A network of pioneering developers, designers, investors and insurers have launched a multi-million euro fund to scale up timber construction on the eve of COP26. Engineers Arup, modular housebuilder BoKlok, Lendlease and sustainable architects Bennetts Associates are among the backers of Built by Nature, set up by the Laudes Foundation. Built by Nature chair Donald Brenninkmeijer said: “With building space expected to double globally before 2050, we must reimagine the way we build, from a carbon-intensive industry to one that [...]

An overwhelming majority, 89 per cent, of local builders are reporting delays because of supply chain issues or difficulty recruiting staff, according to a survey of SMEs. And 60 per cent of respondents to the Federation of Master Builders, FMB, state of the trade survey for the third quarter, July to September, said they had halted projects due to lack of tradespeople. Nearly all survey participants, 97 per cent, said material prices had shot up during July to September and [...]

Timber imports from January to July increased by eight per cent on 2019’s figures to more than seven million cubic metres, according to the Timber Trade Federation’s, TTF, latest statement. The Federation said record-breaking volumes, nearly two million more than in 2020, reflected high demand from a resurgent private housing market and a strong repairs, maintenance and infrastructure sector. TTF technical and trade head Nick Boulton said: “It is highly likely the UK is at a point where there is [...]

Developers and builders are on the verge of running out of land, which is becoming pricier to buy, warns the National House Building Council, NHBC. The NHBC’s latest figures for the third quarter of 2021 showed new home registrations at 33,779 compared with 39,364 for the same quarter in 2019. Private sector registrations showed a 43 per cent increase on the same quarter in 2020 while rental registrations revealed a 32 per cent drop. NHBC commercial director David Campbell said [...]

Nearly two-thirds of SME builders claim lack of available and viable land is holding them back from constructing new homes, according to research. The Federation of Master Builders’, FMB, latest annual survey showed 63 per cent of respondents citing it as an issue and 71 per cent said the number of small site opportunities was decreasing. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “Demand for new homes is soaring, but the decline of the small housebuilder has hit the capacity, competitiveness [...]

The capital’s mayor Sadiq Khan has released new guidance for developers to ensure new buildings are greener prioritising space for walkers, cyclists and public transport users. The guidance is part of Mr Khan’s plans to make London a zero-carbon city within the next ten years and offers practical advice on how to do it. He said: “I’m committed to delivering a brighter future for London - one that’s greener, fairer and more prosperous for everyone.” Mr Khan said it was vital [...]

Plymouth University is piloting the use of an ancient building material called cob to construct a new generation of energy-efficient homes. They have started building a single storey 32-square-metre lab and classroom next to the university’s sustainability hub out of the material which is a mix of soil, water, straw and hemp. Principal investigator and professor of environmental building at the art, design and architecture school Steve Goodhew said: “We will create a living lab and demonstration site that will [...]

Developers should be encouraged to concentrate on refurbs rather than knocking down existing buildings in a bid to tackle ‘embodied carbon’. Experts are urging ministers to encourage developers to explore refurbishments in favour of demolition as making steel, concrete and bricks for new buildings generate vast carbon emissions. Business minister Lord Callanan told delegates at a Property Week conference that the government would be looking at this issue in its forthcoming heat and building strategy. National Federation of Builders housing [...]

A chance to build up to 1000 homes on 17.5 acres of freehold land hugging Wolverhampton, Wyrley and Essington canals is up for grabs. Canalside South is on the eastern edge of the city centre and is made up of the former Crane Foundry site and British Steel distribution centre on land off Qualcast Road. Wolverhampton city council deputy leader Stephen Simkins said: “There is a strong developer appetite to deliver a transformational project in this part of the city. Canalside South [...]

Housebuilders are pressing for councils to be more flexible on material changes and completion dates given the current supply chain crisis. The National Federation of Builders, NFB, wants the government to issue a ministerial statement requiring local authorities to be more accommodating. NFB chief executive Richard Beresford said: “The government cannot magic up building materials, but they can ensure the impact isn’t as great. Through keeping an eye on importation challenges, such as paperwork and port access and continuing to [...]

Completions in central London are expected to hit a three-year high, with 5.5m sq ft scheduled for delivery by the end of this year, according to Savills research. Pre-lets accounted for more than a fifth of space acquired since the first lockdown in March last year. The property agent said central London requirements stood at 10m sq ft – up 41 per cent on the same period last year. Nearly half of this space is made up of occupiers with [...]