Around the Table: A podcast by Building Relations

Building Relations
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This podcast will try and unpick some of the current housing stories taking the industry by storm including the transition to net zero, rising construction costs, skill shortages and new policies and legislation. Across this series, we will be joined by several experts to tackle some of these issues and opportunities for the housebuilding industry.

  1. Why Aren’t We Building More Passivhaus Schemes in London?

    5D AGO

    Why Aren’t We Building More Passivhaus Schemes in London?

    Passivhaus is often called the gold standard for low-energy homes - but why has it been slow to take off in London? Host Kathryn Reucroft is joined by Attzaz Rashid (Barratt London), Dr Joel Callow (Beyond Carbon), and Sarah Lewis (UK Passivhaus Trust) to explore the challenges, misconceptions, and opportunities of scaling Passivhaus in the capital, and what Barratt’s landmark rollout could mean for the future of sustainable housing.  Music credit: Uppbeat OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

    1h 1m
  2. Can Downsizing Solve the UK’s Housing Crisis?

    JUL 29

    Can Downsizing Solve the UK’s Housing Crisis?

    Is downsizing the key to solving the UK’s housing crisis? With £2.9 trillion of property wealth tied up in under-occupied homes, host Laura Hellon-Hughes talks to Lucian Cook (Savills) and Steve Bangs (Pegasus Homes) about breaking barriers, reshaping perceptions, and why “rightsizing” could unlock homes and transform later living.  Music credit: Uppbeat OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

    33 min
  3. How Shall We Build - How Shall We Live?

    JUN 23

    How Shall We Build - How Shall We Live?

    In this powerful and timely episode of Around the Table, we ask not just how many homes the UK should build – but how we build, and how we want to live. As the government announces a landmark £39bn housing boost, our panel explores the bold ideas behind Human Nature’s new “How Shall We Live” report – a radical yet practical vision to tackle climate breakdown, housing unaffordability, social isolation, and economic fragility, all through how and where we build. Host Rachel Colgan, Founding Director of Building Relations PR, is joined by: Joanna Yarrow - Chief Impact Officer, Human NatureBrogan MacDonald - Head of Sustainability, Ramboll UK (Buildings)Jon DiStefano - CEO, Greencore HomesTogether, they explore: Why we need to move from building units to building communitiesHow nature-based materials can remove carbon at scaleWhat radical affordability really means – beyond house pricesThe role of place in supporting health, connection, and belongingReal delivery models proving that better is not only possible – it’s already happeningMusic credit: Uppbeat OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

    40 min
  4. The Rise and Future of Single Family Housing

    MAY 21

    The Rise and Future of Single Family Housing

    In this insightful episode, we explore the dramatic rise of Single Family Housing (SFH) as one of the UK’s fastest-growing residential sectors – and ask what it means for renters, investors, housebuilders, and communities. Host Rachel Colgan from Building Relations PR is joined by: Piers de Winton (Savills) – lead author of the latest SFH report and a key voice on UK residential investment strategyLottie Outen (Kennedy Wilson) – sharing a global investor’s perspective on the scale, ESG demands, and opportunity aheadSimon Pendlebury (Dandara) – offering boots-on-the-ground insight into delivering 200+ purpose-built homes at LinmereTogether, they unpack the trends reshaping the Build-to-Rent landscape and why institutional investors are betting big on houses, not just apartments. Topics include: Why SFH now makes up over 50% of Build-to-Rent investmentWhat renters really want – and how housebuilders are adaptingHow institutional capital is driving better ESG standardsThe future of design, delivery, and operational modelsPractical lessons from delivering sustainable homes at scaleA must-listen for developers, investors, planners, or anyone curious about how SFH is redefining suburban renting – and the long-term shape of the UK housing market. Music credit: Uppbeat  OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW Music credit: Uppbeat OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

    34 min
  5. Does Building Sustainable New Homes Need to Cost the Earth?

    APR 30

    Does Building Sustainable New Homes Need to Cost the Earth?

