Stunning construction growth + future proofing buildings + new book of the month

Latest products, projects stories, news and comments from Buildingtalk Editor, Howard Chapman

Check-out construction growth news via Buildingtalk on Twitter [see links below] which includes reports on the 15th successive month of solid growth, record staff hiring and bankruptcies down 18%. If you want to see what projects the top contractors in the UK are working on, you can download the latest Glenigan league tables here.

Housebuilding rates in the UK are now at their highest for a decade but the Treasury says Britain still needs to build 300,000 new houses every year. However, skills shortages are highlighted by a report that London needs 9000 carpenters, plasterers and roofers to cope with demands

Future proofing buildings is a growing priority with architects and specifiers. So our round-up of building products and projects news begins with a virtually indestructible waterproofing system. If you have a new product that is extending the life of building in a significant way, do send through the details.

On the training front we have a new CPD from flat roofing experts Sika Trocal plus BM TRADA’s latest one day timber frame courses examine building methods and offer engineering guidance.

Book of the Month looks at the history and theory of architecture

TOP 10 STORIES

Link to top Product & Project via the latest BUILDINGTALK NEWSLETTER

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Video of the Week features Johnstone’s Young Painter of the Year

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

UK construction up for 15th successive month housebuilding fastest rate in a decade record staff hiring rates

Frustrated businessman builds his own toll road

London needs 9000 carpenters, plasterers and roofers to cope with demands

Homeowners could get a payout if house prices fall due to the development of garden cities according to Nick Clegg

Private sector UK housing growth up 9% but Public Sector housing down reports NHBC

Balfour walks away from big building merger with Carillion in acrimonious divorce during honeymoon

Property boom lifts builders & retailers, Taylor Wimpey, Rightmove & Travis Perkins  post strong first-half figures

Construction sector morale boosted as bankruptcies continue to decline – down 18%

Vote for favourite Glasgow building

Britain needs to build up to 300,000 new houses every year says Treasury