The Future Homes and Buildings Standard is set for imminent release. SOPREMA explains how this will impact insulation choices for specifiers. The Future Homes Standard was first proposed by government in 2019. Despite plans for implementation in 2025, as of the time of writing, the final details of the now renamed Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHBS) have yet to be confirmed. Compared to a home constructed to Part L 2013, the FHBS should deliver new homes that emit 80%

Ian Humby, UK Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, explores why a system-wide approach and open-protocol thinking is vital for modern fire safety. W hole-building fire safety is often only truly noticed when something goes wrong. Yet the real challenge is designing systems that protect every part of a building without interrupting day-to-day operations. That means steering projects towards intelligent, scalable solutions where devices, panels and reporting tools work together se

RINNAI HYBRID SYSTEMS – A PRACTICAL PATH OF NETZERO ENERGY PROVISION? Rinnai Director, Chris Goggin, evaluates the benefits of installing hybrid heating and hot water systems. Hybrid configurations can improve energy costs whilst offering performance that does not inhibit the continuity of daily operations that commercial properties require. To learn more about Rinnai Hybrids request your free information pack today at https:/ /www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/contact-us/ask-us-question

Award-winning specialist merchant SIG Roofing has concluded its 2026 Roadshow series, bringing together managers and teams from across the business at three venues: Birmingham on 4 February, Windsor on 10 February, and Waltham Abbey on 12 February. Each year, the SIG Roofing Roadshow provides a forum for colleagues to reflect on the previous year’s performance, share best practice and align on how to deliver even greater value for customers in the year ahead. This year’s se

Over the last few years, cohesion has become increasingly important to bathroom design. Homeowners are looking for ways to create a harmonious and unified look, where every element complements the overall design. It’s about creating balanced, thoughtful designs that meet the aesthetic and functional requirements of homeowners through intentional specification. Choosing complementary colours and materials is key, as is recognising the role that each component, from baths to ac

Howells Patent Glazing has returned to Northallerton institution, Barkers, to replace three areas of roof glazing above the iconic arcade at the High Street department store and in the atrium of Barkers Home store. This follows the installation of replacement rooflights in all four atriums in the centre of the store in 2022. The Arcade is located on Northallerton High Street and is home to a variety of retail and commercial premises, including a jewellers, shoe shop, florist

Jack Aluminium’s Technical Manager, Terry Hirons, chatted to Specify & Build about the latest changes in the aluminium market. How is glazing specification changing as we head into 2026? Glazing specification is increasingly focused on whole-system performance rather than isolated products. Specifiers now demand clear evidence that systems will perform as intended in real-world applications, particularly in commercial and public-sector projects. Security, thermal efficiency,

As National Apprenticeship Week celebrations have begun, The Residence Collection have highlighted the experiences of two of their current apprentices, Will Evans-Baines and Evie Hughes, who are both developing valuable skills while contributing positively to the business. Will Evans-Baines Will Evans-Baines started his apprenticeship at The Residence Collection as an Electrical Maintenance Engineer Apprentice on 6th August 2025, and he will complete his programme in 2029. S

As part of the UK’s ongoing focus on apprenticeships, Permavent is proud to highlight Technical Manager Graham Copson , whose career embodies the power of education and apprenticeships in shaping the future of construction. With over 40 years in the roofing and construction industry, and recently named the Pitched Roofing Award 2025 winner for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry , Graham began his career as an apprentice, a three‑year slating and tiling programme that ig

Instantor has achieved the Business Working Responsibly Mark. Established in 2010 by Business in the Community Ireland, the Business Working Responsibly Mark (‘the Mark’) is Ireland’s Economic, Environmental, Social, and Governance (EESG) standard. Independently verified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, it is the standard for sustainability that goes beyond legal compliance by fostering a culture of responsible business through continuous improvement, ongoing

A successful 2% green hydrogen gas mixing trial has been successfully completed at the Briggs power station in North Lincolnshire. This is said to be the first occasion in which a green hydrogen and natural gas blend have been transported through infrastructure to power electrical generation in the UK. The trial was carried out by Centrica and British Gas to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen gas blends into existing UK infrastructure. Across Europe several other separ

Natasha Coutts, Associate and BIM Manager at Aros Architects, discusses BIM and innovation driving efficient, futureproof design. I’m an Associate & BIM Manager at Aros Architects. My role mainly involves leading projects from planning through the delivery stages. I spend my day working closely with clients, guiding the design team and making sure projects run smoothly while providing guidance and support to anyone who needs it. How important is it for architects to work with

John McComb, Technical Director at Reynaers Aluminium UK, examines how manufacturers are providing crucial help to principal designers to ensure the highest levels of safety. Principal Designers have always been central to risk management during a project’s pre-construction phase. However, the introduction of the BSA has catapulted the role to greater prominence, broadening its responsibility with an increased focus on compliance, structural integrity, and fire safety. This h

Deceuninck is strengthening its commercial focus as building reforms reshape specification routes across the built environment. Specify & Build finds out more. With building safety reform and changing regulations reshaping specification routes, Deceuninck is strengthening its commercial focus to meet rising market expectations. By combining aluminium, PVC and composite systems under one roof, the business is helping specifiers to make better-informed decisions earlier, ensuri

Howells Patent Glazing has replaced roof glazing for the Barkers Arcade in Northallerton. Specify & Build reports. H owells Patent Glazing has returned to Northallerton institution, Barkers, to replace three areas of roof glazing above the iconic arcade at the High Street department store and in the atrium of Barkers Home store. This follows the installation of replacement rooflights in all four atriums in the centre of the store in 2022. The Arcade is located on Northallerto