2018 Natural Stone Awards

On Friday 7th December, London’s Grange Tower Bridge Hotel welcomed over 360 architects, interior designers, main contractors, local authorities and natural stone firms to the 2018 Natural Stone Awards. Organised by Stone Federation Great Britain, the official trade association for... View Article

Engineered wood holds the floor

Katherine Mathews of Kährs explores the benefits of engineered wood flooring, and the significant impact the right kind of flooring can have on a development. When designing and building a home, flooring is just one of many things to consider.... View Article

Windows worth their mettle

James Keeling-Heane of Senior Architectural Systems explains how developments in aluminium window systems can shed new light on cost-effective ways of ensuring energy performance targets are met. All properties lose heat through windows and doors, but the amount of energy... View Article

LGA responds to combustible materials ban

Responding to the ban on combustible materials being used on high-rise buildings and powers for councils to make private buildings safer announced today, Lord Porter, Local Government Association Chairman, said: “The LGA has led calls for a ban on combustible... View Article

Tackling timber humidity risk

Niall Crosson of Ecological Building Systems and Michael Foerster of pro clima discuss the need to ensure that unforeseen moisture trapped during timber builds can be released, avoiding damage over time Timber construction is undergoing something of a renaissance in... View Article

2018 Brick Award Winners

Last night saw the crowning of the 2018 Brick Awards winners, a ceremony that for 42 years has celebrated the best use of brick in the built environment. Projects of the highest calibre are routinely entered by architects and contractors... View Article

Brick industry goes for growth

The latest ONS figures for brick production in the UK reveal a remarkable story of manufacturing investment. August 2018 saw 21 per cent more bricks being produced in the UK compared with August 2017. Compare the figure to August 2016... View Article

Setting the standards for structural timber

Structural Timber Association board member and managing director for Kingspan Timber Solutions and Potton, Mark Stevenson answers self-builders’ queries on how to use structural timber, and why solutions are increasingly likely to be factory-built. The Structural Timber Association (STA) has... View Article

The rise and rise of concrete facing bricks

Craig Mcbride of Tobermore tracks the rise in popularity of concrete facing bricks, explaining how they satisfy the needs of housebuilders facing unprecedented demand across the Uk. We all remember the story of the Three Little Pigs from childhood. When... View Article

Technical challenges of glass for megatall buildings

Glass for megatall buildings (i.e. skyscrapers over 600 metres high) often tends to be taken for granted in terms of its technical functions. Yet the high-tech, high strength glazing that covers today’s megatall buildings – such as the Burj Khalifa... View Article

3D printing presents multi industry opportunities

The recent broadening in knowledge and understanding about 3D printing and additive manufacture have generated new business ideas and opportunities ranging from home hobby machines to printing buildings on other planets. Andrew Watts, CEO of international Building Engineers Newtecnic, reveals... View Article

RIBA calls for a comprehensive ban on combustible materials

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has submitted evidence to the Government’s consultation on banning the use of combustible materials in the external walls of high-rise residential buildings. After a lengthy investigation, the Institute has concluded that a ban... View Article

Mineral Products Association welcomes construction sector deal

The industry has highlighted the sustainability benefits of making full use of indigenous supply of UK minerals and mineral products to ensure demand for the construction of housing and infrastructure projects, including Highway England’s roads programme, Hinkley Point C and HS2 is supplied. Typically,... View Article

RIBA responds to social housing boost

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) responds to the announcement of investment in social housing across England confirmed today (26 June 2018) by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, The Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP. Speaking... View Article