Mastering the Building Safety Act: Architects, Glazing Systems, Safe Passage, and Holding the Golden Thread

Description

This CPD provides architects and specifiers with a clear understanding of how the Building Safety Act 2022 and its secondary legislation affect the design and specification of glazing and façade systems.

Using the concept of the Golden Thread, it explains how safety, competence, and documentation must now be embedded from the earliest design stages through to handover.

The session explores the Gateway process, the new Principal Designer (Building Regulations) role, and the requirements of Regulation 7(2) for external wall construction, including curtain walling, windows, doors, and balcony interfaces.

Attendees will learn how to demonstrate compliance through evidence-based specification, coordination with fire strategy, and collaboration with manufacturers who provide verifiable test data and documentation.

By the end of the session, participants will understand how to apply the principles of the Building Safety Act to façade design, minimise compliance risk, and maintain a robust, traceable Golden Thread throughout their projects.

RIBA Core Curriculum Areas:

• Health, Safety and Wellbeing – understanding how the Building Safety Act embeds a culture of safety, competence, and accountability in building design.
• Legal, Regulatory and Statutory Compliance – applying Gateway processes, Principal Designer duties, and Regulation 7(2) requirements for façade and glazing systems.
• Design, Construction and Technology – integrating tested and certified glazing, curtain walling, and façade components into compliant, high-performing building envelopes.