The UK is facing a critical housing shortage, with the government pledging to build 1.5 million new homes to meet demand. However, this ambition is coupled with the urgent need to decarbonise the construction industry, a sector traditionally associated with a significant carbon footprint. In a groundbreaking R&D project, FP McCann, a leading UK manufacturer of precast concrete solutions, is tackling this challenge head-on by developing scalable production of graphene-enhanced

When Issy and Murray Bryars first set eyes on the dilapidated granite barn that sat quietly beside their Dartmoor farmhouse, they saw more than just an agricultural relic. They saw a future retreat; one that would allow visitors to connect with Dartmoor’s dramatic beauty in a space that honoured its past, supported the local economy, and embraced sustainable building practices. Their vision has since taken shape in the form of a strikingly understated, light-filled holiday le

Natural stone has been used in building and construction for thousands of years, but it was in the eighteenth century – when classically inspired country houses rose in popularity – that it became the preferred material of choice for the building industry. Can cast stone be considered a viable alternative? Katherine Kates, Production Director at Haddonstone , discusses the main differences between the two types of stone and tells us why cast stone can be a cost-effective alte

SFS Group Fastening Technology  has unveiled ErgoDek® , an ergonomic fastening solution engineered to transform metal deck overlap installation. Bringing together a simple design, productivity‑boosting performance and a strong focus on worker wellbeing, ErgoDek® marks a significant step forward for roofing and cladding contractors seeking safe, fast, and consistent installation tools.  Purpose-built for metal deck overlap applications, the new ErgoDek® system integrates seaml

Situated in the peaceful neighbourhood of Gilford, Northern Ireland, this ultramodern self-build is home to Clarke Graham and his family. Overlooking stunning views of the River Bann and the surrounding rural landscape, the property features six Keylite roof windows  that elegantly frame the picturesque Irish countryside.     The property owner, Clarke Graham,   set out to create the perfect family home with this extensive 2,600 square foot farmhouse-style build, completed wi

FP McCann is supplying its thin leading edge interlocking concrete roof tiles branded ”Thin Flat” to a new housing development in Somerton near Yeovil, Somerset. The “Somerton Mead” site is a 69 plot collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses by national builder Bloor Homes. Bloor Homes South West division completed phase one of the Somerton Mead housing development last year. With the addition of 69 homes in phase 2 and 3, the site will comprise 130 homes between Bancombe Road

By Paul Trace, Director, Stella Rooflight.. .....    Over the past decade, the specification of rooflights in historic and sensitive buildings has evolved significantly. Advances in performance, detailing and thermal efficiency have  broadened what is possible, while planning authorities and conservation officers have  become increasingly familiar with rooflights as a legitimate way to introduce natural light  into traditionally challenging spaces.  Alongside this progress, h

Leading manufacturer of roofing accessories, Klober, is celebrating 25 years of its Permo Forte 145 underlay, one of the first vapour permeable membranes to transform the UK roofing market.   When launched back in the late 1990s, this type of vapour permeable membrane represented a turning point in roofing design. Permo Forte offered a breathable alternative to traditional bitumen felts, helping contractors tackle widespread condensation issues that had long affected roof per

A specialist timber engineering company, active throughout East Anglia and the Home Counties, is making extensive use of West Fraser ’s SterlingOSB Zero  in the production of its diverse offering of high performance, sustainable offsite solutions. Based in the village of Gamlingay on the Cambridgeshire-Bedfordshire border, Pinewood Structures  was established in 1981 and has grown steadily to become one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of timber-based systems across a variety o

By Paul Trace, Director, Stella Rooflight  - When the government launched its latest wave of retrofit initiatives, from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) to the Great British Insulation Scheme, the goal was admirable: improve the energy efficiency of the nation’s housing stock and accelerate progress towards net zero. Yet, the recently published audit findings paint a very different picture. According to data analysed by Refurb & Retrofit, an astonishing 92% of external wa

FP McCann has supplied its thin leading edge interlocking concrete roof tiles branded ”Thin Flat Duo” to a brand-new care facility in Manchester. On completion later this year, the 59-bed “Upland Manor” care home on Yew Tree Lane in Northern Moor, Wythenshawe, Manchester will replace the existing Yewtree Care Home. Client, Lovett Care Ltd in conjunction with Chester based property developer Liberty Care Developments, are building the 3 storey modern facility. Specialist comme

Mapei UK announces the official launch of ‘Seal the Envelope’, a comprehensive initiative designed to transform retrofit and...

A recent Freedom of Information request to Cornwall Council has revealed an extraordinary case of planning delay -a single residential...

Flat roofing specialist BMI Icopal has launched TorchSafe TA, a flame-free bituminous waterproofing system that removes the need for...

Paul Trace, Director of Stella Rooflight explains why British-made rooflights are more critical than ever.    For architects and...

A chemical engineer’s retirement project to convert a former fishing bothy is taking advantage of the benefits of two different membrane...

FP McCann’s Operations & Commercial Manager, John Baker, explains why precast concrete is fast-emerging as a silver bullet for data...

Heavy 3 roof slate has been installed on a new self-build home in Cawthorne, South Yorkshire. Specified to echo the traditional style of...

One of the most notable infrastructure projects to be completed in Northern Ireland over recent years is nearing completion with the...

West Fraser has produced a new CPD presentation which highlights the features and benefits of the ever-popular SterlingOSB Zero panel and...