The Big 50
Launched in 2006, NHBC Foundation has now released 50 research reports. Its latest looks at how to achieve low energy design for the 21st century home. Housebuilder reports.
Lend Lease launches resi brand at the Elephant
Building starts this month on the regeneration of Elephant and Castle, a scheme which international property group Lend Lease is using to launch its own brand UK residential development arm. Ben Roskrowtalks to Mark Dickinson who is heading up the new development business.
Talking to the organ grinder
It has become increasingly difficult to talk to councillors about planning applications. But, says Stephen Byfield, managing director of communications consultancy PPS, under pressure from the government and the LGA, that is starting to change.
Best practice for pitched roofs
Dr Kevin Ley, Redland technical manager, reports on best practice for pitched roof construction and says that the industry, by working better together and with better training, education and enforced regulations, could see the quality of roofs improve in the future.
Delivery man
Andy Rose was made permanent ceo of the Homes and Communities Agency in April. Suzie Mayes meets the man with considerable public and private sector experience and finds out what his first priorities are.
Industry raises the roof for cancer charity
The Housebuilder Marie Curie Cancer Care Brain Game raised £119,000 for the cancer charity on a warm evening in May. Housebuilder looks at the highlights of the night in pictures.
Standard response
Housebuilders have looked to NHBC's Standards for many years to drive through quality home building. Mark Jones, NHBC's group head of housebuilding standards, looks at recent changes to some of the Standards and how the warranty provider is using technology to make its information as available as possible.
BIM me up
BIM (Building Information Modelling) is said to save money and could make life easier for the industry. But NHBC research shows that housebuilders are reluctant to embrace it. Suzie Mayes finds out how it can help homes delivery.
For local plan geeks everywhere
New research shows that the number of local plans submitted and found to be sound is even lower than originally thought. It also shows, says PPS managing director Stephen Byfield, that the government is pushing for sensible housing targets.
Rental-arithmetic
There has been much talk about – and some action on – boosting the private rented sector. Suzie Mayes looks at what has been happening and asks the industry about the challenges the sector still faces.
