Local Authority Building & Maintenance November/December 2020

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LABMONLINE.CO.UK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

LOCAL AUTHORITY BUILDING & MAINTENANCE

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS FIRE PROTECTION & SECURITY KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

SPECIAL REPORT Advice on working with specialist suppliers

PROJECT PROFILE Muir Group is conducting a stock condition survey of all its properties and preparing to design a dynamic, five-year planned programme of works. LABM finds out more

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CONTENTS

November/December 2020 Vol.36 No.6

5 COMMENT Case for Social Housing 6 NEWS Zurich Municipal research on fires in schools — Stonewater 15-year repairs programe — HOMES UK event 8 INDUSTRY COMMENT Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH) discusses the latest research supporting council housebuilding at scale 10 INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE Richard Hyams, Founder and Director of astudio, considers how tech can drive more sustainable design PROJECT PROFILE 12 Taking Stock Muir Group is in the process of carrying out a stock condition survey of all its properties. LABM has all the details SPECIAL REPORT 15 Ready for Full Take-off!

The benefits to councils and housing associations of working with a one-stopcovers-all specialist supplier

Glazing solutions that not only satisfy fire safety requirements, but also acoustic and aesthetic needs too SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

20 Improving IAQ Taking a whole-building approach to HVAC to improve indoor air quality

28 Providing Specialist Support Advice on the specification of bidet solutions for less able residents

22 Rethinking Modular post COVID LABM finds out how Sir Frederick Gibberd College was completed in just 12 weeks during the national lockdown

30 Alternatives to Tiling The benefits of waterproof wall panel systems in modular construction 32 Water Saving Solutions Water saving opportunities through more efficient flushing and filling mechanisms

23 Round-up 18 OFFSITE INSIGHTS How the flexibility of timber frame can help housing providers meet the demands of the Lifetime Homes Standard

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FIRE PROTECTION & SECURITY

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24 Fire Safety Glass The multi-functional potential of fire safety glass in public buildings 27 Fire Safety in Social Housing Advice on fire checks and compliance in social housing

Muir Group discusses stock condition surveys

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The importance of indoor air quality

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Internal wall panels for modular builds

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

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Case for social housing At the start of the year, few could have predicted the events of 2020. As I write this, we are in a second lockdown and despite reassurances from the Prime Minister a degree of uncertainty persists as to whether the restrictions will be lifted on the 2nd December. Christmas as we would normally celebrate it won’t be the same; most people will just be hoping they can see their loved ones over the festive period. A glimmer of hope has emerged with the news that a vaccine might be available by Christmas.

No one can deny it’s been an incredibly tough year on many fronts, with people losing their jobs, families facing extreme hardship and businesses struggling to stay afloat, especially those that fall outside government support mechanisms.

Councils and housing associations have continued their vital work throughout the pandemic, from supporting vulnerable residents facing precarious situations, to providing an essential lifeline for local businesses through the dissemination of government grants.

According to government statistics, the ‘Everyone In’ initiative resulted in local authorities rehousing approximately 15,000 homelessness people in England. This is extremely positive. In June, government made an additional £105m was available to support thousands of rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness into secure tenancies. With the colder months upon us and coronavirus infections high, it’s essential we continue to do all we can to help rough sleepers and those affected by homelessness.

The reopening of building sites in the summer provided a welcome boost for the construction industry and it’s really positive to see some pioneering projects coming to the fore. Bristol City Council and Zed Pods for example recently delivered a groundbreaking zero carbon housing development above a car park in the city in partnership with Bristol Housing Festival, YMCA and Bristol and Bath Regional Capital. Another is Lewes District Council’s modular development in East Sussex, which is being hailed as a ‘gamechanger’ for social housing in terms of sustainability and fire safety.

In November, it was announced that a major consortium in Wales, including 26 social housing

providers, had won £7m Welsh Government funding to deliver an optimised retrofit programme across more than 1,300 homes. The same month, Sutton Housing Partnership appointed ENGIE to design, build and deliver a programme to transform existing homes in the London Borough of Sutton into net zero carbon homes.

With a climate emergency declared, projects like the ones mentioned above are hugely important and it’s fantastic to see social housing providers leading the sustainability charge.

New research from Pragmatix “Advisory makes a compelling case for building 100,000 new councils homes.

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However there is still the problem of housing inequality to address and the affordability crisis, exacerbated by the economic impact of the pandemic. According to new research commissioned by ARCH and others in the sector, housing waiting lists are expected to double in 2021 and it is likely that there will be a dramatic increase in the numbers of households in the private rented sector becoming homeless, substantiating the need for more genuinely affordable homes — social homes.

The new research from macroeconomic forecasters Pragmatix Advisory makes a compelling case for building 100,000 new councils homes. Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at ARCH, discusses the research in his Industry Comment on page 8, where he says: “They estimate that building these homes could cost £11bn, but by supporting 89,000 construction jobs, and £5.7bn worth of sales in the supply chain, it would deliver an overall economic boost worth £14.5bn.” These figures are hard to ignore.

I would like to wish all our readers a safe Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

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NOVEMBER/DECEMB ER 2020

LOCAL AUTHOR ITY BUILDING & MAINTENANCE

SCHOOLS, HOSPITA LS & PUBLIC BUILDIN GS FIRE PROTECTION & SECURITY KITCHENS, BATHRO OMS & DISABIL ITY NEEDS SPECIAL REPORT Advice on working with

specialist suppliers

COVER STORY: Dacorum Borough Council’s new properties at Magenta Court, next to Apsley Paper Mill in Hemel Hempstead.

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PROJECT PROFILE Muir Group is conducting a stock condition survey of all its properties and preparing design a dynamic, to five-year planned programme of works.

LABM finds out more

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Insights: Minimising refurbishment disruption

Modul’up Resin in Cobalt

Modul’up Cement installed at Edinburgh College

NEWS Call to change law on sprinklers in schools A new study from Zurich Municipal reveals 480 primary and secondary schools endured fires in 2019, a staggering 40 incidents every month.

Fast track Lewis Cooper, Segment Marketing Manager for Education at Forbo Flooring Systems, offers advice on how to minimise disruption and downtime on flooring refurbishments in education through the installation of Modul’up.

Specifying flooring in the education sector presents various challenges, with minimal downtime and disruption to students, staff and the daily operations of buildings being a key consideration. With the latest developments in adhesive free floor coverings, these ‘fast fit’ solutions may prove to be the most valuable option for school refurbishments.

Part of Forbo Flooring Systems’ Fast Fit collection, Modul’up adhesive free sheet vinyl has been designed to be laid straight down onto the subfloor, or even over an existing floor, with minimal preparation in most cases, which reduces installation time by over 50% compared to standard, glued down floor coverings. This means that work can be completed during half term breaks, over the weekend, overnight or even whilst the premises are still in use. What’s more, while concerns over infection control remains within society, Modul’up minimises the amount of time that fitters spend on site too.

Downtime can often be the most pressing issue for education refurbishments. However, due to the fact that the installation is completely free of adhesives, no setting or drying time needs to be factored into the project and the usual constraints, such as lingering odours, are eliminated. The floor can also be walked on immediately after it is fitted and facilities can resume as normal.

When the time eventually comes to replace the floor covering, Modul’up is easy to uplift and re-use or recycle, as there is no adhesive residue on the back of the material. Indeed, this can result in potential savings on future renovations, as no costly subfloor preparation is required on removal.

Available in an acoustic or compact version and in a wide range of designs, from natural wood and stone effects along with bright and bold colour pops, Modul’up offers the ideal solution for a variety of application areas within an education establishment.

For more information please visit www.forboflooring.co.uk/modulup

As a result, almost 20,0001 school children have had their education impacted or have been displaced from their usual school building over the same period. The research was compiled by the Zurich data science team through a freedom of information request to the UK Fire and Rescue Services.

Further data analysis by Zurich, a leading insurer of schools in the UK, shows that last year over 15,000m² of classroom space was damaged during blazes last year across 271 primary and 209 secondary schools. Only 2% (seven) of the schools had sprinkler protection in place. According to official figures, only 15% of all new schools built and open in the UK since 2011 have been fitted with sprinklers2. Whilst sprinklers are compulsory in all new or major refurbished school buildings in Scotland and Wales, this is not the case in England.

In June, Boris Johnson pledged £1bn to fund a decade long school rebuilding and repair programme and a further £560m in early August.3 Based on large fires alone, Zurich estimates that the repair for school fires could hit £320m over 10 years — a significant portion of the Government’s slated investment.4 Zurich wants the Government to ring-fence some of its promised investment to improve the resilience of schools at high risk of fire.

