Housebuilder October 2018

uild methods
Modern masonry
Mike Leonard, ceo of Building Alliance, is keen to extoll the virtues of traditional
masonry as a trusted build method. “Masonry is adaptable to current and future
needs and has thermal mass to prevent an increased threat of overheating. It’s
also non-combustible which takes on added importance as we have a fastgrowing
ageing population, who need to feel safe in the event of fire.
Masonry, Leonard states, is the most cost-effective building system, offering
flexibility in design and construction to ensure new home completions align
with customer demand. “This is vital to the management of cash flow – a
critical factor. Most masonry solutions are available from stock unlike bespoke
kit build which needs to be ordered in advance with long lead times.”
On the matter of skills within the traditional build sector, Leonard says: “We
have a skills base in traditional construction which we must build on, investing
in our young people to take full advantage of a massive opportunity to train
them with the skills we need and provide them with long term sustained, well
paid employment. This fits well with the move to recruit 3 million apprentices
and is critical to the shared desire to deliver inclusive economic growth.”
British Gypsum’s
Gyproc Habito plasterboard
is “perfect for onsite construction”
Continued from page 79
think 2018 will be more second half year weighted, as builders aim to hit completions
prior to the Christmas break,” says Daniel Soulsby of Egger. “As with just about every
industry, the Brexit situation is still a cause for concern, with the possibility of labour
Continued on page 83 4
Screed should not be mixed or laid when the air temperature is below 5ºC, advises Tarmac
80 housebuilder october 2018