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Weekly Building News
2026 - Week 33
Highlights
 
Mortgage lending: the average rate rose to 3,27% in June, with new loans reaching €13,2 billion.
Conjuncture
The average interest rate on new mortgage loans, excluding fees and insurance, rose from 3,21% in May to 3,27% in June 2026, according to the Bank of France. This increase did not prevent monthly loan production, excluding renegotiations, from rising to €13,2 billion. Read more
 
Shutters, air conditioning, exposure: heatwaves change the criteria for searching for accommodation
Climate
After three heat waves since the beginning of summer 2026, summer comfort is playing an increasingly important role in real estate projects. Orientation, floor level, cross ventilation, shutters, air conditioning, and landscaping are now being considered more carefully by some prospective buyers or renters. Read more
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In a nutshell
 
Schellenberger Report: Hellio advocates for a pragmatic electrification of industry
Study / Assessment / Report by hello
Submitted on July 20, 2026, to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the report by Member of Parliament Raphaël Schellenberger makes 29 recommendations to accelerate the electrification of French industry. Hellio supports this approach, while calling for solutions to be adapted to the technical, economic, and energy constraints of each site. Read more
 
The shutter market in France: motorization at the heart of the issues
Study / Assessment / Report by MSI Reports
According to the MSIReports study on the French roller shutter market, solar-powered motors are becoming an essential standard. Motors that operate autonomously, without connection to the electrical grid, are now fitted to more than half of all new renovation roller shutters. Read more
 
The Bank of France forecasts limited growth of 0,2% in the third quarter
Conjuncture
The Bank of France forecasts a 0,2% increase in French gross domestic product between July and September 2026, driven primarily by market services. However, this estimate remains subject to uncertainty, as activity in the construction sector is expected to continue declining. Read more
 
Solar eclipse: photovoltaic production falls by nearly 500 MW in France
Energy
French photovoltaic production temporarily decreased on Wednesday, August 12, during the solar eclipse, with a difference of 482 MW compared to the previous day at the peak of the phenomenon. This variation did not disrupt the electricity supply, according to data from the transmission network operator RTE. Read more
 
Heatwave: Solar power helps European electricity grids absorb peak demand
Energy
During the heat waves of June and July, solar power production increased by up to 17% in several European countries, while electricity consumption rose sharply and other production methods were disrupted. However, the study published by the think tank Ember highlights the need to develop battery storage to extend this energy supply after sunset. Read more
 
Vestas raises its 2026 margin forecast after a strong second quarter of growth
Company News
Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has raised its operating margin forecast for 2026, following a second quarter marked by a 26% increase in revenue and a net profit of €285 million. The announcement sent the company's share price soaring by more than 17% on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange on Wednesday morning. Read more
 
Groupe ADP triples its net profit in the first half of the year, driven by the sale of GMR Airports
Company News
The operator posted a net profit of €312 million in the first half of 2026, compared to €97 million a year earlier. This increase is largely due to the sale of a stake in GMR Airports, while operational activity is suffering from the effects of geopolitical tensions and the slowdown in Parisian air traffic. Read more
 
URW: Increased foot traffic supports shopping centers in the first half of the year
Company News
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield reported a 2,1% increase in foot traffic to its shopping centers in the first half of 2026, while its retailers' revenue rose by 5,2%. Despite the impact of asset sales on its published results, the real estate company confirmed its annual targets. Read more
 
Unemployment at 8,3%: Sébastien Lecornu defends the government's record since 2017
Careers
Following the rise in the unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2026, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended the employment policies implemented since Emmanuel Macron took office. He specifically cited the impact of the full employment law on the statistics, as the issue becomes increasingly prominent in the debate leading up to the 2027 presidential election. Read more
 
Youth unemployment: Sabrina Roubache focuses on vocational training and apprenticeships
Careers
With unemployment among 15-24 year olds reaching 21,6% in the second quarter, Junior Minister Sabrina Roubache is advocating for vocational training and apprenticeships as key to employment. She is also calling on businesses to recruit apprentices as the start of the academic year approaches. Read more
 
Earthquake in Venezuela: Unstable soils and construction defects exacerbated the disaster
Others
The two magnitude 7,2 and 7,5 earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24th left more than 6.000 dead and thousands missing. In La Guaira, the nature of the soil, deficiencies in the reinforcement, and possible construction defects explain the scale of the collapses, according to several experts. Read more
 
Home renovation: understanding how the Effy energy bonus works
Publi-editorial
The building sector is constantly adapting to new climate and regulatory requirements. In this context, the Effy Energy Bonus is a major financial boost. This scheme facilitates the realization of renovation projects by significantly reducing the initial investment. Read more
 
Manufacturers and Distributors
 
Etex France Building Performance on its way to becoming a Mission-Driven Company
News Manufacturer by Etex France Exteriors
For several years, Etex France Building Performance has based its development on an approach that reconciles economic performance, industrial innovation and social and environmental responsibility. Read more
 
After its acquisition by Spurgin, Activ'Home scaled up its production to an industrial level
News Manufacturer by Spurgin
Spurgin, the national leader in precast concrete walls and off-site wood-concrete construction, acquired Activ'Home at the end of 2024. This acquisition allowed the company to benefit from Spurgin's financial support through a €4 million investment in the creation of a new unit, enabling it to transition to industrial production. Read more
 
10 years of expertise: Griffon Education reaches a milestone and unveils its ambitions for the future
News Manufacturer by Griffon
With its training program, Griffon is strengthening its support approach for the sustainable implementation of its products in accordance with best practices. Read more
Videos
 
