Warm words

Jonathan Ducker of Kingspan Insulation explores how warm roof construction combined with advanced insulation materials can help meet our ambitious energy targets without compromising internal space. In the next few months, the final text for the Future Homes Standard (FHS)... View Article

Bathroom innovation for modern living

Tom Farrent of Lecico Bathrooms discusses the latest innovations in bathroom design and technology for modern homes, which put the focus on sustainability, performance, and future-proofing. Ask developers what challenges they have, and you’ll get familiar answers: legislation, buyer expectations,... View Article

Making the right splash

With the desire to develop sustainable solutions increasing, managing water usage is more important than ever. Sophie Weston of Twyford takes a look at recent water-saving innovations. Water scarcity is a growing global concern, and buildings play a crucial role... View Article

Affordable warmth that works

Richard Brown of Electrorad UK explores the advantages of high heat retention storage heaters, and the compelling benefits they offer both landlords and tenants. As UK winters become longer and energy prices continue to rise, providing reliable, cost-effective warmth is... View Article

Safer homes, by law

With the dawning of Awaab’s Law, social landlords will need to adhere to a new set of regulations to ensure building occupants remain as safe as possible in their homes. Dulux Trade explains more about the legislation and how landlords... View Article

A guide to fire & CO protection

Jennifer Bickford from Aico highlights the critical importance of proper installation and regular maintenance of life saving alarms, emphasising their role in protecting lives and ensuring long term safety in social housing properties. Designing a home plays a pivotal role... View Article

Who pays for building safety?

Chris Hemmings from the London office of estate agent Carter Jonas gets down to brass tacks on the incoming Building Safety Levy, and its impact on housing providers. He asks whether it runs the risk of further slowing the delivery... View Article

The housing target – out of practice?

Pressure is mounting on the construction sector, planners and policymakers to hit the Government’s housing targets. Patrick Mooney outlines what must change to achieve them, and who will be left behind if it doesn’t. In 10 years’ time the development... View Article

High hopes for low value Green Belt

David Churchill, partner at estate agent Carter Jonas, argues that a more flexible approach to releasing low value Green Belt land could help meet housing targets without compromising the countryside, or sustainability goals. Throughout the General Election campaign, the Green... View Article

Structural timber: a smart choice

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) looks at timber as a sustainable, low-carbon building choice, increasingly popular among UK self-builders for its environmental and practical benefits. In recent years, structural timber has emerged as the material of choice... View Article

Beyond the looking glass

Al and Lily Chen’s renovated and extended Edwardian home is a masterclass in space and light. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES WILLIAM TOZER ASSOCIATES “We were looking for a family home with potential for expansion,” explains Lily Chen, who has two... View Article

Science and spatial insight are the keys to long-term BNG

A data-driven, science-backed approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is helping housebuilders manage regulatory risk and align with long-term sustainability goals, explains Neill Hogg at Fera Science Ltd. As the housing sector adapts to the realities of BNG regulation in... View Article

Cracking the carbon code

Stephen Callow of MPA Masonry unpacks a report from the Future Homes Hub which challenges assumptions about timber and masonry’s carbon impact and highlights the need for balanced, evidence-led solutions. The Future Homes Hub (FHH) recently published its report focused... View Article

UKCW celebrates 10th birthday in Birmingham

This autumn, UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham marks a major milestone as it returns to the NEC from 30 September to 2 October, celebrating 10 years as the UK’s largest and most influential event for the built environment. With the... View Article

Defence of the realm

As climate change intensifies, the UK’s environment and buildings face mounting risks. Kirsty Girvan of the UK Green Building Council outlines why urgent, systemic action is needed to adapt to the changes being seen. The climate crisis is no longer... View Article

Curves in the capital

An affordable housing block inspired by Hercule Poirot has distinctive curving brickwork that brings a touch of class to a grey and constrained urban site in London’s East End. Stephen Cousins reports on a challenging project. Fans of the Agatha... View Article

Smarter by design

Theben Automation’s Paul Foulkes explores how smart homes are moving beyond timers and schedules, embracing real-time, sensor-based automation for greater comfort, efficiency and intuitive living. For decades, home automation has promised ease and efficiency. But early systems, reliant on fixed... View Article

The best laid plans

Lettie and Tom Fardon fell in love with a timber-framed 1950s bungalow ripe for renovation and bought it at auction, but didn’t realise just how much work would be involved in bringing it up to modern standards. TEXT JAYNE DOWLE... View Article

Building your dream outdoors

To help self-builders transform muddy plots into luscious garden havens, Anita Magee of Tobermore looks at the top trends inspiring garden design. Current garden trends are seeing a strong focus on blending luxury with sustainability, creating outdoor areas that are... View Article