The findings have led Zurich to launch a parliamentary petition (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/549558) urging MPs to change the law on sprinklers in schools.

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https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/findstatistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics 2 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/ system/uploads/attachment_data/file/823436/fire-statistics-datatables-fire0301-080819.xlsx 3 GOV.co.uk, 29th June: PM announces transformative school rebuilding programme 4 Based on current rate of 11.3 schools destroyed a year, and a conservative cost of £2.8m per larger fire (11.3 x 2.8 x 10 = £317m).

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New council homes raise the bar A new modular council development in Newhaven, East Sussex, is being hailed as a ‘game changer’ for social housing.

The entire development consists of 36 modules constructed within the Boutique Modern factory in Newhaven and craned into place. The 13 one- and two-bed apartments have been allocated to families on Lewes District Council’s housing register.

Every apartment has its own 2.1kWh solar PV installation and 2.7Kw battery to store electricity generated during the day for use at peak times. Power usage monitoring displays are also installed in each home and all residents will receive advice and guidance on how to interpret and use the information to further reduce energy use. It is anticipated the mains energy use will be reduced by 70%, taking the properties ‘off-grid’ for up to three or four months of the year.

The modules are super insulated, meaning they are 40% more energy-efficient than traditional homes. Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems are installed in each apartment. They filter and exchange the air to keep the environment low in humidity, saving on maintenance issues/costs and maintaining a healthy fresh air supply within each home.

Despite being under 18m, Palmerston House has been built to meet the 18m fire regulations introduced following the Grenfell investigations. Each apartment constitutes a one-hour fire compartment, and every habitable room has a MIST fire suppression system installed. In the event of a fire every walkway window and the roof vent in the stair core will automatically open, allowing smoke to clear. A communal fire alarm system is integrated with the fire brigade or monitoring company. It detects any fault and activates within seconds.

15-year repairs programme Stonewater appoints Wates Living Space to deliver a 15-year programme of housing repairs to nearly 10,000 homes and worth around £105m.

Wates will be responsible for carrying out responsive repairs, voids and planned maintenance works across Stonewater’s schemes in the West and East regions; ranging from Wolverhampton to Tewksbury to Coventry and from Milton Keynes to Cambridge to Watford. To ensure smooth management throughout the contract, Wates has opened a new office in Milton Keynes and implemented a new IT solution to offer seamless interfacing with Stonewater systems. The onboarding of new employees has also taken place through a series of remote and socially distanced inductions to ensure the contract complies with all local and national COVID-19 guidance.

Patrick Chauvin, Executive Director of Assets at Stonewater, says: “When partnering with any company it’s always important to us that we collaborate with businesses whose values align with our own. After a robust, two-stage procurement process we selected Wates as our repairs contractor because they demonstrated an understanding of our customers’ needs and their ability to deliver a good service.”

DIARY DATES HOMES UK: THE VIRTUAL EVENT Running from the 30th November to the 4th December, the virtual event offers attendees the opportunity to engage with colleagues from across the entire housing sector. Key discussion points will focus on how to revive housebuilding, establishing a ‘new normal’ for property management and supporting tenants through the recovery. The event will also feature political and economical analysis, discuss key themes such as planning for a post COVID-19 future, fire safety in buildings, climate change, homelessness and digital transformation, plus so much more.

For more information and to attend visit https://homesevent.co.uk

The future for housing design and delivery in the UK This Westminster Social Policy Forum event will take place on Wednesday, 9th December 2020. The conference will consider the future for housing design and delivery in the UK — and priorities for addressing poor quality housing design.

Discussion areas include the Future Homes Standard, the next steps for the National Design Guide and the National Model Design Code, as well as the role of housing schemes as part of well-designed places and the development of local guidelines. MMC and promoting new ways of working will also be addressed, looking at the next steps for improving the delivery and design of new homes and reducing costs, as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speakers include Mark Farmer, Founding Director and Chief Executive Officer, Cast Consultancy and Champion, Modern Methods of Construction, Andy Von Bradsky, Head of Architecture – Housing Supply and Planning Directorate, MHCLG, and Paul Monaghan, Director, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and Special Adviser, Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, plus many more.

For more information and to book visit www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/ book/Future-for-housing-design

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

INDUSTRY COMMENT

Let’s build 100,000 new Council homes Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH), highlights new research which makes a strong case for building thousands of new council homes. he Government’s decision to extend the furlough scheme until the end of the March has helped to dilute and delay the expected surge in unemployment caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But prospects for 2021 look bleak, and with more lay-offs and short-time working the inevitable consequence is thousands more tenants facing a difficulty in paying their rent.

For council and housing association tenants, universal credit provides a safety net of a sort, although the five-week delay in payment of UC makes it almost unavoidable that tenants build up arrears before benefits kick in. Private tenants, however, cannot expect the benefits system to provide more than the Local Housing Allowance, which is set to match only the lowest third of rents in any area.

Tenants hit by the economic effects of the pandemic will not all be in the cheapest third of the market, nor will they find it easy to move to cheaper property given the reluctance of many private landlords to accept tenants on benefits.

That is why research commissioned by ARCH and others suggests that council waiting lists are likely to double next year, alongside a big increase in the number of households becoming homeless from the private rented sector.

Councils already have 93,000 homeless households in temporary accommodation for which they are seeking permanent housing and are under strong pressure to permanently reduce rough sleeping numbers by finding longer-term solutions for those housed temporarily during the last lockdown. How can they be expected

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to cope with these additional new demands? Some might say that the obvious answer is to build more new council homes.

Strong case for new council homes New research, mentioned above, commissioned from respected macroeconomic forecasters Pragmatix Advisory, makes a strong case for building 100,000 new council homes, both to meet the housing needs just described and to deliver the best kind of post-pandemic stimulus the Government could design. It forecasts that 1.3 million worker-years of construction activity will have been lost to COVID by 2024 unless there is further government intervention. This equates to at least half a million new homes.

Pragmatix were asked to assess the economic impact of building 100,000 new council homes as part of a post-pandemic economic stimulus. They conclude that expenditure on new homes is a highly effective way to boost the domestic economy with little money lost to importing foreign goods and services and benefits spread among a large number of small and micro-businesses right across the country.

They estimate that building these homes would cost around £11bn, but by supporting 89,000 construction jobs and £5.7bn worth of sales in the supply chain, it would deliver an overall economic boost worth £14.5bn.

Just as importantly, the Government’s contribution to making this happen would be repaid with interest. Councils could not finance the homes on their own — the expected rent revenue would not be enough to support the initial borrowing. But

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They estimate that “building these homes would cost around £11bn, but by supporting 89,000 construction jobs and £5.7bn worth of sales in the supply chain, it would deliver an overall economic boost worth £14.5bn.

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once the overall impact on the public finances is factored in, it is clear that it makes sense for the Government to provide an initial contribution sufficient to get the homes built. The payback would include savings in unemployment benefits and tax revenues from the extra jobs created, plus the benefits savings from moving households from higher-rent private tenancies into council homes at social rents.

Over 25 years, the research estimates an overall surplus of £7.8bn, equivalent to a real return to government of 3.8% a year.

This is just the kind of proposal that Chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to include in his long-awaited Spending Review. www.arch-housing.org.uk

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INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE: DRIVING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

A FORCE FOR GOOD THIS ISSUE RICHARD HYAMS, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF ASTUDIO, SHARES HIS IDEAS ON HOW TECH CAN DRIVE MORE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN.

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he far-reaching pressures of the coronavirus pandemic have triggered a historic moment for change and reflection across society. With a new opportunity for green recovery across our economy, and with the UK Government recently announcing a £3bn green investment package in its summer statement, improving Britain’s environmental impact must be a priority.

Increasingly, the sustainability of our buildings is at the centre of this agenda.

However, our built environment continues to account for 40% of carbon emissions in the UK. In order to reach the UK’s net-zero emissions target by 2050, we must consider how to best design and develop buildings that meet the environmental challenges and social needs of our modern world. And to do so both effectively and efficiently, we must turn to innovative, technology-powered solutions.

Nature meets technology Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly valuable resource in guiding new ways of thinking in architecture and building design and its impact on ambitious sustainability efforts is considerable. Take genetic algorithms, for

Modular manufacturing has enabled astudio to halve the estimated construction time of its Sudgen Way housing project in Barking

example. Using machine learning, the ‘selfteaching’ algorithm replicates the process of evolution, using biologically inspired operators such as mutation, cross over and selection to test and develop designs.

