Features
In this month's housebuilder magazine:
Size Matters
RIBA caused some upset when it said that new build homes were too small. Suzie Mayes puts the Institute's views to architects, housebuilders and other experts in a quest to find common ground on the design debate.
The NPPF – a victim of appeasement
Stephen Byfield, managing director of communications consultancy PPS, says the watered down NPPF will do little to help housebuilders build more houses.
Pride in perfection
The prestigious Pride in the Job Awards has been running for more than 30 years. Housebuilder looks at the changes being made to keep the programme fresh, and talks to the site managers who keep winning
Comment
Design critics need to see bigger picture
Ben Roskrow says that the design intelligentsia needs to see the bigger picture before criticising new homes design.
New homes pick up in early 2012
Recent positive trends in new home sales and private housebuilding activity should be supported by FirstBuy and NewBuy, says John Stewart. While several economic indicators provide tentative evidence of a wider improvement in consumer demand.
NPPF's brevity is its strength
HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley reviews the NPPF and two other key documents published recently as the housebuilding industry continues to be the focus of interest for government, academics and the media
Going for gold on Olympic rented model
Richard Jones, head of regeneration and growth at EC Harris, argues that the private rented model is set to have a major impact on housebuilding and sees a significant flaw in the NPPF
Margins in motion
Steve Menary looks at the latest largely encouraging set of results from the plc housebuilders and sees an upward trend in margins
News
Product, Supplier and Finance update
Senior contracts manager selects Dulux Trade Woodcare
Follow the Monocouche Best Practice Guide by Saint-Gobain Weber
Zanussi finds an easier angle
Beko sets out its green credentials in new eco brochure.
The difference is in the detail for Hills.
Comprehensive sewer connections service offered by J Browne
JKC delivers quick and efficient treatment on new flats development
New md for Sto
Sustainable construction for affordable housing
Timbmet's Oak TEC sandwich panels provide cost and energy e-cient doors
ICI paints AkzoNobel launches new website for specifiers
Dulux Trade Paint launches improved Ecosure Gloss and Undercoat Pure Brilliant White
HardieLinea cladding launch spearheads James Hardie's fresh R&D focus
New for 2012 …
Steni cladding bridges the gap between nature and nurture
Flooring system from Metsä Wood
Single panel option for smaller solar thermal installations
PC Henderson goes for glass
Think you know about Aircrete?
Leadbitter Group scoops hat trick
Compton Group looks to buy ground rent portfolios from UK housebuilders
Product Review
Meeting the green challenge
We look at the products and systems that are being developed to work hard to meet the government's drive for green, energy efficient homes. Suzie Mayes starts this Eco Special with a look at what government expects and the challenges that exist.
Absolutely fabric
Suzie Mayes looks at the wall, floor, roof and insulation systems to help housebuilders grasp the "fabric first" principle.
Ratings battle
Suzie Mayes reports on the heating, lighting and monitoring systems to help drive down carbon emissions further, whilst touching upon some issues surrounding renewable technologies.
Hard water
With a drought in much of England this year, saving water is becoming a vital part of the Eco Agenda and a cost saver too. Tim Palmer looks at the products that are cutting the flows.
