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your daily building industry bulletin


FP McCann Installs Hollowcore Flooring System At Milton Keynes Care Facility
FP McCann has successfully supplied and installed its prestressed precast hollowcore flooring system for a new care facility currently under construction in Milton Keynes, further demonstrating the benefits of off-site manufactured structural solutions within the healthcare and residential sectors. Located within the modern Brooklands community to the east of the city, the purpose-built Rosebrook Care Home is set to open in 2027. Once complete, the development will provide a


Engineered vs Solid Wood Flooring: A Practical Guide From Havwoods
From period properties to contemporary apartments, timber flooring remains a firm favourite among homeowners. While solid wood is associated with traditional craftsmanship, engineered constructions are at the forefront due to their compatibility with modern needs and the demands of busy households. Understanding the practical and technical differences between the two is vital to ensure the correct flooring is chosen for the right setting. Anthony Scott, Global Product and Inn


Designing Homes That Perform For The Long-Term - And The Role Of Engineered Wood Panels
Designing homes that perform for the long-term means creating dwellings that are durable, energy-efficient, comfortable, adaptable, and environmentally responsible throughout their entire lifespan, not just when they are first built. West Fraser’s consistent goal is to design and manufacture panel products that meet customer’s (trade and consumer) needs, minimise running and maintenance costs, and reduce environmental impact over many decades. A key way this is achieved is th


Commercial Conversion Contract Makes Innovative Use Of Multiboard
The redevelopment of an existing commercial property in Epsom, Surrey, creating new apartments includes a challenging conversion of the former basement car park into habitable space: requiring the deepening of the floor level, together with the DPC barriers, to which the inherent waterproof qualities of Marmox Multiboard have made a significant contribution. The multi-million pound project with London based LWJ Construction Limited being the specialist sub-contractor undertak


West Fraser Products – The Natural Choice For MMC
Offsite construction has moved from niche curiosity in the 1990’s to mainstream necessity today as the industry is being reshaped by the demand for faster build times, higher energy performance, and precision‑engineered components. This shift places Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) at the centre of the transformation - driving manufacturers, developers and material suppliers to rethink how homes are designed, manufactured and assembled. Against this backdrop, products tha


West Fraser And Kirkwood Timber Frame Strengthen Partnership To Support UK Offsite Construction Growth
A strong and reliable supply chain is essential to the continued growth of offsite construction in the UK, and the collaboration between West Fraser and Kirkwood Timber Frame Ltd is a clear example of how aligned partnerships are helping to deliver high-quality timber buildings at scale. Founded in August 2021, Kirkwood Timber Frame has quickly established itself as a dynamic manufacturer of open and closed panel timber frame systems, supplying projects across Scotland, the H


Cosentino Launches Éclos®: The Next Generation Of Innovative Mineral Surfaces With A Zero Crystalline Silica Formulation
Cosentino, a global leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for architecture and design, announces the launch of its new mineral surfaces brand, Éclos®. Éclos® marks a significant milestone for the industry, introducing an entirely new category: the “Inlayered Mineral Surface.” Based on Cosentino’s proprietary Inlayr® design technology, the brand expands Cosentino’s portfolio alongside Silestone®, Dekton® and Sensa®, combining a layered design system


SterlingOSB Zero, The Versatile Panel Solution For UK Builders
As UK builders face growing pressure to balance performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility, SterlingOSB Zero provides a practical and adaptable solution. Its ability to perform across multiple applications means it can often replace several different panel types within a single project, simplifying procurement and ensuring greater consistency across the build. West Fraser 's SterlingOSB Zero is a high-performance, sustainable panel solution that meets the


Wards Builders And Developers Specify CaberShield ECO For New Townhouses
West Fraser has introduced CaberShield ECO, an eco‑friendly flooring solution engineered to meet the practical demands of residential, commercial and refurbishment construction. Providing a high‑performance, waterproof floor during the build phase, CaberShield ECO creates a slip‑resistant working platform while protecting floors below from the elements. BBA certified for up to 60 days’ weather exposure, the system combines CaberFloor P5 with a factory‑applied, solvent‑free, U


Flowcrete Partners With Cemfloor To Launch Next-Generation Flowing K For High-Performance Screed
A new era of liquid screed technology delivers speed, strength, and simplicity for modern flooring projects. Flowcrete, a product brand of Tremco CPG UK Ltd is proud to announce the launch of the new and improved IsocreteFlowing K, developed in partnership with Cemfloor by McGraths. This next-generation cement-based liquid screed combines Flowcrete’s flooring expertise with Cemfloor’s advanced binder technology to deliver a solution that’s faster to install, easier to wor


Firefly® FB180 Batts Raise Their Game On Computer Floor Safety
Already widely specified for flooring applications and creating ‘protected zones’ in roof-spaces, FIREFLY® FB 180 ablative batts are now also being used to provide fire compartmentation beneath raised access floors. Raised access floors are commonly used to accommodate power, data and other building services, creating concealed voids beneath the finished floor. Without appropriate fire protection, these hidden cavities can allow fire and smoke to spread unseen beyond the poin


