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There is a housing crisis in the UK. According to the National Federation of Builders, the answer is simple: build more homes. But, critics say it is more complex than this. Brown land has to be found and planning permission granted. And, say others, the construction industry is not geared to meet such a massive upsurge in building demand. The results will be shoddy buildings and poor-quality homes for homebuyers and tenants. But there could be a solution that means a surge in new homes coming to the market is possible. Rather than using bricks and mortar or breeze block and concrete, the solution is modular building, using a wood frame or steel frames, along with other readily available materials. The modular build industry can support …

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Specialist engineering contractors and construction union Unite are both calling for a licensing system to be introduced across all construction trades following the Greenfell Tower disaster. Call for mandatory licensing for trades like the Gas Safe scheme in the heating sector The register would be in line with the existing gas engineers licence scheme operated by Gas Safe, which means that it would be illegal for non-licensed practitioners to undertake specialist work. Already many trade associations run robust accreditation schemes for technical performance but are frustrated that public bodies rarely require compliance. Professor Rudi Klein, group chief executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors, said: “Accreditation schemes set up by trade bodies belonging to the SEC Group could form the basis of a new licensing scheme in…

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With more and more people deciding to build their own properties, more people are putting themselves at risk of injury on building sites. From simple building extensions to 3 bed houses at some point those who work on the project will need to wear the correct safety equipment, but often health and safety regulations are only followed by contractors and those who regularly work in this sector. In this article, we will be exploring why the sudden increase in injuries and risks can be quickly averted… Self-Building Safely Self-Building is a rewarding and brilliant way to save money, however maintaining site safety is a must, even more so if you do not work in the building sector. A lot of the time when people are to …

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Apsley House Capital and Galliard Homes have acquired a 12-acre regeneration site in the centre of Birmingham. The two companies have bought the Soho Loop site near City Hospital from City and Provincial Properties. The joint venture teamed up with Claremont Property Group to purchase the site which will now be subject of a revised planning application to build 800 homes. Birmingham City Council has already given planning consent for 500 homes on six key plots. Vacant and derelict buildings will make way for a variety of energy efficient homes that will help to address the city’s housing shortage. Robin Norstrom, director of Apsley House Capital, said: “We are really excited about the Soho Loop development. “It is going to transform what is a neglected and derelict area of…

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Cambridge major landowner Marshall Group has signed up to a joint venture with house builder Hill to deliver 450 homes around the city’s airport. The new development, Wing, will sit on a 160 acre parcel of land owned by the Marshall Group and is the business’ first major residential development project. With a masterplan that allows for a total of 1,300 homes, the first phase of the development will be delivered by Hill and when complete, will comprise 315 private homes and 135 affordable homes – including shared ownership and affordable rent tenures. Designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards architects, this first phase will offer a range of properties including 1-3 bedroom apartments and 2-5 bedroom houses. The scheme includes a primary school, sports pitches, allotments and retail and commercial space. New transport infrastructure will…

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The Government has selected its preferred nine firms to deliver a massive programme of fit-out work on its estate reorganisation programme. HMRC is looking at Cardiff’s Central Square scheme as a home for one of its regional hubs The Government Hubs office closure and relocation plan will run over the next seven years and promises up to £1bn of fit-out work. This will be shared between a line-up of big industry players and several smaller firms like Shaylor Group and BW Interiors. All three lots: Mace, Interserve, Overbury, Wates Construction. Lots 2+3: BAM Construction, ISG Fit-out, Shaylor. Lot 2 only: Styles and Wood. Lot 3 only: BW Interiors

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Commercial spaces are at a premium and mortgages are harder to secure than ever. But George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces show has inspired people across the UK to use innovative design to navigate building regulations and live mortgage free. Whether you want to seek advice on converting a farm shed into the ultimate mancave or transforming an abandoned lorry trailer into your dream home, here are five awesome design ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Outstanding home offices Creating cost-effective practical space is essential for new business owners but building regulations can put paid to the best laid plans. Using existing structures creatively is a great way to get around this. Mezzanine floor specialists can help you beat planning regulations by converting an existing warehouse shed …

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Gilbert-Ash Completes British Embassy Fit Out in Kathmandu, Nepal UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office project assists with local rebuilding efforts Award-winning UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has put the finishing touches to a £1m fit out project on the British Embassy compound in Nepal.   In the wake of the Gorkha earthquake, the project included design, fit-out and seismic reinforcement. Within the British Embassy compound in Kathmandu, the project builds on Gilbert-Ash’s international expertise with work completed for the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office in a total of 41 countries to date. Nepal has been rebuilding since the devastating Gorkha earthquake which took place two years ago killing 9,000 people and causing widespread structural damage.  The fit out team at Gilbert-…

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The skills and ingenuity of UK-based acoustic professionals working on national and international projects across a variety of environments were celebrated at a trade body awards. ANC, the Association of Noise Consultants, unveiled the winners of its acclaimed Acoustic Awards programme at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham. Promoting and recognising excellence among UK acoustic consultants, the awards showcased the skills of members across five categories. Hoare Lea secured the winning project in the award for ‘Architectural Acoustics: Commercial Buildings,’ sponsored by H & H Acoustic Technologies, with Sandy Brown Associates highly commended and SRL Technical Services commended in this category. ‘Architectural Acoustics: Education Buildings,’ sponsored by Ecophon, was secured by Sandy Brown Associates, with Adrian James Acoustics receiving the highly commended accolade and a commended …

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In the aftermath of the horrific fire that engulfed the Grenfell tower in London there is a feeling of frustration and anger emerging among those who work in construction. The disaster has raised many questions. How did the blaze defy accepted thinking, spreading so rapidly with such devastating effect and at such a terrible human cost? Should building regulations be improved, were they ignored and was the management of the block also a key factor? There is also the question of who is to blame. The concerns of hundreds of thousands of residents in tower blocks across the country need to be addressed with urgency. Deeply concerned industry experts have responsibly driven a rapid first response from authorities, using media pictures and footage to speculate about what…

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