Recent publications

Citation

(2007), "Recent publications", Structural Survey, Vol. 25 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2007.11025aae.001

Recent publications

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  Books: Part L explained – the BRE Guide, Timber frame dwellings – conservation of fuel and power: AD L1A guidelines;

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  Digests: Designing roofs for climate change – modifications to good practice guidance; and

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  Information papers: Modelling condensation and airflow in pitched roofs, Balanced value for sustainable procurement, Pruning trees to reduce water use – summaries of research; conclusions and recommendations.

All of the above publications are available at: www.brebookshop.com or Tel: 01344 404407.

NHBC Foundation Guide on Modern Methods of Construction

Following the success of its inaugural project, a web-based resource tool on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), NHBC’s independent research institution – the NHBC Foundation – has published the findings of its research on the same topic. Launched in January in partnership with the BRE Trust and chaired by former Housing Minister Rt. Hon. Nick Raynsford MP, the Foundation has been involved in a programme of research and positive engagement with Development Agencies, other stakeholders and Government, focusing on the new build sector. Nick Raynsford said: “We promised practical, workable solutions when we launched the Foundation and I am pleased that we have been able to carry through this intention with our work on MMC. Our first publication – A Guide to Modern Methods of Construction – is a comprehensive body of work drawing together expertise from within NHBC together with external systems specialists and developers including Willmott Dixon, Jephson Housing and the Guinness Trust.”

Planning Portal

The Planning Portal is the UK government’s online planning and building regulations resource. Use this site to learn about planning and building regulations, apply for planning permission and building regulations consent, find out about development near you, appeal against a decision and research government policy. The Planning Portal is aimed at: General public: a guide to applying for planning permission and building regulations approval; Professional user: a resource for submitting planning applications and researching planning and building control policy; and Government user: Policy updates and guidance for local authorities implementing e-planning solutions. The Planning Portal is available at www.planningportal.gov.uk/

Illustrated Building Pocket Book

This second edition by Roxanna McDonald is a radical new aproach to the age-old problem of the ambiguous use of technical language in building and architecture. By using drawings – which leave little room for ambiguity – clarity, safety and certainty can be achieved. Building and architecture has developed a language of its own, with terms and jargon that can confuse an expert let alone an outsider. Misunderstandings over what a word means can be irritating but unimportant, but could in the worst cases be costly or even dangerous. Traditional building dictionaries rely on the reader to already know what the correct word is, and that is not always the case. Roxanna McDonald’s technique is radically different, and makes full use of the power of visual communication to convey information. Each stage of the building and design process is illustrated, and each hand-drawn illustration is carefully labelled with the relevant technical terms, to ensure that each term is used correctly and consistently by everyone working on a project. Published by Butterworth Heinemann in Paperback and priced at £19.99.

Access Manual: Auditing and Managing Inclusive Built Environments

This manual, by Ann Sawyer and Keith Bright, covers the design, improvement, maintenance and management of accessible environments. It shows how to provide and run buildings, services, and employment facilities to enable independent and convenient use by everyone. The Access Manual was first published in November 2003 and has been used by architects and facilities managers needing to meet the requirements of new legislation in 2004. It was well received by design, management, access, and health professionals. This is a fast moving area and there are now several additional pieces of legislation and guidance central to inclusive design and making buildings accessible to all, all of which are considered in this Second Edition. Published by Blackwell Publishing in Paperback at £39.99.

The New Fire Safety Legislation 2006: A Practical Guide

Written by Pete Muir, The New Fire Safety Legislation 2006: A Practical Guide is an essential book for professionals involved in the construction and management of property who need to be aware of their duties under fire safety legislation. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order came into force on 1 October 2006 and this book provides an insight into the reasoning behind this new legislation and, more importantly, the major implications its implementation demands. Whether you are working as a project manager on new build or managing existing properties you will need to be aware of how the new legislation impacts on your work or that of your clients. Highly practical, including case-studies and examples from the real world, this book is an essential companion to implement this new legislation. Published by RICS Books it is priced at £39.95

Economics and Property

By Danny Myers this popular book, now in its second edition uses material from Estates Gazette and highlights the use of economics in surveying, planning and construction. Extracts are integrated into the relevant chapters; with discrete readings used to raise questions, and prompt discussion, as a way of concluding each of the three sections: introductory, microeconomics and macroeconomics. The book is published by EG Books in Paperback and priced at £20.00.

Understanding the Edwardian and Inter-War House

Britain has a heritage of cottage-style homes which can be traced back to the second half of the nineteenth century. They became the prevailing style in the years immediately preceding the First World War, and monopolised housebuilding in the inter-war period. Examples of these houses from the Edwardian age are rightly prized by their owners and their descendants from the 1920s and 30s can now be reappraised with an objectivity that was impossible even a generation ago. This book written by Alan Johnson will be useful for those embarking on a major renovation, authentic restoration, maintenance or improvement of houses of this period. Published by the Crowood Press in Paperback the book is priced at £19.95.

Stone Conservation: Principles and Practice

The conservation of stone buildings and monuments requires not only a good understanding of the essential repair techniques, but an ability to diagnose problems and to identify the appropriate remedial action that may be required. This publication edited by Alison Henry brings together contributions from leading stone conservation practitioners. It discusses the philosophical principles on which stone conservation is founded and the need to understand the full history and development of a building before starting work. Other topics covered include consolidation, cleaning, and the replacement of stone; conservation of different stone types, including limestone, sandstone, and marble; problems of dealing with polychrome stone; and finally, issues relating to church monuments and graveyards, taking account of the need for good maintenance and health and safety requirements. The book is illustrated with the authors’ own examples of stone conservation in practice. The book is published by Donhead and priced at £42.00 (hardback).

Building Regulations in Brief

This easy-to-understand book by Ray Tricker gives sufficient and practical information to enable you to comply with the regulations in the simplest and most cost-effective manner possible. It takes away the mystique of the Building Regulations and provides an in-brief guide to meeting its requirements, providing simple and practical information on how the regulations can be easily and cost effectively adhered to. This 4th Edition of Building Regulations in Brief explains the meaning of the regulations, history, current status, requirements, associated documentation, how local authorities and councils view their importance, and emphasises the benefits and requirements of each regulations. It includes the latest revisions to Part F (Ventilation) and Part P (Electrical Safety), as well as the four new Approved Documents for Part L (Energy Efficiency) that came into force in April 2006. The book is published by Butterworth Heinemann in paperback and priced at £19.99.

Life Expectancy of Building Components

Published by BCIS and based on research undertaken with Chartered Building Surveyors this guide will be useful to anyone required to prepare whole life costs. To obtain a copy contact BCIS on +44 (())20 7695 1500 or at: www.bcis.co.uk

Building Contract Books

Two new titles from Blackwell Publishing are JCT Minor Works Building Contracts 2005 by David Chappell and NEC 3 Engineering and Construction Contract by Brian Eggleston. The JCT MW book is in its Fourth Edition and the NEC book is in its 2nd edition. The Chappell book is priced at £45.00 and that by Eggleston is £65.00.