With our festive season office hiatus now imminent, this is our last news update for 2011, so we thought it fitting to cap off the year with a top 10 list.

Below are our most read news items for the year. You may find a few results surprising, I know we did.

And from the team behind Building Products News, we hope you enjoyed the coverage this year and we look forward to keeping you informed in 2012.

Top 10 stories online in 2011

Free websites to help small business get online

A nationwide initiative has been rolled out to give small businesses like builders and architects a free website that’s easy to set up and maintain.

Probuild and Contexx team up to build bigger

Two large Australia construction companies, Probuild and Contexx, have signed a heads of agreement signalling their intention to join forces and increase their capacity to win and deliver major project.

First Masters Home Improvement store opens in Australia

The first Masters Home Improvement store in Australia opens today in Melbourne, in the suburb of Braybrook.

New national construction code represents biggest changesince BCA

The new National Construction Code will be rolled out from May this year, representing what the government says is the biggest change to building regulations since the Building Code of Australia.

Mud brick building industry scuffled by 6 Star ratings

The implementation of 6 Star ratings for homes is threatening to put the earth building industry out of business.

Biggest changes for Western Australia building in 50 years

New legislation passed in WA is expected to help modernise the building industry, streamline building approvals, introduce private certification and strengthen protection for consumers.

Video on glass cracks a crowd

A video by US glass manufacturer Corning depicting a world where interactive glass surfaces and technology combine is notching up millions of views.

Building designers take up 10 Star Energy Challenge

The Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV) has challenged its members to set new benchmarks in sustainable housing design with yesterday’s announcement of the 10 Star Energy Challenge.

WINNERS: BPN Sustainability Awards 2011

Australia's greenest projects and building products have been recognised in the 2011 BPN Sustainability Awards, with the Pixel building designed by studio505 named Best of the Best.

6 Star Standard begins May: what you need to know

From 1 May 2011, all new homes, home renovations, alterations and additions will need to comply with a 6 Star Standard when it comes into effect in the Building Code of Australia.