A best practice approach to fire safety

Simon Jones from life safety manufacturer Kidde Safety Europe looks at upcoming changes to Scottish fire safety regulations, and how these will impact the requirements for domestic dwellings across the UK According to recent research, 27% of UK renters revealed... View Article

Multi-generational bathrooms

Yiota Toumba at Ideal Standard shares her thoughts on how to create residential bathrooms that cater to everyone, regardless of age or mobility The UK’s population is ageing, and around one in five people are now 65 or over. With... View Article

Smoke, mirrored testing and 3rd party auditing

Winkhaus UK explains the importance of smoke control testing in fire doorsets, and the incorporation of smoke control into 3rd party audit/certification schemes for flat and apartment entrance doorsets. Fire regulations are often driven by disaster, with changes in recent... View Article

Futurebuild returns for 2022

Futurebuild, the event that’s championed a sustainable built environment for the past 16 years, has opened registrations. Taking place from March 1 to 3, 2022, the event will connect specifiers, decision makers and disruptors with major brands and start-ups from... View Article

Paving the way for nature

Chris Hodson of Interpave discusses why concrete block permeable paving (CBPP) is a key sustainable drainage system (SuDS) technique Extensive new tree planting with provision for long-term nurturing is now a requirement for developments, with new government policies taking effect.... View Article

Manage heating the easy way

Nicola Martin at RadiWarm explains the simplicity and efficiency of electric pipeless radiators For landlords and housing managers, heating presents some pressing challenges; sharply rising prices and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, to name but two. In terms... View Article

Ensuring safe and efficient heating

The pressure to decarbonise existing homes continues to grow, as does the desire to end fuel poverty. Anthony Watton of Baxi Heating explores how social housing providers can implement heating solutions that prioritise both efficiency and safety for occupants. With... View Article

The changing climate of water conservation

In the UK, water conservation has been on the agenda for years. However, Steve Leigh of Groundbreaker Systems explains why our growing population and increased demand will result in critical water situations more regularly, especially in the driest parts of... View Article

Lessons still being learned from Grenfell

With the Grenfell Tower Inquiry resuming, Paul Richards of Aquarian Cladding Systems discusses the continuing impact of the disaster, and how the cladding industry must adapt. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, fire safety has been at the forefront... View Article

Fireproof balconies

Fire safety in residential multi-occupancy buildings is a key issue of our times. We spoke to Richard Izzard of AliDeck to find out more about successful fire safety remediation of balconies. Leaseholders and building owners up and down the country... View Article

Prioritising air quality

John Moss of EnviroVent looks at the issue of ventilation in social housing and how we may be failing a generation by not addressing it properly. Now the lockdown restrictions have been removed, employees, school pupils and social housing professionals are... View Article

Installing trust

Adrian Pavey of Nationwide Windows and Doors argues that social housing professionals need to think about more than just the final product. It’s easy for installation companies who work in the private sector to have a tunnel-vision approach of focusing... View Article

Put cladding to the test

As members of the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT), Aneira Beament of Ash & Lacy discusses standard test methods for rainscreen cladding systems. In recent years, the construction industry has stepped up its scrutiny of testing, quality, certification... View Article

The importance of boiler specification

Martyn Bridges of Worcester Bosch outlines the future of safety and sustainability in the boiler market. Over the last 20 to 30 years, boilers have become extremely safe appliances to have in your home, particularly since the advent of Condensing... View Article

Building confidence in IoT

Dane Ralston of iOpt explores how housing professionals can utilise the Internet of Things (IoT), and how to overcome the barriers to its adoption. When discussing the barriers to making the Internet of Things (IoT) a ‘business as usual’ tool... View Article

Enhancing intercom access

Melissa Lloyd-Williams of Intratone explores how access control technology can enhance building accessibility. Accessibility continues to be an important issue for housing professionals. Affordable housing and private property managers alike, help tenants – with a wide variety of needs and... View Article

Letter perfect

Richard Morris of UAP discusses the security and safety implications of letter plate specification. Much of our correspondence may be paperless these days, but homes still need a letterplate where letters, circulars and newspapers can be posted. Located prominently on... View Article

Intelligent temperature monitoring

Richard Braid of Cistermiser and Keraflo discusses the pivotal role that Intelligent Temperature Monitoring Units (TMUs) are now playing in the water management arena. Lockdowns across the UK have posed a demanding challenge for us all, but it is now... View Article

Paint – more than just aesthetics

Dawn Scott of Dulux Trade explains why painting and decorating is the ideal way to keep maintenance costs down while boosting the wellbeing of tenants. The effect that colour has on an individual’s mood has been recognised and well documented for... View Article