This enables architects to make intelligent design decisions while also requiring less time and resources than traditional pen and paper methods.

Far from a fad, genetic algorithms have been applied to a range of problems of significant complexity, with the furniture industry just one example. Already, genetic algorithms are being used in the industry to continuously review production processes, producing visual models that can optimise systems and ensure schedules are met — a use that can be easily replicated across the manufacturing sector to find new solutions and increase the efficiency of various processes.

The metaheuristic system can test designs against a range of parameters and adapt the building accordingly to

achieve the best environmental outcomes, such as improved energy efficiency or reduced material waste from the construction of a building. But the real benefit can also be found in the flexibility they offer for interrogating a diverse range of problems, for example designing new schemes and layouts for modular construction. In our own work at astudio, we have used genetic algorithms to become as creative as possible in our testing processes, using its non-linear way of assessing design (which in many ways mirrors the conditions of the natural world) to ensure that the final design we arrive at is as tried and tested as possible.

A modular solution Alongside designing buildings with the potential to minimise the environmental impact of our built environment, we must also adopt innovative construction solutions that improve sustainability at the build-stage of a design. Modular

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astudio was the first UK firm to purchase an algae machine from US pioneer Sustainable Now Technologies

heat loss and minimise air infiltration — thereby improving efficiency, as well as providing vital accommodation near local healthcare centres and schools, enhancing social impact and serving the community.

Not only has the delivery timeline been expedited in comparison to traditional construction methods, providing much-needed homes at pace, it has also minimised costs, maximising the volume of accommodation that can be delivered, or freeing up funds for investment in further social impact and environmental projects. Further, modular construction can help to provide a viable ‘meanwhile’ solution — providing homes in the immediate term that can be ‘recycled’ across other sites to quickly deliver accommodation solutions at sites awaiting further long-term development.

An example of Augmented Reality technology

“The metaheuristic system can test designs against a range of parameters and adapt the building accordingly to achieve the best environmental outcomes…”

construction offers one such solution. In fact, estimates suggest that modular construction requires, on average, 67% less energy consumption.

Far more efficient than traditional construction methods, modular manufacturing also produces less material waste and minimises both noise pollution and disruption on site. Buildings can be constructed robotically in a factory setting and then transported to a building location for faster assembly. In our own work, this has enabled astudio to halve the estimated construction time of our Sudgen Way project, due to deliver 13 new homes in Barking this year, compared to traditional construction methods. astudio’s Desborough Road project is a further example, set to provide 58 units of accommodation for homeless and vulnerable people for Wycombe District Council. The project uses a fabric-first approach to enhance insulation, reduce

Where next?

Putting people and the environment at the centre of our practice across the property and construction industries is key if the UK is to meet its 2050 emissions goals, as well as providing a built environment that delivers the social impact we need not only during the coronavirus pandemic, but for the months and years to come.

Thinking in innovative ways is crucial, which is why at astudio we have been exploring the possibilities of ‘living walls’ to improve the sustainability of projects built in the future, as well as the buildings we already have. astudio was the first UK firm to purchase an algae machine from US pioneer Sustainable Now Technologies, which has allowed us to develop a method of skinning building exteriors with algae compounds that can sequester existing carbon from the atmosphere. These algae compounds can later be harvested to produce sustainable biofuel, helping to deliver truly self-sufficient and future-proof buildings.

For both new buildings and retrofitting projects, sustainability and people must be central. Technology will be crucial to achieving this: delivering carbon savings, offsetting emissions and ensuring maximum social impact by engaging the community on projects in more innovative ways. Only then will we see a truly green and sustainable recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. www.astudio.co.uk

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PROJECT PROFILE: MUIR GROUP HOUSING ASSOCIATION

Muir Group’s 44-home affordable housing scheme at Watson Road, Blackpool

Taking stock Some might shudder at the thought of doing a stock condition survey that covers every property you own as a social housing provider. But this undertaking is testament to the way Muir Group Housing Association is facing the future as safety in the sector comes under increased scrutiny, as LABM finds out. “

t’s a massive task, but it says everything about the character, commitment and ambition at Muir,” says Nik Evans. Nik’s appreciation of the ‘massive task’ ahead is a subtle reminder that rarely does anyone tackle a stock condition survey of all its properties in one fell swoop. However, Muir’s Assistant Director of Property Services insists the housing association is raring to kick on as it continues to enhance its reputation as a dedicated social landlord, with more than half a century of experience.

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Having remodelled the department since his arrival at Muir, Nik now prepares to design a dynamic, five-year planned programme of works — with the ultimate but simple aim of providing people with great homes to be happy in.

“With 5,500 homes we’re certainly not the biggest, but covering everything you have in one stock condition survey is a huge undertaking at any level,” Nik said. “What’s important is how we use the data we collate to design a robust new strategy for planned

improvement programmes. This is about continuing to deliver high standards of affordable living in properties residents can be proud of, maintaining excellent levels of compliance, and continuing to provide homes fit for the future at Muir.

“It’s important to have a total bird’s eye view of everything we manage, so we continue to deliver improved, energyefficient homes. We need to remain flexible enough to respond to changing landscapes, such as fire safety, and the need to deliver more and more affordable properties — both for rent and shared ownership.”

Survey progress Initially launching in March 2020, delays caused by COVID-19 have barely hampered the all-encompassing stock condition survey, despite the housing association being forced to down tools before remobilising when lockdown restrictions were loosened in July. Working with specialist social housing consultancy, Michael Dyson Associates, to achieve its

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It’s a massive task, but it says everything about the “character, commitment and ambition at Muir. ” aims, the partnership has seen the survey completed at 2,500 properties so far; including at Muir’s Independent Living and supported schemes.

Tony Jones, Muir’s Asset Services Manager, has been at the forefront of helping to make Muir’s stock condition survey spring into action.

“After a really competitive tendering procedure, we were pleased to appoint Michael Dyson Associates based on their vast social housing experience and their strong, quality submission,” Tony says.

“They had a lot of in-house resource to commit and that was a big factor for us.

Geographically our stock is very widespread, so this has helped to deliver a very coordinated approach.”

Ensuring fire safety One main emphasis will be on continuing to ensure Muir meets changing legislation surrounding fire safety, and that processes remain versatile enough to respond efficiently to those changes as they arise.

Muir has re-evaluated the block configuration of its schemes as part of the stock condition survey, and rearranged them in line with fire risk assessment reports to provide greater reassurance around communal block safety.

“Part of the overall programme involves a specific five-year plan for fire safety,” Tony says. “It’s a hugely important area and very much in the spotlight. We’re determined to be in the best possible position to react to changes in legislation — not only from a compliance perspective, but because we want to do all we can to keep people safe in Muir homes. Those levels of reassurance and flexible ways of working are vital to maintaining the trust of residents, and to underlining Muir’s reputation in the sector.”

influence a dedicated programme of improvements while prioritising environmental factors.

“We’ll have a great understanding of where and how to maximise the use of evolving technologies as we shape future strategies,” Nik says. “For example, we’ll be able to make more informed decisions regarding alternative and renewable energy systems.

“In 2019 we moved our windows and doors work streams in-house as a forerunner to some environmental benefits we’re considering. This has strengthened the Muir Property Solutions (MPS) arm of repairs and maintenance at Muir, and will provide a longer-term commitment to work streams while maximising our budgets.”

Redefining Muir’s planned maintenance strategies will enable the housing association to continue meeting and emulating the Decent Homes Standard while also preserving the general appearance of residents’ properties.

Solid foundations In the background, members of Nik’s team are also working with Muir’s Business Transformation and Technology team to reconfigure IT systems for greater, faster visibility of data with which to inform decisions.

Ian Whitwell, Assistant Director of BTT at Muir comments: “Ensuring data is updated in a consistent and timely manner to Muir’s Asset Management System is a key objective for the BTT Team as we support this Property Services project. The teams are now reconfiguring the Keystone system to ensure data is readily available to inform decision-making, and can be easily maintained.”

As well as keeping people safe, this bedrock of work will help Muir strengthen many of its other strategies, allowing the housing association to maintain gGood governance and improve customer satisfaction while maximising feturns on assets. Nik explained Muir will be better prepared to maintain the new affordable homes being delivered under its increased Building New Homes strategy too.

