Design for the future

Complying with legislation to create future-proof, carbon-neutral buildings is key. Andrew Watkins of wedi Systems explores sustainable, long-lasting solutions for bathroom and wet room design amid evolving regulations. Andrew Watkins, Technical Manager at wedi Systems (UK) Ltd, discusses how to... View Article

How much do ‘U-value’ insulation?

Matthew Evans of Kingspan Insulation GB discusses what to think about when it comes to insulating your self-build. Ensuring your new home is effectively insulated is an important consideration for all self-builders. It can help to significantly reduce your long-term... View Article

A future driven by data

As the UK Government confronts a colossal £49bn maintenance backlog, Ryan Donoghue of AJ Digital explores how ‘retrospective digitisation’ aligned with digital twin technology can revolutionise building management and prevent future problems. Retrospective digitisation offers a powerful solution for tackling... View Article

Why Futurebuild 2025 is a must-attend for housing professionals

As the push towards net-zero accelerates, the refurbishment and retrofit sectors stand at a pivotal point of sustainable transformation in the built environment. Futurebuild 2025, taking place from March 04-06 at London Excel, offers an unmissable opportunity for housing professionals... View Article

Turbocharging housing or hitting roadblocks?

Despite planning reforms aimed at delivering 1.5 million homes by 2029, challenges persist. Lawrence Turner of Boyer explores the impact of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcements. In her high profile January speech the Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlined plans to go... View Article

How to navigate remediation orders & access the right support

Lewis Couth of Walker Morris discusses how local authorities can leverage crucial legal tools such as remediation orders under the Building Safety Act, to help them address unsafe cladding. Local authorities continue to face the challenge of ensuring that building... View Article

Fans of efficiency

Mechanical extract fans are essential for home ventilation, yet often overlooked. Paul Williams of Domus Ventilation explores how choosing the right fan for a property – and ensuring proper installation – will aid efficiency, performance, and regulatory compliance. The humble... View Article

Mediterranean tranquillity

Behind the traditional stained-glass front door of an Edwardian terraced house in Southfields lies a remarkable renovation inspired by bright and airy Mediterranean living. TEXT JAYNE DOWLE IMAGES HATCH + MASON / CHRIS SNOOK Belonging to 32-year-old yoga teacher Molly... View Article

Beyond boilers

As energy efficiency standards tighten, Barry Fentem of Altecnic explores the alternatives to gas boilers which are available to help housing upgrades meet regulations while futureproofing homes with sustainable heating solutions. As energy efficiency standards become more stringent, the housing... View Article

A modern approach

With the controversy over wood burning stoves, BFCMA’s Dennis Milligan explains why it is worth looking at the benefits of modern stoves.  Combined with quality wood, modern stoves offer significant benefits that align with reducing carbon emissions and improving air... View Article

Daylight: The overlooked role

As sustainable construction advances, home design must go beyond energy efficiency, considering daylight, ventilation, comfort, and embodied carbon. Neil Freshwater of VELUX explores how daylight and Indoor Environment Quality can contribute. In the pursuit of more sustainable and energy-efficient homes,... View Article

The routes to a greener world

Over the last few decades, housebuilding design has drastically changed from every possible angle; from energy, technology and construction to industry standards and regulations. At the same time, the push towards carbon reduction and net zero, energy efficiency and biodiversity... View Article

From cowshed to retirement community

A project in the affluent Surrey town of Godalming has transformed a listed cow shed as part of a group of vibrant apartments. Mark Smulian explores how Birchgrove is redefining retirement living with a strong sense of community in a... View Article

Planning permission shortages stifle housing growth

As the Government and construction sector struggle to meet ambitious housing targets, record low planning approvals and economic uncertainty underscore the challenges. Patrick Mooney highlights the urgent need for reforms to address the crisis. The New Year brought with it... View Article

A long time coming

Plans had been approved and Mark and Theresa Edwards were ready to get to work on their building project, but then they met architect Stuart Bagshaw… TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ELLIOT ROBERTS The Edwards had been holidaying in Cove in... View Article

Security plus accessibility

Darren Hyde of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association discusses how powered pedestrian doors can integrate with modern security systems while ensuring accessibility and regulatory compliance. Devising access control requirements for commercial buildings can be a difficult task. A client may... View Article

Rugged good looks

Commercial washrooms endure heavy footfall, but as Amanda Mills of Kinedo highlights, bathroom wall panels can provide the necessary durability, maintenance and waterproofing characteristics, along with some glamorous aesthetics. Heavy usage in any hotel, camp site, gym or other sports... View Article

Embracing nature’s light

Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight discusses the importance of effectively introducing the biophilic benefits of natural light into the home. In an era marked by technological advancements and urbanisation, the longing for a connection with nature has never been stronger.... View Article

Placemaking for flood resilience

To avoid surface water flooding, holistic urban design include the ‘sponge city’ concept should include sustainable drainage from the very start, explains Chris Hodson, consultant to trade body MPA Precast Paving. In projects across the world, the ‘sponge city’ concept... View Article

Breaking the spec breakers

Product substitution, otherwise known as ‘breaking spec,’ threatens building performance and raises lifecycle costs. David Grace of K Rend highlights how manufacturers can help protect specifications to ensure design integrity. When a specified product is substituted and changed for one... View Article