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Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

Shares slump as construction slows

Shares in Brickability Group slumped over nine per cent this morning after the board noted a slowdown in demand for building materials.

In an update this morning, the supplier of bricks and other construction goods said lower levels of demand are expected to persist for the rest of the year.

As a result, the firm said it would have to lower its profit expectations for the rest of the financial year.

The group forecast  adjusted EBITDA of £46.2m with a range of £44.8m to £47.2m. It is now poised to come in at the lower end of expectations.

Market volumes for bricks in the UK have been significantly lower in the last twelve months, the group said, with UK despatches for the calendar year 2023 approximately 30 per cent  lower than 2022.

Over the same period, brick imports into the UK are estimated to have fallen by 42 per cent.

A slowdown in demand for homes, due to high inflation and a strain on living costs, has impacted the entire ecosystem of the UK construction industry.

Alan Simpson, chief executive officer, said:

“We have maintained a disciplined approach to cost and cash management during this period, and I am confident the group is extremely well positioned across each of its divisions to benefit when activity in its end markets recover.

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Old methods to solve a modern problem

Norwich-based architect Anthony Hudson builds ‘mud’ home

A Norfolk architect is hoping to revolutionise the way we build houses, drawing on a centuries-old construction method to solve a very modern problem.

For Norwich-based architect Anthony Hudson, mud has always held a special fascination.

Inspired by centuries-old cob construction methods, he has long believed this easily available material could be key to making the building of modern homes more environmentally friendly.

So when the EU announced it was looking for architects to come up with new ways of using earth in houses, he leapt at the opportunity.

He said:

“The challenge was to create a home using earth as the primary building material, but which could also be thermally insulated.

“Earth is a very sustainable way to build, especially because it’s so widely available here in the UK.

“The problem is that to make it an effective insulator you usually have to make the walls incredibly thick, which is impractical.”

Work underway at the Mud House

After much experimentation, Mr Hudson and his team came up with a solution which uses a combination of pure cob to create structural integrity, and thermally insulated earth.

The insulating layer is made by mixing mud with natural fibres like hemp straw, and allows the walls to be kept to 600mm thickness, without compromising energy efficiency.

Last month, the first home created using this method was finished in Fakenham, built by local firm Grocott and Murfit.

And although there is still some way to go before the technique can be introduced to a wider market, Mr Hudson is positive that one day, homes like this will be commonplace.

He said:

“Although the materials are cheap and easy to source, the building method is very time-consuming.

“At the moment it all has to be done by hand, so labour costs run high.

“However, our next step is to figure out how we can refabricate buildings to cut that down.

“Once we’ve worked that out, my guess is this will be a very attractive method.”

Source: Eastern Daily Press

 

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Manchester: Housing Development Back on Track

A plan to build more than 80 new homes in Hazel Grove, Manchester has restarted after a long delay.

The council gave the green light for a new housing development on land off Melford Road in 2019 but the scheme stopped abruptly when a company working on the project went bust in February 2022.

A spokesperson from the company said:

“The project is now back under construction with our in-house contractor ThreeSixty Ltd.

“A first phase of 16 homes completed in July 23 and have been sold. Further homes are due to complete over the next 18 months.”

76 of the new properties are set to be designated as “affordable” with 13 available as social rent and 63 for shared ownership.

It includes 59 two-storey houses, and 28 apartments in part-two and three-storey blocks.

During the delays, Stockport councillors spoke out about how some residents who had bought homes were left on the brink of homelessness due to the lack of progress at the site.

With construction work on the scheme continuing, the remaining homes being built on the land could accommodate Stockport residents by mid-2025 if all goes to plan.

New planning applications to meet conditions of the building work have been submitted to Stockport council this week for consideration.

Affordable housing is in high demand in the borough which is currently undergoing a massive transformation with thousands of new homes planned in the town centre area over the next few years.

Source: Manchester Evening News

 

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Construction Doldrums ‘Turning a Corner’

Hopes of lower interest rates fuels optimism in the construction sector

UK construction companies have said they’re increasingly hopeful that the downturn which has hit the sector over the past year or so is coming to an end.

According to S&P’s construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI), optimism among construction companies reached its highest level in two years.

