Articles tagged with "Residential Building"

The Canada Housing Design Catalogue, released by CMHC, has garnered recognition for its approach to building design and operational energy efficiency. The catalogue is not meant to be comprehensive for all types of developments, but it provides valuable insights into these specific aspects. The focus appears to be on improving processes and efficiency in residential building designs.

Construction leaders are concerned that potential tax increases in the upcoming Autumn Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves could adversely affect housebuilding and growth for several years. Although personal tax rises were not ruled out in Reeves' recent speech, industry figures are apprehensive about the impact on the sector. The fear is that such financial changes could have significant long-term implications.

Australia will launch the Solar Sharer program in July 2026, providing three hours of free solar power daily to households in New South Wales, South Australia, and south-east Queensland, regardless of whether they have solar panels. The program aims to utilize surplus solar energy and stabilize the power grid by encouraging electricity use during midday. Some industry representatives criticize the lack of consultation, while clean energy advocates support the initiative for its potential to lower household expenses and boost renewable energy usage.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is advocating for denser housing development to address the city's affordability crisis. This initiative aims to help individuals like Liam Murphy, who struggle to afford homes in San Francisco and have been forced to live far from their workplaces. The plan seeks to make the city more livable for its residents by increasing the availability of housing.

After Hurricane Maria in 2017, homes in Puerto Rico transformed into mini power plants. Residents started generating their own electricity using rooftop solar systems coupled with batteries for storage. This decentralized energy approach has turned home batteries into a crucial component of a reliable grid asset for the island.

The article discusses the challenges and solutions related to moisture management in mass timber construction, specifically in tall wood buildings. It highlights the impact of rain, humidity, and condensation on these structures, and encourages readers to test their knowledge through a quiz. The focus is on how designers ensure that such buildings remain strong and dry despite exposure to moisture.

The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) is urging the federal government to reform funding models to ensure future infrastructure projects meet modern, cost-efficient standards. The organization highlights the need for changes to address the nation's housing crisis and strengthen infrastructure projects as crucial nation-building undertakings. CIQS's call stresses the importance of adapting to current economic and social needs through enhanced financial frameworks.

A RentCafe report indicates that a record 180,585 apartments are being developed from repurposed office spaces, hotels, and other types of buildings. This shift highlights a significant trend in the construction industry towards utilizing existing structures for residential purposes. It shows a growing movement to address housing needs by converting surplus commercial properties into living spaces.

The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) is urging the federal government to reform funding strategies for infrastructure and housing projects. They stress the importance of involving industry professionals for effective cost management and project efficiency. Despite government investments, CIQS identifies gaps in current practices and suggests integrating modern building methods to address the housing crisis. The construction sector significantly contributes to Canada's GDP and employment, highlighting the need for strategic planning.

RMIT University and Bristile Roofing have collaborated on a large-scale trial to produce roof tiles made of coal ash and recycled glass, reducing carbon emissions by 13%. These tiles, manufactured in Melbourne, are lighter, more fire-resistant, and meet Australian standards for durability. The project demonstrates that industrial waste can be used without compromising product quality. Additionally, the same mix of waste materials is being used to create eco-friendly bricks with significant reductions in CO₂ emissions.

Growth projections for the construction sector have been significantly reduced due to uncertainties regarding potential tax increases in the upcoming Autumn Budget. This instability has particularly affected house purchases and home-improvement spending. The announcement scheduled for 26 November by the Chancellor has created apprehension in the industry.

The Construction Products Association has revised its forecasts, predicting a lower growth in total construction output due to uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Budget. Private housing, infrastructure, and commercial construction have been particularly affected, with predictions for growth reduced from previous estimates. Challenges include demand, affordability, and viability, while road infrastructure spending is expected to decline. Public sector projects are anticipated to drive construction growth despite the budgetary uncertainties.