Upgrading hi-rise, Builders boycott FIFA football and towering infernos

BLOG from Howard Chapman, Editor of Buildingtalk

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Whats new in building – read the latest Buildingtalk Newsletter

The latest round-up of industry news includes videos on wiring for Smart homes andamp; innovative glass coatings + balconies without planning permission.

Whats new in building

The corruption at FIFA has dominated the news but we should be more concerned that it may cost 4,000 building workers lives to stage the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In my Blog on Buildingtalk today I ask if our industry should be leading the calls for a boycott by sponsors andamp; football fans? Comments please.

Video of the Week

• how innovations in coatings for glass has improved energy efficiency.

and more videos

• social impact of upgrading high-rise estates;
• guide to wiring Smart Homes

Tall building fires

We also feature images from 8 major tall building fires around the world as a reminder about the importance of the latest International Tall Buildings Fire Safety Conference on in London in July.

Product news

• new H+H Celcon low density blocks for improved thermal conductivity
• DEVImat underfloor heating recommended for wetroom installation
• balcony alternative to a dormer window that can be installed without planning consent

Other news

• Advice on expanding a family business in the construction industry
• BFRC launch application process for A++ Window Energy Ratings
• Private/Public partnerships help bridge the social housing gap
• Twisting wooden pavilion created for Timber Expo
• Designing the office of the future

Project stories

• Shopping Mall in South Africa uses SE Controls for fire safety
• Armourcoat new Rusteel finish makes industry Award final
• Roof and wall panels chosen for highlands farm refurbishment

Best of Buildingtalk on Twitter

• Growth in UK construction picks up, optimism surges after election + manufacturing PMI up
• Skills shortage affect construction in London – watch London Live interview
• US construction spending rose 2.2% in April to $1 trillion rate, best in 6 years
• Contractors Trade organisations NSCC and UKCG merge to form BuildUK headed by Suzannah Nichol
• Energy Efficiency missing from Queens Speech says UK Green Building Council
• Profitable Construction material firms like Lafarge help European shares to rebound

And finally, VISION LONDON begins today at Olympia in London. I am visiting tomorrow so if you are exhibiting or speaking at this event, do email me if you have something new I should see or we should all know about.

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