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.

Modular Homes Pilot Scheme to go Ahead

A pilot project featuring 18 modular homes intended to pave the way to a transformation of temporary housing across London has secured planning approval.

The green-lit project, being delivered by the London Borough of Havering and Wates Residential will see the homes built on the Waterloo and Queen Street Estate in Romford.

The scheme is part of the wider regeneration joint venture between the council and Wates Residential that will deliver up to 5,000 new homes across the borough.

It also represents what is said to be a bold step in wider efforts to tackle spiralling housing costs and demand; an issue that costs councils across the country £2.1bn annually and has resulted in a record number of children living in hotels and B&Bs.

Wates Residential has worked with architects, suppliers, planners, manufacturers and local councils to develop this modular solution.

As pre-designed standard houses, it is claimed they are twice as fast to build, allowing the flexibility to relocate homes where necessary. Wates’ modular homes also have energy efficient designs with low carbon footprints and involve minimal on-site work.

Built to the same standards as permanent housing, the homes will include modern amenities, private bedrooms, family bathrooms, and kitchen and living spaces, helping restore stability to those facing housing insecurity.

Modular homes have a design quality regulation of up to 60 years, meaning that while they provide temporary relief to their inhabitants, they are a long-term solution for councils.

Councillor Graham Williamson, Havering’s cabinet lead for development and regeneration, said:

“We welcome this decision as a positive step forward in our work to provide better temporary housing for local families, and hope this will set a precedent for other councils.

“These modular homes will offer a significant improvement on current options like hostels and hotels, giving families a safer, more stable place to live at less cost to the taxpayer, while we continue delivering long-term regeneration across the borough.”

Paul Nicholls, regional managing director for London at Wates Residential, added:

“This decision shows what’s possible when we take bold approaches to tackling the housing crisis. Councils across the country are spending £2.1bn annually on hotels and hostels that have a devastating impact on their well-being and development. Our temporary modular homes provide a real solution.

“These homes demonstrate that temporary accommodation can be high-quality, energy-efficient and designed around people’s needs, not just a stopgap, but a real place to live and thrive. We’re proud to be working with Havering Council to deliver a solution that is fast, flexible and focused on families.”

Source: Housing Digital

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Affordable & Climate Friendly Homes Proposed for Rochford

HEMSPAN® BIO BOARD is a 100% breathable, natural fibre interior construction board product consisting of hemp straw

and a mineral binding agent. The pure natural materials, water resistance and breathability contribute to a healthy living environment.

EARLY plans have been revealed for a new town with around 2,000 homes in Rochford, with the developer seeking public opinion. Developer Hemspan is behind the plans for ‘Rochford Park’, which, if approved, will be built near Apton Hall Road south of Canewdon.

Hemspan says it could be “the UK’s first large-scale climate-positive community.” 

The developer is known for its climate change agenda and is also behind plans for three housing manufacturing plants in Rochford, which it says will be able to produce 2,000 homes a year.

A flyer for the housing plans states the benefits include:

“Around 2,000 high-quality, mixed occupancy and affordable, climate-positive homes in a landscaped village setting, including newly planted native trees.

“The development will bring significant economic and employment opportunities. At its heart, a vibrant community hub will offer a range of facilities designed to enhance the quality of life of both new residents and the wider community.

”Initial plans show it could be close to Apton Hall wedding and events venue and replace huge areas of farmland and farms, including Little Hall Farms Ltd and Doggetts Farm. 

The initial flyer adds:

“Rochford Park is designed to welcome all generations; an inclusive and thoughtfully planned extension of Ashingdon and Rochford communities, created to foster connection and a strong sense of place and belonging.”

Rochford is becoming a magnet for development, with various firms eyeing up land for large developments. Plans were being discussed for a 10,000-home new town across Rochford and Southend.

Council leader, Conservative Danielle Belton, has been vocal about lots of

“speculative” plans, and is also “expecting a huge plan with 1,000s of homes” in Great Wakering.

Land to the west of the A130, running from Wickford down to Benfleet, is earmarked for around 3,100 new homes under two separate plans.

