Don't sweat it
The temperature is rising for home insulation standards, but Andrew Leech finds that the industry is not fazed by the implications of further changes to Part L of the Building Regulations
Getting plasterboard
Housebuilders are currently focused on increasing efficiency and build speed, while meeting increasing Building Regulation insulation standards. Tim Palmer finds plasterboard manufacturers are innovating with this aim
Cracking the code
[MMC-IMG=1501-A=Left] At Fairfield Park in Bedfordshire the local authority has used design codes to ensure homes being built by Twigden and other developers will complement surrounding Victorian architecture. Steve Menary reports on the impressive result
Current thinking
Deregulation in the gas and water sectors has been going on for some time, but it has yet to infiltrate the electricity sector. John Batty explains why opening up utilities provision to competition and multi-utility providers will benefit housebuilders by
Housing mix-up
[MMC-IMG=1498-A=Left] A recent report on CABE's role and effectiveness and another questioning housing policies that encourage smaller dwellings draw interesting conclusions. Will Howie tested out the latter in his local neighbourhood and doubts whether "
Selling up
Housebuilders' financial results for 2004-05 show quoted firms enjoying strong profit growth in 2004, with some indications of challenging times ahead. Steve Menary analyses the figures and the changes afoot in the market
Star quality
Before 1981, a competition to raise housebuilding standards was just a glint in NHBC's eye. Now Pride in the Job is in its jubilee year. Melissa Blamey looks at how PIJ started and how a new DVD will help builders meet the PIJ mark
The Walrus && Diary Dates
[MMC-IMG=1492-A=Left] Worried about Part L and airtightness testing? You needn't be with this exclusive cut-out-and-keep, housebuilder-friendly version of the Beaufort Scale, designed to help you assess wind speeds
Home && dry
The Thames Gateway lies beyond the protection of the Thames Barrier and there is no denying it is largely a floodplain. Mark Smulian considers the implications for stakeholders involved with the government's housing growth plans, and how they plan to tack
All points east
The government's vision for the Thames Gateway, incorporating an additional 120,000 homes by 2016, is hugely ambitious. While billions in funding is being allocated for brownfield regeneration and infrastructure projects, pioneering developers including B
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