The sector has been hit hard by rising interest rates, which have sent a chill through the housing market and depressed new construction projects. However, it is all but certain that interest rates have reached a peak with policymakers at the Bank of England suggesting rate cuts are a “when” rather than an “if”.

This has sparked confidence that the sector could rebound in 2024. Just over half of surveyed firms forecast a rise in business activity in the year ahead compared to just 12 per cent predicting a decline.

“Lower borrowing costs and higher consumer confidence were cited as factors likely to boost construction activity over the course of 2024.,” the report noted.

“UK construction companies seem increasingly optimistic that the worst could be behind them soon as recession risks fade and interest rate cuts appear close on the horizon,” Tim Moore, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence said.

“There were again signs that customer demand is close to turning a corner as total new orders fell to the smallest extent for six months,” Moore continued.

The improvement in confidence came despite another slight downturn in output in January and a marginal fall in new work.

Although this put house-building deep in negative territory, it was still the lowest rate of contraction since March 2023. Civil engineering and commercial property both recorded slight falls in January but edged closer to the 50 no-change mark.

Higher confidence among construction firms did not translate into hiring activity, with employment numbers falling fractionally in January.

The survey also showed that firms were dealing with the highest rate of input cost inflation since May 2023. “Some firms commented on higher prices paid for imported items, especially those that had incurred additional shipping costs,” the report noted.

 

Source: City A.M.

 

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Pioneering Timber Construction

Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the UK’s trade association for the timber supply chain – in collaboration with Waugh Thistleton Architects – have released a study on policies from across the globe which encourage the use of timber in construction.

Timber Policy is a comparative study of policies, across six countries, which can act as a powerful tool to support policy makers on their journey to decarbonise construction in the UK, and beyond.

Commissioned by TDUK and written by Waugh Thistleton Architects, this new report follows hot on the heels of the UK Government’s Timber in Construction (TiC) Roadmap, which aims to safely increase the use of timber in construction.

Timber is a low-carbon, natural, renewable material, at the heart of transitioning to a sustainable, circular economy for the UK and many nations around the world. This study is a snapshot of a rapidly evolving movement.

“What we need to see this year is ambition turned to action,” comments David Hopkins, chief executive of Timber Development UK. “This means forward-looking policy – and politicians brave enough to create a framework which places value on low-carbon construction.

“Timber is the ultimate low-carbon material, and countries across the developed world have rightly recognized this – working to create comprehensive policy frameworks that support the growth of the timber industry.

“The UK Government’s roadmap is a fantastic starting point, but without more action, there is a risk the UK falls behind. We need a clear timeline for change, starting with limits on embodied carbon in buildings, which is currently unregulated.

“Embodied carbon can account for more than half of the emissions of a building over its lifetime – hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon per year – but this is currently ignored by UK politicians and policy makers.

“Our new book, commissioned by TDUK and written by Waugh Thistleton Architects, highlights the policies being put in place in a variety of countries around the world.

“The UK Government, if they are serious about achieving the goals of their roadmap, now need to look at what policies would work in the UK. We hope that these examples give food for thought and we can start to engage policy makers on making this happen, rather than simply relying on the market to change.

“This year we must turn pockets of excellence, like the Stirling Prize winning Goldsmith Street, the Phoenix Development in Lewes, or the pioneering Black & White Building from exceptions to the norm. The opportunity has never been greater.”

Andrew Waugh, director and co-founder, Waugh Thistleton Architects, adds:

“As pioneers in timber construction, we are proud to collaborate with TDUK to author the Timber Policy Book. Working at the forefront of global timber construction and participating in extensive research with European partners, we understand first-hand the impact of government policies on sustainable, low-carbon construction.

“While the UK once led the world in mass timber construction, recent years have seen a shift in global leadership. Recent assessments, such as the Climate Change Committee’s critique of the UK Government’s Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, highlight the urgent need for accelerated policy development in the UK.

“We commend initiatives like the Timber in Construction Roadmap, our research for Timber Policy reveals that current UK efforts fall short of addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. Bold leadership, as demonstrated by progressive nations such as France, Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark, mandating limits on embodied carbon and investing in sustainable timber projects, is essential for a meaningful transition to a low-carbon future.