It could see Wickford, Rayleigh and Rawreth “blend” together as well as Pitsea and Benfleet being joined up.

SOURCE: Eco News

 

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Stannah Lifts deliver multi-lift project for Welcome Break’s 60th Service Station

 

Welcome Break opened its 60th service station at Junction 33 on the M1 in January, featuring a Stannah escalator, passenger lift and goods lift.

Spanning 32,000 square feet, located between Sheffield and Rotherham, the services offer state-of-the-art facilities, including dining options from KFC, Burger King and Starbucks as well as 28 EV charging stations and dedicated HGV amenities.

Designed to resemble a traditional Yorkshire village, the two-storey service station also includes retail, gaming, restrooms, seating, a children’s play area and remote workspaces. It marks Welcome Break’s first new motorway service in two decades.

 

Work

 Stannah Lifts collaborated with principal contractors, HML Construction, architects Whittam Cox and SVM Associates on this £55 million project to create a cohesive lift solution and modern design that delivers an inclusive and convenient experience for visitors.

Back of house, Stannah installed a Goodsmaster lift to facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of goods between floors while improving workflow and minimising manual handling risks.

For front-of-house, a Stannah A2C escalator and a 13-person passenger lift were selected to optimise visitor traffic flow, improve accessibility and enhance overall experience.

 

Challenges

 To optimise operations and resources, Stannah collaborated with teams across its divisions to ensure successful execution. Its Microlifts division installed the Goodsmaster lift, while the Passenger Lifts Division handled the passenger lift installation and the Major Projects Division oversaw the escalator.

 This coordinated effort and meticulous planning ensured a seamless and efficient installation process, enhancing overall project delivery. As one of the few lift companies offering a full range of lift products along with comprehensive servicing, Stannah stands out as an ideal multi-project lift solution, streamlining customer communication, project specification and overall project management.

Solution

Passenger lift

To improve accessibility for wheelchair users and those less mobile, Stannah installed a 13-person stainless steel MRL (Motor Room Less) traction passenger lift from the Maxilift range, with a 1,000kg weight capacity.

Operating at 1.0 metres per second across two floors, the lift features efficient VVVF drives for a smooth, quiet and energy-efficient ride. Integrated remote monitoring ensures reliable operation, while LED lighting and standby shutdown contribute to an A-rating in BREEAM.

The lift’s design includes adjacent-opening, two-panel entrances, stainless steel walls and premium vinyl stone black concrete floor, providing a sleek and spacious feel. Equipped with intelligent controls, GSM connectivity and compliant with EN81-73 safety standards, it offers both safety and ease of maintenance, providing a future-proofed and high-performance solution for the service station.

Escalator

With the end user in mind, Stannah proposed its A2C escalator solution featuring a 1000m wide step to ensure maximum pedestrian flow during peak hours. Operating at 0.5 metres per second, a 30-degree angle offers a gradual transition from flat to inclined, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.

The A2C-30 escalator is equipped with a toughened glass balustrade for enhanced durability, a hot-dip galvanised truss for improved protection in damp environments and an auxiliary brake for an added layer of safety.

Designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, the escalator features speed monitoring that slows down when not in use. This is ideal for locations with varying traffic flow, helping to reduce operating costs and extend the product’s lifespan.

It also delivers a quiet and efficient ride with high efficiency and low maintenance, thanks to its low-vibration, low-noise motor and VVVF drive.

Goods Lift

To facilitate safe goods transportation, Stannah installed the Goodsmaster CD goods-only lift. This heavy-duty goods lift, capable of carrying 1,000kg, features a robust steel cladding structure with protective epoxy finish, non-slip aluminium checker plate flooring and bump rails.

Operating at 0.15 metres per second, the lift has front-facing entrances for easy loading and unloading. The Goodsmaster is supplied with interlocking car and landing gates to prevent load movement during travel, car safety gear and a load weighing device to prevent overloading.

The goods lift also includes LED lighting with an automatic timer for energy efficiency, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

 

Results

 The multi-lift solution provided by Stannah prioritises accessibility, safe operation and energy efficiency. Design was also an important consideration and Stannah collaborated closely with architects Whittam Cox to align with the original design scheme of this stylish new Welcome Break.

