With summer over and the dreaded 1st October here, there's a sense of uncertainty in the air as we head into the colder autumn/winter months. Of course, our new PM, Liz Truss, recently revealed a price cap on standing charges and unit rates that will last two years, as well as a six-month scheme for businesses. Indeed, this – coupled with the energy bill rebate – is welcome news to many; however, we're still grappling with the cost-related consequences of COVID with a recession circling above our heads.

With these inflated energy bills and recent alterations to Building Regulations, insulation is judiciously being examined under the spotlight. June’s changes to Approved Document L (England) 2021 (Part L) saw the biggest shift in energy efficiency within residential applications. Looking into these modifications, Kelly Westwood, Head of Construction Projects at Knauf Insulation, discusses how Part L feeds into even greater changes that mean real building performance will become an increasingly important consideration in both design and construction. Turn to page 20 to read the full story.

Meanwhile, Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL UK, takes a slightly different approach to the many benefits of insulation and discusses using stone-wool varieties as a sound barrier in built-up urban settings. See page 30 for more.

Elsewhere in this issue, we catch up with Aart Koning, Director at CHQ Architects, for this month's Architect in Profile, Multipanel explores the difficulties of waterproofing in wetrooms and we explore Saudi Arabia’s marvel city of the future that's been astonishing social media users all around the globe, THE LINE.

Much like the rest of the nation, we were deeply saddened to hear about the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last month. Not only was Her Majesty the longest-reigning Queen, but she led with charm and wit and will continue to be an inspiration to us all. She will be sorely missed by many throughout the world. Our thoughts go out to the Royal Family at this heartbreaking time.

ON THE COVER:
We explore Saudi Arabia’s marvel city of the future that's been astonishing social media users all around the globe, THE LINE.

Rebecca Kemp
Editor

rebecca@redhutmedia.com