“Despite challenges, some progress in the UK is evident; for example, the DfE’s flagship project to standardise mass timber school fabrication underscores its commitment to innovation. Additionally, the Mass Timber Insurance Playbook and New Model Building Guides, funded by Built by Nature, a philanthropic organisation, provide invaluable resources for navigating the complexities of timber construction.

“The urgency of climate action cannot be overstated. With projections indicating a 1.5-degree increase in global temperatures by 2050 and up to 3 degrees by the end of the century, decisive steps must be taken. The Timber Policy book serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how public-private partnerships can drive systemic change towards a sustainable future.”

This is the second in a trio of essential books, with the first edition Timber Typologies providing clarity on different timber systems. The final book in the series, Timber LCA, will demystify lifetime carbon analysis for timber buildings.

https://timberdevelopment.uk/

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Tracking the Cracks with US Robots

The system uses computer vision and machine learning programs to identify cracks in concrete

AI-guided robot assistants could identify and inspect damage to structures and buildings to prevent failures, according to the developers of a new system.

Augmenting visual inspection technologies with a new machine learning approach, the team from Drexel University in Pennsylvania created a system that they believe could efficiently find and assess ‘problem areas’.

“Our built environment is aging and failing faster than we can maintain it,” the researchers said. “Recent building collapses and structural failures of roads and bridges are indicators of a problem that’s likely to get worse, according to experts, because it’s just not possible to inspect every crack, creak and crumble to parse dangerous signs of failure from normal wear and tear.”

The new multi-scale system combines computer vision with a deep learning algorithm to pinpoint problem areas, before directing a series of laser scans of the regions to create a digital twin that can be used to assess and monitor the damage.

The process could “significantly reduce” the inspection workload and enable focused work to prevent structural failures, the researchers said.

“Cracks can be regarded as a patient’s medical symptoms that should be screened in the early stages,” said Arvin Ebrahimkhanlou and Ali Ghadimzadeh Alamdari, authors of the new research.

“Early and accurate detection and measurement of cracks are essential for timely diagnosis, maintenance, and repair efforts, preventing further deterioration and mitigating potential hazards.”

The American Society of Civil Engineers has estimated a backlog of $786bn in repairs to roads and bridges in the US. There is also a growing shortage of skilled infrastructure workers, including inspectors and repair workers.

Instead of a physical measurement, the new system sends a high-resolution stereo-depth camera feed of the structure into a deep learning program called a convolutional neural network. These programs, which are being used for facial recognition, drug development and deep fake detection, are gaining attention for their ability to spot the finest of patterns and discrepancies in massive volumes of data.

“The neural network has been trained on a dataset of sample cracks, and it can identify crack-like patterns in the images that the robotic system collects from the surface of a concrete structure. We call regions containing such patterns ‘regions of interest’,” said Ebrahimkhanlou.

Once the region of interest is identified, the program directs a robotic arm to scan over it with a laser line scanner, which creates a three-dimensional image of the damaged area. At the same time a Lidar camera scans the structure surrounding the crack. Stitching both plots together creates a digital model of the area that shows the width and dimensions of the crack, and allows workers to track changes between inspections.

“Tracking crack growth is one of the advantages of producing a digital twin model,” Alamdari said. “In addition, it allows bridge owners to have a better understanding of the condition of their bridge, and plan maintenance and repair.”

The team tested the system in the lab on a concrete slab with a variety of cracks and deterioration. In a test of its ability to detect and measure small cracks, the system was sensitive enough to pinpoint and accurately size the smallest of fissures – less than a hundredth of a millimetre wide – outperforming top-of-the-line cameras, scanners and fibreoptic sensors by what the researchers called “a respectable margin”.

While human inspectors would still make the final call on when and how to repair the damages, the robotic assistants could greatly reduce their workload. An automated inspection process could reduce oversights and subjective judgement errors.

“This approach significantly reduces unnecessary data collection from areas that are in good structural condition, while still providing comprehensive and reliable data necessary for condition assessment,” the researchers said.

The team envisions incorporating the multi-scale monitoring system as part of a larger autonomous monitoring framework including drones and other autonomous vehicles.

“We aim to integrate this work with an unmanned ground vehicle, enhancing the system’s ability to autonomously detect, analyse, and monitor cracks,” Alamdari said.