Lift Consultants, SVM associates commented “We were pleased to work with Welcome Break to provide the escalator, goods and passenger lifts in their new service station at Rotherham. Stannah were a natural fit as a delivery partner, being able to provide all products under one umbrella. The units have gone on to provide a reliable service for motorists and retailers alike.”

By offering both a passenger lift and an escalator solution, Stannah ensures full accessibility for wheelchair users and pushchairs, allowing easy movement between floors while maintaining smooth traffic flow, even during peak periods. A separate goods lift further enhances operational efficiency while ensuring customer safety.

Stannah successfully integrated three lift solutions into the building’s structure, completing the project ahead of schedule and within budget.

This cohesive and effective solution met the project’s diverse needs, ensuring seamless access throughout the building and efficient transportation of goods.

Continued product support

The Stannah East Midlands branch based in Mansfield, part of a nationwide network providing comprehensive lift servicing and support for all makes and models, is managing the lifts’ maintenance under the lift warranty, ensuring they stay in excellent condition with regular servicing. With the branch arranging on-site engineer attendance for the high-profile local opening day.

Archie Hungwe, Chief Operating Officer at Stannah Lifts, said:

“Working with Whittam and SVM Associates, we were thrilled to be involved in this exciting multi-million-pound motorway service area project on the M1 in Rotherham for Welcome Break. I would like to say a big thank you to all our teams for working so hard on this project. After lots of hard work, it’s great to see the site open and ready to welcome the public”.

CLICK HERE for more information

 

 

 

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RINNAI EXPLORES WATER NEUTRALITY: A GROWING CONCERN FOR HVAC & CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

 

  

  

  

Chris Goggin looks at water neutrality and the ways in which its influence will be felt across the construction and HVAC industries.

Water neutrality will become a better recognized term as localised construction projects could become cancelled due to issues relating to local water supplies.

 

 

‘Water neutrality’ aims to ensure that when new building developments are planned and completed that there is no dramatic increase in water consumption in the surrounding area. It is planned in to achieve this aim by reducing water use, reusing water, and offsetting water demand. 

To learn more about water neutrality take part in our popular free water neutrality CPD

 

*places are limited so book today CLICK HERE

Property construction as well as the HVAC industry is now open to a new field of criteria that could affect a new project’s viability. This new challenge is ‘Water Neutrality’ and specifically relates to the construction of developments that do not increase the amount of water being extracted from local water supplies.

An increasing population and more instances of climate change induced UK drought has created the conditions for water neutrality to become a concern for local district councils planning new construction projects. As demand for water and housing intensifies real concern is now being expressed regarding localized water supplies.

West Sussex County Council has enforced a set of measures on property developers that protect local biodiversity and natural water supplies. The West Sussex County Council’s website provides information for individuals interested in constructing property. That information reads as:

 

“Development proposals within the zone area that would lead to an increase in water demand will need to demonstrate and robustly evidence ‘water neutrality’.

 

  • You will be required to supply a water neutrality statement with your planning application which:
  • confirms that there would be no increase in water consumption, for example, through a combination of water efficiency, water recycling and offsetting measures
  • includes a water budget showing details of the baseline and proposed water consumption, any mitigation measures proposed and mechanisms to secure them in advance of occupation or use”

 

A water neutral development may also have to add measures to buildings such as roof-based rainwater collection and smart meters that inform occupants of ideal water consumption levels.

A concerted effort to repel water neutrality has begun to oppose the idea that property developers should adhere to water neutrality guidelines. A consortium referred to as Houses for Homes and consisting of agents, developers, builders and the Builders Federation inside the North Sussex Supply Zone are collaborating to ensure that local developers and builders are not financially punished.

Houses for Homes believe the responsibility for local water resources rests with regional water companies – in this case: Southern Water. Houses for Homes argue that Southern Water should be responsible for demonstrating to West Sussex County Council that local water supplies are not impinged upon – not local contractors and tradesmen.