Climate 6000i P – New air-to-air heat pump with R290 refrigerant
Video by Bosch Home Comfort
Discover the new reversible air conditioner using natural R290 refrigerant. The Climate 6000iP is an innovative new technological solution for modern comfort in all seasons. It is one of the first air-to-air heat pumps on the market to incorporate a natural refrigerant (R290) and high energy efficiency with an ErP rating of up to A+++ in cooling. Read more
 
Montpellier University Hospital: Why is the Acosi+ heating and cooling ceiling an alternative to air conditioning?
Video by Thermacoma
In this video, discover an exceptional project carried out at the University Hospital of Montpellier, where 1.980 m² of Acosi+ hydraulic heating and cooling ceilings provide heating in winter and cooling in summer for the 137 rooms of the new geriatrics and palliative care unit. Read more
 
Alya Nature Mixed PVC Aluminium Window
Video by AMCC Windows Doors
This video showcases the ALYA NATURE PVC/Aluminum hybrid window designed by AMCC Windows & Doors, combining a PVC core with an aluminum exterior cladding. It highlights its interior finish in an Old Oak wood-effect material with visible grain, combining thermal performance, natural aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. Read more
 
Installation of a vertical extensometer: Convergence monitoring
Video by Feelbat
Discover in this video how to install the Delta L+ Extenso Vertical, the FEELBAT solution dedicated to monitoring cracks, joints and movements between two points. Read more
 
Rockfit PV: Case study - Renovation of 4.000 m² in Beauvais
Video by Rockwool
This case study illustrates the renovation of a 4.000 m² rooftop terrace in Beauvais using Rockwool's Rockfit PV solution to prepare the site for the installation of photovoltaic panels. Thanks to this non-combustible rock wool insulation, the project was carried out without removing the existing structure or interrupting operations, while respecting weight and fire safety constraints. Read more
 
MOV-e®: the first automatic communicating door
Video by Softica
Discover MOV-e®, the patented Softica innovation that transforms the automatic door into a truly dynamic communication medium! Installed here for the first time at the Sport 2000 store in Drumettaz-Clarafond, MOV-e® integrates a transparent LED screen directly into the moving leaf of the door. Read more
 
The Metro Factory is closing its doors for good.
Video
For nearly 10 years, this unique venue allowed hundreds of thousands of visitors to discover the Grand Paris Express even before its arrival. Residents, schoolchildren, elected officials, businesses, partners, and French and international delegations... all came to discover the behind-the-scenes workings of this extraordinary project and imagine the mobility of tomorrow. Read more
 
Eco-design: Design at Wavin (Episode 2)
Video by Wavin
A product doesn't start in a factory. It starts with decisions. Technical choices, sometimes invisible, but which determine everything: compatibility, durability, behavior on site… but also ease of daily use for professionals. Read more
Products and Materials
 
New "Sunpowered" self-powered awnings from Storistes de France, powered by solar energy
New range by French storists
Storistes de France presents Sunpowered, its collection of self-powered awnings with solar-powered motors. The awnings are ready to install for quick and easy setup, without the need for an electrical connection. Read more
 
Syntilor unveils its new 2026 Exterior Paint products: expert protection for wood and all surfaces
Range evolution by Blanchon
Syntilor, partner of DIY enthusiasts and a leading brand in the protection, decoration and maintenance of wood and complex materials, presents the latest products in its Exterior Paints range, designed to protect and decorate all types of exterior surfaces. Read more
 
Obligation and safety: the role of the manufacturer's plate on construction sites
Publi-editorial
The use of heavy equipment and lifting machinery requires strict adherence to applicable standards. The presence of a manufacturer's plate on each machine is a mandatory legal requirement. This metal plate guarantees the origin, certifies the technical specifications, and ensures the safe operation of the equipment fleet. Read more
 
Projects and Achievements
 
New reception pavilion for the National Assembly: Paris's favorable opinion reignites the controversy
Project
The City of Paris has issued a favorable opinion on a modification to the urban planning regulations necessary for the project of a new reception pavilion at the Palais Bourbon. This step, which does not constitute final authorization, reignites criticism regarding the architecture, the demolition of the existing building, and the cost of the operation, estimated at 53 million euros. Read more
 
In Berlin, a project for 66 housing units reignites the debate on preserving the remains of a bunker from Hitler's chancellery.
Project
A real estate project including 66 apartments could lead to the demolition of the remaining section of a bunker at the former Reich Chancellery in Berlin. The Berliner Unterwelten association proposes building above the structure to reconcile housing development with the preservation of this vestige of the Nazi regime. Read more
 
Terraces and outdoor spaces: designing structures adapted to climatic constraints
Realization by Kebony
Heat waves, heavy rain, humidity, frost, sea spray, and temperature fluctuations put constant stress on terraces, pontoons, and walkways. Beyond aesthetics, the choice of materials, their stability, and their installation conditions become crucial for preserving the performance and usability of outdoor spaces. Read more
Products of the week

Construction site spotlights and crane headlights with high-power LED technology

Lacquered aluminum underside

Rectified concrete block for floor construction

Construction machinery lighting

Noveti

SodiFab

Technibloc

ACTiLED

ORCOM, your expert accountant specializing in construction

End grain parquet: from urban use to contemporary design

Factory-assembled and easy-to-install bathroom furniture

Write your technical specifications for timber construction and structures

Orcom

Margaritelli France

Burgbad

CSTB Editions
 
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