“The goal is to create a more comprehensive, intelligent and efficient system for maintaining structural integrity across various types of infrastructure. Additionally, real-world testing and collaboration with industry and regulatory bodies will be critical for practical application and continuous improvement of the technology.”

Source: i.mech

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Maximised garden space thanks to the STEPOC system from Ibstock

 

An architect’s detached property on the outskirts of Manchester made for an ideal home, apart from its sloping back garden which dramatically reduced the area of lawn that could be practically used.

The client bought the house two years ago but couldn’t utilise a large section of the extensive rear garden as it was part of an old railway embankment. However, this situation is being rectified by installing the STEPOC system – a precast concrete block retaining wall from leading building materials manufacturer Ibstock.

He commented:

“The rear retaining wall runs for 80 metres and is being created using STEPOC in four stages – with work on the last section starting in mid-January this year. The ground was showing signs of gradual slumping and there were a lot of trees that were not in the best shape and had to be removed. This included a mixture of species including Elm, Sycamore and Beech, but we will be replacing the trees once the work is completed.”

 

Daniel Blythe, Ibstock Infrastructure Business Partner, commented:

“The STEPOC system makes it possible to build almost anywhere, enabling plots previously thought too difficult to develop a viable proposition as it requires no mortar, no drying time and no waiting. It is solid as a rock and no specialist skills are required for installation – so general labourers with no bricklaying skills can do the work.

“The client clearly wasn’t getting the most out of his garden and he employed Bolton-based Redford Construction to carry out the work which has required 50 tonnes of STEPOC blocks to do the job. STEPOC are hollow blocks which allow for reinforcement bars to be inserted and for concrete to be pumped down through the interconnected cavities in the blocks.”

 

Redford Construction Director Stuart Jenkins said:

“The ground was shifting quite a bit and there were also a lot of trees. We sought advice from a structural engineer as it was clear a substantial retaining wall was needed and the STEPOC system was agreed to be the best solution of the options considered.

“We dug a toe into the actual ground, and it was important to accurately place the starter bars into the foundation. The first course of blocks was laid into the mortar and they needed to be completely level. The next step was to drill and fit in the vertical bars – in all we built-up 11 courses using STEPOC.”

 

The client is very pleased with the progress made so far and the end is now in sight. He added:

“The garden will be backfilled to make it level and, ultimately, we will create a terrace. The STEPOC system was the best for the job because of its usability, the minimisation of waste and reducing the amount of materials to be brought on-site like shuttering and plywood.”

CLICK HERE to find out more about the STEPOC system

 

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USA company embracing new technology through robotic roof truss assembly

LMC, the forest products and building materials buying group is shining the spotlight on one of its members who is embracing new technology.

Founded in 1952 by John Louws, Sr., Louws Truss has served Washington State as a truss manufacturer for over 70 years.

Under the leadership of third-generation owner B.J. Louws, the company has maintained its position as an industry leader with a focus on technology. John Louws, Sr. began manufacturing wall panels and roof trusses in the 1970s during the early days of component manufacturing.

Since, B.J. Louws has taken another step into the future by working with House of Design to build one of only a few robotic roof truss assembly plants in the United States.

Based in Nampa, Idaho, House of Design produces robotic systems that make the manufacturing of building and offsite construction components safer, sustainable, and more efficient.

Installed by Louws Truss in 2022, the robotic roof truss line concept is not new: the basics have been in place since 2013 and B.J. and his team have frequently tried and tested new processes.

Prior to the installation of the robotic system, Louws was pursuing continuous improvement and eliminating waste at all times.

“One of the differences between an old process and an improved process is that we used to touch a piece of lumber 14 times and now we touch it between 4 and 5 depending on the product mix,” B.J. Louws said. “It was both more efficient and less impactful on people.”

Louws adds that the company is in its third generation and wants to become a fourth and fifth generation company. “We are trying to build a company where people can build their careers,” B.J. says.

“People and culture and innovation all go hand-in-hand,” Louws notes. “With the right culture and team all pulling in the same direction, we are able to constantly pursue innovation. The team members are a big part of our success.”