A representative of an international water technology company commented on the lack of clarity regarding the commercial as well as ecological responsibility water neutrality encourages.

 

“It is clear that government policy has yet to establish a clear and workable mechanism to allow water neutral developments to proceed. The need for new housing and a climate resilient water supply are both important and a clear policy is needed to balance these two key priorities. It seems likely that this is on the agenda for the future. For now, committing to deliver a water neutral development could still strengthen the case for development, particularly in areas where water availability is constrained or likely to be in the future.”

 

Water neutrality is yet to be enshrined in UK policy and is therefore subject to separate interpretations from involved parties leading to a clear lack of understanding involving best practise. Technical yet-to-be established legality issues aside, the subject of water neutrality is attracting attention for more basic reasons.

It is predicted that by 2050 the UK will have a 4 billion litre a day shortfall in water supplies, with the South-East to be the area most open to drought due to population growth and intensity. By 2050 it is also estimated that the east of England will have a daily water shortage of up to 800 million litres.

The east of England is also classified as “severely water stressed” according to the website of Water Resource East (WRE), a non-profit organization consisting of water companies and the public. WRE believe that unless action is taken, agriculture, biodiversity and the local population could suffer from water shortages in the future. To prevent this WRE has requested £15 billion investment to ensure the East of England maintains safe, clean and substantial volumes of water for people and the local ecosystem.

The industry needs to be aware of any obstacles that become apparent in the construction and HVAC sectors. Raising awareness of issues that impact contractors, specifiers and installers is a key aim of Rinnai UK.

Free water neutrality CPD *places are limited so book today register your interest

HERE

and we will contact you with the next available sessions

 

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Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

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Rinnai’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or DME.

Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.

 

 

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Developers must Commit to Delivery Time Frame

 

Housebuilders who leave vital development sites unfinished for years could face losing their land to local councils under new Government rules.

For the first time, developers will have to commit to delivery time frames before they get planning permission.

They will also have to submit annual reports showing their progress to councils to keep them on track.

Housebuilders who secure planning permissions “simply to trade land speculatively” could face penalties worth thousands per unbuilt home, the Government said.

The Government hopes the new proposals will see promised new homes delivered faster.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:

“This government has taken radical steps to overhaul the planning system to get Britain building again after years of inaction.

“In the name of delivering security for working people, we are backing the builders not the blockers.

“Now it’s time for developers to roll up their sleeves and play their part.

“We’re going even further to get the homes we need. No more sites with planning permission gathering dust for decades while a generation struggle to get on the housing ladder.”

Large housing sites can take more than 10 years to build, but those with more affordable home can be built twice as fast, the Government said.

Housing charity Shelter welcomed the proposals.

Alicia Walker, assistant director of advocacy and activism at the charity, said:

“It’s good to see the Government getting tougher on private developers. With 1.3 million households waiting for a social home and homelessness continuing to climb, we urgently need new homes built at speed.

“Developers drag their heels when building new homes to keep prices high and make bigger profits – often dodging their responsibility to build social housing altogether.

“Meanwhile, thousands of families who are bearing the brunt of the housing emergency, homeless in temporary accommodation or crushed by skyrocketing rents, cannot afford to wait.

“Getting private developers to build new homes faster is crucial, but the only way to end the housing emergency for good is to get councils and housing associations building social housing as well.

“To do this, the Government must invest in building 90,000 social rent homes a year for 10 years in the upcoming Spending Review.”

Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow housing secretary, said:

“We need more houses for people in Britain and we support measures to ensure developers speed up housebuilding.

“But they are adding so many burdens on builders, their targets already seem like a distant memory. And as Rayner has admitted live on air, many of these houses will end up going to migrants.”

The senior Conservative added:

“With Labour’s open-door border policy, this problem is only going to get worse, not better. And many hardworking Brits will be shut out of the housing market forever.

“In the same week that Angela Rayner has been caught red-handed plotting to raise everyone’s taxes, it’s clear she doesn’t have the interests of working people at heart.”

 

Source: Border Telegraph

 

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MMC an Innovative approach to Retirement Homes Construction

 

Work has just begun at the site of what will become a brand-new thriving retirement community for the over 60s in Kirkby.

