There’s something particularly satisfying about seeing an idea that has been talked about for months finally become a reality, which is why this issue of Specify & Build feels like a bit of a milestone for us.
Last month we held our first ever Specify & Build round table, bringing together architects, consultants, manufacturers and trade associations to debate one of the biggest challenges facing the built environment: how we turn the need for mass retrofit from something we have been discussing for years into something we can actually deliver at scale.
It was a lively and, at times, very frank discussion. Cost inevitably featured heavily, but the conversation went much further, covering skills, regulation, procurement, consumer confidence and the long-term certainty businesses need before investing in the people and capacity required to deliver retrofit properly. There were no easy answers, which was rather the point. Bringing different parts of the industry together to share experiences, challenge assumptions and talk openly about what is and isn’t working made for a fascinating debate, and you can read the first of our reports from the event in this issue.
A huge thank you must also go to our sponsors Accuroof, Dimplex and Deceuninck for supporting our first round table, and to everyone who gave up their time to join us and contribute to the discussion.
Elsewhere, October is another packed issue. Our Roofing & Cladding section looks at everything from product testing and technical transparency to façade specification and building safety, while our Off site feature explores the role of platform construction in creating more repeatable and verifiable processes.
We also turn our attention to the Education sector as the new school year begins, focusing on the changing demands of SEND environments and the need to ensure safe, productive buildings where young people can learn. Meanwhile, our Drainage & Water Management feature explores how SuDS and smarter approaches to surface water are firmly on the agenda given the recent flooding that has been experienced following the long, hot summer. We hope you enjoy the issue.
Product discontinuations, supply chain issues and cost-saving initiatives can all result in requests to use alternative façade products. The challenge is making sure any replacement still meets the original design, compliance and performance requirements. See page 12 to find out more about how Vulcan can help.