Building Insights

Ask The Expert: James Parker speaks to Jake Fitness of the Self-Build Zone, about the importance of taking site insurance issues into consideration as well as structural warranties. And how it brings not just essential peace of mind against issues like theft and safety, but helping offset impacts on your build when builders let you down.

James Parker speaks to Georgina Mullen, director at international architectural practice Hyphen. He learns how her experience in major retail and other projects in Ireland has armed her with the knowledge on increasingly rigorous Building Control approaches, to preempt compliance issues at the front end.

An Ask the Expert episode, in association with VM Building Solutions. James Parker speaks to Jonathan Lowy, Operational Marketing Manager, to discover how the use of zinc on facades and roofs has evolved in UK architects’ consciousness, the material variants that are catching their eyes, and how cost needs to be factored in with long-term durability.

James Parker, editor of ADF and Housebuilder & Developer, presents highlights of the Building Insights LIVE round table held recently on sharing practical initiatives to reduce embodied carbon at scale in design, construction and materials. Sponsored by Milbank Concrete Products, a precast specialist providing transparent embodied carbon reporting to the industry.

James Parker introduces the highlights of the Building Insights LIVE round table from April 2026 looking at maintaining the importance of building fabric in complying with the Future Homes Standard. Housebuilders, consultants and academics came together with the supply chain to explore solutions to the obstacles. Sponsored by Kingspan Insulation, Medite Smarply, Don & Low, Tarmac Group, Keystone Lintels and Eurocell.

In an Ask the Expert special, James Parker speaks to Thomas Beard, R&D manager at Amtico. They discuss the ‘enhancements’ the firm has launched for key PVC flooring ranges, bringing specifiers new levels of acoustics, safety and sustainability performance alongside aesthetics.

Editor of Housing Management & Maintenance James Parker presents the highlights from a recent round table, gathering social housing providers together with academics, consultants and the construction supply chain to explore smart solutions to protect tenants against fuel poverty. The round table discussion held in London was steered by expert chair Elaine Middleton, strategic consultant and board member at housing association Livin Housing. Sponsors of the event were Showersave, Glen Dimplex, Intergas and Chameleon Technology.

Ask the Expert – in association with the National Self-Build & Renovation Centre. James Parker speaks to its sustainability manager Nick Whant, to find out how the Swindon self-build information hub is increasingly focusing on engaging visitors with retrofit techniques, from slow-and-low heating to better fabric. 

James Parker, editor of Housebuilder and Developer and Architects’ Datafile, captures the highlights of the recent Building Insights LIVE round table which looked at the impact for housebuilders of the just-launched Future Homes Standard. One of two Building Insights LIVE events in early 2026 on the Standard, this one covers the ramifications for specifying heating and renewables in new homes, and was sponsored by Panasonic Heating & Ventilation, WMS Underfloor Heating, Garo Electric, Recoup Energy Solutions and Envirovent. As well as insights from all sponsors, there were informative contributions from leading academics, housebuilders, consultants and industry bodies. 

Highlights from the Dulux Trade-sponsored Building Insights LIVE round table Reviewing Current Biophilic Design in Workplaces. Co-chaired by biophilia expert, designer Oliver Heath, this session featured an array of specialists in nature-focused design, showing why clients are investing in the approach to retain and nurture staff.