Features

The latest news, features, comment and analysis of the UK housebuilding market covering policy, regulation, planning, technology, new developments and products

Mixed messages

Feb. 1, 2009 Feature

Nick Lomax, md of LCE Architects, talks to Allison Heller about the challenges of designing mixed-use schemes, developing a carbon neutral home and LCE’s design philosophy

Hank Dittmar interview

Feb. 1, 2009 Feature

Hank Dittmar, chief executive of the Prince’s Foundation, has throughout his working life been a big supporter of timeless but ecological ways of planning and building. He talks to Suzie Mayesabout the role which suits his vision perfectly

Off plan

Feb. 1, 2009 Feature

Planning applications in the UK fell by more than a quarter last year and larger housebuilders are reining in their planning programmes for 2009. Steve Menary analyses the results of Housebuilder’s exclusive annual house types survey

Carbon Crunch

Feb. 1, 2009 Feature

Whether you build one home a year or 10,000, the new proposed definition of zero carbon homes is going to directly affect you. And, as Ben Roskrow reports, you only have a month to make your views on this important issue heard

Hopes for a quick and strong recovery

Feb. 1, 2009 Feature

There are reasons to be cheerful if you look for them hard enough argues Richard Jones, head of residential and regeneration at EC Harris

Checking the change

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

Suzie Mayes delves into the troubled world of development finance to find out what hope there is for cash for residential schemes next year, bearing in mind the government’s bank rescue package

Eco appeal

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

There is no point in building homes to new standards of sustainability if consumers will not buy into it. AsCarrie-Ann Skinnerfinds out, getting buyers to embrace eco standards will not be easy especially if the fundamentals of location and aesthetics are lost or forgotten

Long term goals

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

Barratt North London has taken the imaginative step of becoming involved with Watford Football Club to help socially disadvantaged young people. Carrie Dunnreports on the housebuilder’s special take on corporate social responsibility

House warming

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

Following a year-long review, NHBC’s governing body has agreed a new constitution. In an unprecedented move, individual consumers are now to be invited to join NHBC’s Council to offer, first hand, the views of home buyers

Development of the month -

Dec. 1, 2008 Feature

Grand Ocean in West Sussex is set to transform the profile of developer Explore Living although its start was closely followed by the housing slump. Steve Menary looks at the Grade II listed scheme being built during difficult times