Philip Chambers, SFS UK's Business Development Manager (Modern Methods of Construction), explains how the company's support and solutions help strengthen offsite construction and drive down carbon. The UK construction sector is undergoing a significant transformation as the industry seeks faster project delivery, improved quality, and reduced environmental impact. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), and particularly offsite construction, are increasingly recognised as key t

Warm, versatile and timeless, wood continues to be a key influence in interior design, and Tile of Spain’s latest launches demonstrate that its evolution within ceramic surfaces is more refined than ever. Nordik Wood Pearl Tiles by AB (Azulejos Benadresa)  ( www.azulejosbenadresa.com ) From textured wood-effect finishes to warming, neutral colour palettes, the new collections from Tile of Spain’s manufacturers highlight how wood-effect tiles, paired with soft, neutral palette

Is the classic shaker kitchen still the nation’s favourite, or are customers beginning to look beyond this enduring design? Long admired for its simplicity, versatility and timeless appeal, the shaker door has dominated British kitchens for decades – but bolder design choices and growing interest in contemporary finishes are starting to reshape the market. Head of Life Trade, Paul Berryman, discusses this classic style and explores how today’s preferences are changing and wha

Two advanced iMotion 1401 underfloor door drives from TORMAX have been installed at the main entrance to All Saints Church, Bingley, automating new bespoke glass and timber swing doors crafted by Roy C Smith. Engineered for superior performance, the iMotion 1401 delivers smooth, intelligent operation with precise microprocessor control, ensuring safe, obstacle-sensitive movement and remarkably quiet opening and closing. Fully concealed beneath floor level, the operators prese

A stylish, safe and durable package of Altro products is delivering results at the newly developed Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and Minor Injuries services at Bassetlaw Hospital. The facilities, completed in December 2025, are designed to provide rapid assessment, diagnosis and treatment for patients with urgent conditions, allowing them to return home the same day avoiding overnight hospital admissions. The project includes three popular Altro safety floors: the contempora

With Havwoods For many years, contemporary interiors were dominated by smooth surfaces and minimalist finishes. Today, designers are moving towards a more tactile aesthetic to introduce character and depth to spaces. From fluted wall panels and slatted partitions to brushed timber flooring and sculptural veneers, texture is rapidly becoming one of the defining elements of modern interior design. This shift reflects a growing desire for spaces that feel warmer, layered and mor

When Issy and Murray Bryars first set eyes on the dilapidated granite barn that sat quietly beside their Dartmoor farmhouse, they saw more than just an agricultural relic. They saw a future retreat; one that would allow visitors to connect with Dartmoor’s dramatic beauty in a space that honoured its past, supported the local economy, and embraced sustainable building practices. Their vision has since taken shape in the form of a strikingly understated, light-filled holiday le

James Hardie, the world’s number one producer and marketer of high-performance fibre cement cladding and backerboard, has unveiled a state-of-the-art training facility at its UK headquarters in Sutton Coldfield, as part of its commitment to setting new benchmarks in training and development within the construction sector. The company will hold training sessions at the centre where installers will learn about the full range of Hardie products, and receive hands-on installation

With their ability to expand and contract to guarantee seals that alternative wet solutions cannot provide, foam tapes are an effective and reliable solution to the weather sealing side of window installations, says ISO Chemie’s sales and operations director Andy Swift.   While the ability to let the joint breathe and remove vapour is one of the main benefits of expanding foam tapes, it’s also possible to extend their width to create a position whereby you can insulate the wi

See your radiator in your room before you buy… Stelrad has developed a reputation over the years for its innovative approach to helping designers, specifiers, installers and their customers select the right radiators for exactly the right room in a home, so it should come as no surprise that with the growing influence of AI in everyone’s lives, they have now released their AI Room Visualiser software. It’s free of charge and available on both the company’s Home and Profession

James Hardie Europe today announces the official opening of its most advanced fermacell ® fibre gypsum manufacturing line in Orejo, marking a major milestone in the company’s European growth strategy.  With a total investment of over €150 million, this is one of the most significant production expansions in the company’s history.  The new facility will strengthen James Hardie’s ability to supply the entire European market with high quality fermacell ™ flooring and fermacell ™

Leading heating and plumbing distributor Navigator continues to offer a range of quality products that offer installers and specifiers ease of installation and peace of mind at competitive prices. The latest introduction is a comprehensive range of renewable accessories that will help today’s installers to embrace renewable heating system installation in a big way – and at an attractive price. Thorsys is driving the transition to a greener, more sustainable future with Naviga

Natural stone has been used in building and construction for thousands of years, but it was in the eighteenth century – when classically inspired country houses rose in popularity – that it became the preferred material of choice for the building industry. Can cast stone be considered a viable alternative? Katherine Kates, Production Director at Haddonstone , discusses the main differences between the two types of stone and tells us why cast stone can be a cost-effective alte

Reynaers Aluminium has announced that its MasterPatio Bi-Part door has achieved PAS 24 (Performance Assessment Specification - PAS 24:2022). After undergoing extensive testing to assess the resistance of the doors to forced entry, the MasterPatio bi-parting door configuration is now PAS 24 certified ensuring it can meet enhanced security requirements. The robust testing behind this certification ensures that it is approved for use in new build projects, demonstrating that the

After much anticipation, CR Laurence UK has officially launched its brand-new website, delivering a faster, smarter and more intuitive online experience for customers across the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands.  This long-awaited milestone for the business provides a new platform that has been developed to make it easier than ever for customers to find the products they need and place orders quickly and efficiently. The site represents a significant step forward in functional

Dating back to 1793, Trianco  has always been known as the 'Rolls-Royce’ of boilers. The brand can trace its origins back to the Industrial Revolution and the foundation of Newton Chambers. The firm had grown out of coal mining and iron founding into a major group of diverse operational companies. By the 1850s, it was making coal fire ranges at Thorncliffe near Sheffield. Fireplaces, back boilers and free-standing heating stoves followed, and, in 1873, the company was awarded

Leading wood surface specialist Havwoods is delighted to unveil its latest WoodBook, released as the brand proudly celebrates 50 years of design-led excellence. The second  book in Havwoods’ 50th anniversary series reflects five decades of craftsmanship, innovation and material expertise, presenting a curated guide to the latest product developments, fresh design possibilities and expanded material options for interior and architectural projects. The WoodBook is packed with b

AkzoNobel Powder Coatings is strengthening the sustainability profile of its leading Interpon D architectural collections with the introduction of bio-attributed resins in European production locations. This enhancement applies to – Interpon D Futura, Anodic, Stone Effect, Natural Metals, Terracotta and Précis Ultra Matt and Interpon D2525 Low-E– collections trusted by architects for their durability, design freedom and long-lasting appearance.     The improvement has been ma

Smith Goodfellow, a built environment specialist PR & Marketing consultancy, has been confirmed as an official sponsor of Construction EXPO North 2026. Taking place on Thursday 30th April 2026 at Bolton Stadium Hotel, Construction EXPO North is a brand-new event expected to attract 300+ attendees and 50+ exhibitors from the construction and manufacturing sectors across the North of England. The event plays a key role in supporting regional economic growth, skills development,

ISO-Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system is providing energy efficiency improvements to an Edwardian property in Oxfordshire. WINFRAMER units have been retrofitted as part of an initiative to bring the poorly insulated solid walled house built in 1909 in Oxford, up to current energy efficiency standards, providing better quality accommodation for the homeowner along with long-term cost savings.   Passivhaus certified and fire rated to up to 30 m