The Building Envelope

Langley Structures Ltd has welcomed the updates to the Permitted Development (PD) rules that will allow increased utilisation of upward extensions to provide much needed social housing. However, Langley Structures, experts in rooftop capitalisation, warns that the quality and design of new developments and the impact on the local community must be prioritised.

The new rules allow the construction of up to two additional storeys on purpose-built, detached block of flats, subject to certain conditions. This includes that existing blocks must be three storeys or more and the extended building must not be more than 30 metres high.
   

Mention curtain walling to any specifier or contractor and it’s an odds on bet they won’t associate the term with residential projects. However, technical developments have gradually extended the design scope of such systems, first to multiple occupancy housing and subsequently to individual architect-designed homes.
So, what has prompted this? When you look at what curtain walling is this should come as no real surprise. Essentially, it is a façade with framing made of metal, PVCu or timber with vertical or horizontal elements. These are anchored to the supporting structure to provide the functions of an external wall without it being load-bearing. This has positive benefits in terms of installation speed and cost.

BMI UK & Ireland has enhanced its portfolio of market-leading pitched and flat roofing technology solutions with new Green and Blue ‘Active Roof Systems’. Active Roof Systems is how BMI UK & Ireland describes roof coverings that perform a greater function beyond shelter and protection. While weather-tightness is the primary purpose of a roof, with the right technologies, roofs can be transformed into power stations, rainwater recycling systems or an opportunity to reduce energy costs.

Langley Structures Ltd is changing the roofscapes of our towns and cities across the country.  Whether it be the conversion of existing flat roofs to either new pitched ones or erecting new habitable dwellings with their ‘upwardly-living’ Rooftop Development innovation.
 
Langley can provide a complete end-to-end package from conceptual design, planning and building control approval, through to the monitoring of the installation on site.

Global building industry leader Kingspan has launched a major 10-year strategy to play its part in reducing the world’s carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, as determined in the Paris Agreement, and contribute towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Planet Passionate strategy is made up of 12 ambitious targets, addressing the impact of Kingspan’s business operations and manufacturing on the four key areas of energy, carbon, circularity and water, with commitments by 2030

New research has shown that the physical properties, specifically the enhanced thermal performance, of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board can allow installers to fit an additional 5.25 m2 of insulation every thirty minutes when compared with the closest competitor, rock mineral fibre.

Goldsmith Street, Norwich, which features a roofing system from Crest Building Products has won best new building 2019 at the RIBA Stirling Awards.