HBD06 Cover_Layout 1 29/05/2018 12:07 Page 1 The FMB’s Sarah Report calls for more Jason Tebb of McMonagle has a land development GoDevelop says the three-point plan to powers to be given to industry has to “transform the London Mayor and change its traditional industry’s image” local authorities ways of working 06.18 HOUSEBUILDER & DEVELOPER KING’S CROSS TURNS UP THE GAS Argent removes and rebuilds three Victorian gasholders on a new site, providing the setting for surprising and luxurious living space in north London HBD06 Cover_Layout 1 29/05/2018 12:07 Page 2 w w HBD06_2018 03-18_Layout 1 04/06/2018 13:28 Page 3 06.18 CONTENTS 13 21 COMMENT CASE STUDY TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY TURNING UP THE GAS IN KING’S CROSS FOR THE BETTER Three Grade II listed Victorian gasholder Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at guide frames have been reinvented as modern the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), explains luxury apartments in the centre of King’s Cro ss, the body’s three point plan to reform quality and London. Jack Wooler spoke to Arup’s Rob Buck professionalism in construction. and Ed Shearer about the complex refurbishment that was required. FEATURES: 35 46 FINANCE & INSURANCE SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY FINDING FUNDING BE SAFETY SMART Go Develop’s Jason Tebb explains why joint As smart home security continues to accelerate venture funding could be the future of towards becoming the ‘norm’, Will Butler of ERA ALSO IN development financing. Total Security encourages housebuilders to respond to consumer expectations by offering an THIS ISSUE: added value option for purchasers. 5-10 40 GLASS & GLAZING INDUSTRY NEWS WHERE HAVE YOU BIM? 49 Gary Dean of OnLevel UK discusses the rise of STONEWORK & MASONRY Building Information Modelling and explains why NATURAL STONE ( AN ETHICAL CHOICE 12 those not yet using it should get on board. With the focus on responsible sourcing INDUSTRY MOVERS ever growing, Stone Federation’s Matt Robb explains how developers can ensure they’re using reputable suppliers when it comes to 13-14 43 natural stone. COMMENT ROOFING DRY)FIX POPULARITY THROUGH THE ROOF 16-20 The introduction of new standards in construction has gone hand in hand with NEW DEVELOPMENTS the growing popularity of dry-fix systems. Mark Parsons of Russell Roof Tiles takes a look at why more housebuilders are 21-26 specifying the product. CASE STUDY PRODUCTS: 33 Air Conditioning & Ventilation ........................27 Heating & Renewable Energy..........................42-45 STAINABLE & ECO Appointments & News.......................................28 Kitchens & Appliances........................................45 PRODUCTS SHOWCASE Bathrooms & Wetrooms.....................................27 Landscaping & External Finishes....................42 Building Products.................................................28-30 Roofing ....................................................................43-45 Cladding and External Facades.......................29 Smart Home Technology...................................46-47 Coatings, Sealants and Paints..........................31 Stonework & Masonry........................................49-50 Doors & Windows.................................................30-31 Timber & Joinery ..................................................50 Finance & Insurance............................................34-39 Water & Damp Proofing ....................................50 Floors & Floor Coverings....................................34 Glass & Glazing......................................................39-41 Classified & Directory ..............................................51 WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK HBD06_2018 03-18_Layout 1 04/06/2018 13:28 Page 4 4 INDUSTRY NEWS HOUSEBUILDER & DEVELOPER Joint Publisher Anthony Parker Managing Editor James Parker Assistant Editor Jack Wooler FROM THE Editorial Assistant Roseanne Field Senior Sales Executives Sheehan Edmonds Nathan Hunt EDITOR Sales Executives Suzanne Easter James Parker Kim Friend Studio Manager Following the publication of her review into the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Mikey Pooley Dame Judith Hackitt said the system of regulation and oversight in Production Assistants construction is “broken,” and you can only conclude that she believes that Carmen Simpson Georgia Musson the devastating fire may have been the result. However, questions abound Audience Development following the final report’s publication last month, centering around what Manager happens next, and whether that system will really change. Jane Spice Managing Director Simon Reed Another big question is why what was billed as a review of regulations was in fact never actually set up to do that. Hackitt, an engineer, commented on