More Focus 鈥� Page 530
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War on Waste
The government is getting tough on energy waste, so being green is more than just good PR. It is vital to your survival. Here’s what the Part L proposals say – and how they’ll affect you.
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The effect on the whole industry
All buildings will have to be better insulated. The document calls for “a significant increase in the insulating performance standards for building fabric”. So, the walls, floors, roof and windows of all buildings will have to have more insulation installed or be constructed from materials with better insulating properties. The ...
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The effect on housebuilders
One of the most radical aspects of the proposals is that traditional house construction methods could become a thing of the past. The proposed increase in the insulating performance of the building fabric could mean the end of brick-and-block construction. “We are steering towards a greater use of timber-framed units,” ...
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The effect on non-domestic construction
Is the end of the transparent building nigh? Designs such as Foster and Partners scheme for the glazed fencing mask, also known as the Greater London Authority headquarters, could become a thing of the past if performance standards to avoid solar heating are introduced. The changes in the regulations aim ...
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Fast food race hots up
The top four supermarkets are battling to cut build times and costs. But, as delegates heard at a 精东影视-organised food retail conference on 16 June, one of the sector’s biggest challenges is to make sure savings don’t come at the expense of safety.
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It’s a small world
Christian Spencer-Davies makes a living building diminutive versions of architects’ visions. It’s a life of long hours, difficult customers and little or no recognition. Why does he do it?
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Clean living
The Peabody Trust's zero-energy BedZED project in south London is a model for sustainable communities, as well as a useful guide to how designers can meet revisions to the 精东影视 Regulations.
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Coming to blows
All contractors, large and small, get into disputes at one time or another. This multimillion-pound struggle shows how overconfidence and haste can get even the biggest into a pickle.
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It’s payback time
The payment mechanisms in most subcontracts do not meet the standards set by the Construction Act. Here’s an argument to prove that, and a warning to contractors if they don’t take it on board.
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Holes in the net
Insurers want to exclude e-business transactions from surveyors’ insurance. But firms are taking all the necessary precautions with their electronic output, aren’t they?
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Let’s be cynical …
Partnership agreements are getting legal teeth. This may sound like a good idea in theory, but it is bound to cause confusion and undermine the worthy aims of the partnership ideal in practice.
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Cost model: Value for money
How can the project team identify the client’s needs at the start of a job? This cost model examines the techniques that can help firms define client requirements and develop solutions that add value to a project
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The long goodbye
Rob Smith of Hays Montrose explains how exit interviews can help you keep your staff.
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Appointments
Contractors Construction contractor Snape has promoted Robert Bath to commercial director. Construction contractor Allen has promoted Neville Colvin to regional director for the Midlands and the South-west.Northern contractor Totty Construction has appointed Mark Peatfield construction director. Clugston Group, the Scunthorpe-based construction, property development and distribution services company, has appointed John ...
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Why can’t they win at home?
Architects Zaha Hadid, Alsop & St枚rmer, Branson Coates and David Chipperfield were chosen to represent British design excellence at last week s Venice Biennale. So, why aren t they landing more major projects in the UK?
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The real story
Malcolm Clarke says construction isn t all big boys and cowboys. The NFB boss wants to tell clients and government about the smaller firms that make up 85% of the industry.
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‘I have worked in construction all my life and now I have given my life to it’
While more and more companies are paying attention to site safety, there has been precious little headway in on-site health and workers are paying the price.
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21st-century classic
Foster s design for a covered square in the heart of the British Museum meant the engineer had to sit 800 tonnes of steel and glass over the world-famous and grade I-listed Reading Room.