About Julia Stevens
Constructionarium is a not-for-profit organisation which provides residential experiential learning to students studying, or employees working within, the built environment. We are based at Bircham Newton in North Norfolk on a 19 acre bespoke training facility within the campus of CITB's National Construction College.
Delegates work in defined teams of 15-22 building a scaled replica (c30ft) of The Gherkin, Barcelona Tower, Kingsgate Footbridge, Millau Viaduct etc in six reporting to a client to simulate a real-life construction/infrastructure project. The immersive experiential learning opportunity enables delegates to put theory into practice and provides many technical, H&S, technical, programme and cost management, alongside significant employability skills.
Constructionarium's vision is to develop our site into “NetZero Training Facility” to provide a wider range of training to meet the governments vision of “Build Back Better”, “The Green Deal” along with supporting the “Construction Sector Deal” and Transforming Construction’s transformation goals. It will provide essential training for contractors, manufacturers, material providers, supply chains and the design communities to enable them to meet the Government’s legal requirement of a net zero carbon economy by 2030. This will be through investment into the decarbonisation of projects, development of new “green” projects and provision of other unique innovative training provision.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.