An easy route to EPC improvements

Kevin Farrow at Recoup discusses how combining modulating electric showers with wastewater heat recovery can provide a simple, low-disruption route to improved EPC performance. It is now possible to improve a property’s EPC rating by installing a modulating Instantaneous Electric... View Article

Pump up the affordability

Trianco’s Peter Beighton explains why advances in heat pump technology are making low-carbon heating an increasingly practicable solution for the affordable housing sector. As we move further into the 21st century, it is concerning that global conflicts continue to expose... View Article

The hidden dangers of Radon

Luke Nordcross-Evans at Aico explores the hidden risks of radon and how continuous monitoring can support housing providers with proactive hazard management and evolving regulatory responsibilities requirements. Radon is estimated to cause around 1,100 deaths in the UK each year.... View Article

Fabric is the industry’s Awaab’s Law blind spot

Shelforce argues that building fabric, not just damp and mould, sits at the heart of Awaab’s Law compliance for the social housing sector, and attention needs to pivot towards it. Ask most people in the housing sector if they know... View Article

Championing the life-saving role of fire doors

Helen Hewitt of the British Woodworking Federation explains the main goals of Fire Door Safety Week 2026 and highlights the growing risks for the industry. The British Woodworking Federation’s Fire Door Safety Week (21-25 September 2026) returns to champion and... View Article

Crittall strengthens W20 with PAS 24 certification

Crittall Windows has secured PAS 24:2022 certification for its Crittall® W20 steel door system and thermally enhanced W20 TE® variant, providing independent verification of their security performance. The achievement is proof that the systems meet one of the UK’s most... View Article

The impact of Martyn’s Law on secure door specification

Rob Mottram at Robust UK examines the door specification implications of Martyn’s Law (AKA the Terrorism Act 2025), in larger educational and public venues. Martyn’s Law – formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – received Royal... View Article

Specify, install, demonstrate

Simon Buckmaster at James Hardie discusses how the Building Safety Act has reshaped facade installation, from fire classification and product selection to competence, documentation and the need to rigorously specify, install and evidence work done. The Building Safety Act has... View Article

Unlocking design ambition with offsite brick slip detailing

Meka Ewurum at Keystone explores how offsite manufactured brick slip features are enabling architects and specifiers to combine traditional masonry detailing with fast, precise construction for distinctively detailed results. Brick remains one of the defining materials of British architecture. Its... View Article

Specifying staircases for listed buildings

Richard Harding at British Spirals & Castings discusses best practice for specifying staircases in listed buildings, from conservation principles and material selection to regulatory compliance and modern surveying techniques. Historic buildings are an important part of the UK’s architectural landscape,... View Article

Sliding door specification for Passivhaus homes

Justin Spires at Solarlux UK explores how high-performance sliding doors can help Passivhaus and energy efficient homes achieve demanding thermal standards without compromising daylight, design or connection to nature. In the current architectural landscape, large areas of glazing are a... View Article

Overheating: why prevention should come before cooling

As overheating becomes an increasing challenge, Stuart Dantzic of Caribbean argues that architects should put passive measures such as external shading ahead of mechanical cooling. The Environmental Investigation Agency’s recent report, UK Cooling Policy in a Warming World, should prompt... View Article

Energy Donkey: Your heat pump expert, on demand

Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular way to heat homes, but understanding how they work, how to get the best from them and what to do when something seems wrong can still feel overwhelming. Energy Donkey is a platform... View Article

Why land stewardship is suddenly the talk of the towns

Right now the drive to build new homes on a scale not seen for decades is dominating headlines, as the Government turbocharges plans for seven new towns. Each is expected to deliver at least 10,000 houses. Meanwhile, Secretary of State... View Article

Versa fire sprinkler boxing – Quick, easy & effective

Concealing retrofitted fire sprinkler system pipework in social housing tower blocks and low-rise flats is simple quick and cost effective with Encasement’s Versa sprinkler pipe boxing range Pre-finished with a durable and easy clean resin impregnated decorative paper, Versa sprinkler... View Article