Chris Hobbs of CADline has written an interesting article about the industry take-up of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology. BIM’s integrated project delivery brings together architectural, structural and building services design and data in a single model environment. Chris maintains that though the total BIM vision may be still some way off, the structural engineering community is beginning to move ahead of the game.

As the full repercussions of the credit crunch begin to play out worldwide, the long-term effects for the construction industry remain uncertain. Research from EC Harris, a leading international built asset consultancy, takes a look at the huge variation in building costs across the EU. The UK remains one of the most expensive places in the world to build but with the marked slowdown, especially in the private residential and commercial sectors, how is this going to affect tender price inflation and construction costs?

Norbord contribute to Buildingtalk this week with an article about Structural Insulated Panels [SIPs], one of the so-called ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ (MMCs) which are currently promoted by Government to improve construction efficiency and reduce energy wastage in new buildings. SIPs used to construct the floor, walls and roof of a building, now accounts for 10% of the MMC market and is among the fastest-growing new building methods on the market.

Buildingtalk has always made room for contributions to the sustainability debate within the industry, particularly if it challenges received wisdom. Today we highlight a report commissioned by Tuscan Foundry Products that shows whole life cost of copper and cast iron rainwater products are a third of that of PVC and Aluminium over a 100 year life cycle. From an environmental aspect, the report shows that cast iron and copper are also much greener than modern materials. If you want to comment, send me an email or have your say via the Buildingtalk blog at: (Link).

New products this week include a window developed for hospitals Kawneer that maximises ventilation while minimising the risk of self harming; a new dry-construction building board from Marley Eternit that is ideal even in damp and wet environments such as bathrooms and kitchens; and a new flowing screed from CEMEX being specified by NHS because it helps prevent infections such as MRSA.

Northgate Information Solutions launch high quality Energy Performance Certificates which can benefit tenants and the community by contributing to greater energy efficiency at home.

Finally, with space at a premium and so many two car families, Cardok have come up with an innovative solution: a parking bay that sits flush with ground level, but raises and lowers, creating two parking places where there was only one. There are more details below but do have a look at the product in action on their website.
This comment was originally published in the Buildingtalk Newsletter