ICF – sense and sustainability

Robin Miller of Beco Wallform gives his views on why insulating concrete formwork (ICF) is the ideal practical choice for self-builders concerned about sustainability and climate change There is growing recognition – now almost universal – that unless significant action... View Article

A new hope

A pioneering cancer treatment centre in Manchester saw international architects HKS harnessing high-tech methods for attacking tumours using proton beams, while providing a human-centred facility. James Parker reports Proton beam therapy is an advanced and highly precise form of radiotherapy... View Article

Protecting tenants’ personal & financial data

By Gareth Roberts, Design & Print Manager, 24 Design & Print The introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) in May 2018, means customer data which is stored and communicated in any way, needs to be done so securely.... View Article

Preventing false alarms

Barry Sargent of Nittan discusses how housing associations can significantly reduce the number of false alarms in their properties While optical detectors remain dominant, true growth has come from multi-sensors as installers and specifiers realise the benefits to be had.... View Article

The changing face of gas safety

Paul Durose of Gas Tag shines the spotlight on gas compliance and safety processes and what we can do better as an industry to improve The importance of having visibility within your compliance processes can’t be understated. When it comes... View Article

Getting glazing right

Zoe Williams of Selectaglaze discusses why housing managers and landlords should use secondary glazing and the specific considerations to bear in mind There are many misconceptions about secondary glazing, also known as secondary double glazing, but well designed and carefully... View Article

EV ready homes

With Electric Vehicle (EV) and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) sales going from strength-to-strength, growing numbers of housing developments in the UK are featuring EV charging units – and new developments may soon have to do so by law. Kieron Alsop... View Article

Tackling maintenance with technology

Mark Lowe of Pinacl Solutions discusses how housing associations can avoid costly disrepair claims with IoT technology Claims for disrepair are on the rise, with some solicitors seeing disrepair claims doubled compared to last year. With the average disrepair claim... View Article

Reducing costs and improving safety

Andy Speake of Aico details the benefits multi-sensor alarms can bring social housing providers, particularly from a cost saving perspective The first mains powered domestic multi-sensor was launched to the smoke alarm market in 2014 as a means of providing... View Article

UKCW: Your one stop shop

We all know we need to get out more. How else will we meet new people, learn new things, find new ideas and discover new products? Yet the pressure on our time is unrelenting. It can be difficult to justify... View Article

Putting roof tile sustainability first

Mark Parsons of Russell Roof Tiles explores why housebuilders and developers need to be working closely with roofing manufacturers to incorporate sustainable solutions on new-builds, in order to ensure they are attracting the current generation of homeowners. The housebuilding industry... View Article

Natural stone, ethically sourced

Matt Rob of the Stone Federation discusses the rising trend of buyers searching for ethically sourced natural stone, and the systems that are in place to prove the authenticity of such products. In 2015, The Modern Slavery Act was created... View Article

A clear set of options

When looking to create a unique home, glass gives you a wide range of options, especially when it comes to balconies and even atriums, as Susan Sinden of glass processor ESG Group explains One of the most common themes we... View Article

Kitchens that make sales

Andrew Story of Moores says tapping into kitchen trends can influence buyers’ decisions, and explores current trends from scandi retro to ‘slow living.’ When potential buyers step into a show home, they want to see their dream kitchen. Kitchen trends... View Article

Managing your build’s bottom line

Despite the numbers of self-builds growing rapidly, getting the right advice on mortgages can be tricky. David Lownds of Hanley Economic Building Society outlines the basics of self-build financing, and gives some tips on how to manage your build’s budget... View Article

The brick essentials

With an increasing number of homeowners choosing to pursue self-build or embark on self-renovation work, Simon Taylor of Ibstock examines one of the key considerations for any self-builder – the aesthetics as well as function of the bricks they will... View Article

Traditionally eco

An eco-afficionado achieved his dream to create a Passivhaus home in Leeds, but it had to be traditional in style so wasn’t plain sailing As a solicitor by profession, Stephen Cirell took a very methodical approach to planning his first... View Article

Back to nature

The world of home improvement is nothing new to Athena and Mark, but their latest project renovating a house to help it nestle into a Sussex nature reserve proved a challenge For some, a major renovation or self-build project is... View Article

The art of compromise

Perseverance and compromise paid off for Clare and Mark Gittins when they took on the virtual rebuild of a derelict cottage just outside Rotherham Most people wouldn’t have given the dilapidated old cottage on the edge of a busy main... View Article