McCarthy Stone, the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement properties, has started work on site on St Chad’s Drive in preparation for the construction of a new Retirement Living development, which will offer a choice of cost-effective one and two-bedroom apartments exclusively available as part of a government-backed shared ownership scheme.

Helping to minimise its environmental impact, the retirement housebuilder will employ Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) – an innovative approach that reduces environmental impact and build time and helps deliver energy efficient homes.

In 2023, 10 of its developments were built using MMC. This represents a doubling from five in 2022, with the company set to further increase its use of MMC on 25 developments this year.

In 2023, 10 of its developments were built using MMC. This represents a doubling from five in 2022, with the company set to further increase its use of MMC on 25 developments this year.

The key to MMC is the use of Remagin’s (formally known as Sigmat) eco-friendly, dynamic Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF). The selection of Remagin LGSF also enables the development to be completed at a lower cost than would be the case with traditional construction methods, making the development more affordable to retirees within the local area.

This enables much of the build to take place off-site, with the completed sections then lifted into place – keeping on course for predicted project completion and cutting the impact on the environment and the local neighbourhood.

Efficiency is critical given the burgeoning demand for high-quality retirement homes in the area. As a result of the speed of the build, the development is set to release for sale in Autumn 2025 and welcome its first occupants in Spring 2026.

The use of MMC can also contribute positively to overall thermal performance of a building, reducing energy costs for future homeowners and adding further to the list of benefits of downsizing to an apartment within a McCarthy Stone community.

Declan Fishwick, Business Development Manager at McCarthy Stone, said:

“We’ve been using MMC since 2021 and it now forms an integral aspect of our new build programme, with the ability to cut overall build times by several weeks. Indeed, MMC is a cornerstone of our drive to be a net zero business by 2030.

“Our new Kirkby development is aimed at improving the availability of more affordable housing in Merseyside through our Shared Ownership scheme in partnership with Homes England, so retirees can enjoy the lifestyle they’ve dreamed of without having to commit to the full purchase price.”

Shared Ownership looks to make ‘rightsizing’ an affordable option for thousands more retirees living in the area. It provides a helping hand by reducing the upfront cost of a new retirement living property, through providing a choice of ownerships up to 75%.

Located in the heart of Kirkby, the new addition to St Chad’s Drive will encourage those aged 60 and over to live their retirement to the fullest. Well-maintained gardens can be enjoyed all year round while an elegant communal lounge will sit at the heart of day-to-day life, providing ample space for regular social activities. For peace of mind, a House Manager will be on-site during office hours to help keep everything running smoothly, while each property is fitted with a 24-hour emergency call system, intruder alarm and fire detection.

Virtual tours are available via the McCarthy Stone website, allowing prospective buyers to take a closer look at the stylish interiors and the little details unique to the McCarthy Stone lifestyle.

Source: Liverpool World

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Seek expert advice to avoid costly project delays

 

Ensuring the correct materials are delivered on time is crucial for keeping projects on schedule. However, progress on-site can still be delayed if design and installation details have not been thoroughly planned. Richard Haines, director of Eurobrick Systems, has seen this happen many times, and it often leads to an increase in on-site costs.

Eurobrick is the UK’s longest-established supplier of brick slip cladding systems, having been in business since 1990. Its estimating and technical team have a wealth of experience which enables them to offer effective design reviews, comprehensive take-offs and accurate estimates, providing an invaluable service during project planning.

Richard Haines commented, “Providing us with intended design details at an early stage gives us a chance to identify any proposals which could present difficulties in practice. Our experience across all sectors means we can offer assistance to overcome such issues, often leading to savings in material cost, as well as smoother progress during installation on site. Our input at the design and specification stages can offer real value”.

