Last December, Part B (Fire safety) of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) banned the use of combustible materials in certain build-ups, such as rainscreen façade systems, of residential buildings between 11m and 18m.

A potentially catastrophic blaze, which consumed the garage containing a parked vehicle adjoining a £1M house in rural Surrey, was stopped in its tracks thanks to the use of 12mm A1 non combustible Magply being chosen as the render substrate board on the contract.

Glass is probably one of the most ancient of building materials, but it is in its most advanced forms that it having a significant role to play in the refurbishment of historic properties, as Susan Sinden, Commercial Manager of leading glass processor ESG Group Ltd, explains.

Following the recent updates to the Building Regulations, UK-based building material manufacturer Fosroc International Ltd has confirmed their position regarding the use of its 'Dekguard' protective coating range on exterior walls of tall buildings.

A leading passive fire protection contractor is employing fully tested and trusted products from the range of TBA’s FIREFLYTM for the creation of half hour fire barriers within roofspaces of low rise sheltered housing in the St. Albans district of Hertfordshire: with the manufacturer providing on-site assistance in respect of regular inspections and the provision of recommended fixing details to ensure the work is fully compliant with current regulations.

Today, Sapphire is proud to reveal its next step in elegant yet buildable balcony design – the Crescent™ Corner Cassette. Developed by Sapphire’s dedicated R&D team, this exciting new curved balcony design creates a ‘softer’, elegant aesthetic to any building.

June 2023 marks one year since the publication of the new amended Part B of the Building Regulations, which came into force in England on 1st December 2022. Architects designing tall residential buildings should be aware that it is now a requirement that evacuation alert systems be fitted in new, high-rise residential buildings over 18m.

Sapphire’s offsite-manufactured Glide-On™ Cassette® balconies, together with the company’s logistical expertise, have solved several intriguing challenges posed by Block C1 at London Dock in Wapping, a stunning development of high-quality homes situated on the historic Thames waterfront.

ESG Switchable™ glass has been used to create a new multi-use space for the church and community at St Dionis Church in Parsons Green, London.

A specialist fire contractor is employing the Zeus Lite 90/30 flexible fire barrier and Collaroll wrap from the range of TBA FIREFLYTM in undertaking a major fire protection programme in Sittingbourne. A phased scheme set to continue till its entire stock is upgraded.