Hawkins was proud to take part in London Build 2025, where our experts hosted a hybrid panel discussion titled When Things Go Wrong… The session explored the causes and consequences of failures in construction and refurbishment projects, and how to prevent them.
Tom Barney from Howden chaired the session, guiding a discussion with the following experts:
Andrew Reeves – Geotechnical Engineer & Head of Built Environment.
Highlighted the risks posed by problematic soils such as chalk and Blue Lias, explaining how poor ground conditions can lead to sinkholes and structural failures. He shared practical advice on avoiding these issues through thorough site investigation and the early involvement of geotechnical engineers in foundation design.
Sam Morley – Forensic Architect.
Discussed challenges related to damp, water ingress, and fire spread in buildings. Using real case examples, Sam demonstrated how inadequate ventilation and poor detailing can lead to timber decay, roof leaks, and rapid fire spread through cavities, emphasizing the importance of design compliance and regular maintenance.
Jane Cook – Civil & Structural Engineer.
Presented case studies of losses in heritage buildings, including temporary works failures and fire damage. The cases highlighted the need for coordination and cooperation between all parties to the contract and illustrated how defects in firestopping and building services can exacerbate fire damage. Jane explained Hawkins’ role in investigating these incidents and the lessons learned for future projects.
Alan Harper – Chairman of Morham + Brothchie Partnership.
Explored the critical issue of underinsurance, noting that over 60% of UK properties are underinsured. Alan shared historic and modern examples where inadequate cover led to significant financial loss and explained best practices for Insurance Reinstatement Valuations, particularly for listed and historic buildings.
The discussion reinforced the importance of planning, compliance, and accurate valuation in reducing risk and ensuring resilience in construction projects.
If you would like any of our experts to present to your organisation or to investigate a failure or loss, please contact us.
