Since the tragic Grenfell Tower disaster seven years ago, the safety of our structures has become a critical concern for all in the sector. The introduction of the Building Safety Act towards the end of last year, focusing on higher-risk buildings, intends to enforce safer specifications and product choices from the outset. The legislation mandates architects and specifiers to incorporate a greater level of detail earlier in the design process, particularly for building envelopes. In this month's issue, we discuss the act with Clayton Kingman, UK Head of Building Envelope at SIG. For the full article, turn to page 22.

However, the Building Safety Act isn't the only latest legislative change affecting the construction industry. The Future Homes Standard (FHS), currently under consultation, aims to achieve a 75 to 80% reduction in emissions for domestic dwellings by 2026. We talk to Tom Brough, Sales and Marketing Director at GTC, where he discusses what FHS means for the future of new-build home heating as we approach the end of the gas era. His insights can be found on page 30. Additionally, Simon Garbett from Wienerberger explains that merely meeting the minimum requirements of FHS regulations may not be sufficient to fully realise its true potential. See page 16 for more.

Elsewhere, we examine the recently-approved plans for the Tavern and Allen Stands at Lord's Cricket Ground by WilkinsonEyre; on page 10. While on page 12, we explore another recent approval for the Foster + Partners-designed 18 Blackfriars Road, a net-zero, mixed-use development in Bankside, London, featuring offices, affordable homes, cultural hubs and vibrant public spaces.

ON THE COVER:
Hines has secured planning approval for a groundbreaking development at 18 Blackfriars Road, London, designed by Foster + Partners.

Rebecca Kemp
Editor

rebecca@redhutmedia.com