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Last updateTue, 13 Jan 2026 3pm

Stop demolitions and refurbish instead, says leading architect

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VAT rules are undermining sustainable development by rewarding developers who demolish buildings and penalising those who refurbish.

Duncan Baker-Brown, architect of the University of Brightons Waste House, Britains first house made almost entirely of thrown-away materials, is calling on politicians to introduce an award system that encourages green retrofit projects to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change.

Construction Skills - time for a different approach!

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This piece on 'Thought Leadership' was written by Mark Wakeford, managing director at Stepnell on behalf of the Built Environment Hub.

Here we go again! The construction industry picks up after a recession, we are short of skills and everyone is surprised! Quite rightly the industry is responding to this in the time honoured way of encouraging more people into the industry at apprentice, graduate and mature entry points.

Asbestos in schools problem is worse than previously thought

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A story run today by the BBC concerning Devon man Mr Wallace and his exposure to asbestos in schools is concerning enough, but the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) says that figures obtained by the BBC suggesting that asbestos may be more prevalent in schools than previously thought will not come as a surprise to those working in the industry.

Asbestos was widely used as a building material in the 60s and 70s and while banned in the UK in 1999 once the health risks became apparent, the damage was already done. While asbestos can be managed safely if left undisturbed, the latest findings have led to renewed calls to make schools safer.

Boningale plants its expertise at new eco-friendly landscape

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alt Boningale Nurseries, one of the UK’s largest nurseries, has combined its unique horticulture and green roof expertise to help transform the landscape at an historic area of London that is undergoing a £180 million revitalisation.

The Shropshire-based nursery not only provided hundreds of semi-mature trees and perennials to the ongoing Rathbone Market redevelopment in Canning Town, it also supplied with sister company Boningale GreenSky, bespoke native Green Roof Plugs for the community’s new green roofs and living walls.

SIKA Sarnafil chosen for Walkie Talkie's curved walkways

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At a dizzying 160m (525ft) tall, London’s distinctive Walkie Talkie building required an exceptional roofing solution. Fenland Roofing and Sika Sarnafil single ply were up to the challenge.

Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and costing over £200 million, 20 Fenchurch Street is a 34-storey commercial skyscraper in London, known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building due to its top-heavy form. A large viewing deck, bar, restaurants and Sky Garden are included on the top three floors.