Upgrading hi-rise, Builders boycott FIFA football and towering infernos

BLOG from Howard Chapman, Editor of Buildingtalk

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Whats new in building – read the latest Buildingtalk Newsletter

The latest round-up of industry news includes videos on wiring for Smart homes andamp; innovative glass coatings + balconies without planning permission.

BBC – Qatar Foundation stadium in Doha is one of the venues for the 2022 tournament

Whats new in building

The corruption at FIFA has dominated the news but we should be more concerned that it may cost 4,000 building workers lives to stage the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In my Blog on Buildingtalk today I ask if our industry should be leading the calls for a boycott by sponsors andamp; football fans? Comments please.

Video of the Week

how innovations in coatings for glass has improved energy efficiency.

Rockwool and the Edwards Woods estate scheme

and more videos

social impact of upgrading high-rise estates;
guide to wiring Smart Homes

Tall building fires

We also feature images from 8 major tall building fires around the world as a reminder about the importance of the latest International Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference on in London in July.

Product news

new H+H Celcon low density blocks for improved thermal conductivity
DEVImat underfloor heating recommended for wetroom installation
balcony alternative to a dormer window that can be installed without planning consent

Other news

Advice on expanding a family business in the construction industry
BFRC launch application process for A++ Window Energy Ratings
Private/Public partnerships help bridge the social housing gap
Twisting wooden pavilion created for Timber Expo
Designing the office of the future

Project stories

Shopping Mall in South Africa uses SE Controls for fire safety
Armourcoat new Rusteel finish makes industry Award final
Roof and wall panels chosen for highlands farm refurbishment

Best of Buildingtalk on Twitter

Growth in UK construction picks up, optimism surges after election + manufacturing PMI up
Skills shortage affect construction in London – watch London Live interview
US construction spending rose 2.2% in April to $1 trillion rate, best in 6 years
Contractors Trade organisations NSCC and UKCG merge to form BuildUK headed by Suzannah Nichol
Energy Efficiency missing from Queens Speech says UK Green Building Council
Profitable Construction material firms like Lafarge help European shares to rebound

And finally, VISION LONDON begins today at Olympia in London. I am visiting tomorrow so if you are exhibiting or speaking at this event, do email me if you have something new I should see or we should all know about.