Niall Crosson, Group Technical Director at Ecological Building Systems, draws on 25 years’ industry experience to make the case for ‘Building Better’, learning from vernacular building traditions and applying those principles to contemporary design and specification. Niall Crosson, Group Technical Director at Ecological Building Systems “Long before UK Building Regulations, performance targets or embodied carbon metrics were introduced, buildings were designed around a simple

Bespoke Stella rooflights bring light and space to Grade II Listed property. When homeowner Helen Vollmer set out to replace an ageing conservatory at Rooks Orchard in Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire, her ambition was to create a stunning new kitchen that would become the heart of her 450-year-old Grade II listed home. Like many conservatories, the existing structure was uncomfortable for much of the year – too hot during the summer and too cold throughout the winter. Despite o

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

Serving the UK construction sector with solutions backed by global engineering expertise, SFS manufactures high-performance fastening systems, assemblies, precision-engineered mouldings and other products ideally suited to the evolving demands of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), as highlighted in its newly published MMC guide. Citing the mission of “Inventing success together,” the 16-page A4 publication offers system designers, engineers, offsite fabricators and contrac

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

As part of a full restaurant redevelopment, Pesto at the White Swan in Wythall sought to increase covers while enhancing the dining experience for customers, preserving the existing building’s character and welcoming pub aesthetic. A Solarlux Atrium Plus enclosed glazed canopy and Proline S sliding glass doors were selected to extend the dining area, providing an adaptable, contemporary indoor-outdoor space that can be enjoyed year-round. A bespoke glazed atrium designed t

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

Paul Trace From Stella Rooflight Discusses Why Material Choice Matters In Conservation Rooflights Conservation rooflights are often judged on aesthetics first. Sightlines, glazing bars, flush detailing and planning compliance understandably dominate the specification conversation, particularly within listed buildings and sensitive heritage settings. Yet beneath the visual detailing lies a far more important consideration that is still too often overlooked within the industry:

The growing popularity of contemporary standing seam roof systems has placed greater emphasis on architectural detailing. Products such as GreenCoat PLX Pro BT are increasingly specified on high-end residential projects due to their clean lines, refined appearance and ability to create uninterrupted roof forms with a strong architectural presence. However, introducing natural daylight into these roofscapes can present a significant design challenge. While rooflights are often

The UK roofing sector is currently facing significant supply chain challenges. A recent survey by MRA Reports, published in Builders' Merchant News, revealed that 79% of specialist roofing merchants are experiencing problematic lead times. In some cases, contractors are waiting 52 weeks or more for concrete roof tiles, causing costly delays to construction schedules across the country. While the wider industry struggles with these shortages, FP McCann has taken decisive ac

Paul Trace, Director of Stella Rooflight, discusses why authenticity and performance must go hand in hand... There is a well understood principle in conservation and restoration work that extends far beyond architecture: the idea that the method must be appropriate to the material. A stonemason repairing a centuries old wall would not reach for modern cement where lime mortar is required, even if the modern material appears stronger, quicker or more convenient to apply. The w

Hosted by Cupa Pizarras's geology expert, Victor Cárdenes, this CPD webinar focuses on the geological origins, characteristics, and quality of natural roofing slate. Wednesday, April 15th 2026 @ 2:00PM BST Join two upcoming online sessions led by geologist and roofing slate consultant Víctor Cárdenes Van den Eynde, focused on the geological origin, properties, and quality of natural slate: key factors in making informed specification decisions. Register now!! 15 April sessio

A university ranked in the top 25 of sustainable UK universities is using Magply’s fire-resistant roofing boards on its latest project to help it achieve Carbon Net Zero from all energy by 2030 and from all emission scopes by 2035. Some 1,500m2 of Magply’s 12mm-thick boards, which meet Euroclass EN13501 (A1 Non-Combustible) standards and are BBA approved, were specified by renewable energy company Vital Energi for the roof of Energy Centre 2 at Lancaster University. The magne

The UK is facing a critical housing shortage, with the government pledging to build 1.5 million new homes to meet demand. However, this ambition is coupled with the urgent need to decarbonise the construction industry, a sector traditionally associated with a significant carbon footprint. In a groundbreaking R&D project, FP McCann, a leading UK manufacturer of precast concrete solutions, is tackling this challenge head-on by developing scalable production of graphene-enhanced

When Issy and Murray Bryars first set eyes on the dilapidated granite barn that sat quietly beside their Dartmoor farmhouse, they saw more than just an agricultural relic. They saw a future retreat; one that would allow visitors to connect with Dartmoor’s dramatic beauty in a space that honoured its past, supported the local economy, and embraced sustainable building practices. Their vision has since taken shape in the form of a strikingly understated, light-filled holiday le

Natural stone has been used in building and construction for thousands of years, but it was in the eighteenth century – when classically inspired country houses rose in popularity – that it became the preferred material of choice for the building industry. Can cast stone be considered a viable alternative? Katherine Kates, Production Director at Haddonstone , discusses the main differences between the two types of stone and tells us why cast stone can be a cost-effective alte

Situated in the peaceful neighbourhood of Gilford, Northern Ireland, this ultramodern self-build is home to Clarke Graham and his family. Overlooking stunning views of the River Bann and the surrounding rural landscape, the property features six Keylite roof windows that elegantly frame the picturesque Irish countryside. The property owner, Clarke Graham, set out to create the perfect family home with this extensive 2,600 square foot farmhouse-style build, completed wi

SFS Group Fastening Technology has unveiled ErgoDek® , an ergonomic fastening solution engineered to transform metal deck overlap installation. Bringing together a simple design, productivity‑boosting performance and a strong focus on worker wellbeing, ErgoDek® marks a significant step forward for roofing and cladding contractors seeking safe, fast, and consistent installation tools. Purpose-built for metal deck overlap applications, the new ErgoDek® system integrates seaml

By Paul Trace, Director, Stella Rooflight.. ..... Over the past decade, the specification of rooflights in historic and sensitive buildings has evolved significantly. Advances in performance, detailing and thermal efficiency have broadened what is possible, while planning authorities and conservation officers have become increasingly familiar with rooflights as a legitimate way to introduce natural light into traditionally challenging spaces. Alongside this progress, ho

FP McCann is supplying its thin leading edge interlocking concrete roof tiles branded ”Thin Flat” to a new housing development in Somerton near Yeovil, Somerset. The “Somerton Mead” site is a 69 plot collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses by national builder Bloor Homes. Bloor Homes South West division completed phase one of the Somerton Mead housing development last year. With the addition of 69 homes in phase 2 and 3, the site will comprise 130 homes between Bancombe Road

Leading manufacturer of roofing accessories, Klober, is celebrating 25 years of its Permo Forte 145 underlay, one of the first vapour permeable membranes to transform the UK roofing market. When launched back in the late 1990s, this type of vapour permeable membrane represented a turning point in roofing design. Permo Forte offered a breathable alternative to traditional bitumen felts, helping contractors tackle widespread condensation issues that had long affected roof per