1. BIM around the world – country by country
Summaries of BIM progress in some of the major nations of the world was the top read article last year, showing the industry’s thirst for knowledge for the technology. Read more…
2. Clients to seek ‘workarounds’ to manage risks under CDM 2015
A news article in January revealed how some developers and clients could simply pay lip service to the reforms of CDM 2015 by appointing “principal designers” from their pool of existing CDM coordinators and changing their designation. Read more…
3. World’s largest CLT building starts on site in Hackney
In March a 121-unit residential block, that when complete will be the largest cross laminated timber (CLT) building in the world, started on site in Dalston Lane, Hackney in London. Read more…
4. Egg-shaped device that boosts boiler efficiency wins CIOB innovation award
A simple but transformative gadget that takes air out of domestic and commercial water-based heating systems – thereby reducing energy consumption by perhaps 15-30% – was one of three main prize winners in last year’s International Innovation and Research Awards from the CIOB. Read more…
5. Cheesegrater bolts and ‘hydrogen embrittlement’ – what you need to know
With the news in January that one more bolt had fallen from Richard Rogers’ Cheesegrater tower in the City of London, CM reported on the technical explanation from the developer as to why the bolts failed – a process called “hydrogen embrittlement”. Read more…
6. Ten things you need to know about Jeremy Corbyn
When left-winger Jeremy Corbyn won the Labour leadership battle in September, CM asked what impact he was likely to have on the government agenda on issues such as house building, infrastructure projects, nationalisation, and energy policy. Read more…
7. CDM 2015 six months on: HSE chief inspector says PD role is ‘a journey’
Six months after the shake-up of CDM 2015 and with the transitional arrangements ending on 6 October, the HSE’s chief inspector of construction Peter Baker told CM that the revised regulations were “bedding in well” and designers were “on a journey” to fulfilling their new responsibilities. Read more…
8. Culture change and back-office cuts on the cards for Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty’s new “Build to Last” programme promises a shake-up of back-office functions and removal of duplication across a complex group structure – for instance in IT, finance communication and legal departments – that seemed likely to result in a wave of redundancies. Read more…
9. Bricklaying robot SAM – on your site for £330,000
In September a New York-based robotics company created the world’s first commercially available brick-laying robot – available to order for $500,000, or £330,000. The bricklaying machine is called SAM, or semi-automated mason. Read more…
10. Ten products we’ll be seeing more of in 2015
From passive ventilation to LEDs and heat exchangers, CM began the year with a round up of sustainability experts’ new products and systems picks for green building. Read more…
Top in management
CDM spells safety first – for designers and their PI insurers
In February solicitor May Looi of law firm Kennedys looked at the additional risks for designers – and their insurers – under CDM. Read more…
Top in agenda
How to build your new career
Renewed optimism and stability within the construction industry meant more firms were hiring throughout 2015. In May CM offered 10 tips on building a new career. Read more…
Top in Comment
The price of failed cavity wall installations – for homeowners and the industry
The Property Care Association’s Steve Hodgson struck a chord with his article on the epidemic of failed cavity wall insulation retrofits, and an accompanying photo gallery of failures. Read more…
Top in On Site
Has Skanska seen the future of offsite in Slough?
CM’s October article highlighted how Skanska is trialling its own “flying factories” – launched from a trading estate in Slough – through which it hopes to overcome supply chain issues with offsite manufacture. Read more…