Investments made in robotics and automation and a commitment to lean manufacturing helps Louws Truss avoid some of the pain points experienced by the industry, such as the skilled labor shortage and avoiding injuries.

Louws Truss is looking forward to replicating the success of its robotic roof truss assembly plant with a new robotic floor truss line in the coming years.

Louws has been a member of LMC since 2006.

With headquarters in Wayne, Pennsylvania, LMC is owned by independent lumber and building material dealers with more than 1,800 locations in the United States and the Bahamas.

Source: HBS Dealer

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At Home in a 3D House – Netherlands

Featured Image Credit: 3DPrintedHouse

Couple living in 3D printed concrete home for £1,100 a month reveal what it’s like

With 3D printing becoming increasingly popular, it seems a logical step that people would try to 3D print a house.

One project in the Netherlands has done just, building five houses using the process in 2021, and couple Elize Lutz and Harrie Dekkers receiving their ‘digital key’.

The bungalow, owned by real-estate investment company Vesteda, was being leased on six-month contracts at about $1,400 a month, Business Insider reported in 2021.

The homes are certainly a departure from a bricks and mortar house, with a summary of the project describing how it wants to explore the design possibilities from 3D printing.

Now obviously this is a bit different from a 3D printer you would have at home. The crane-mounted printer lays several thin layers of concrete which are stacked on top of each other, starting from the ground up.

There’s no steel frame or reinforced concrete, it’s just layer after layer of concrete mix, with the 3D printing also creating cavities to provide insulation and space for wiring and plumbing.

They look a bit like the filling of an oreo or an ice cream sandwich.

But what are they like to actually live in?

Lutz said: “I saw the drawing of this house and it was exactly like a fairytale garden,” adding: “It is beautiful.”

Dekkers added: “It has the feel of a bunker – it feels safe.”

It is hoped that the structure will help provide affordable housing that’s quick to construct.

 

The finished house. Credit: ROB ENGELAAR/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

In a press release, housing and spatial development alderman at the municipality of Eindhoven, Yasin Torunoglu, said:

“In addition to affordable homes, the market increasingly demands innovative housing concepts.

“With the 3D-printed home, we’re now setting the tone for the future: the rapid realization of affordable homes with control over the shape of your own house.”

At present, this process of building houses is still not more cost effective than older ways of doing so, despite reduced labour costs.

However, this is something that they hope to change in the future.

It is also hoped in the construction industry that the use of 3D printed construction could reduce the environmental impact, and also cut costs.

In the Netherlands it is also a way to keep up construction as the country faces a shortage of skilled bricklayers.

Construction company executive Bas Huysmans said:

“If you look at what time we actually needed to print this house it was only 120 hours.

“So all the elements, if we would have printed them in one go, it would have taken us less than five days because the big benefit is that the printer does not need to eat, does not need to sleep, it doesn’t need to rest.

“So if we would start tomorrow, and learned how to do it, we can print the next house five days from now.”

Source: UNILAD

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“Shortfalls” in fire safety at the Hinkley Point C construction site

THE OFFICE for Nuclear Regulation has served a series of Enforcement Notices for “shortfalls” in fire safety at the Hinkley Point C construction site relating to contraventions under the requirements of Article 22 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Pre-planned inspections across three days last November at the Unit 1 HR Building on the Somerset site led to Office for Nuclear Regulation officials identifying the breaches and issuing four Enforcement Notices. These have been served on licensee the NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd, contractors Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS and Laing O’Rourke Construction Limited (the joint venture partners in BYLOR JV) and REEL UK.

The Enforcement Notices require improvements to be made to address the shortfalls in compliance and prevent reoccurrence. Importantly, there have been no consequences for employees, members of the public or the environment as a result of the shortfalls.

That said, Office for Nuclear Regulation inspectors identified the potential for harm and risk of serious injury, which required regulatory action.

Shane Turner, superintending inspector and head of safety regulation at Hinkley Point C, said: “The Enforcement Notices require these four organisations to make improvements in fire safety arrangements at the Hinkley Point C site. We will now engage with each of them during the period of the Enforcement Notices to ensure positive progress is made.”

The Enforcement Notices require that necessary improvements are made by 31 March 2024.

Source: FSM (Fire Safety Matters)

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