“With our revised Building New Homes strategy coming into effect, the stock condition survey and recent remodelling of the Property Services department means we’ll be in a strong position to embed Muir’s expanding portfolio into our repairs and maintenance strategies,” Nik adds. “It means Property Services will have very solid foundations upon which to support Muir’s future — and, most importantly, those of our residents.”

With thanks to Muir Group for preparing this article

Energy-efficient homes Alongside fire safety, Muir has a very keen eye on enhancing energy efficiency in its homes — making sure residents always get the best value for money while doing whatever it can to reduce its carbon footprint. Nik says the project will help Muir understand the current energy efficiency of all its properties, information that will

Nik Evans, Muir Group’s Assistant Director of Property Services, with Steve Trumper

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SPECIAL REPORT: ADVICE ON WORKING WITH SPECIALIST SUPPLIERS

Ready for full take-off!

As local authorities and housing associations are only too aware, building, refurbishing and maintaining homes to required standards is a vital but complicated business, where having to manage multiple suppliers can soak up time and money.

Gordon Brown discusses the benefits of using a one-stopcovers-all specialist supplier. n June, the Prime Minister took the economic brakes off by announcing plans to ‘build, build, build’, powered by a huge capital investment programme. A key part of this programme is £12bn for affordable homes and a radical reform of planning guidance, so commercial property could more easily be turned into places to live. This significant funding injection is a welcome tonic for the roofing

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The Government’s £12bn for affordable homes funding injection is a welcome

sector, as well as the broader construction industry — construction being widely recognised as one of the key drivers towards restoring a healthy economy.

With the changes having come into force in September, there will be an understandable keenness to move quickly, especially after so many contractors had to down tools during the Coronavirus lockdown. However, despite the large sums involved, this is no time to lose sight of the need for effective budget control and efficient management of resources.

Experienced public procurement officers, and their counterparts in housing associations, will be only too aware of the time, money and resources that can be consumed by having to deal with multiple suppliers, tendering and re-tendering for contracts that are basically the same. This was one of the reasons for the comparatively recent introduction of framework agreements, recognised as creating better long-term value for both client and supplier.

Within my 30 years in the public procurement sector, this has been one of the most significant changes within this sector. Another is that the long-standing practice of simply going for the cheapest quote has been abandoned. Instead the

Experienced public “procurement officers, and their counterparts in housing associations, will be only too aware of the time, money and resources that can be consumed by having to deal with multiple suppliers.

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focus is on best value, the ‘most economically advantageous’, with the lifetime cost of materials a major consideration.

Key questions This is where selecting a specialist in the supply of specialist materials such as roofing, covering all the bases, can be such an advantage. But what to look for?

Here are some key questions to ask of your potential supply partner. ● Firstly, does your potential supply partner have the right experience and support network in place? At SIG

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SPECIAL REPORT: ADVICE ON WORKING WITH SPECIALIST SUPPLIERS

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Roofing, for example, our Public Procurement team have over 60 years combined experience within this sector.

Secondly, are they financially stable?

Particularly in these challenging times, it is essential to establish they are here for the long run. This will ensure continuity of supply and that your projects are in safe hands.

Are they able to supply the range of materials you need, and at the right price? As I said earlier, best value is a fundamental. So they will need not only to hold a comprehensive range of stock but also to have used their purchasing prowess to be able to offer competitive prices in the market. In addition, can they provide a full take-off, giving an accurate estimate for every single item you will need for the roofing project, so important for large-scale developments.

How good is their Supply Chain Management? Do they work with quality manufacturers, and can they guarantee just-in-time delivery, ensuring the right materials are available in the right place in the right quantities at the right time?

Here having a national network of branches is an advantage, making local delivery easier. Also, through minimising the stock held on site, the opportunity for theft, vandalism, tenant disruption and expensive on-site storage is reduced.

Do the products meet essential regulatory compliance? This ranges from

It’s important to ascertain whether potential suppliers can supply the range of materials needed for a project

CE marking to (RoHS) Restriction of Hazardous Substances, Conflict Minerals and Modern Slavery legislation. ● Finally, dealing with multiple suppliers may mean having to manage multiple warranty claims should the unfortunate happen, which can be costly and a real headache. SIG Roofing, however, takes this hassle away by covering the complete buildup of a roofing project with its single 15-year ONE Warranty package.

All of these are good reasons why a well established, specialist supplier can be the better choice, and will help bring about the benefits that framework agreements are designed to deliver. These include

Specifiers should consider suppliers that hold a comprehensive range of stock

increased value, a focus on continuous improvement and a strategic relationship with the supply chain over a long period (generally up to four years).

Future trends A key issue becoming more prevalent with framework agreements is moving towards zero carbon construction, which is something SIG Roofing supports in how we do business, always seeking to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

A lot of people are now looking at offsite construction, for example. With the industry facing a skills shortage, it’s becoming easier and quicker to build in a factory then ship the pieces to the site for assembly. With one of the social housing frameworks we supply, the houses are built in a modular format in a prison.

So, with prospects for increased construction activity improving, the future is looking promising. More new affordable homes, naturally means more roofing projects. But it’s not just new-build schemes. The majority of the UK’s housing stock is older properties, from the 1940s through to the 1970s. Much of it needs improvement, including some social housing, so the RMI side will also be busy.

Gordon Brown is Key Account Director, Public Procurement, for SIG Roofing

■ For more information about SIG Roofing and its services visit www.rdr.link/ls001

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OFFSITE INSIGHTS: TAYLOR LANE TIMBER FRAME

Aerial photo of a housing development built using Taylor Lane’s timber frame solutions

HOMES FOR LIFE

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uilding homes is a central driver in the Government’s COVID recovery plan and now, more than ever, it is vital that we build homes and communities that are accessible and inclusive. Local authorities and housing associations have an opportunity to futureproof their new-build housing stock.

With build methods, such as timber frame, flexible spaces can be designed-in that can be adapted as and when needed, helping to reduce alteration costs at a later date, facilitate independence and enable residents to live in their homes for longer.

The golden rule with this of course, is to get the timber frame supplier on-board as early as possible; capitalise on their expertise and experience. The design stage is critical for fully realising the benefits of working with timber frame, not least off setting some of the expense of those future alterations.

Steve Griffiths explains how the flexibility of timber frame enables Registered Providers to meet the demands of the Lifetime Homes standard and build better quality, future-proof houses.

A standard wall constructed using timber frame can achieve a U-value of 0.19W/m2K

Lifetime Homes Standard Under the Lifetime Homes Standard there are 16 design criteria, timber frame can help councils and housing associations meet the requirement of at least two of these — Criterion 12: Stairs and potential through-floor lift in dwelling and Criterion 13: Potential for future fitting of hoists and bedroom/bathroom relationship.

In response to Criterion 12, the architect and timber frame designer would need to factor in where the through-floor home lift could be installed at a later date. We would recommend setting aside enough room for a lift which can accommodate a carer and wheelchair. Using solid beam trimmers, the timber frame designers can design in a knock-out panel in the first floor — allowing the lift to travel from the ground to first floor (or beyond, if required). Trimming out allows for the lift to be installed without ruining the structural integrity of the first floor.

For Criterion 13, the timber frame provider would need to consider extra loadings when planning for hoists and lifting equipment. If a hoist were to be installed on the top floor of the property, in a bedroom through to a bathroom for instance, the bottom chord of the roof truss

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(which creates the ceiling) would need to be both wider and deeper in order to accommodate this. Similarly, if a hoist track was required on the ground floor ceiling, the timber frame designer would ensure that the joists used to create the first floor were strong enough to withstand the load.

Good practice recommendations that exceed the requirements of design feature 13 suggest ‘…locate this bedroom and bathroom adjacent to each other with a connecting full height ‘knock out panel’ sufficient to form a direct doorway…’. This can easily be achieved with timber frame.

Designers are adept at creating flexible layouts using knock out panels. This design solution can be extremely beneficial when a resident is diagnosed with dementia, for example.

Adaptable living Dementia affects people in different ways — physical, emotional and psychological, and it can have a dramatic impact on everyday life. Living in a home for longer is not just about the practicalities of access, it is also about familiarity, which is crucial for those suffering with dementia.

While most people with dementia wish to stay in their home for as long as possible, this can’t always be the case, yet moving to a new house after a dementia diagnosis can be challenging. This is where the benefits of a flexible layout come into play. By transforming two adjacent ground floor rooms into a bathroom and bedroom,

Living in a home for “longer is not just about the practicalities of access, it is also about familiarity, which is crucial for those suffering with dementia.

