All Features articles – Page 402
-
Features
Dual-control shower valve
Douglas Controls, a supplier of thermostatic controls and accessories, has introduced a dual-control version of its Avance Elite thermostatic shower valve called the Avance Elan.
-
Features
Get off the fence
Whether it’s timber, concrete, steel or plastic, a garden fence has to be sturdy and secure. Peter Mayer of Building LifePlans looks at the life-cycle costs.
-
Features
Fitting for plumbing manifold
Plumbing and drainage supplier Hepworth Building Products has extended its Hep2O manifold range to include a fitting that allows direct connection between 22mm and 15mm pipes.
-
FeaturesPermeable paving: So what if it’s raining?
Housing As the UK dries out after the floods, the idea of a river view may not be as appealing as it was. But these houses in Holland are designed to rise as the water does. Bill Holdsworth finds out how they work, and whether they could catch on in ...
-
Features
Outdoor LED spotlights
Ansell Lighting has introduced an LED exterior spotlight called Sierra Luxeon.
-
Features
Outdoor sockets with translucent lids
Wiring device maker MK Electric has added two sockets with translucent lids to its Masterseal range, which allow users to view the on/off neon indicators of outdoor wiring devices without opening them and protect the plugs in environments in which they could be exposed to dust or water.
-
FeaturesLondon is for losers
The streets aren’t paved with gold – at least no more than anywhere else. Take note of the Building/Hays Construction annual salary guide and head for the North.
-
Features
Weathering the storm
Contractors coped well during a soggy July and managed to maintain their activity levels, which contributed to a positive second quarter. Experian Business Strategies reports
-
Features
Would you have taken your money out of Northern Rock?
Do you agree with the thousands withdrawing their savings from the embattled bank?
-
FeaturesGlenn Howells: Almost famous
Robert Plant, Ozzy Osbourne, Noddy Holder … the Midlands has produced its fair share of rock stars. Sadly, frustrated musician Glenn Howells wasn’t one of them. But now, with a Stirling prize nomination to his name, the Birmingham architect is about to get his turn in the limelight.
-
FeaturesThe men who got left behind
Increased public sector spending was supposed to be great news for construction firms. But, according to a survey released this week, these local contractors have missed out on the bonanza. Katie Puckett finds out why the growth of framework agreements is threatening the industry’s smaller businesses
-
FeaturesBiggest ever sail
More than 3,000 amateur sailors descended on the Isle of Wight for the Little Britain Challenge Cup last week. Alex Smith packed his best Hawaiian shirt and joined in the fun
-
Features‘Someone might come in wearing polka dot socks that I don’t like and I think, oh dear, but they might produce brilliant buildings’
Derwent London’s Simon Silver likes to champion exciting young architects. And now that the developer has doubled its portfolio, he can offer them bigger commissions than ever before. Just get a little sartorial advice before you make your pitch.
-
FeaturesProcurement: Target price contracts
In today’s overheated market, clients need all the help they can get to deliver good-value, low-risk projects. Some clients are turning to collaborative working – and contracts such as the NEC – to provide an extra incentive. Simon Rawlinson of Davis Langdon examines the issues
-
FeaturesThe writing’s on the wall
Two neighbouring sixties council estates in north London. One is the best kept estate in the district. The other is in total disrepair, blighted by crime and, much to residents’ relief, being torn down. To find out what can be learned for the latest wave of high-density inner-city housing developments, ...
-
FeaturesIs Peter Hain right to be focusing so strongly on safety at housing and refurb sites?
Or do other sectors of the industry deserve an overhaul?
-
FeaturesDoors that can withstand a 100kg bomb
Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies has developed a range of bomb-rated automatic doors that have been tested with a 100kg TNT explosion at 25m and 45m ranges.
-
Features
Cost update: September 2007
In this quarter’s analysis, Peter Fordham of Davis Langdon reports on the continuing rise in construction materials prices, driven by demand from the Far and Middle East
-
Features‘Imagine that you are on level 80 and you want a sandwich. How long will that take you?’
… and other logistical nightmares that might arise when you start building the tallest skyscraper in western Europe between a train station, a bus station, several busy roads and a hospital. Thomas Lane watches work finally get started on the Shard