Well, when I started to run property events back in September 2018 the idea was to fill a gap in the market which was to bring experienced property people together in an informal environment. This was the start of Canary Connections, property networking done differently. Selfishly, I wanted to meet more property developers with whom, […]
A selection of recent London projects by Planetium Construction… Little Boltons, Chelsea – Duplex Flat Refurbishment (Conservation Area) Comprehensive refurbishment of a duplex flat located within a sensitive conservation area. Works included installation of new dormer windows, full internal renovation, structural improvements and high-quality finishes throughout while ensuring compliance with planning and conservation requirements. Vincent […]
Attending the recent Canary Connections events in London and Manchester provided a valuable opportunity to meet developers, consultants, asset managers, and planners who are actively shaping the future of our cities. Across both events, one theme became very clear: indoor environmental quality is becoming a central part of building performance. While energy efficiency […]
If you’re an architect in London right now, you know the drill all too well: long days juggling client deadlines, planning constraints, and design revisions… and then there’s the measured survey. You’ve been there, standing outside in the rain or in a dusty hallway with a tape measure in one hand, a laser meter in […]
When planning an extension to an existing building, one common question that gets asked is whether you can use an existing boundary wall as the external wall of the new extension. Obviously, there would be benefits to doing this. Such as the cost saving from not having to build another wall, as well as being […]
Every architect I’ve spoken to lately has the same war story: a project delayed, a client frustrated, or a budget blown wide open — and more often than not, the root cause was MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing). The Problem: You’re Being Left to Pick Up the Pieces Architects are routinely handed MEP responsibilities without […]
Why Top Developers Are Shifting Air Quality Left Forget what you know about air quality compliance. It’s no longer a box-ticking exercise for planners, it’s the single biggest leverage point for de-risking projects, accelerating approvals, and creating market-defining assets. For too long, the industry has operated with a costly misconception: that air quality is an outdoor problem, […]
The Department for Business & Trade is consulting on major changes to retentions in construction. The consultation runs until 23 October 2025. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure fair treatment for contractors and subcontractors. The consultation proposes two options for retentions: The Scale of the Problem Over £4.5 billion is withheld in retentions across […]
Seasonal movement is a common issue faced by property owners, particularly in areas where soil conditions are reactive to environmental changes. This natural phenomenon can lead to a range of visible and sometimes serious consequences in and around buildings. Issues with Seasonal Movement As the seasons change between the dryer and wetter months, fluctuations in […]
It’s been a busy few weeks, and we’ve submitted two planning applications, and a pre-application submission in the last week alone. In a rare moment of calm, I’ve had a chance to reflect on the role of small sites in housing delivery, and specifically how the planning process plays into this. London will not meet […]
Before I begin this blog, I want to preface: It’s true, homes will sell regardless; which is why my blog is aimed more towards planning applications for developers, property investors, builders and architects. As this is a main pain point across the UK, REGARDLESS of who you are. Having said this however, some marketing teams […]