As well as providing a review of details and estimating, Eurobrick also provide training for installers and technical support at all stages of a project. This comprehensive service has enabled some of Eurobrick’s clients to undertake ambitious projects using brick slips. Here are just a few of them…

 

Marks & Spencer’s Brixton
This Brixton store is a landmark location for M&S as it was their first London branch which opened in 1903. A recent major refurbishment required significant technical input and materials planning/management from Eurobrick. The M&S design team wanted to re-instate a brick finish to the original railway arches. Following detailed consultation, Eurobrick supplied six large bespoke brick slip arch soffits and six rowlock arches as well as its I-Clad system and specially cut brick slips for installation.

Find out more here

Imperial War Museum
This impressive three-storey building was a modular construction finished with Eurobrick’s P-Clad brick slip rainscreen system. The design included brick soffits and cills and brick slips and headers cut to different thicknesses to create a relief effect. This level of complexity required Eurobrick to carry out a detailed take-off to provide an accurate estimate. Eurobrick was responsible for the ordering of bespoke materials and components and ensuring that these were supplied on time.

Find out more here

Scala Court
This mixed-use residential development had an interesting design with triangular oriel type windows spanning the first and second floors. Achieving this design was only possible using a brick slip system. Eurobrick’s experienced estimators reviewed the plans and provided a detailed breakdown of the numbers of specially cut stretcher and corner brick slips that would be required in addition to its P-Clad system. P-Clad is lightweight compared to traditionally constructed masonry which made the distinctive window design details possible.

You can find out more here

 

The versatility of brick slips has been proven time and again over the years. If you have a complex project and would like some help finding solutions for particular brick finishes or bespoke detailing then Eurobrick have the expertise to help.

You can contact Eurobrick at info@eurobrick.co.uk, call 0117 971 7117 or visit their website at www.eurobrick.co.uk for more information.

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Prefabricated wooden elements are a cost-efficient and streamlining process

Prefabricated wooden elements are cost-efficient and streamline the whole construction process

German construction company Gumpp & Maier has built 18 new apartments in Augsburg’s Kriegshaber district in Germany for low-income tenants. This project, called “Haus Tür an Tür”, emphasizes social, ecological, and economic efficiency. The building, designed by Streidl, Gilg, Wolff Architekten, uses prefabricated exterior walls in timber frame construction with Kerto® LVL. Wooden elements were the key to streamline the construction process and smart designs with long-lasting materials made the project cost-efficient.

Wood was chosen as the main material for its ecological and technical properties
The construction project emphasizes resource efficiency and healthy living environments with a high proportion of timber. The building’s foundation consists of load-bearing and non-load-bearing exterior walls in timber frame construction, with a massive core providing structural support. Kerto LVL was used in load-bearing wall structures and a total of 500 cubic meters of wood was used in the project. “The client desired an ecological construction method, excluding concrete and steel. By choosing wood, we selected a renewable resource that stores CO2 throughout its entire lifespan,” explains Manfred Gilg from Streidl, Gilg, Wolff Architekten.

Prefabrication increases efficiency, creates cost-savings, and speeds up the entire construction process
Kerto LVL supports cost- and material-efficient construction, which is becoming more important in the building industry. Kerto LVL’s high strength and stability make it ideal for prefabrication, and in addition, wall elements built with LVL are lighter and slimmer compared to massive timber elements because less wood is needed to manufacture the elements. “The precision of Kerto LVL is especially valuable during prefabrication. Minimal deviations help us streamline our processes and allow us to create high-quality components without mistakes”, explains Wolfgang Krettenauer, Project Manager from Gumpp & Maier GmbH These prefabricated wall elements, including windows and facade cladding, are quickly assembled on-site, reducing total construction time.

 

Metsä Wood
metsagroup.com/metsawood

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Last chance to have your say – the Construction Products Reform Green Paper

Last chance to have your say

Shaping the future of construction product safety post-Grenfell 

 

As the consultation on the Construction Products Reform

Green Paper closes this week (21 May), VEKA’s Paul Kennington  

encourages the industry to share its response. 

 

The UK construction industry is on the precipice of its most significant regulatory overhaul in decades, and as industry professionals, we have been given the power to influence and guide change. Time is running out to put our collective knowledge, experience and insight to use in reshaping the future of product safety in the construction industry. 

