Asking the right questions on fire system specification
When specifying fire systems, it’s essential that all fire industry legislation and regulations are met. This brings peace of mind to all parties – both now and in the future. …
Viewpoint
Pushing the green agenda: Creating greener homes with push-fit technology
General inflation and the seemingly ever-increasing energy prices are meaning many are looking to employ more cost-effective facilities in their homes. The plumbing system is one such area that, when …
Putting Passivhaus in the frame
Constructing to Passivhaus standards is becoming increasingly commonplace in the UK, but by focussing purely on this standard are we missing out on other important factors when it comes to …
The public sector must prepare now for the next round of Salix Finance
Article by Dave Archer, National M&E Manager at Mitsubishi Electric The UK has ambitious plans to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and both the public and private sector …
How have June’s Changes to Part L Effected Window Specification?
On the 15th June 2022, interim changes to building regulations came into force as a step towards The Future Homes and Building Standard. NorDan’s Commercial Sales Manager Sonia Travis examines …
When does cost outweigh conservation?
Paul Trace of Stella Rooflight discusses the importance of maintaining the historical integrity of buildings during an economic downturn. It’s hard to imagine a tougher economic climate. Having emerged from …
Multi-Sensor Fire Alarms: four things you may not know
Optical detectors may be the number one fire detector in the market today, but the popularity of Multi-Sensors has increased dramatically over recent years and prices have fallen, making them …
Clean Air Day 2022: we all have a role to play
We are in the midst of a health crises, but most of us are unaware of it. The Government’s Clean Air Strategy 2019 puts air pollution as the fourth greatest …
Keeping Schools Healthy
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, rates in schools are affecting children’s education as well as the health of both pupils and staff. It’s vital to reduce cases in schools, …
Warehouse Safety: Barriers for Effective Protection
Article by Paul Roehricht, UK strategic account manager, Brandsafe Choosing the right pedestrian barriers not only improves safety but also supports operational performance for warehouse operators looking to mitigate risk. …
Shedding some light on the new Part L Building Regulations
Stella Rooflight Director, Paul Trace, addresses the new rules for rooflights and thermal performance Why the need for new regulations? A major part of the UK’s commitment to meeting its …
Eight benefits of using lime mortar in building works
Lime mortar is one of the world’s oldest and most durable building materials; it’s also one of the great survivors. Just look at the Great Wall of China where many …
New construction industry report reveals poor building material supply chains are main barrier to achieving net zero
A new report, ‘Sustainable by design’, by engineering consultancy Patrick Parsons, based on research* with 100 senior executives of UK construction firms, reveals that despite the majority (85%) believing the …
Lack of Natural Light Impacting the Nation’s Wellbeing
A lack of natural light in homes across Britain is harming the physical and mental wellbeing of the nation and creating a generation who are unhappy at home. According to …
Building regulation changes see focus on sealant tapes for energy efficiences
New building regulations coming into force this year will require windows to be made even more airtight, says Andy Swift, sales and operations manager for ISO-Chemie. Changes to Part L …
New Report Shows Consumer Appetite for Greener Homes
A report on residential water and energy consumption has highlighted the emergence of more sustainability-orientated house buyers. Research undertaken by Triton Showers has revealed a growing clamour amongst homeowners for …
Increasing health and wellbeing through better indoor air quality
Hern Yau, Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric The impact of poor indoor air quality on health has been a hidden issue for many years. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has put …
How to add a power supply in an outdoor public space
The UK’s outdoor economy is stronger than ever, reflecting a public appetite for minimising the amount of time spent indoors and, for many, a re-evaluation of their appreciation of being …
Now is the time for a modular approach to building services
Dave Archer, National M&E Manager at Mitsubishi Electric The term ‘modular’ is increasingly heard in the construction sector, and a growing number of contractors and housebuilders are adopting a modular …
The Race to Net Zero: What the Boiler Ban Means for New Builds
The UK government is on a mission to reduce carbon emissions. This has led to oil and gas being at the forefront of public discussion, as they make up to …
Ed Reynolds’ blog shares valuable insight from recent sustainability conference
Following the global focus on sustainability prompted by COP26, 300 public and private sector industry professionals recently came together to learn about how the built environment can do more and …
With 80% of architects worrying about liability issues, experts say early collaboration is key to tackling risks, according to new research
Training, collaboration and collective responsibility are the three key ways the construction industry can tackle risk, according to recent research carried out by Etex. Etex asked 250 construction industry decision makers including …
Style and Sustainability: How UK Homes Have Changed Over Time
Our home designs are an identifying aspect of our nation’s culture. Wood panelling, bay windows, and stone bricks are instantly recognisable as a product of British construction when compared to …
The Clear Choice for a Contemporary Vision – Glass Box Extensions
What are glass box extensions, why should I consider one and how good are they? Adding space to the home will typically take the form of a traditional bricks and …
Let there be light!
