Are your buildings really performing the way they should?

In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, Kenneth Martin speaks with Mike Stevenson, Technical Specification Advisor at NorDan - one of the leading names in sustainable timber windows and doors.

With over 35 years in the window industry, Mike shares hard-earned insights on the real performance gap in construction, why quality products aren’t enough without proper installation, and how the future of building standards is moving fast towards net zero – both in design and embodied carbon.

From understanding why product lifespans matter to uncovering why buildings often fall short of their design intent, this conversation digs deep into the reality behind on-site performance, airtightness, and the evolving standards shaping the future of UK construction.

Key talking points include:

• Why timber windows offer long-term carbon and cost savings

• How the “performance gap” affects building quality

• What architects need to know about evolving building standards

• The difference between embodied and operational carbon

• Why early engagement with technical experts matters

• The growing need for digital twins and construction documentation

• How installer training can make or break a premium product

Whether you're an architect, specifier, or construction professional, this episode delivers sharp insights on what truly drives better building outcomes – and why it’s time to rethink the way we approach specification and sustainability.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.
🔗 Subscribe, listen, and join the conversation at blockarchitects.co.uk/hardhattalks