Category “Buildings”

Renewable Energy – Should You Get It For Your Home?

Monday, 21 May, 2012

The cost of electricity and power has been rising throughout the years.  This is attributable to the fact that the supply for fossil fuels – which is the primary source of energy in the world, is dwindling. And as the saying goes: “if the demand is high, but the supply is low – costs will … Read More »

Harnessing Solar Panels Energy

Wednesday, 9 May, 2012

The sun radiates enough solar energy every hour to satisfy the Earth’s global energy requirements. The energy transmitted by the sun can be harnessed to make it more useable. Solar panels (also known as photovoltaic cells) utilize the renewable energy from the sun and are considered eco-friendly and clean method of storing solar energy. Solar … Read More »

The History and Modern Cob Wall

Wednesday, 25 April, 2012

History Cob is a material that consists of sand, straw, earth, water and clay, and has been compared to clay. Cob has a resistance to seismic activity, fireproof, and moderate in price. It is generally used in creating sculptural, artistic forms. The sustainability and eco-building movements began using this method again in recent years. Cob … Read More »

How to Choose a Building Surveyor

Sunday, 22 April, 2012

When shopping for homes, the process is never as simple as it seems. There are always outside perspectives you need when selecting the perfect house. Even after you have found what you believe to be an exceptional residence, you need outside opinions to make sure everything is up to code and safe for you to … Read More »

Change of Use from Commercial to Residential and the Permitted Development Rights

Monday, 16 April, 2012

The UK government believes their planning system should offer a supply of land for residential use. They believe and recognize there are going to be changes in the residential and commercial area, and the government is willing to support and recognize these changes and respond to them. Their desire is to respond to the social … Read More »

What is Prefabricated Buildings

Monday, 9 April, 2012

To define a prefabricated building is a building that exists of many factory built units that are assembled on site to complete the unit. These prefabricated buildings have been manufactured in sections that can easily be transported to a home or building site for construction and installation. They are commonly delivered by a flat bed … Read More »

Using Straw Bales to Build Homes

Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

Straw is one of the oldest construction materials in history, and has been used in many cultures to construct shelter. It is durable, cheap, renewable and easy to obtain, and it is also excellent for insulation. The straw used is often from barley, wheat or rice and is typically a waste product of farming that … Read More »

England’s Stone Walls

Monday, 2 April, 2012

 Stone walls are very commonly used as field boundaries in England. Although there are many different types most were used centuries ago by farmers to contain livestock. Individual farmers would enclose land which was previously shared with all inhabitants of an area. Once this land was enclosed the right for the public to share it … Read More »

Traditional Construction

Monday, 26 March, 2012

After the evolution of modern building methods, traditional construction fell by the wayside. During earthquakes, many of the traditional buildings withstood the damage while modern buildings underwent greater amount of destruction. Some forms of traditional construction are discussed below which will give you an outline about the processes involved to strengthen the structure. Cob walls: … Read More »

Steel Frame Buildings

Wednesday, 21 March, 2012

The use of steel framing in the UK traces its history back to 1879 when National Liberal Club in London was constructed. Built-up columns and girders made of steel helped form the building. In the 1890s, the Gilbey’s Gin warehouse in London was also framed in moderate amounts of steel. The Royal Insurance Building in … Read More »