West Fraser’s CaberDek Protects Essex Housing Development
West Fraser’s CaberDek structural flooring has been specified by Essex‑based housebuilder Bocking Homes on a 10‑home residential scheme, helping to protect floor quality during construction while supporting programme efficiency and high standards at handover. Founded in 2017, Bocking Homes is a privately-owned, SME housebuilder delivering small to mid‑scale residential developments across Essex. The business focuses on creating high‑quality family homes, with robust construct


Fifteen New HIMACS Colours for 2026 Bring Depth, Texture and Sustainable Design Choices
Continually at the leading edge of progress in solid surfaces, HIMACS introduces fifteen new colours for 2026, expanding its portfolio with alluring aesthetics, further options with recycled content, and even greater design freedom. Ranging from refined marble, stone and terrazzo effects to in-demand greens and darks, these new choices enable specification of the finest aesthetics together with premium performance and enhanced sustainability. Several additions include SCS-ce


Neutral and Natural: The Latest Tile Collections From Tile Of Spain
Warm, versatile and timeless, wood continues to be a key influence in interior design, and Tile of Spain’s latest launches demonstrate that its evolution within ceramic surfaces is more refined than ever. Nordik Wood Pearl Tiles by AB (Azulejos Benadresa) ( www.azulejosbenadresa.com ) From textured wood-effect finishes to warming, neutral colour palettes, the new collections from Tile of Spain’s manufacturers highlight how wood-effect tiles, paired with soft, neutral palette


Why Texture Is Replacing Flat Surfaces in Modern Interiors
With Havwoods For many years, contemporary interiors were dominated by smooth surfaces and minimalist finishes. Today, designers are moving towards a more tactile aesthetic to introduce character and depth to spaces. From fluted wall panels and slatted partitions to brushed timber flooring and sculptural veneers, texture is rapidly becoming one of the defining elements of modern interior design. This shift reflects a growing desire for spaces that feel warmer, layered and mor


IVC Commercial Brings Value And Longevity To Social Housing Flooring
With the Zenura collection of sheet vinyl, IVC Commercial can respond to the need for cost-effective floors that enhance the lives of people living in social housing. With growing focus on social housing providing a good standard of accommodation or tenants, providers are considering flooring outside of the regulatory requirement for its use in bathrooms and kitchens. The consensus is that providing suitable flooring in all areas of the home positively impacts the physical an


Altro Package Delivers For Same Day Emergency Care Facility
A stylish, safe and durable package of Altro products is delivering results at the newly developed Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and Minor Injuries services at Bassetlaw Hospital. The facilities, completed in December 2025, are designed to provide rapid assessment, diagnosis and treatment for patients with urgent conditions, allowing them to return home the same day avoiding overnight hospital admissions. The project includes three popular Altro safety floors: the contempora


Havwoods Reveals Latest WoodBook: Celebrating 50 Years Of Craftsmanship & Innovation
Leading wood surface specialist Havwoods is delighted to unveil its latest WoodBook, released as the brand proudly celebrates 50 years of design-led excellence. The second book in Havwoods’ 50th anniversary series reflects five decades of craftsmanship, innovation and material expertise, presenting a curated guide to the latest product developments, fresh design possibilities and expanded material options for interior and architectural projects. The WoodBook is packed with b


Rocking CaberAcoustic For A Quiet life
Favoured by specifiers who need to consider solutions to noise pollution in today’s busy, building world, CaberAcoustic from West Fraser is a versatile, economical sound-reducing flooring system which reduces both impact and airborne transmitted sounds. It can be laid over concrete and timber floors and is available in 18mm and 22mm thicknesses. Photo courtesy of Unsplash Recommended to be laid and fitted with D3 PVA glue in the tongue and groove joints, CaberAcoustic achi


West Fraser’s Weather-Resistant CaberShield Eco
Continually investing in the improvement of its engineered wood-based panel products, West Fraser has received new BBA certification, confirming its environmentally-friendly CaberShield Eco is capable of withstanding constant exposure to the elements for a full sixty days: comfortably delivering extended practical and economic advantages for contractors and developers seeking an edge on the competition. The latest addition to an already comprehensive portfolio, CaberShield


FP McCann Essential Porcelain Paving Tiles Installed At Famous Football Ground
FP McCann’s Onyx Black shade Essential Porcelain tiles have recently been installed as part of a new refurbishment project at the famous Gigg Lane football ground, home to Bury FC. Gigg Lane is one of the oldest professional football stadiums in the world, dating back to 1885. Unfortunately, in 2019, Bury FC went into administration ultimately losing their status as a Football League club. Gigg Lane was left unused until 2022, when it was purchased by a fans group and re-buil
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