A £10,000 CIOB award will fund an interactive 3D simulation to improve fire and building safety education for residents and construction students.
A construction manager who entered the industry without GCSEs has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Paul Dockerill Award. The £10,000 prize fund will be used to create an interactive 3D simulation designed to help residents and construction students better understand fire and building safety risks within residential properties.
Building safety has taken centre stage across the UK construction sector following recent regulatory overhauls. The winning project aims to bridge the gap between complex safety regulations and practical understanding. By using a visual 3D environment, users can explore residential structures, identify potential fire hazards, and learn about the structural safety measures required in modern housing developments.
What does this mean for a UK tradesperson or DIYer actually buying this kit — does it change what they should pay, buy, or watch out for?
While this award does not instantly change the retail price of building materials or safety gear at merchants like Travis Perkins, Screwfix, or Wickes, it highlights an increasing focus on strict safety compliance on site. Tradespeople working on residential refurbishments or high-risk buildings will see greater emphasis on correct installation practices for fire stops, cavity barriers, and fire-rated plasterboard. For DIYers, it serves as a reminder to strictly follow building regulations and use certified fire-retardant materials rather than cutting corners with non-compliant alternatives.
Development of the 3D software will proceed using the award funding, with the target audience including educational institutions and housing providers. The goal is to make essential fire safety training more engaging and accessible across the UK build sector.
Reported by Construction Management — original article
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