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Under the Lifetime Homes Standard there is 16 design criteria

ideally with access to and/or a view of green space, a person may be able to stay living in their home for longer. This can be achieved with a few tweaks to the timber frame design, including knock out panels in the wall panels.

Room size The impact on room size is a key consideration when designing adaptable, future-proof spaces. Under the Lifetime Homes Standard movement around a property should be convenient for a wide range of people, including those with

mobility aids or wheelchairs. Criterion 6, for example requires wider internal doorways and hallways. This, coupled with the area needed for a through-floor home lift along with sufficient room for a user and potentially, a carer to ingress and egress from the lift, could have a negative impact on the space and potentially hinder movement around the room. It is essential therefore that architects and specifiers look for solutions that allow them to maximise room size without compromising factors such as thermal performance.

Timber frame, for example, achieves a better thermal performance than traditional brick and block, with a slimmer wall makeup. A standard wall constructed using timber frame can achieve a U-value of 0.19W/m2K. A traditional build would usually need a wider wall construction to achieve 0.19W/m2K, with a bigger cavity and more insulation, which would impact on room size.

By thinking ahead, and making some simple adaptations, social housing providers can offer safe and comfortable homes that will suit the changing needs of their residents for many years.

Steve Griffiths is Senior Design Manager at Taylor Lane Timber Frame

■ Download Taylor Lane Timber Frame’s brochure here www.rdr.link/ls002

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SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Improving IAQ

Ventilation plays a key role in creating healthier indoor environments

Public Health England estimates that air pollution is responsible for between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths a year, costing the healthcare sector £20bn annually.

Combined with the increasing requirements for airtightness in architectural design, it’s clear that a whole-building approach to HVAC in schools, hospitals and public buildings is needed to improve indoor air quality, as Martin Passingham explains. e spend around 90% of our time indoors. With this in mind, it’s crucial that building occupants have access to a healthy, clean and pleasant internal environment, free from pollutants, allergens, odours and water vapour — particularly in public buildings used by young or vulnerable people.

There are numerous factors that contribute to the creation of a comfortable internal environment, including lighting, humidity, cleanliness, temperature and fresh air. Ensuring that all these factors are considered within the building design, with a suitable level of control also enabled, is key.

In many ways, effective ventilation is the cornerstone of achieving a well-balanced internal environment, as it removes stale indoor air and replaces it with ‘fresh’ outdoor air. Ventilation also helps to extract water vapour, airborne pollutants and odours and control humidity.

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energy performance, filters and maintenance.

As part of a wider HVAC system, ventilation must comply with Approved Document Part B (fire safety), Part C (site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture), Part E (resistance to the passage of sound), Part L (conservation of fuel and power), Part J (combustion appliances and fuel storage systems) and Part P (electrical safety).

When designing ventilation for healthcare environments, such as hospitals, it is important to also refer to Approved Document Part F: Health Technical Memorandum 03-01, published by the Department of Health. Of course, some healthcare environments, such as operating theatres, critical care areas and isolation units, will have additional ventilation requirements, in order to prevent the spread of infection.

Fresh air supply Ventilation systems must be designed to provide both sufficient fresh air supply and extraction. Only then can they minimise moisture build-up, deal with bio-effluents (body odour) and keep exposure to NO2, CO and VOCs to a minimum.

In the UK, ventilation design is controlled by the Building Regulations Approved Document Part F, which sets out the criteria for both homes and ‘non-domestic’ buildings — primarily offices. Building ventilation also has to comply with a number of British Standards, covering

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Intakes and exhaust outlets It is also important to carefully consider the placement of ventilation intakes and exhaust outlets outside of a building. If placed incorrectly, they could negatively impact the performance of the ventilation system and the indoor air quality, with the potential for pollutants to enter the interior space.

Ventilation intakes must be placed as far away as possible from the main sources of local outside air pollution, such as road traffic. For HVAC systems, this typically means on the roof of the building, unless

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there are higher-level pollution sources.

Alternatively, air intakes can be installed on walls, in courtyards and in atria.

It is equally important to avoid crosscontamination from boiler flues. Exhaust stacks should also be placed as far away as possible from the ventilation intakes, preferably at a higher level, and also downwind. They should not discharge into courtyards or other enclosed spaces and it is recommended they discharge vertically, to avoid downwash.

With ventilation having such a crucial role to play in delivering a pleasant, clean and healthy internal environment, designing the system correctly and in accordance with the relevant Building Regulations and industry guidance is essential. Effective filtration measures and a regular programme of servicing and maintenance are also important to ensure the system continues to perform as intended.

Martin Passingham is Product & Training Manager at Daikin UK

■ To download Daikin’s ‘Delivering Good Indoor Air Quality’ whitepaper visit www.rdr.link/ls003

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SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Rethinking modular post COVID Offsite build of Sir Frederick Gibberd College was completed in just 12 weeks and during the national COVID-19 lockdown. Andy Smith looks at why it’s now time to pass the baton to other sectors.

The new facility was manufactured using 198 large 18 by 3.5m modules with factory installed concrete floors

ven before Coronavirus hit the UK earlier this year, government and industry leaders were calling for faster build schedules to meet the shortage of houses and classrooms.

However, it was not until the national COVID lockdown, which resulted in traditional sites being closed, that people realised offsite and modular construction ought to be given even greater prominence in other sectors.

With most traditional sites closed, offsite builds were able to continue in controlled factory environments by following government guidelines. A case in point is Sir Frederick Gibberd College in Harlow, Essex, where production of modules in our Newark factory continued during lockdown.

You know something’s changing when a national newspaper runs the headline; ‘Remarkable time-lapse footage shows secondary school being built in 12 weeks while the rest of us have been on lockdown’. The coverage in MailOnline related to the college — perceptions of modular and offsite are indeed changing.

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DfE Modular Framework Sir Frederick Gibberd College is the largest free school ever to be awarded on the DfE Modular Framework. The approach was based on maximising the extent of onsite groundworks prior to the modules arriving on site — foundations

were prepared at the same time as making the modules. It knocked around 50% from the total schedule.

At the same time, a central, underpinning methodology of taking a traditionally constructed building and applying manufacturing techniques drove further efficiencies. We achieve this through three core areas — the use of BIM, design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA) and lean manufacturing techniques. Precision manufacturing helps us to provide a finished product that is more efficient and of far higher quality.

The college is a 1,700 place 8FE school with 500 place sixth form. It was undertaken as a full turnkey contract including demolition of the existing Passmore Academy. This is the first project to be allocated by direct award by the DfE through its modular frameworks and the largest free school ever to be awarded. At 12,460m2 it comprises all teaching spaces required to deliver a full through school curriculum as well as a separate sports block available for community use.

Manufactured using 198 large 18 by 3.5m modules with factory installed concrete floors, the rooms have a pre-manufactured value (PMV) of 91% with internal fit out and external cladding installed in our factory.

Aesthetically, the design is sympathetic to its surroundings, making use of timber

cladding and landscaped grounds, completed as part of a turnkey package.

The design for SFGC pays homage to its namesake, Sir Frederick Gibberd, who was known for his softer, ‘modern English’ style of architecture that placed emphasis on the visual aspects of design, reintroducing picturesque principles and using traditional materials.

The completed school has remained true to this by creating a modern building in the ‘international’ design style that would surely receive the approval of Gibberd, one of this country’s best architects. He might well have been doubly pleased that it was constructed using ‘modern’ methods and traditional materials such as timber cladding.

The way forward Success in completing SFGC on time and in budget was down to several key factors.

These can be summarised as: maximising onsite groundworks prior to the modules arriving on site and being able to simultaneously manufacture them offsite.

However, the single factor that stands out is that the modules could be made whilst other sites were shut down due to COVID. The modules were delivered to SFGC and installed with final decorations, floor coverings and furniture completed. This significantly reduced onsite works and

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disruption to the school and local community whilst maximised quality control and reducing overall project timescales. Cost savings compared to a conventional build were estimated to be in the region of 30-40%, which, on a £29m modular project, is significant.

Manufactured offsite and then assembled onsite also created a safer workplace because it requires less need for working at height. With transportation and trade reduced there is less traffic and noise impact on both the school and the local community. Modular is more economical and better for the environment, too, because there is a dramatic reduction in waste compared to traditional build methods.

Following the Government’s ongoing commitment to favour offsite manufacturing on all publicly funded construction projects going forward, we

Sir Frederick Gibberd College is a 1,700-place 8FE school with 500-place sixth form

have seen renewed interest from schools and colleges. This is set against a background of overcrowding, which remains an issue, and LEA’s know they need to extend existing facilities and invest in new schools to accommodate increasing number of pupils.

