84 INTERIORS; STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS


s consulting engineers we are experts at managing complex proects and navigating new regulations, and it’s important that housebuilders and developers understand that a balanced approach is essential  one that assures safety for residents while minimising possible disruption. chieving this balance reuires effective collaboration between all staeholders  from architects, designers, housebuilders and developers to government bodies and residents.


hile the proposed second staircase ruling presents many challenges for developers, including compliance with regulations, increased costs, and potential proect delays, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are practical steps that can be taen to navigate these complexities, ensuring compliance while mitigating fi nancial impacts.


EARLY ENGAGEMENT & PLANNING ngage with architects, contractors, and relevant staeholders at the earliest stages of a proect. y integrating fi re safety considerations, including the second staircase reuirement, into the initial design and planning phases, developers can proactively address compliance issues and identify potential challenges upfront.


Levels drift – avoid discrepancy


The illustration shows what can happen with a DPC cloak that relies upon a textbook relationship between masonry skins. The course into which the DPC cloak needs to build-in can be too high or too low compared with the adjacent skin.


Approved cavity trays by Cavity Trays of Yeovil are self-supporting and have hinged cavity upstands. No course alignment worries, and


the full cavity width always accommodated. Please visit the Cavity Trays website for more information.


01935 474769 www.cavitytrays.co.uk


COLLABORATIVE APPROACH elationships are everything in terms of construction proects. oster collaboration among proect teams, including architects, engineers, and contractors, to ensure a cohesive understanding of the second staircase ruling’s implications. uch a collaborative approach will be liely to enable effi cient coordination and integration of the ruling’s reuirements into the proect’s design, which will thereby reduce the lielihood of design clashes or costly rewors later in the construction process.


CONTRACTUAL CONSIDERATIONS s mentioned earlier, you should update contractual arrangements to address the second staircase ruling’s reuirements and potential cost implications. ngaging expert consulting engineers and incorporating specifi c clauses related to compliance and cost allocations can help manage contractual riss.


UTILISING TECHNOLOGY & BIM everage technology, such as uilding nformation odelling , to optimise design coordination, clash detection, and compliance verifi cation.  allows for the seamless integration of the second staircase reuirement into the proect’s virtual model, facilitating early


identifi cation of design confl icts and compliance issues.


EXPERT GUIDANCE & SUPPORT on’t be afraid to as no one nows everything, so reach out to industry experts, such as engineers, construction consultants, and proect managers with experience in this space and develop practical solutions with costeffective alternatives. To reiterate, the implementation of the


second staircase ruling presents signifi cant challenges for the residential sector, including potential delays in the delivery of essential affordable housing in ondon. owever, it’s important to view this as an opportunity for the industry to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of residents and enhance overall standards. espite the challenges, we can expect to witness housebuilders and developers rising to the occasion and fi nding innovative solutions to navigate the ruling’s reuirements. y embracing these challenges and woring together, the industry can create safer living environments for residents while striving to maintain the momentum in delivering the affordable housing which is so badly needed.


Stuart Bosley is MD of Quantum and project advisory at DeSimone Consulting Engineering


Introducing Spiral UK


Ensuring your dream home has brought together all your favourite elements can be a daunting task, at Spiral UK, their leading experts in bespoke staircases can help. The goal at Spiral UK is to turn your vision into a reality, which is why their professional process will see them working closely with you at every stage to guarantee we fully meet your brief. Spiral UK’s highly trained specialists will assess your home and plans, liaise with relevant


managers, constructors and designers, then manufacture and install your luxury bespoke staircase to ensure a perfect final fit.


0330 123 2447 www.spiral.uk.com BD08_Cavity Trays_Structural Elements - Bricks & Blocks_PR.indd 1


The timeless elegance and sustainable strength of clay bricks 26/07/2023 09:07


HBD08_Spiral UK_PR.indd 1


31/07/2023 11:35


In the world of construction, clay bricks stand out as a symbol of enduring strength and timeless elegance. As the Brick Development Association (BDA), we proudly advocate for the use of clay bricks in construction due to their unparalleled benefits that make them an ideal choice for any project. Clay bricks offer exceptional structural integrity, providing a robust foundation for buildings and ensuring durability over time. Their thermal mass properties regulate indoor temperature, reducing energy consumption and contributing to a more sustainable environment. Moreover, clay bricks are much lighter than concrete bricks, which means that they can be transported in a more environmentally friendly way, saving on fuel and road use and therefore reducing their overall carbon footprint. They are also made locally, unlike concrete bricks, and that strengthens the local economy. They are truly sustainable on so many levels. Beyond functionality, clay bricks bring aesthetic appeal to architectural designs with their natural colour variations and textures. This combination of strength and beauty has made clay bricks a favourite among architects, developers, and homeowners alike. From its durability and design versatility to its eco-friendly attributes, clay bricks continue to pave the way towards a sustainable and visually captivating built environment.


020 7323 7034 www.brick.org.uk


HBD08_Brick Development Association_DPR.indd 1 WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK


02/08/2023 16:45


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