Latest CPD materials
The CPD materials featured below are the most recent to have been assessed and approved by the RIBA. They include both new and recently revised CPD materials.
New & Available Online
This CPD gives an overview of the the factors to consider when specifying construction membranes, particularly in projects utilising ""Modern Method of Construction"" such as advanced timber frame and panelised (CLT or SIP) construction types. It also introduces the adjacent building physics that are influenced by membrane specification and design choices. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- Understanding of the design considerations affecting construction membranes
- Knowledge of the various types of construction membrane and their respective uses
- Introduction to building physics affected by construction membranes
- Knowledge of commonly used ""modern methods of construction"", timber frame, CLT and SIP
- Introduction to BS 5250 hygrothermal strategies
New & Available Online
This webinar is designed to give you a better understanding of what a metal web joist is and what a metal web rafter is, how to use them and how to install them.
New & Available Online
This CPD provides clear guidance on identifying and avoiding common design, application, and aesthetic roof defects on real-life roofing projects. You will be provided with techniques to survey and assess existing roof structures and the knowledge of varying waterproofing systems to ensure the longevity of a new-build roofing specification, that complies with up to date industry legislation and building regulations. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- Different types of roof waterproofing systems
- How to specify the right system for the right specification
- Tools and techniques to survey and assess
- The common design, application and aesthetic roof defects
- What support you should expect from suppliers
New & Available Online
The final CPD in the 'Making it Beautifully' series, part 4 explores the concept of waste as a valuable raw material. Led by esteemed, purpose-driven writer, speaker and champion of a circular approach, Katie Treggiden, the presentation looks at why we need to reframe ‘waste’ as a second life resource, acknowledging the psychological barriers of working and succeeding with waste in the interiors space. With a focus on circular design, we deconstruct the circular economy, delving into what it takes to create beautiful interior products that are built to last, are entirely regenerative and yet highly desirable. Finally, the CPD explores the importance of material literacy, aiming to support designers and specifiers in understanding and critiquing their choice with a renewed appreciation of beauty in mind. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- How materials become classified as 'waste'
- Why we need to reframe 'waste' as a second life resource
- The growing number of designers & makers using waste as their primary resource
- How to confidently interrogate and critique material choices with a renewed appreciation of beauty in mind
New
This presentation covers Below Ground Waterproofing and the key updates in the newly revised BS8102: 2022 which designers need to be aware of along with NHBC Chapter 5.4 and Why Do Substructures Leak. We will look at the strategies and systems available to designers and what we as a specialist contractor with full PI (£10M) for design can do to assist in both the design process as well as the installation. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The changes to the grades of waterproofing as describes in the updated standard
- Which stage a waterproofing specialist needs to be appointed to the design team
- Why substructures leak
- The systems availability and understand why dual systems should be considered
New
This CPD presentation introduces Architects/Designers/Specifiers with a technical insight to approaches to structural waterproofing utilising cold liquid applied systems which are available within the construction industry. The presentation focuses on creating a waterproofing solution which meets British Standard BS 8102:2022, the code of practice for the waterproofing industry and ensuring designs conform. Topics include: the importance of specifying a suitable continuous waterproofing solution, design considerations, build ups suitable for cold applied systems and the associated components and detailing for this. The seminar concludes with some helpful guidance. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The different usages of below ground structures
- The importance of BS 8102:2022 and how to design waterproofing system which meets requirements
- The Tools and techniques for understanding types of waterproofing systems
- Why waterproofing failures happen and how to avoid them with correct Product Specification
- Design Principles
New & Available Online
An overview of composite roofing slate and associated accessories, its features, benefits, makeup and correct way to install using the built-in guides. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- Understand more about the makeup and uses of composite slate
- Learn why long-term plastic products are a benefit to the construction industry
- Understand the application of composite slate and its on-site time- and waste-saving properties
- Knowledge of any maintenance procedures that need to be implemented
- Be able to calculate quantities needed and download resources available on the NBS platforms
New & Available Online
ThermoWood® process is a patented, non toxic method that improves the good benefits of timber and provides a sustainable wood material for interior and exterior applications. Thermal modification significantly improves the wood’s properties throughout the wood, thereby expanding the range of applications in which the wood can be used. ThermoWood® is most known for its dimensional stability, durability and sustainable nature. It doesn’t require surface coating even in the most challenging climate conditions, which makes it an ecological choice throughout its life cycle.
By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The good benefits of thermal modification
- How to utilize the same product both indoor and outdoor
- How to use ThermoWood® correctly
- The Natural weathering process of ThermoWood®
- The Surface treatment options for ThermoWood®
New & Available Online
To introduce architects to the benefits of understanding patient / resident mobility along with implementing a basic 8 step principle to ensure that the environment, equipment and care skills are vital components when considering showering or bathing patients or residents. Providing examples of typical issues and concerns from the caregiver, resident and facility while also considering the correct type of equipment to select for the resident's dignity, engagement and wellbeing.
By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- Mobility assessment tools
- The amount of space required when designing bedrooms and hygiene rooms
- The importance of space equipment and care skills
New & Available Online
New building regulations recommend that when installing heat pumps, the heating system should be designed on a water flow temperature of 45°C to achieve maximum coefficient of performance (COP). In this CPD we will be examining how a heat pump works, what coefficient of performance is, and how water flow temperature effects efficiency. We’ll explore the evolution of central heating and what is now common practice today. The issues around retrofitting heat pumps in existing buildings will be explored, as will the associated questions on insulation, air leakage and emitter performance at lower temperature. Emitter types will be covered, detailing how they work and how best they are applied. Cooling will be presented, the difference between air conditioning and thermal comfort, and how some heat emitters can cool too. An overview of controls options will be presented. The final topics will be sustainability, compliance and safety.