publication of the interim report: “A systemic review of the regulations by a Cointronic House, non-expert in construction was never going to recommend detailed changes Sta tion Road, Heathfield, to the technical requirements – this is beyond my area of competence.” East Sussex TN21 8DF Advertising & According to many voices across the industry, it is the complexity and administration Tel: 01435 863500 ambiguity in the Building Regulations and product testing sphere which is [email protected] the real problem – if it’s not built to fail, it is certainly open to varied www.hbdonline.co.uk Editorial features interpretations. However Hackitt, perhaps guided by DCLG, decided that Tel: 01435 863500 the way forward is a more broad-brush reform, ostensibly because there are [email protected] so many issues to tackle. Press releases [email protected] The proposed overarching ‘framework’ seems to be more about changing behaviour than regulation. However straight after the report’s release, and perhaps sensing a looming backlash against a failure to tackle glaring issues such as the ‘desktop studies’ used in lieu of third-party testing on products, new Housing Secretary James Brokenshire jumped into the fray in the The manufacturer of the Commons. He told MPs: “The inappropriate use of desktop studies is paper used within our publication is a Chain-of- unacceptable,” and that he “will not hesitate to ban them if the Custody certified supplier operating within consultation [which closed on the 25th of May], does not demonstrate they environmental systems certified to both ISO 14001 ON THE can be used safely.” and EMAS in order to ensure sustainable production. COVER On one hand, it is to his credit that he has been unequivocal, but is this focus Subscription costs just £48 for 12 issues, including post and on desktop studies also somewhat missing the point? A failure to achieve packing. Phone 01435 863500 for details. Individual copies of The FMB’s Sarah Report calls for more Jason Tebb of clarity on who is responsible for policing compliance with regulations – the publication are available at McMonagle has a land development GoDevelop says the three-point plan to powers to be given to industry has to “transform the London Mayor and change its traditional £5 each inc p & p. industry’s image” local authorities ways of working currently a multi-faceted prism of professionals – leaves room for risk- 06.18 dumping by the less scrupulous. All rights reserved No part of this publication HOUSEBUILDER may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by & DEVELOPER Hackitt is looking at this, with a new overseeing regulatory body plus any means, electronic, me- chanical, including “dutyholders” to enforce correct specification on each project. However photocopying, recording or even with new legislative teeth, will they be able to better referee the stored in any information retri eval system without the game if the rules are not fit for purpose? Giving the referees red cards express prior written consent of the publisher. Although rather than telling the players to be better behaved might be the way to every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of real change, but whether the Government has the will to lead the material published in thoroughgoing investigation needed into regs, with Brexit currently in Housebuilder & Developer, the publisher can accept no limbo, is easy to guess. responsibility for the claims or opinions made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Editorial KING’S CROSS TURNS UP THE GAS Many ‘combustible’ materials are used in construction, and can be used contributors to this journal may have made a payment Argent removes and rebuilds three Victorian gasholders on a new site, providing the safely with the right procedures and designs in place. It’s surely a question of setting for surprising and luxurious living space in north London towards the reproduction how robust the process of design, testing and accreditation is, and whether costs of m aterial used to illus- there is an enforcement process which will prevent corners being cut? Surely trate their products. Argent’s Gasholders London Printed in England the rules need to be crystal clear, and the industry can’t be left to sort it out? go to page 21 James Parker WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK HBD06_2018 03-18_Layout 1 04/06/2018 13:28 Page 5 INDUSTRY NEWS 5 report is “the culmination of a long and site s. This will enable Homes England’s Hackitt report thorough review into the weaknesses of the regional delivery teams to engage current approach to competency and directly with consultants with sound compliance in the sector, weaknesses which regional knowledge and experience avoids ban can serve to undermine safety. It is a • A project, cost management and develop- suitably serious response