The Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) recently welcomed around 100 professionals working throughout the metal roofing and façade supply chain to its 2026 Technical Conference, reflecting the event’s growing importance as an annual focal point for the development of technical skills and knowledge, as well as collaboration and networking. Held at the Telford Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort and sponsored by member companies Steadmans, Hambleside Danelaw, Fixing

Sapphire’s G30 balcony has officially been certified as a Passive House Component by the Passive House Institute when used with or without StubGuard – reinforcing the product’s thermal and structural performance. With designers under increasing pressure to deliver low-carbon buildings that meet stringent energy and envelope-performance standards, balcony connections have come under heightened scrutiny as a critical point of heat loss. Reducing thermal bridges is essential, as

Pamela Howat, Senior Technical Advisor at Proctor Group, explains the similarities and differences between membrane terminology. Construction membranes have a host of applications that directly impact on building performance and the comfort of building users. As a result, a lot of terminology comes with specifying and installing membranes. Over time, the term ‘vapour control layer’ (VCL) has come to be replaced by ‘air and vapour control layer’ (AVCL). This change has been dr

Pete Seddon, Head of Technical at Rinnai, discusses how high-temperature heat pumps are a vital tool to help minimise disruption during retrofit projects. Heat pumps are set to play a key role in the UK’s national decarbonisation journey, but can be problematic when being fitted in a domestic or commercial retrofit project, as a noticeable amount of disruption will occur during installation. Many changes to the heating system will have to be made including the radiators, pipe

Senior Architectural Systems is helping designers and housebuilders prepare for the forthcoming Future Homes Standard (FHS), with its aluminium window systems already engineered to meet the more stringent thermal performance requirements that will apply from 2028. Published in March 2026, the updated Standard confirms a major shift in the way window performance must be assessed. Under the new Home Energy Model (HEM), whole‑window U‑values must be calculated for the exact conf

A high-rise development in John Street, Newham, has been equipped with a comprehensive life safety solution from Advanced, incorporating SmokeGo smoke control and EvacGo evacuation alert systems to support a stay‑put fire strategy and enhance resident safety. The project, delivered as part of a wider life safety installation by Simple Life Safety Systems, required a robust and compliant approach to smoke control and evacuation alert across two buildings with different heights

Vectaire’s Cool Breeze and Cool Breeze Plus are designed to mitigate overheating in residential properties during summer months, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment at all times. They meet the standards used in CIBSE TM59 assessments and Approved Document O of the Building Regulations and also use the eco-friendly R290 refrigerant, which is over 225 times more environmentally friendly than R32. The UK-manufactured system can be floorstanding or wall mounted and integrat

Siderise has launched its new PC-FS Firestop and PC-CB Cavity Barrier product range – a passive fire protection package developed specifically for precast concrete cladding systems. Siderise previously supported precast concrete façade applications with its CW-FS Firestop, delivering a fully compliant solution. However, due to growing demand for these durable and efficient-to-build external wall systems, Siderise reapproached this application to develop a dedicated solution t

Pyroguard, a leading independent provider of high-performance fire safety glass, has partnered with leading framing manufacturer Schüco to deliver a complex fire-rated façade solution for the landmark Belfast Grand Central Station. Located in Belfast city centre, the £340 million facility is designed to accommodate up to 20 million passenger journeys annually. Architect RPP wanted to create a transformative customer experience through a spacious concourse and extensive use of

The Residence Collection explores five benefits of timber-alternative window and door systems, such as its Residence 9 range. Recent reports suggest that 80% of all commercial properties in England will effectively be rendered unlettable from 2030 without substantial changes to make them much more energy efficient if planned Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulation changes take effect. That’s why timber alternative windows and door systems are now viewed as a pop

Jim Rowley, Technical Director at NorDan, explores the impact the Future Homes Standard is having on housebuilders and developers. The UK’s 2050 net zero target is sharpening the focus on sustainability and driving significant regulatory reform, such as the Future Homes Standard (FHS). While these regulations are much-needed, they are heightening the pressures on architects and developers to specify and install the most energy-efficient and sustainable products. That’s why it

Walworth Town Hall has undergone a landmark transformation, emerging as a vibrant new workspace and community hub more than a decade after a devastating fire left the Grade II‑listed building severely damaged and placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register. Led by architects Feix & Merlin, in collaboration with developer General Projects and Southwark Council, the refurbishment represents a major achievement in heritage‑led regeneration, combining sensitive restora

Genuit Group plc, a leading provider of sustainable water, climate and ventilation solutions for the built environment, has been named in the Financial Times Europe’s Climate Leaders 2026 list for the second consecutive year, recognising its continued progress in reducing emissions while supporting the transition to a low-carbon built environment. Compiled by the Financial Times in partnership with Statista, the annual ranking is one of the most respected independent assessme

A high-rise development in John Street, Newham, has been equipped with a comprehensive life safety solution from Advanced, incorporating SmokeGo smoke control and EvacGo evacuatio alert systems to support a stay‑put fire strategy and enhance resident safety. The project, delivered as part of a wider life safety installation by Simple Life Safety Systems, required a robust and compliant approach to smoke control and evacuation alert across two buildings with different heigh

Saniflo has added the Saniboost Smart product to the Saniflo Clear Water portfolio. It is a variable speed, mains boosting pump that delivers high pressure and flow rates for mains-fed water systems, providing a solution to restrictive mains water pipes. It is designed to boost water flow up to 97 litres/min and pressure up to 5.5 Bar in mains fed systems to help overcome issues such as: • Low flow and/or pressure from outlets such as showers, taps, washing machines, dishwash