The Grenfell Tower tragedy marked one of the darkest moments in the history of UK construction. It not only exposed devastating consequences of systemic failure but also ignited a national conversation about accountability, regulation and safety standards.  

The Construction Products Reform Green Paper, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is driven by findings from the Grenfell Inquiry, Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Review and the Morrell-Day Review – all of which found critical flaws in how safety is currently governed.  

The paper sets out transformative proposals designed to address long-standing safety failures and bring essential standardisation to how construction products should be tested, regulated, brought to market and monitored. 

Outlining a proposed framework for reform, the document covers everything from product traceability and compliance to oversight of safety-critical systems. The proposals are currently undergoing the consultation period which requires input from everyone in the supply chain. The impact of this reform will be felt across the entire UK construction industry. 

This is especially true for the fenestration sector, where the need for clarity, compliance and performance has never been more urgent.  

Poor installation practices, inadequate testing regimes and unclear safety responsibilities have all played roles in past failures. 

Some of the key proposals under consideration include: 

·         Stricter testing protocols and enhanced certification for safety-critical products 

·         A national product information database to ensure transparency and traceability 

·         Expanded legal responsibilities for those placing products on the market 

·         Tougher standards for installation practices and real-world performance metrics 

·         Integration of product data with future regulations such as the Future Homes Standard 

 

These changes, if implemented, will reshape the compliance landscape –increasing accountability but also raising the bar for quality and safety across the industry. 

At VEKA, we understand the magnitude of what’s at stake. Our technical team at VEKA have been working hard to read and digest the detailed information and are working to deliver a direct response. The group represents many associations within the fenestration industry including the FGMA, CAB, BPF and BWF. 

We’re committed to ensuring the industry voice is heard and that we reflect the concerns, challenges and expertise of the fenestration sector in our submission. But we also encourage individual businesses operating in the sector to read the consultation and have your say. Ultimately, you cannot criticise the outcome if you don’t participate in the conversation. 

One of the most important things to understand is this: responses must be original. The MHCLG has made it clear that copied or templated answers will be discounted. Every business, every stakeholder, must articulate their views in their own words even if drawing from shared insights. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to influence the policies that will define your future operating environment. This is our chance to tell the government what works, what doesn’t and what must change to ensure critical safety changes are workable and achievable.  

Construction Products Reform Green Paper closes

 

  Mid-night (11.59pm) 21st of May

 

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR VIEWS

 

 

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fermacell® is “Brand of the Century”

 

fermacell® , recognised for innovation and success

 

fermacell® has been named ‘Brand of the Century’. This prestigious award recognises the company’s long and continuous success story and confirms fermacell® as a leading brand in the field of innovative and sustainable fibre gypsum products.

“The “Brand of the Century” award is a special honour for us that fills us with great joy. It motivates us to continue developing innovative products and solutions in the future and to market them successfully in close cooperation with our partners,” says Tobias Bennerscheidt, Director Marketing & Segments at James Hardie Europe GmbH.

However, the honour is not only a recognition of past successes and a confirmation of previous work, but also an incentive to continue writing the fermacell® success story.

‘We have consistently pursued innovative paths in both our product and marketing strategies and will continue to do so,’ emphasises the manager. James Hardie will remain true to his vision of developing sustainable and high-quality solutions for the construction industry that meet the requirements of the market and the needs of customers. ‘James Hardie’s ability to innovate and the purposeful implementation of market-oriented and future-proof solutions have not only made fermacell® one of the best-known building material brands and the European market leader for high-quality fibre gymsum boards, they are also the factors that make fermacell® the ’brand of the century‘,’ emphasises Bennerscheidt.

More than 150 German brands have been honoured as ‘Brand of the Century’ in the new publication by Deutsche Standards. Under the leitmotif ‘Transformation’, the strength of the German economy is represented and entrepreneurial visions, sustainable values and the courage to change are emphasised. The ‘Brands of the Century’ are selected according to a demanding catalogue of criteria. The focus is not only on consistency and economic success, but also on innovative strength, sustainable development and future viability. The companies honoured set new standards in their sectors with continuous top performance and a clear focus on values.

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