Latest Press Releases

6th August 2013

Timber frame design blamed for Essex housing blaze

Firefighters have blamed the spread of a fire in a block of flats in Basildon, Essex, last week on its timber frame construction.

The blaze started in a home in Bokingham Green and spread to two adjoining properties, while two further homes suffered smoke damaged.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the fire spread rapidly “owing to the building’s timber-framed construction”.

A 25-year woman had to have treatment for smoke inhalation after being saved by neighbours.

Firefighters spent around two hours bringing the fire under control.

Assistant Divisional Officer John Harris said: "Crews did a magnificent job in preventing the spread of fire - with the construction of the flats and the location of the flat where the fire started at the corner of the block, their prompt action undoubtedly went a long way in preventing more damage.

The fire highlights the dangers of using timber frame construction in multi-storey housing, where fire has been found to spread rapidly through building voids where inadequate fire protection is used.
 

25th March 2011

Exciting new magazine for healthcare building and estates development

Stable Publishing to launch a new magazine – healthcare design & build.

Being launched in April, hdb magazine will target over 8,200 named individuals working on healthcare projects, including architects, specifiers, contractors, project managers, NHS Hospitals, Private Hospitals, Mental Health Establishments, GP Consortia, Primary Care, Nursing & Care Homes plus Research and Laboratories.

hdb is a major new magazine for professionals involved in the planning, design, construction and management of healthcare buildings. As the Government’s new vision for healthcare takes shape, hdb examines what is being built and how, highlighting the best ideas in patient-focused design in community health centres, hospitals and specialised healthcare environments across the public and private sectors.

With a public sector budget of £17.8 billion over the next four years – combined with the involvement of private providers in healthcare - £2.77 billion in 2011 – hdb reviews the prospects for new build and refurbishment.

We want to hear from you!

Be sure to let us know your latest schemes, installations and product developments. Please submit your information no later than 1st April to:

Richard Sutton, Editor        richard@hdbmagzine.co.uk
 

7th march 2011

Launch of Timber Frame Fires website

Following growing concerns over the Health and Safety of construction workers, fire fighters and residents, together with the risk of fire spreading to adjacent property a new web site has been launched.

There has been a series of high profile fires both during construction and in completed timber frame high rise buildings and care homes. This has caused Industry professionals such as Fire Officers and Insurance Companies and authorities such as the GLA to call for sweeping changes to protect life and property.

The web site brings together the growing evidence of the speed of and ferocity of timber frame fires and the difficulties fire-fighters face in talking such blazes.

The web site highlights the need for urgent action to address the health and safety risks associated with building high rise buildings and Care Homes in timber frame.