More Focus – Page 89
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FeaturesMarket forecast: Consistently uncertain
Construction data – both hard and soft – remains consistently inconsistent. Overall construction activity is slowing, but this doesn’t tell the full story
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FeaturesCarillion: A cautionary tale
The UK’s second-biggest contractor has posted some pretty alarming figures recently, from its £695m debt to its £845m writedown. But how did it get into this state, how can it get out again, and what does it mean for the wider industry?
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FeaturesWhat to specify: Residential
Marley Eternit supplies tiles for a unique curved roof in Gloucestershire, Actis’ Hybrid range is certified for another year of local authority use, and Cupa Pizarras’ Thermoslate roof is used in the French Pyrenees
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FeaturesDUP: Done deal?
With the Conservatives and DUP agreeing increased funding for the region, and a sizeable chunk of it going to infrastructure projects, Northern Ireland looked to be the big winner from June’s election. But does ongoing political turmoil put much of this construction work at risk?
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FeaturesHousing Project of the Year shortlist
A Victorian chapel, rooftop houses, and a playground in the sky are just some of the innovations that feature in this year’s Building Awards housing shortlist, showcasing the country’s best residential projects
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FeaturesTracker: June 2017
The total activity index was unchanged in June, signifying continued expansion, although both the R M index and civil engineering sector contracted. Experian Economics reports
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FeaturesWhat to specify: Off-site solutions
Modular deals include the office space at Hinkley Point C and a quick solution for school classrooms, while a demountable bathroom pod and a solar-powered drying unit are among this week’s new releases
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FeaturesTalkin’ bout a revolution
Take some well-tested modern manufacturing techniques, add them to a radical streamlined procurement route that makes the supplier king and you have the beginnings of what could be a revolution in how we build. Ike Ijeh reports on the latest advances in off-site manufacture
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FeaturesMarket review: Picking up
Despite mixed messages it looks likely that growth in the UK economy will pick up in the second quarter. Michael Dall discusses the highlights of Barbour ABI’s monthly Economic Construction Market Review
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FeaturesBattersea: ‘The toughest project in the world'
Battersea Power Station’s redevelopment has not had an easy time of it lately, with profit margins plummeting and costs soaring. The development company behind the scheme speaks exclusively to Building about the scale of the problems
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FeaturesSpencer McCarthy: All in the family
Churchill boss Spencer McCarthy explains why his business model works and why the firm – one of the UK’s biggest providers of private housing for the elderly – will be sticking with traditional designs for its homes
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FeaturesBracknell: Talk of the town
Bracknell is the first post-war new town to be comprehensively demolished and rebuilt - to the tune of £750m. Building visited just weeks before completion to see a scheme that hopes to get shoppers and visitors returning in droves
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FeaturesLead times: April-June 2017
Lead times have stayed level, with most packages at the highest level since records began, and little further change is expected over the next six months
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FeaturesCarolyn Dwyer: Square deal
The City of London Corporation’s head of the built environment has plenty to take into account, from protecting views of St Paul’s to fostering tech hubs. David Blackman talks to Carolyn Dwyer about her plans for the Square Mile
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FeaturesQatar: ‘This dispute has escalated beyond any reasonably sane level’
With tensions between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and its allies rising by the week, many are fearful of the impact this row could have on construction companies working in the Gulf state, the World Cup 2022 preparations, and Qatari investment in UK projects
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FeaturesFacades: Do all-glass buildings make financial sense?
All-glass commercial buildings are a common sight in large cities in particular and make a dramatic architectural statement. But do the numbers add up?
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FeaturesHousing Design Awards 2017: the winners
It’s good to be reminded of the high quality that characterises much of the new work being produced in housing
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FeaturesShow us the money, Mr Hammond
When Philip Hammond announced last month that UK Guarantees would include construction, many viewed it as a lifeline for infrastructure projects unlikely to have access to funding from the European Investment Bank after Brexit. But will this replacement work?
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FeaturesWhat to specify: Roofing
Roofing products and systems featured in this issue’s specifier section include information on Welsh Slate used in a heritage rebuild and a Center Parcs that is using JB Western Red Cedar Shingles to create four treehouses
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FeaturesIn Grenfell’s shadow
After the immediate shock of the Grenfell Tower fire, local authorities and housing associations are trying to work out what it all means for the social housing sector. Joey Gardiner reports