Niall Crosson, Group Technical Director at Ecological Building Systems, draws on 25 years’ industry experience to make the case for ‘Building Better’, learning from vernacular building traditions and applying those principles to contemporary design and specification. Niall Crosson, Group Technical Director at Ecological Building Systems “Long before UK Building Regulations, performance targets or embodied carbon metrics were introduced, buildings were designed around a simple

FP McCann has successfully supplied and installed its prestressed precast hollowcore flooring system for a new care facility currently under construction in Milton Keynes, further demonstrating the benefits of off-site manufactured structural solutions within the healthcare and residential sectors. Located within the modern Brooklands community to the east of the city, the purpose-built Rosebrook Care Home is set to open in 2027. Once complete, the development will provide a

FP McCann’s specialist precast concrete installation team is building a multi-vehicle docking and insulated Prowall system on a brand-new commercial and distribution centre in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Principal construction specialist Volker Fitzpatrick is undertaking Phase 3 of Symmetry Park for client Tritax Big Box Developments Ltd. On completion later this year, Warburtons, Britain's largest bakery brand, will take up a cross-docked office and distribution space coverin

Serving the UK construction sector with solutions backed by global engineering expertise, SFS manufactures high-performance fastening systems, assemblies, precision-engineered mouldings and other products ideally suited to the evolving demands of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), as highlighted in its newly published MMC guide. Citing the mission of “Inventing success together,” the 16-page A4 publication offers system designers, engineers, offsite fabricators and contrac

In discussion with Philip Chambers, Business Development Manager (Modern Methods of Construction) at SFS... Modern Methods of Construction (or Industrialised Construction as it's now becoming known as) have been a slow burn for the UK construction industry, with the ingrained working practices of traditional building techniques and the cost required for dynamic change often inhibiting the progress which many could see was essential to unleash productivity, safety and other

As UK builders face growing pressure to balance performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility, SterlingOSB Zero provides a practical and adaptable solution. Its ability to perform across multiple applications means it can often replace several different panel types within a single project, simplifying procurement and ensuring greater consistency across the build. West Fraser 's SterlingOSB Zero is a high-performance, sustainable panel solution that meets the

FP McCann's universal segmental shaft rings have recently been specified in the build of two 12.5m id humus tanks as part of Southern Water’s on-going capital programme of work to upgrade its network of water treatment sites. The Tangmere Wastewater Treatment works near Chichester in West Sussex has just seen the completion of £7m worth of work including a new storm tank and the two new humus settlement tanks. The work is designed to improve water quality in the Aldingbourne

Offsite construction has moved from niche curiosity in the 1990’s to mainstream necessity today as the industry is being reshaped by the demand for faster build times, higher energy performance, and precision‑engineered components. This shift places Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) at the centre of the transformation - driving manufacturers, developers and material suppliers to rethink how homes are designed, manufactured and assembled. Against this backdrop, products tha

Architects today are under more pressure than ever. Tighter programmes, complex planning constraints, heightened sustainability targets and exacting clients mean there is little room for friction anywhere in the supply chain. When it comes to cast stone, architects are not simply looking for a manufacturer; they are looking for a partner who understands design intent, technical reality, and the long-term value of the buildings they create. Here, based on years of close collab

Building on its well-founded reputation as a manufacturer of cladding support systems and high-performance fasteners, SFS Group Fastening Technology has developed an advance, user-friendly new fastening system for installing flat panels across both steel and aluminium sub-frames. Amongst the benefits of the patented Center Point System is the fact that it answers the challenge of accurately positioning the self-drilling, double thread fastener at the exact centre of the hole

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

FP McCann has completed the installation of a 9-level combination precast concrete structural stair core and lift shaft as part of a major residential development in the heart of Liverpool’s historic waterfront . The Heap’s Mill development is a landmark regeneration project centred on the restoration of an 18th century Grade II listed mill, blending Liverpool’s rich industrial heritage with contemporary urban living. The development consisting of four individual residential

Shorewood Homes demonstrates an architectural ethos that juxtaposes classical with contemporary, balancing modern trends with historic detailing to create homes that are timeless, stylish, practical, and luxurious. The company’s design philosophy takes inspiration from period architecture which harmonises beautifully with the traditional character of Winchester. In Brunswick Gardens, each property is as visually elegant on the exterior as it is beautifully designed internall

Toby Marlow, Building & Construction Director from Haddonstone, outlines why cast stone is the smart choice for modern construction and historical renovation... Natural stone, such as marble, slate and sandstone, has been a core construction material around the world for centuries; think the Taj Mahal, Palace of Westminster, the Palace of Versailles, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, for example. Weather-resistance, beauty, durability, and low maintenance contribute to the appea

James Hardie, the world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement building solutions, has announced the launch of the Conceal System for Hardie® Panel, a new mechanical concealed fixing system designed to deliver a flawless finish, improved durability and simplified maintenance for fibre cement soffit installations. Developed in partnership with KEIL®, the Conceal System for Hardie® Panel has been engineered specifically for use with 11mm Hardie® Panel and Ha

As illustrated by a recent commercial office project, cladding specialists are increasingly turning to SFS Group Fastening Technology ’s innovative TDBL- nonut® fastener to ensure their installed systems achieve the objectives of the Building Safety Act, while at the same time, enabling fast and efficient installation. Launched last year, TDBL- nonut® carries ETA-11/0191 approval, confirming that its patented thread shape, under-head locking detail and tri-lobular geometry

It was back in 2012 in its Living Planet Report when the World Wildlife Fund asserted that , if the Western developed nations continued with their pattern of consumption, we would need three planet’s worth of resources by 2050. During the years since then, consumerism and population have expanded across regions like Africa and parts of Asia, with supposedly sustainable activities such as sourcing the minerals required for electrical vehicles steadily scarring once pristi

As the annual SterlingOSB Zero/RIBAJ competition celebrated its 10th anniversary, the 2025 competition entitled Powers of Ten, challenged architects to explore the principles of scale. Entrants were unrestricted by building standards and were free to play with the concept of scale and design a structure from competition sponsor West Fraser 's SterlingOSB Zero . Pictured are architects Olivia Dolan and Sem van der Straaten, with West Fraser's marketing manager, David Connache

Theatr Clwyd was built in the mid-70s to house both theatre and TV production. It is still Wales’ main producing theatre. Situated in the hills above the town of Mold, the Grade 2 Listed structure needed urgent reconfiguration and upgrading. The aim was to expand its cultural role and deliver a performance, music and communal space for North Wales. Architect Haworth Tompkins aimed to repurpose the existing fabric. By demolishing only where necessary, they would also hit a w

Newton Specialist Contractor MJ Rooney undertook this extensive basement construction project beneath a period Georgian property in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Working alongside designers from Open Architecture and Croft Structural Engineers , the MJ Rooney team needed to carry out deep and large-scale excavations. This included significantly extending the existing basement beneath the period property and the rear garden, whilst retaining the original structure above with minima