Extra schools building and Green Deal funding plus UK top solar PV growth

Extra schools building and Green Deal funding plus UK top solar PV growth

Growth in construction continues apace with English schools building programme now boosted by an extra £2bn  on top of the allocated £2.4bn for repairs; UK house building is experiencing the longest period of continuous growth in 8 yrs; and aggregates and asphalt sales are up 17% plus ready mixed concrete sales up 5%.

The UK is also forecast to be largest solar photovoltaic market in Europe as 120 PV farms receive planning approval.  And we have links to a Quick Guide to the new £7600 Green Deal Home Improvement Fund that will be available from next month.

Check out the new product and project stories via links from the summaries below. These include a new patented natural ventilation system; SmartWindow building control App; and a dirt barrier protection system.

And finally, with over 10k self-build projects on the go in the UK during 2014 and 20 companies specialising  in custom builds, why not get down to Grand Designs Live at Excel, London which opened at the weekend – it’s on until the 11th May and the feedback from visitors has been very positive.

TOP 10 STORIES

Ceiling collapse can be avoided with the correct specification

Loft insulation must be included in Green Scheme to make it profitable

Weed control fabrics undergo testing to establish level of performance

MX Group new Expressions range of shower trays with hidden waste system

New protective dirt-barrier treatment prevents dirt build-up plus makes cleaning easy

Innovative energy efficient natural ventilation with patented design features

Bespoke colour-matched movement joints for hard flooring, natural stone & slate  

Building and home owners welcome new Internorm SmartWindow building control App

Durapipe HTA pipework for hot and cold water services to Care Centre residents

Electric lock and door system company announces showroom opening

 LATEST PROJECTS & OTHER STORIES

Komfort helps deliver great interior spaces at top Virgin Active sites in City of London

DORMA complete secure JW3 Jewish Community Centre entrance project

Polysafe vinyl flooring for dementia friendly ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary

Marbrex low maintenance PVC-U paneling system for Nexus Housing bathroom refurbishment

Jutland fibre cement slate specified for fast-track construction of affordable houses

Fascia soffit system specified for use in roof refurbishment project

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Video demonstrates how to install the EverEdge Garden Ring

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

UK home construction longest period of continuous growth in 8 yrs

Aggregates & asphalt sales up 17% & ready mixed concrete up 5%

10,000 to build own home in 2014 says & 20 companies specialise in ‘custom builds

English schools building programme boosted by £2bn £2.4bn for repairs

Upside down house opens to the public

UK forecast to be largest solar photovoltaic market in Europe as 120 PV farms receive planning approval

Quick Guides link to  £7600 new Green Deal Home Improvement Fund

Fire safety in schools – stopping fire, smoke and toxic gases

Top UK property developers call on construction industry to tackle embodied carbon in buildings

The Simpsons new sustainable eco-house – VIDEO