News

Welsh SuDs Regs

25 Feb 2019

New legal requirements for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) on developments across Wales apply from 7th January, heralding wider use of concrete block permeable paving. At the same time, Interpave has published the new Edition 7 of its definitive guidance to this essential SuDS technique - ‘Design and Construction of Concrete Block Permeable Pavements’ - now available.

Concrete Offsite Solutions Provide Versatility and Sustainability

21 Feb 2019

Precast concrete is virtually unlimited in its application including the entire structure or selected elements such as frame, floors, walls, stairs or balconies. The advantages of factory production, combined with the inherent benefits of concrete, provide compelling reasons to use precast concrete.

10 Design Resources to assist you in 2019

14 Jan 2019

The Concrete Centre provides material, design and construction guidance through its published work, events, webinars, research and online resources. Take a look at our most popular resources throughout 2018, and see if they can help you too.

Reflections on Concrete Elegance - Attention to Detail

06 Dec 2018

‘Attention to Detail’ was the title given to our most recent Concrete Elegance lecture, featuring projects by architectural practices well versed in detailing concrete.

Tom Herre and Matt Ball of David Chipperfield Architects presented Inagawa cemetery chapel and visitor centre. Hannah Fothergill and Rob Bearyman of Bennetts Associates and Barry Dobbins from Waterman Group presented their soon to be completed Royal College of Pathologists Headquarters in Aldgate, London.

Government Bans Combustible Materials in External Walls of Tall Buildings

05 Dec 2018

The Concrete Centre’s principal structural engineer and expert on fire, Tony Jones, clarifies the Government’s combustible materials ban and its impact on construction. 

On 29 November the Government announced details of the changes to the Building Regulations, and associated guidance, that bans the use of combustible materials in the external walls of the relevant buildings.

Brick-facing Special Edition: Q&A: Technical Considerations

01 Dec 2018

The Concrete Centre’s senior architect Elaine Toogood on the design considerations and technical requirements when using brick-faced cladding.

Thermal Mass the Key to Healthy and Sustainable New Housing

31 Oct 2018

Following the Government’s Budget announcement this week, The Concrete Centre is calling for joined up thinking that responds to proven research from Government bodies and beyond to ensure that performance and quality are criteria for securing funding.

Basements: Part of Better Built Housing Hub at UK Construction Week

03 Oct 2018

The Basement Information Centre is delighted to be supporting the Better Built Housing Hub at UK Construction Week. This new feature developed by The Concrete Centre and Modern Masonry for the Build Show includes a seminar theatre and exhibits. Come and visit the Basement Information Centre on stand B255.  

RIBA proposed “Fire Plan of Work”

27 Sep 2018

On the 18th of September RIBA launched a consultation on their proposed Plan of Work for Fire Safety. The RIBA plan of work is used throughout the construction industry to define the various stages of a project and to describe the deliverables expected from the various members of the design and construction team at each stage. The inclusion of fire safety is therefore a logical addition to the Plan of Work.

Reflections on Concrete Elegance - V&A Dundee

26 Sep 2018

On the 15th September the V&A Dundee opened its doors for the first time to the public. Reportedly around 10,000 people visited the building in the first three days. Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of them, but I was privileged to be able to help organise and host an evening lecture about the building as part of our Concrete Elegance lecture series here in London.