH standards A new regulation, enforced in April 2024, has put housing safety compliance under... View Article

Eliminating emissions

Eliminating the carbon emissions associated with housing involves understanding the impact of the dwelling over its lifespan. Anastasia Mylona of CIBSE explains how this should be approached Regular revisions to Building Regulations over the last two decades have focused on... View Article

Energy efficient block management

Robert Poole of Glide explains how regardless of the changing political mood, there is a real need for more energy efficiency in block management The shift towards greater energy efficiency within block management is crucial due to environmental, economic, and... View Article

Let’s go outside

Ronan O’Dowd from AG Outside Rooms shares his top tips for maximising your outside space and unlocking the potential of your garden, from tranquil sanctuaries to vibrant entertainment areas There was once a time when gardens across the nation sat... View Article

A dramatic rescue

A cottage in the Cornish village which hosted Poldark saw its own share of drama when it was rescued from the point of collapse by Mark Semmens TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES CORNISH GEMS In 2018, a tiny cottage in a... View Article

Cladding comes of age

Rainscreen cladding has been put under immense scrutiny post-Grenfell. While manufacturers have worked hard to regain trust, architects have become much more sophisticated when it comes to material specification. Andy Thomas of Vivalda Group discusses the current key trends The... View Article

Local sensitivity

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, the village... View Article

Clearing the path to timber

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 sustainable material... View Article