Since then, I've had numerous discussions with various organisations, developers, and companies seeking guidance on the use of this legacy construction material within their buildings.

Within the BDP group, I have been given the nickname "Mr Concrete" and I've become something of sounding board on the challenges associated with RAAC and as my research and analysis continues, building on my recent project experience, I have been giving clients and colleagues my advice on a way forward.  

The fact is that although RAAC was once hailed as an innovative construction material for rebuilding Britain after the Second World War, it is now potentially at the epicentre of a nationwide crisis. With winter holidays on the horizon, concerns about the safety and stability of structures constructed with RAAC continue to escalate. I believe that addressing this challenge requires a holistic approach, balancing short-term remediation efforts with long-term solutions aimed at improving overall building environments and spatial quality.

We are working hard to find solutions and irrespective of the building type or use, it is vital that we do so quickly and efficiently. This is an issue that affects multiple sectors, and we know that one failure could be catastrophic.  Therefore, we are advising organisations deploy our three key strategies:

Urgency is paramount in tackling RAAC-related issues to minimise disruption, particularly as winter approaches. The closure of schools and other buildings for remediation underscores the immediate need for action. Swift and effective remediation strategies are crucial to ensure the safety of building occupants. Design firms like BDP are best placed to review, analyse and assist design solutions that can fix this ongoing issue.  

Beyond quick fixes, we advocate for leveraging the RAAC crisis as an opportunity to reevaluate and improve overall building environments. Offering refurbishment or reconfiguration strategies alongside remediation can provide long term gains and better buildings to meet the needs of today and in the future. This involves exploring innovative new materials and deploying proven construction methods that not only address immediate concerns but also contribute to creating safer, more sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing buildings in the long run.

Collaboration with clients and the wider design team is paramount. Developing optimised solutions tailored to each case is crucial, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. As with any R&D process, I know that identifying a universal solution to the aerated concrete problem in the short term would be groundbreaking, but it is only by working closely with engineers, estates managers and organisations that we may be able to do so.

There is no doubt that there is a degree of urgency and complexity when we look to solve the RAAC crisis. Recent studies suggest the lifespan of RAAC is dependent on panels being correctly designed, manufactured, installed and maintained. More research, assessment and recording of existing RAAC installations is required and we know that if architects, organisations, and design teams work collaboratively, they can find both short-term remedies and long-term innovations.

And as indicated in the Farmer Review in 2016, we know that research and development in the UK construction industry is woefully under-funded and perhaps there is an opportunity here to push the built environment to work harder to find a solution to a significant problem. Who knows, perhaps we might find that universal solution or a new material that supports quicker and cost-effective fixes for legacy buildings? 

For now, the safety of building occupants remains paramount, and I suggest that it is down to the whole built environment industry to apply proper research that considers how to combat the RAAC challenge, with a forward-thinking mindset.