    In this thought-provoking episode, we ask whether sustainable housing really needs to come with a higher price tag.  Host Charlotte Radcliffe from Building Relations PR is joined by Michael Pratt (Invertay Homes & Timber Engineering UK), Professor Robert Hairstans (Edinburgh Napier University and NMITE), and Sue Riddlestone OBE (Bioregional) to explore how to build greener, more affordable homes without compromising on quality or ambition. Topics include: The cost myths around sustainable homesBenefits of fabric-first design and modern methods of construction (MMC)Circular economy principles and material reusePolicy, finance, and skills gaps impacting deliveryReal-world insights from sustainable housing pioneersA must-listen for anyone working in housing, development, construction, or policy who wants to scale sustainability without scaling cost. Music credit: Uppbeat  OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW Music credit: Uppbeat OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

    40 min
  6. Empowering Women Through Housing: A Conversation with Zaiba Qureshi

    MAR 7

    Empowering Women Through Housing: A Conversation with Zaiba Qureshi

    In this episode of Around the Table, we hear the inspirational journey of Zaiba Qureshi, CEO of Housing for Women, as she shares her leadership story and their mission to provide safe, affordable housing for vulnerable women. Hosted by: Natalie Daniels, Sustainability PR Director, Building Relations PR Our guest: 🔹 Zaiba Qureshi, CEO of Housing for Women We discuss: ✅ Zaiba’s personal journey, the barriers she has overcome, and what drives her ✅ The critical housing challenges women face in London ✅ Innovative solutions for social housing and gender equality ✅ The power of leadership, partnerships, and advocacy in making lasting change Tune in for an empowering conversation ahead of International Women’s Day! Music credit: Uppbeat  OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW Music credit: Uppbeat OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

    23 min
  7. Designing for All: Neuro-architecture and inclusive spaces

    FEB 4

    Designing for All: Neuro-architecture and inclusive spaces

    In this episode of Around the Table, we explore the transformative role of neuro-architecture, a design approach that prioritises inclusivity, sensory well-being, and accessibility for all. Hosted by: Rachel Colgan, Founding Director of Building Relations PR Our guests include: 🔹 Jean Hewitt, Inclusive Environments Technical Lead at Buro Happold and Technical Author of PAS 6463 (Design for the Mind – Neurodiversity and the Built Environment) 🔹 Magdalena Arent, Building Performance Consultant at Holmes Miller Architects and a Neurodiversity Champion 🔹 Velimira Drummer, Associate Director & Senior Architect at Stantec, specialising in interior design for workplaces, healthcare, and education  We discuss: The fundamentals of neurodivergence and why it matters in designHow lighting, acoustics, biophilic design, and sensory zoning impact well-beingThe challenges and misconceptions in designing neurodivergent-friendly spacesHow businesses, housebuilders, and architects can integrate these principles into their projectsMusic credit: Uppbeat  OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW Music credit: Uppbeat OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

    35 min
  8. What the Future Homes Standard means for the housing sector

    11/27/2024

    What the Future Homes Standard means for the housing sector

    In this episode of Around the Table, we explore the Future Homes Standard, a transformative regulation set to launch in 2025, and its implications for the housing sector.  Hosted by Charlotte Radcliffe, Senior Account Manager with Building Relations PR,  the discussion features insights from three industry experts:  Lynne Sullivan OBE, Architect, LSA Studio, RIBA & Chair of Good Homes AllianceJames Snelgar, Technical Director, Dandara SouthernAlex Jahanshahi-Edlin, Associate Director, McBainsSome key topics discussed: The goals and challenges of the Future Homes Standard and its expected impact on industry practices.Lessons learned from implementing Part L of the building regulations as a precursor to the Future Homes Standard.Innovations like modern methods of construction (MMC) and the role of renewable energy in creating sustainable housing. Music credit: Uppbeat  OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW Music credit: Uppbeat OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

    33 min
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About

This podcast will try and unpick some of the current housing stories taking the industry by storm including the transition to net zero, rising construction costs, skill shortages and new policies and legislation. Across this series, we will be joined by several experts to tackle some of these issues and opportunities for the housebuilding industry.

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