Several major Frameworks are testament to the fact that offsite and modular construction is now seen as a way of delivering value for money educational buildings. With other sectors such as

residential looking for a way forward, now’s the time to pick up the batten from projects such as SFGC and re-think how we deliver new developments in a post COVID world.

Andy Smith is Head of Business Development at Caledonian

■ To find out more about Caledonians’s work in education visit www.rdr.link/ls004

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS & PUBLIC BUILDINGS ROUND-UP New look for Victorian school Grove Road Community Primary School, one of Harrogate’s oldest schools, recently refurbished its main reception using a selection of high-performance paint solutions and an attractive heritage colour scheme from Crown Trade. To keep the newly painted reception area looking clean and brighter for longer, Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Ultimate Opacity Scrubbable Matt was used for the ceilings and broad wall areas. The school opted for the main walls of reception area to be painted in the classic blue shade of Victorian Eclectic 15 from the company’s Historic and Classic Collection.

■ More information on Crown Trades paints here www.rdr.link/ls005 New COVID-19 test centres contract Elliott UK is using its expertise gained during the pandemic to build new COVID19 test centres across the UK, on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

The company will deliver the new purpose-built facilities to locations ranging from Keele in Staffordshire to Stirling in Scotland. The primary aim is to construct the facilities at pace, to meet the Government’s urgent need to provide additional critical testing. At the heart of the project will be Elliott UK’s bespoke Moduflex solution — a modular accommodation facility that can meet a wide range of accommodation and building design needs and prove essential to both testing and safeguarding the welfare of those involved.

■ For more information on Moduflex visit www.rdr.link/ls006

Hands-free solutions to help limit the spread of infections In light of the pandemic, reducing touchpoints wherever possible throughout a building is more important than ever to building owners and facilities managers. Doors and their hardware are the first and last touchpoints when entering or exiting a building, or when moving between different rooms. Fortunately, there is a range of hands-free door opening solutions that can help minimise the spread of infection, says ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group. The company offers a range of access control devices that simply require the wave of a hand to open doors.

These are fitted with motion-sensing technology, and are ideally suited to sensitive applications such as bathrooms, and environments such as hospitals, laboratories and schools.

■ More information about ASSA ABLOY’S hands-free solutions here www.rdr.link/ls007

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FIRE PROTECTION & SECURITY

Fire safety glass

Andy Lake explores the multi-functional potential of fire safety glass and how it can help push the boundaries of architectural and interior design within public buildings.

Pyroguard’s fire safety glass was installed at Oxford University

hen discussing fire safety glass, it can be easy to think of it as a product with just one function. However, while its primary purpose is indeed to protect people, property and possessions in the unfortunate event of a fire, with the correct technical guidance, it is possible for a glazing system to deliver both high levels of fire protection and so much more.

Manufactured by alternating layers of toughened glass with intumescent gel interlayers, it is these interlayers that deliver the protection, causing the fire safety glass to react in the event of a fire.

Yet, through the technical selection of additional specialist glass panes to be interchanged within the system — or, in the case of a double-glazed unit, the installation of a specialist counterpane — it is possible to achieve additional performance qualities.

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Acoustic capabilities Within many of our public buildings, creating open, light and contemporary spaces has become a common design trend, with glass at the heart of achieving this. However, ensuring good levels of acoustic performance is also a priority, with specifiers looking for solutions that help reduce sound transmission, in addition to meeting fire safety regulations.

Schools are a prime example; often featuring light and airy classrooms following research into the positive effect this can

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have on a child’s productivity levels. While replacing a solid wall with a glass partition will succeed in opening up the space and allowing more light into the room, this design choice does then require the specification of a glazing system that delivers fire protection and sound reduction properties.

Through the specification of laminated toughened fire safety glass and technical calculations around the number of glass layers used within a system, it can be carefully engineered to reduce the level of sound transmitted through, offering an enhanced acoustic performance.

Privacy and aesthetics While the use of glass can contribute to the creation of a light and contemporary interior spaces, it does raise issues around the matter of privacy. Fire safety glass can be specified offering levels of privacy built-in. For example, it is possible for integrated blinds to be incorporated within the glazing system, or an additional glass pane with a mirror or obscure finish — or even a screen-printed glass pane — to be interchanged between the toughened glass layers.

This idea of incorporating screenprinted glass within a glazed system can be taken further still, opening up additional design avenues. Through the use of coloured, etched or printed glass interlayers it is possible to bring colour and art into a building.

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Fire safety glass can be specified offering levels of privacy built-in

Solar control High-rise buildings with glass façades are becoming a common sight on our cities’ skylines. However, while glass is perhaps a welcome alternative to the concrete tower blocks of the 1960s, a glass-building envelope does present some challenges — primarily, how to prevent it from acting as an over-sized greenhouse.

By inserting a glass pane with a solar control coating within the larger glazed system this problem can be avoided, working to reflect the sun’s UV rays away from the building exterior. What’s more, this can also work the other way, helping to keep heat in during the winter months and preventing it from escaping through the glass.

The multi-functionality of fire safety glass is helping to push the boundaries of architectural and interior design within our public buildings, however, it is important to retain a sense of balance. It stands to reason that the more you put into a glazing system and the more you try to get out of it, the thicker and heavier the overall system will be. It is here that liaising with an experienced manufacturer, such as Pyroguard’s advanced technical team, can help specifiers satisfy both fire safety regulations and architectural design.

Andy Lake is UK Projects Director at Pyroguard

■ To learn more about Pyroguard, please visit www.rdr.link/ls008

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FIRE PROTECTION & SECURITY

Fire safety in social housing Social housing fire checks and compliance are more important now than ever, with more people staying indoors and working from home due to the pandemic, say Tony Boyle and David Cunningham. hen it comes to fire safety and fire alarms specifically, British Standard 5839-6:2019 is the best practice guide, giving an insight on every type of property from privately owned to social landlords. The minimum requirements a council or housing association should meet is stated in BS 5839-6:2019 as a ‘Category LD2 System’.

Category LD2 requires a fire alarm in areas that form part of an escape route, a heat alarm in the kitchen and a fire alarm in the principle habitable rooms. A principle habitable room is a room most used during daytime living, such as a living room, but this could also mean a bedroom or dining room — it is dependent on the property and residents. A Fire Risk Assessment would highlight the principle habitable room/s.

It is also vitally important that landlords can gain access to the property to carry out regular checks to ensure all life safety devices are working correctly.

Understandably in recent times this has become far more difficult, with tenants shielding and lockdown measures having a significant impact.

Aico offers the ideal solution, its Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway. It is designed for use with Aico fire and carbon monoxide alarm systems and provides a mechanism to transfer information from the wireless Radio Frequency network to a portal over the GSM network. It is mains powered with a rechargeable battery backup that can provide a power supply in case of mains failure.

Connected devices’ events are processed by the Gateway as they occur and cover events such as fire alarms, button

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test, faults, CO detection, head removal, end of life and much more. This means that issues surrounding access are greatly reduced and social landlords can monitor the fire and carbon monoxide alarm systems across their entire housing stock remotely.

Gateway to safety Earlier this year we documented the installation of two Gateway projects, from specification to installation and beyond, gaining further insight into the benefits provided. Regional Specification Manager David Cunningham worked with the Hyde Group, who have over 50,000 homes across London, and recommended the SmartLINK Gateway. Each of the properties have now been fitted with an Ei3024 MultiSensor fire alarm and Ei1000G Gateway, giving the Hyde Group a proactive approach to fault-finding, defining any trends in alarm activations and maintenance requirements, while drastically minimising the issue of property access.

Compliance Contract Manager for Hyde, Jack Bernard, comments: “The location we initially installed the system in requires an enhanced monitoring function because it suffers from false alarms and tampering. The Gateway enables us to monitor the system

in real time, providing specific and useable information to offer a truly safer home.”

Reliable technology Charing Cross Housing Association has over 500 properties in the West End of Glasgow. Alasdair Weir, Maintenance Officer comments: “Charing Cross has been working with Aico over the past five years and we have built a really strong relationship. Recently we decided to trial fit an Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway in a property following a host of false call outs for Carbon Monoxide alarm activations.

There had been several out of hour engineer callouts with no fault found. After discussing the case with Tony Boyle, our Regional Specification Manager at Aico, we decided to carry out a trial of the unit.

