Industry News

I’ve had countless conversations recently about the future of construction, and one word dominates: sustainability. It’s a fantastic, vital conversation to be having. But I’ve noticed a trend that I find slightly concerning. There’s a growing belief that achieving true sustainability is an overwhelmingly complex puzzle, solvable only through futuristic, high-tech, and often astronomically expensive "eco" solutions.

For those who aren't familiar, 3D printing in construction, also known as additive manufacturing, involves using a specialised printer to build structures layer by layer, directly from a digital model. Imagine a giant robot squirting out concrete, creating walls, columns, and even entire buildings! The primary methods include extrusion (typically of concrete or cement), powder bonding, and additive welding (for metals). It sounds like something futuristic , but it's already h

Traditional materials like brick, while offering durability, can be limited in terms of design flexibility and often require significant supporting structures. Concrete, while strong, can be heavy and prone to cracking. Even timber, when not properly treated, can succumb to the UK’s damp conditions. These limitations drive up costs in the long run and often restrict architectural vision. But the good news is, the industry is waking up, and innovation is booming.

For centuries, moulded stone has been a staple of architecture. A versatile technique that allowed artisans to replicate complex designs efficiently and affordably. It was the original "pre-fab," if you will! But then, with the rise of modern construction and new materials like concrete and steel, moulded stone kind of faded into the background. It was seen as old-fashioned, expensive, and labour-intensive. But guess what? It's back!

For over four decades, Jesmonite has been rewriting the rulebook on materials. From its origins in a small UK workshop to becoming a global leader in sustainable composite solutions, Jesmonite has carved a niche as the material of choice for designers, architects, contractors, and makers. Its water-based, solvent-free formulations have not only earned industry accolades but have become the go-to alternative to concrete, plaster, and GRP. Now, Jesmonite is in the USA!

Robots are genuinely on site, making a difference. These aren’t meant to replace workers but they’re there to assist them. Think of them as extra hands, or maybe a really strong back. They can take on the repetitive tasks, the heavy lifting, and the awkward positions that lead to injuries and burnout. This not only makes the job less taxing on the human body.