NBS Features|

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T5 - the main terminal building

Heathrow Terminal 5's main terminal building has been constructed on the site of an old sewage treatment works to the west of the airport. In just seven years, an iconic building designed to handle 30 million passengers per annum has been constructed. This Architects’ Channel programme looks at the engineering issues behind the construction of the building envelope. read more on T5 - the main terminal building ...
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The benefits of master specifications

Specification is an essential part of the design process. Unfortunately, for most construction professionals, it is the least enjoyed task. If a specification is written badly it can cause major problems for every member of the construction team, and can cost the client a great deal of money. If the specification is well written it can enhance project delivery for the whole construction team while saving everyone money. read more on 'The benefits of master specifications' ...
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BREEAM and the Plan of Work

Sustainable development is becoming an everyday part of life for property developers, designers and contractors, as many people both inside and outside the construction industry are demanding that the environmental impacts of buildings are kept to a minimum. This article briefly explains the broad principals of BREEAM and how some of the various credits contained within BREEAM schemes relate to the RIBA Plan of Work. read more on 'BREEAM and the Plan of Work' ...
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Part M: Access Statements

The consideration of disabled person’s needs required under Part M of the Building Regulations has been assimilated by the construction industry since 2000. Access statements can form part of a submission under Part M, to explain the approach taken when looking at access. There are, however, interrelated issues which might be overlooked, but which may have an impact on both the construction phase and subsequent operations and service delivery. read more on 'Part M: Access Statements' ...
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Thatch roofing

As a traditional roofing material, thatch has provided effective weather protection for many generations. The use of thatch has had a recent resurgence, particularly within the south west of England. It is estimated that of the current stock of 30,000 thatched roofs, some 2,500 are new build. Where specified as new build the thatched roof must, of course, conform to current Building Regulations. read more on 'Thatch roofing' ...
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CDM Regulations 2007 – What changes have the contract publishers made?

NBS maintains over 80 Preliminaries sets for use with contracts published by a wide variety of bodies. However, the introduction of the CDM Regulations 2007 has meant that amendments are needed to almost all of the contracts. We explain what the various publishers have been doing to address CDM. read more on 'CDM Regulations 2007 - What changes have the contract publishers made?' ...
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Reclassification

Many countries have classification systems for construction work. These are reviewed regularly, occasionally resulting in a radical reclassification. We lay out the case for revisiting the Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS). read more on 'Reclassification' ...