“Since fitting the unit, this has proven as reliable as every other Aico unit the Association has fitted, giving real-time updates of the status of every alarm fitted in the household. What the Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway has thrown up is a tenant with financial difficulties and real fuel poverty (the activations that were being heard were actually power outages and back up batteries being used) the Association has been able to step in and signpost the tenant to relevant agencies to try and get them the help they need.”

Tony Boyle is Regional Specification Manager, Central Scotland and David Cunningham is Regional Specification Manager, South London at Aico

■ For more information on the case studies visit www.rdr.link/ls009

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KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

There are three main types of bidet available, including an over-toilet seat attachment

Providing specialist support Often taken for granted, the seemingly simple act of using a toilet can become challenging for some residents. Stuart Reynolds discusses a solution to intimate care needs. onversations about going to the toilet still seem taboo topics in today’s culture. Yet it is necessary that the subject is addressed by local authority housing and given due care and attention as part of a holistic assessment. For this seemingly simple part of daily life can actually be highly complicated and debilitating for many residents living with disabilities or physical challenges.

The recommended fluid intake for adults is at least 1.5 litres a day, or 6-8 glasses and it is typical to use the toilet between four to eight times a day and once a night.

However, those that find toileting difficult are prone to limiting the amount of liquids they consume, in order to reduce the number of times they need to use the toilet, particularly when they need assistance and perceive a loss of dignity. Limiting liquid intake in this way however is dangerous, can actually increase the frequency of visits to the toilet and can lead to dehydration, with older people being particularly vulnerable to this.

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Going to the toilet might seem intuitive and like second nature to most of us. But when broken down, the seemingly simple process is actually a series of complex activities. For effective toileting an

intricate combination of several physical attributes, cognitive skills and level of environmental understanding is needed (see the box out section at the end).

Putting strategies in place to help those

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who struggle with going to the toilet can not only prevent hospital admissions, it can also help encourage the safe and effective discharge of those who have been in hospital or care and are making the transition to local authority housing.

The ultimate goal for any toileting strategy is that it maintains the individual’s dignity and where possible, promotes their ability to use a toilet independently without any additional care.

An all-round solution Bidets can play an important role in helping those that need it to achieve toileting independence for longer. Using a bidet is seen as a healthier alternative to toilet paper as they provide better personal hygiene. Bathroom hygiene can be very challenging for those with disabilities. Using a bidet as a main toileting strategy can help to prevent a range of different infections and help the less able to avoid contact with bacteria and germs.

Bidets do not require the same complex levels of dexterity or physical ability that is otherwise needed. As such, they can be operated without any additional help for the majority of people with disabilities, helping to promote dignity and keeping individuals independent for longer.

Your options There are three main types of bidet available: freestanding, built-in or two-inone, and an over-toilet seat attachment.

Over time the size of bathrooms generally has become smaller, therefore freestanding models that many typically envisage when thinking of a bidet, have actually become less common. Two-in-one toilets and bidets, however, are growing in popularity.

Where the main aim is to promote dignity and independence for longer in the home, the seat-like attachment bidet for existing toilets offers some significant benefits for local authority housing. These types of bidets are typically much cheaper than buying and installing a twoin-one bidet/toilet. The cost and installation of such models can be under £1,000, which means they are classed as minor works and eligible for a local authority Minor Works Grant. The solution is also transferable. So, if there’s a

The seat-like attachment overcomes the challenges of fitting an additional bidet

change of residents or the current occupier no longer needs the use of a bidet, it can be removed and used elsewhere. The seat-like attachment overcomes the challenges of fitting an additional bidet into a small bathroom.

What to look for Seat-attached bidets offer a broad range of functions; here are some tips on what to look for: Temperature controlled water: Look for bidets that have instant water heating technology and include a range of temperature controls, so that the individual can alter the setting to suit their specific requirements.

Spray control: As everyone is unique, ensure the bidet has an adjustable spray nozzle, so that spray intensity can be altered and that the type of spray can be changed to suit user comfort and cleaning requirements.

Dryer setting: Select a bidet that offers a range of drying temperatures and speeds, so that the preferences of the individual and their needs can be taken into account.

Seat sensor: For ultimate safety, look for a bidet that has an integral seat sensor, so that the bidet can only be activated when someone is actually sitting on the seat.

Self-cleaning: To ensure that the nozzle and surrounding area are hygienic before and after every use, choose a bidet that has a self-cleaning function.

Quiet operation: To promote the dignity of the user still further, ensure that the bidet has a low noise heater, pump and dryer.

Remote operation: A remote makes the bidet easy to use for everybody; it removes the need to use the side controls.

A remote can also support carer options within the room, whilst maximising dignity.

With a broad range of functions, affordable costs and well-considered designs, seat-attachment bidets such as those from AKW are an ideal toileting choice for many local authority housing residents. As every resident is unique, local authority housing managers should seek advice from an occupational therapist or appropriate healthcare professional to ensure the chosen bidet will meet the resident’s ongoing needs.

Using the toilet is a complex activity that requires: Physical attributes: ● Fine and gross motor skills ● Balance ● Muscle control ● Sensory capabilities (proprioception) Cognitive skills: Understanding the need to go ● Knowing how to actually use the toilet ● Recognising the toilet and the object required for the task (constancy) ● Understanding the need to be fully clean ● Understanding the need to wash hands afterwards ● Knowing how to sequence the stages of going to the toilet ●

Environmental understanding: Knowing where the toilet is ● Knowing how to physically access it ● Understanding if it allows the person to access and use it ●

It is important to ensure the bidet has an adjustable spray nozzle

Stuart Reynolds is Head of Product and Marketing at AKW

■ To download the AKW Bidet The Solution to Intimate Care brochure visit www.rdr.link/ls010

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KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

Alternatives to tiling With the increase in investment in modular and offsite construction techniques, Scott Beattie looks at how waterproof wall panel systems can provide an answer to common issues associated with traditional tiling. here are now a growing number of local authorities and housing associations investing in modern methods of construction, such as modular and offsite building processes.

These techniques have a range of benefits including greater consistency and quality control, speed of construction and improved safety. It can also help social housing providers to utilise small sites where the available space does not allow a traditional build.

When considering the wall finish for bathrooms and kitchens, tiling is often the go-to method and may be assumed to be the only viable option. However, wall panel systems can provide an alternative that supports offsite methodology and helps reduce post-delivery issues.

High quality laminate wall panels manufactured with a strong plywood core are an ideal product for modular construction. These robust products provide a smooth and strong surface that can withstand both direct water spray and large temperature fluctuations. They are also quick to dry, easy to clean and warm to the touch — ideal for social housing or care home projects in particular.

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The Fibo system also offers the option to choose panels with tile patterns routed into the surface

guaranteed fully waterproof. Some wall panels, in fact, are also certified with a Class 1 Fire Rating.

One of the key advantages of wall panels is the speed and simplicity of installation compared with tiling, making them easy to incorporate into the offsite build process. When compared to traditional tiling methods, wall panel installation is up to five times faster, saving on both time and money when it comes to construction. Wall panel systems allow large areas to be completed quickly with the standard 2,400 by 600mm panels covering the full wall height in most bathrooms and a variety of widths available to best suit the dimensions of the space.

Easy to install The installation is also straightforward as there are no specialist skills required and the panels can be easily cut to size with standard carpentry tools. This means the build is not delayed by the lack of availability of specialist tradespeople. Also, the laminate wall system does not require the wall surface to be prepared to the same extent as with tiling. Providing the surface is clean, dry and flat, the panels can be glued directly on to the plasterboard.

Alternatively, the panels can be screwed onto battens or studs. This also eliminates the majority of mess onsite associated with plastering, tiling, and in some instances, painting. Furthermore, for modular projects,

Trusted supplier Working with a trusted and reputable supplier will ensure the longevity of the finish. For example, Fibo panels have a 25-year guarantee that they will not delaminate, stain, fade or crack as a result of defects of its materials or manufacturing methods and, when installed in accordance with the instructions, are

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Fibo’s wall panels were specified for ModPods International’s pioneering factory-built home for BMHT

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High quality laminate wall panels are ideal for modular construction

wall panels can help minimise post-delivery issues as the robust finish can easily withstand the move from factory to site. Cracked or dislodged tiles are a common issue that can be costly and time consuming to fix once the modules are placed.

