The inside line on...product testing

What is the Technology Centre and what do you test?

The engineering division of Taylor Woodrow is engaged in a range of consultancy work covering the environment and sustainability, CDM Regulations, collaborative working, building pathology and compliance testing. If there's a building going up, we can test pretty much everything.

Are there an increasing number of architect-designed systems that require bespoke testing?

We are seeing lots more double-skin cladding coming into the UK. It's attractive as it has good insulation properties and offers solar shading and is increasingly being used in different shapes and sizes.

Are there any typical problems that you encounter?

The most frequent problem is water leakage. More often than not a building fails in use because it leaks when it rains. If cladding fails, then we ask the contractor to perform some remedial work and retest it.

Does the testing pay dividends on site for the contractor?

It's usually the same contractors installing it on our simulation of the building structure that will fix it on site, providing a good opportunity to iron out any potential problems.