There is so much more to large windows and doors than excellent visual appeal. They also play a vital role in helping us live a happier, healthier, more productive and …
Earthy neutral interiors for a fashionable Autumn 2021
Bring chic, earthy neutrals into your home inspired by runway looks of the season. Warm, spicy tones take centre stage, layered over timeless neutrals to amp up this fashionable style. …
Growing wood knowledge will grow the market
Article by TTF CEO David Hopkins The problems of the 21st century are deeply interconnected, particularly when it comes to building for climate change. Key to achieving net zero in …
Foam tape sealants fill the post pandemic gap
Andy Swift, sales & operations manager – UK & ROI at ISO Chemie, considers how current foam tape sealants secure a decorative finish for doors and windows and better energy …
Looking forward to a better tomorrow with the Future Homes Standard
John Miles – Group Business Development Director at Assent Building Control At the tail end of 2019, the UK government announced its drive towards zero carbon buildings as part of …
What’s your excuse for not going PVC-Free?
Authored by Matt Manteit, International Sales Manager at Neschen Coating GmbH. As an industry, we have been discussing the hazards of PVC for more than 15 years and whilst steps have …
The Implications of Lockdown on Building Maintenance
COVID-19 has caused, and continues to cause, extraordinary levels of disruption to the real estate sector and the insurance market that serves it with property owners struggling to manage and …
Taking on the COVID Challenge
The last 16 months have proved extremely challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) and reducing COVID spread are essential indoors where transmission rates are far …
Searches for ‘Loft Conversions’ Rise by a Staggering 164% as Brits Look to Add More Space and Value to Their Homes This Summer
Market research conducted by building supply specialist Insulation4Less has revealed that searches for ‘Loft Conversions’ rose by a staggering 164% between May/June and searches for ‘Loft Conversion Ideas’ jumped by …
Designing a bespoke kitchen
Bespoke kitchens are on the rise, with many homeowners looking for stylish spaces with instant wow-factor that not only work for cooking but also entertaining guests. The benefit to bespoke …
From construction site to production line
Building prefabricated modules off-site can speed up the construction process by as much as 50 per cent and cut costs by up to 20 per cent, according to a 2019 …
A guide to conservation rooflights
There’s a huge variety of choice in the conservation rooflight market and selecting the right product can be confusing. Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight offers some advice on things to …
The Health & Well Being Benefits Of Urban Planting
Well-being is as we know inextricably linked with our surrounding environment and it is proven that natural landscapes have a positive effect on our mental health. It is for this …
Adapting our outdoor spaces
In the shadow of Covid our city planners and urban landscapers will be looking to re-design our town and cities.. The high street has typically operated both as a social …
City Centre Strategies
Various studies have shown that the numbers of workers moving away from our cities has been increasing year on year. In 2019 for every nine adults moving into London for …
The Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting
With continual and rapid changes to our climate, the gradual increase in global temperatures and our ever exploding population, many countries across the world continue to experience a lack of …