By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The different types of heat emitters available and how they perform at low flow temperature
- The effect a lower Delta T (?T) has on emitter performance
- The issues around switching to low flow temperature heat sources in existing buildings
- How heat pumps work and how low flow temperature impacts on system efficiency
- Government incentives around its net-zero target and the relevant changes to building regulations
New
It is a legal requirement for buildings to be designed to prevent the spread of fire from one structure to another and consideration must be given to this while designing and specifying building materials for use in an inverted flat roof. There has been an increased focus on fire safety in residential buildings following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, where combustible materials used in the cladding of the tower are believed to have contributed to the spread of fire. However, this does not mean that only non-combustible materials can be used safely in an inverted flat roof.
By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- How Approved Document B applies to inverted flat roofs
- Broof(t4) classification and testing regime
- The impact of EC Decision 2000/553/EC on testing requirements
- The importance of selecting appropriate insulation material
- How fire regulations apply to inverted roofs and how this impacts on specification of insulation materials
New
This CPD takes the visitor on a tour of Europe's largest pre-finished steel manufacturing facility, at Tata Steel Limited, Shotton Works, Deeside. The guided tour encompasses all aspects of the production process. The tour is completed by a technical presentation, which provides additional detail about the manufacture, testing, specification and utilisations of the products. The total duration of the visit is half a day.
New & Available Online
Covering how living walls are fire tested and breaking down what a system's rating really means. More importantly, we'll discuss where living walls can and can't be used, things to watch out for in the market and design amendments to improve fire safety.
The aim is for you to leave this session with a better understanding of fire safety around green walls, and where and how you can design them into your projects safely.
By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The 4 steps to a fully compliant living wall installation.
- How living walls are fire rated
- What a fire rating ad how to explain it
- How to spot bad practice in the market and an increased awareness of it
- How you can use certain design amendments to improve the fire safety of a living wall
New & Available Online
This presentation addresses the importance of considering an air and control layer in the most common types of ventilated facades and how to design its application, as well as the considerations that must be taken into account when installing it on site. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The risks associated with the non-use of an air and vapour control layer in ventilated facades
- What involves the installation of an air and vapour control layer on the internal part of the façade
- How to improve the project predictability and minimizing problems of an air and vapour control layer detailing (e.g. perforations)
- How to raise the façade efficiency (thermal/energetic) and final quality
New Covering the manufacture, installation and benefits of poured insulation as a replacement for more traditional methods.
Its advantages in different situations, reduction in carbon, non combustibility and overall benefits when used in construction.
New & Available Online
This CPD gives an overview of the Passive House design principles, the benefits they provide in terms of energy performance, and the means by which these benefits are achieved. It also introduces some common fabric first systems and solutions to simplify the process of optimising low energy design using the passive principles. By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- Understanding of the principles of passive design
- Knowledge of fabric insulation properties and good design practice
- Familiarity with air leakage testing and mitigation
- Appreciation of the effects of membrane properties on design
- Introduction to heat recovery systems
New & Available Online
This CPD gives an introduction to the passive fire protection of structural steel. Initially outlining the importance of providing adequate fire protection and the relevant legislation and standards. After this CPD examines different methodologies, the focus being on intumescent coatings, exploring how they work, the different types available and how they are suited to different building types and environments. Finally this CPD looks at the method of application, the role of the sub-contractor, and the factors that need to be taken into consideration to ensure that a project is completed successfully.
Revised
This CPD provides an overview of the building regulations in relation to fire for non-domestic buildings in England (ADB2). These were published in August 2019 and focus on elements that mostly influence the specification of the building envelope products (i.e. roofs and walls). The CPD also looks at the additional need for insurance approval and the use of large-scale testing to gain this approval, as well as how insurance approved products perform in real life fires. By the end of the presentation you should have a greater understanding of:
- The recommendations in ADB2 for specification of roof and wall products in England
- The test methods used to rate roof and wall products within ADB2
- The need for insurance approval on non-domestic buildings in the UK and the tests required to gain this approval
- How to identify the correct fire regulation for your UK project
- How to specify a roof or wall system in relation to its fire performance to regulation recommendations for non-domestic buildings in England
New & Available Online
When it comes to commercial bathroom fit-outs it’s strange how our choice of wall coverings often defaults to tile – especially where an upmarket or aspirational finish is required. Not because there's anything wrong with tile, but because there are now quicker, easier, more cost-effective and interesting alternatives available.
This is a step-by-step guide to waterproof panelling systems that match the quality and texture of tile, but don't require skilled workers to apply, don't take as long to install, don't involve grouting (or any gaps between panels), don't require 48 hours drying time before use, but do a coordinate (by design) with other bathroom products. By examining everything from choice of substrate, décors and finishes, to installation, maintenance and regulatory compliance, it represents a very practical contribution to the 'tile versus other' debate.
New
This CPD presentation introduces Architects/Designers/Specifiers with a technical insight into approaches to structural waterproofing. Introducing designers with the elements and considerations a waterproofing design specialist will use to develop a robust waterproofing solution that meets the criteria of BS 8102:2022, the British Standard for the waterproofing industry.
Topics include: What are Types A, B & C (the different forms of structural waterproofing systems available in the UK market) and how to achieve the environmental grades outlined within British Standard 8102:2022.
A focus on how combination waterproofing systems are specified in below-ground structures in order to achieve the desired environmental grade, along with remedial approaches to design out risk.
By the end of the CPD you should have a greater understanding of:
- The importance of BS 8102:2022 and how to design waterproofing system which meets requirements
- The tools and techniques for understanding types of waterproofing systems - Types A, B & C
- Combination waterproofing
- The techniques for maintaining the continuity of the waterproofing system
- Design Principles