The look of the bathroom or kitchen is an important consideration. Laminate panels are available in a wide variety of patterns and finishes, including classic marble, wood and polished stone effects, alongside soothing pastels and eyecatching blues, greens, greys and whites. The Fibo system also offers the option to choose panels with tile patterns routed into the surface to recreate the traditional, tiled look.

Heaton Street, Hockley The advantages of a wall panel system over traditional tiling were clearly demonstrated on ModPods International’s delivery of a pioneering factory-built home for Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust (BMHT), the housebuilding arm of Birmingham City Council. BMHT had identified a small area of disused land in Hockley that was ideal for development and approached modular housing specialist ModPods International to develop a solution that would utilise the space.

Our waterproof wall panel system was selected as an alternative to ceramic tiles for both the bathroom and kitchen areas. In designing these areas, ModPods International was looking for a wall finish that would suit the design it was developing for the site and that could be integrated simply into the volumetric modular manufacturing process.

Andy Cornaby, Managing Director at ModPods International explains: “This approach both saved us time during the manufacturing process and prevented time being lost on postdelivery work required to fix any issues in those areas. We estimate that in total we can save about 2.5 hours per pod; and when scaled up this has the potential to save us thousands of pounds per year in improved productivity.”

The two-storey, two-bedroom pod was delivered, complete with a fully fitted bathroom and kitchen, last summer and was ready for occupation by the new tenants on the same day.

Scott Beattie is Managing Director at Fibo

■ To find out more about the Fibo range of waterproof wall panel systems visit www.rdr.link/ls011

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KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

Water saving solutions It’s often overlooked that water conservation, in all its forms, can create a significant reduction in the use of power both within the home and via the mechanisms used throughout the supply process.

Adrian Hibbert discusses substantial options for water saving through more efficient flushing and filling mechanisms. here are 19 privately owned water and wastewater or wateronly utility companies in England and Wales that reportedly consume around 2-3% of the overall national energy supply. This makes the sector the fourth most energy intensive industry.1 For that reason, creating efficiencies for water-related energy use across homes (and non-residential buildings) throughout the country will have substantial benefits in terms of reducing CO2 emissions and in turn reducing bills for individual residents.

Water consumption per capita has risen exponentially in modern times, with UK residents now using over 142 litres of water per day each, according to findings from the Energy Saving Trust. Toilets are the second biggest water user in the home (second only to showers).

Approximately 30% of total water used in a home is used to flush the toilet. This is the same high-quality drinking water, which we use throughout the rest of the home2.

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Reducing water use Whilst these increases in water consumption are putting a strain on our water resources and our purses, there are small changes that can be made by

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An installer fitting Fluidmaster’s AirGap valve

specifiers, facilities management companies and manufacturers to considerably reduce water use with very little effort.

One such option is to consider the recently released Fluidmaster AirGap 6000 water saving toilet cistern fill valve, which has been designed to offer substantial water savings with every single flush. By only commencing the filling process when the toilet cistern is empty, savings of one litre per flush can be made with every single use of the toilet.

Considering that the average person flushes the toilet five times per day, and that the average UK household occupancy

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is 2.5 people; this equates to a potential reduction in water consumption by over 4,500 litres per annum in an average UK household from the installation of just one water saving AirGap. When this is coupled with the opportunities to further reduce toilet water consumption, through dual-flush options like the Fluidmaster Ultra Dual Flush Syphon, it’s clear to see that simple swaps within a toilet cistern arrangement can make a huge difference.

As an environmentally conscious UK manufacturer, we feel a huge responsibility to reinforce these simple water saving

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messages, which offer ecofriendly and money saving options across the board.

Green Homes Grant On 8th July 2020, the Chancellor announced a £2bn Green Homes Grant scheme to upgrade homes across England. Under this, £500m funding will be delivered through local authorities, to improve the energy efficiency of lowincome households. Local authorities can bid for funding under this scheme to improve the energy Fluidmaster efficiency of low-income AirGap 6000 3 households in their area . toilet cistern fill valve As a UK manufacturer, we feel it is vital to reinforce the benefits of the installation of bathroom water-saving devices. With many new-build properties containing two or three toilets (if not more),

the impact of water-saving toilet fill and flush technology could be hugely significant. As part of a sustainable scheme, the installation of such technology can also contribute towards achieving BREEAM ratings. For the environmentally conscious specifier, there are significant benefits too, to sourcing products from a UK manufacturer like Fluidmaster.

Firstly, in the reliability and quality of the products on offer, which are all subject to appropriate compliance testing, certification and registration with applicable industry schemes.

Water saving toilet technology from both a fill and flush perspective is certainly an area that can offer a fast

and simple solution to effectively reducing water consumption in social housing and public sector buildings. When installed in conjunction with other widely available water saving measures and initiatives, it is possible that coming years may even see domestic water consumption on the decline.

1. An Analysis of Electricity Consumption Patterns in the Water and Wastewater Sectors in South East England, UK. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/12/1/225/htm 2. Waterwise https://waterwise.org.uk/savewater/ 3. https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/green-homes-grant-localauthority-delivery-scheme-entering-a-bid

Adrian Hibbert is Commercial & Specification Manager, Fluidmaster UK

■ For more information on the Fluidmaster AirGap 6000 valve visit www.rdr.link/ls012

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KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS ROUND-UP

Popular shower wall panelling range extended

Range extensions for affordable housing

AKW, one of the UK’s leading providers of accessibility solutions, has extended its popular Marlbrook wall panel range with new colour options — Black Marble, cool Quartz and warm Savannah. The wall panels are constructed of structural grade materials and finished on both the front and back, allowing either side to be used as the face — a particularly useful feature if any damage occurs during installation. Also, the wall panels can be fitted directly over existing tiles if required, making installation even quicker and easier. The wall panels have been designed for internal use, in areas that are exposed to water. So, for bathrooms, wet rooms, shower enclosures and commercial spaces that require hygienic, easy clean wall cladding, this solution is hard-wearing, low maintenance and cost-effective.

Geberit has strengthened its Twyford offering to the affordable housing sector with new range extensions across its product portfolio. The announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the company in the UK and will see it focus its eco-basic Twyford offering in the commercial sector. Geberit will continue to innovate and invest in the brand portfolio through the introduction of new basins and WCs, as well as a new wall-hung offer in the Alcona range. Mark Larden, Managing Director of Geberit, says: “From schools and universities, to affordable housing and healthcare, we’re investing in our current Twyford product portfolio.”

■ For more information on the Marlbrook range visit www.rdr.link/ls013 Electric water heaters come to the rescue in emergency kitchens Sometimes rental properties can succumb to the elements, with flooding, fire damage, damp or appliance failures resulting in the need for temporary kitchen units. Ariston’s Aures Slim Multi can be utilised by landlords to ensure tenants have plenty of hot water until normal kitchen facilities have been restored. Compact instantaneous water heaters such as Aures Slim Multi can be discreetly fitted into kitchen units with ease; they heat water instantly, ensuring unlimited availability on demand. Once connected to the water feed and electrical supply, each compact unit can supply multiple outlets with instant hot water (one outlet at a time, but not simultaneously). As a result, tenants will not have to wait for the water to heat up. The heater has an ‘A’ class ErP energy rating.

■ More information on the Aures Slim Multi here www.rdr.link/ls014 Public washroom brochure GROHE’s public washroom brochure discusses the advantages of specifying touchless technology. Benefits include water savings, as sensor activated fittings can be set to deliver optimum water flow, automatically stopping after the user has left the washing area and boosting hygiene, by eliminating cross contamination and spread of bacteria. The design of the fittings prevents dirt from accumulating in corners.

Additional benefits to GROHE’s touchless technology include auto flush, thermal disinfection and cleaning mode features. The guide showcases all the company’s washroom solutions.

■ Download the Public Washrooms brochure here www.rdr.link/ls015

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■ For more information on the Twyford portfolio visit www.rdr.link/ls016

Moores strives for continuous improvements Moores Furniture Group has partnered with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to demonstrate how the ‘Kaizen’ methodology can be used to minimise its carbon footprint and demonstrate environmental responsibility. The method is used to analyse current ways of working and create continuous improvement. The method identified that the process designed to apply a polythene sleeve to door and drawer fascias was causing potential damage to the fascia. It also identified that there was no significant benefit from the application of the polythene sleeve, as the product is adequately protected against abrasion by an initial protective film already applied to the fascia.

Eliminating this process removed unnecessary production equipment and polythene packaging, resulting in the removal of circa 20 tonnes of single use polythene per annum.

■ More information on Moores’ environmental credentials here www.rdr.link/ls017

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