Building on flood plains, promoting competence & 182k new construction jobs

Howard Chapman, Buildingtalk Editor, writes…

Whilst floods in Somerset and elsewhere dominate the news, Local Authorities are still saying yes to new housing on high risk flood plains, ignoring Environment Agency advice. You can follow this link on Twitter if you want to comment.

Last week I was a guest of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) at their annual awards that celebrated excellence in architectural technology. The report below gives details about the award winners. CIAT plays a vital role in ensuring competence in design and encouraging constructive links to get the most out of collaboration on projects.

Buildingtalk is promoting the work of CIAT by publishing regular updates including exemplar projects, beginning with the Louise Hamilton Centre project by LSI Architects which won them the top CIAT Award.

During February, CoRE, the Centre of Refurbishment Excellence, has a useful Masterclass programme focused on Social Housing retrofits, including energy efficiency – use this link for more details.

Finally, new CITB research reports that 182k new construction jobs will be created across UK in next 5 years. You can use the latest Buildingtalk JOBsearchto see what opportunities are already out there.

TOP 10 STORIES

1] CIAT Awards celebrate excellence in architectural technology

2] Green Deal scheme is dividing opinion in window glazing industry

3] Balfour Beatty comment on strategies for growth in an improving market

4] Power generation & temperature control tools supplied at one stop shop

5] Heating and ventilation range with low emissions showcasing at Ecobuild

6] First European edition of the classic ‘Building Construction Illustrated’ guide

7] CoRE Masterclass programme: Focus on Social Housing

8] Daikin Altherma Flex offers a silent and low carbon footprint solution

9] Ford Transit Custom 270 van given away for Toolstation’s birthday

10] Automatic air vent system showcasing at Ecobuild in heating range

 VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Scotframe manufacturing and panel production process for timber frame systems

LATEST STORIES

1] Weather resistant cabin built at a Norwegian glacier expedition base

2] Smoke ventilation system fitted at African office enables safe escape 

3] PROVAC system supplied to power station to withstand severe weather 

4] Porcelain work surface collection launched for kitchen and bathrooms

5] Coloured lamps designed to provide an eye-catching merchandise display

6] Modular wall panels from Armourcoat fitted at American art Deco tower

7] Power management website from Eaton re-launched for easy navigation

8] Polyfoam ECO Roofboard Extra receives updated BBA certification

9] Alpha Heating employees sleep rough over night for charity

10] Latest from FASTRAK CAD

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Cold Homes Week – supporting people in UK struggling to heat their homes

2.2 million children live in fuel poverty in England, 460,000 more than year ago

New CITB research says 182k new construction jobs across UK in next 5 years

Local authorities still saying yes to new housing on high risk flood plains, ignoring Environment Agency advice

Work begins on UK’s first Eco town with 393 highly energy efficient, zero carbon homes

CIAT Awards celebrate excellence in architectural technology

UK heat networks could provide 14% of building heating by 2030 & 43% by 2050

UK new home registrations up 28% in 2013, highest since 2007 – and London up 60%, highest in 26yrs

Architectural Photography Awards showcase the best architecture of 2013

EU issues ‘minimum principles’ for fracking

Help To Buy scheme  means 12,875 sales of new properties since  launch house prices rise by 8.8%

UKGBC calls PM’s comments on slashing environmental regulations ‘poisenous and utterly reprehensible’