Scottish Government strengthens fire safety and building standards
The Scottish Government has announced changes to its building standards, which aim to strengthen fire safety in new high rise buildings.
Oxford council to replace HPL rain screen on Hockmore Tower
Oxford City Council has decided to remove and replace the HPL rain screen on Hockmore Tower after the government confirmed that towers blocks needed to remove cladding containing the rain screen.
FPA urges further reforms 2 years after Grenfell tragedy
The Fire Protection Association has renewed its call that the government’s changes to building regulations and the so-called ban on combustible cladding do not go far enough to protect buildings.
BIM to be mandatory on high-rise residential projects
The government has proposed to make BIM processes mandatory on high-rise residential projects over 18 metres, as it sets out stricter measures to improve safety.
Government to give £200m to replace Grenfell-style cladding: Is it Enough?
The government has confirmed that it will allocate £200m to fix private tower blocks that are wrapped in combustible aluminium composite material cladding, but will it be enough? Bushbury Cladding takes a look.
Setting new standards in smoke control
David Mowatt, chairman of the Smoke Control Association, highlights the need to raise standards and levels of competency in relation to the design, installation and maintenance of smoke control systems in high-rise buildings.
Construction product sector must regain confidence, says CPA
Peter Caplehorn, deputy chief executive and policy director at Construction Products Association (CPA) takes a look at how the Hackitt review has impacted the construction products sector.
Grenfell Tower Fire – The law of unintended consequences
The Grenfell Tower fire was a disaster which affected many people in this country. For town planners, building designers, building control, and contractors it marked a very low point in our industry’s history and evolution.
Collaboration addresses fire and security on flat entrance doorsets
In an unprecedented collaboration within the fire and security industry, three organisations with expertise in fire and security doorsets have combined their knowledge to offer guidance on flat entrance doorsets.
Loud and clear: Residents’ voices must be heard post-Hackitt
Fire safety has been ramping up, that of resident engagement. Mark Varley, group head of health and safety at FirstPort, takes a look.
A digital path to safer buildings?
The government is set to consult on a “digital by default” standard for record-keeping relating to the design, construction and operation of buildings as part of its response to the post-Grenfell Hackitt Review.
A year of developments in construction – and what 2019 may hold
2018 saw some big changes and big challenges for the construction industry. Simon Lewis and Hannah Gardiner of law firm Womble Bond Dickinson look back at the key developments – and highlight what we can expect in the year ahead.
ACAI responds to MHCLG committee sessions on building regulations
The House of Commons MHCLG Committee has taken evidence from Dame Judith Hackitt and Housing Minister Kit Malthouse on the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.
Government’s progress on dangerous cladding a “national shame”
Shadow secretary of state for housing, John Healey, questioned the House of Commons on the action taken by the Government on high-rise residential blocks with dangerous cladding.
