All Buildings, design and specification articles
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NewsThink Timber calls for stricter sourcing controls after Russian timber enters UK housing supply chain
An investigation has revealed that banned Russian timber has been relabelled and sold into the UK market, raising concerns over compliance, traceability and the integrity of housing sector supply chains
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NewsGood Homes Alliance publishes water-efficiency design guide with model specs to help deliver water-neutral housing
New guidance translates policy intent into buildable details, setting out a fittings-based route to verified consumption, options for rainwater and greywater systems and evidence from six live projects
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NewsExhibitor opportunities open for Building the Future 2025 in London
Construction’s biggest names will gather at 155 Bishopsgate this October for a day of insight, innovation and networking
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NewsHousebuilding could save 214,000 tonnes of CO2e a year by switching to concrete facing bricks, says Marshalls
The company’s calculations indicate that concrete facing bricks have a lifetime carbon footprint almost half that of clay
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CPDCPD 14 2025: Restoring heritage buildings: The role of timber windows
Sponsored by George Barnsdale, this module explores the legal protections of listed buildings, focusing on the replacement of timber windows to balance heritage preservation with modern standards
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NewsCatnic launches Solarseam: a photovoltaic solution for standing seam roofs
According to the manufacturer, the system integrates flexible solar laminates bonded directly onto Catnic’s urban standing seam roofing panels
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CPDCPD 13 2025: Fire partitioning – test, extend and classify
Navigate the complexities of fire safety regulations for internal partitions with this module, sponsored by Siniat. Gain essential knowledge on testing, extended application and third-party classification to confidently specify compliant and high-performing systems
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CPDCPD 12 2025: The importance and principles of insulation
Sponsored by ROCKWOOL®, this CPD module explores the key principles behind insulation performance and how specifiers can ensure that materials meet the required standards for modern construction
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NewsAI-DOMP moves into beta: Leeds Beckett’s AI platform for mould prevention enters real-world trials
The AI-enabled design diagnostics and optimisation system for mould prevention (AI-DOMP) – a collaboration between Leeds Beckett University’s CIDEL lab and BuildEco Ltd – has now entered beta testing phase
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CPDCPD 11 2025: Bi-fold and sliding doors for marine and coastal environments
Sponsored by Solarlux, this CPD module covers the specification of bi-fold and sliding doors for marine and coastal environments, focusing on performance, compliance and security
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CPDCPD 10 2025: Designing safe access for working at height
Sponsored by MSA Safety, this CPD explores best practice for safe access and egress when working at height
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CPDCPD 09 2025: Roofs, regulations and fire safety
Often underestimated in design conversations, the roof is increasingly recognised as a building’s fifth facade – a space with critical functional responsibilities and regulatory implications
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CommentIt’s time to see more recycled products in the fabric of our buildings
Nobody needs to be told the planet is in trouble and unfortunately the construction industry is a major contributor to both carbon emissions and waste. Our default approach of using virgin materials over recycled options is a key driver in global warming. As such, we are exhausting our planet’s resources ...
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CPDCPD 08 2025: Understanding and identifying grey belt land
As pressure mounts to deliver new housing and infrastructure in England, the Green Belt – long considered sacrosanct – is once again at the centre of planning debate
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CPDCPD 07 2025: Mastering sliding and bi-fold doors
Sliding doors date back over a thousand years to Japan, where shoji – paper-covered wooden frames – offered space-saving elegance in homes and temples. Even earlier, grooves in Pompeii’s stone floors suggest the Romans used sliding doors to enhance spatial flexibility.
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NewsOffice Ten Architecture proposes scalable retrofit model to tackle housing crises
Spearheaded by design studio Office Ten, the pilot project is rethinking the standard Victorian and Edwardian terrace homes, hoping to not only improve fabric performance but also increase housing density in a bid to solve the UK’s chronic housing shortage and the environmental impact of underperforming homes.
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NewsPre-assembled heat pump unit claims £2,000 installation savings
Hewer, a sustainable heating solutions provider, has launched Heat Saviour, a pre-assembled unit designed to simplify the installation and maintenance of heat pump systems. According to the company, the technology could save up to £2,000 per installation by reducing the need to overhaul existing heating systems.
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CPDCPD 06 2025: How glass mineral wool insulation supports net zero building design
This module explores how glass mineral wool insulation supports sustainable construction by reducing carbon emissions and improving energy performance
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CommentRebuilding trust: Why quality and accountability must lead the UK’s housing drive
The UK is counting on construction. We need to build 1.5 million homes, make progress on net zero, improve energy security, reduce bills and improve the comfort and health of all. But this is only possible if people trust the industry.
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CPDCPD 05 2025: Enhancing thermal performance
Despite decades of innovation in building materials, energy modelling and regulations, one stubborn truth remains: too many buildings still underperform