Lifetime costs
What it costs: Flooring
Level access showers can improve quality of life for disabled users. Peter Mayer of BLP Insurance looks at the design options and lifecycle costs for retrofitting them into existing floors
What it costs: Tiled cladding
Tiles, shingles and slate can provide traditional and thermally efficient covering for external walls. Peter Mayer of BLP Insurance considers the options
What it costs: Commercial biomass
Biomass heating systems may cost a lot to install, but they’ll pay off in no time – assuming you choose the right system and the right fuel. Peter Mayer of BLP Insurance assesses the options
What it costs: Suspended ceilings
The many choices when specifying a suspended ceiling for a hospital are made more difficult by the regulations on cleaning and acoustics. Peter Mayer of BLP Insurance takes a look
What it costs: Synthetic resin floors
These hardwearing floors come in a baffling array of types, but fear not: Peter Mayer of Building LifePlans is here to simplify matters
What it costs: Tensile fabric
Fabric roofs are becoming the topping of choice for everything from bike sheds to concert venues. Peter Mayer of BLP Insurance looks through the available options
What it costs: curtain wall glazing
Curtain wall glazing can do many things: control temperature and light levels, and even clean itself. Peter Mayer of BLP Insurance looks through the available options
What it costs: Heat pumps
They are amazingly efficient, but setting up a ground source heat pump may be tricky if you haven’t considered all the factors. Peter Mayer of BLP Insurance gives us the lowdown
What it costs: Pervious paving
Sustainable urban drainage systems are a must for school and hospital developments. Peter Mayer of Building LifePlans gives the whole-life costs of one solution
