Insulating 7m solid wall homes + top 10 UK cities for house building

Following our report last week on the new Green Deal Home Improvement Fund, Wetherby Building Systems reminded us that besides helping kick-start the moribund Green Deal, 7m solid wall properties in the UK could benefit from this grant to retro-fit external wall insulation. Don’t tell the Treasury.

With house-building growth with up 7% in Q1, the NHBC list the top 10 UK cities leading the way. And for those who love lists, here are the 10 tallest buildings  in Europe under construction in Europe; and 4 types of bad managers holding back growth.

Buildingtalk news this week includes Hitachi’s new compact air source heat pump that can help reduce heating bills by up to 60%; in response to new legislation, Hydro International offer an e-guide on how to deliver effective SuDS solutions; a comprehensive swimming pool construction CPD from Mapei; following £3m of R&D, Eurocell launch the UK’s first fully integrated door & window system; and CIAT announce that their Architectural Technology Awards are open for entries.

Finally, congratulations to the young women builder who has swapped hi-vis for hi-heels and is now hoping to win Miss England. Retweet your support via this link.

TOP 10 STORIES

EWI industry welcomes Green Deal fund for installing external wall insulation

New all-in-one compact Yutaki air source heat pump from Hitachi

PVCu beads provide corrosion resistant alternative to galvanised steel

Easy to apply Vandex Tanking Kit for durable waterproofing solutions

Surface water treatment guide launched for developers and authorities

Swimming Pool Construction CPD provides advice on specifying materials

New F1 Protect membrane offers surface protection to wide range of floor substrates

Eastern White Cedar Shingles improve durability and remove toxins

First UK fully integrated door and window system with sash design options

Acoustic panels offer a durable and low cost solution to noise

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Alpha Heating innovation maximises energy efficiency at Lancaster Cathedral

LATEST PROJECTS & OTHER STORIES

Prysmian safeguards the latest addition to London’s skyline

Waterproofing system installed at football inspired hotel

High performance water heating system from Stokvis for Kingston University

Decothane system with skid-inhibiting finish eradicates water leakage

Polyurethane flooring offers a maintenance free solution at hospital

Slimline inclined platform lift designed for application in tight areas

Window control and heat extraction systems detailed in new guide

Anti-bacterial paint used at hospital to prevent spread of infection

Wall cladding in DeepNocturne colour specified for London Aquatic Centre

Single ply membrane offers a solution to complex roof refurbishment

TWEET OF THE WEEK

Waterproof membrane installed at top Footie hotel near Man Utd

Prysmian cable safeguards the Gherkin’s new neighbour  in London

Plans to build £2b ‘Disney’ inspired theme park in Kent

Oxfordshire top county for new architecture says RIBA – is it?

Building site beauty swaps hi-vis for hi-heels to win Miss England

Red tape ‘strangling’ house building in Wales says NHBC

Apple’s ‘Spaceship’ HQ takes shape with glass walls & solar panels

4 types of managers who are preventing a company from progressing

New Green Deal fund for installing £6k external wall insulation 

The RIBA London award winners for 2014 are announced

Major investment in roads x3 needed says committee of MPs 

10 tallest buildings currently under construction in Europe 

Top 10 UK cities for new house building

UK has already approved enough green energy projects to hit EU targets

10,000 in UK will build there own home in 2014