Local Authority Building & Maintenance September/October 2025
LOCALAUTHORITY BUILDING&MAINTENANCE
HOUSING & REGENERATION
HEATING & VENTILATION
ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION
SPECIAL REPORT
Recent research from NEC Contracts reveals a striking paradox in public sector construction: while 95% of respondents recognise the benefits of collaborative contracting, only 33% are implementing them
LOCAL AUTHORITY IN PROFILE
James Green, Director of Regeneration & Development –Strategy at Westminster City Council, discusses how the local authority might have the blueprint for future success
THE LEADING MAGAZINE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY AND HOUSING ASSOCIATION SPECIFIERS
6 News
Lovell Renew awarded Tpac Accreditation –Luton Borough Council enters smart housing repairs partnership — PCA Conference considers impacts of Awaab’s Law
8 Project Update
Clarion Housing Group reaches milestone on Barne Barton Estate — RPS Group secures £1.2m solar contract with ForHousing — VIVID appoints PMC Construction for Victory Quay project
NEWS IN_DEPTH
10 Plentific’s The State of Social Housing 2025/26 report and Four Forces Framework
14 Procure Plus looks at why cost certainty matters in the Decent Homes debate
LOCAL AUTHORITY IN PROFILE
11 Building Westminster
Westminster City Council discusses its housing development programme
SPECIAL REPORTS
16 Boosting Offsite Housing through Better Cooperation
Engagement with industry leaders suggests offsite construction needs a more joined-up approach to housing
18 Collaborative Contracting
Research from NEC Contracts into public sector construction reveals gap in implementing collaborative contracting
20 Tai ar y Cyd: Redefining Affordable, Low Carbon Housing in Wales
NorDan UK explains why Tai ar y Cyd could be a turning point in Welsh housing standards
23 Realising the Potential of MMC
The pioneering Marshall Walk modular social housing development in Bristol
26 How to Retrofit Right
Focusing on high impact upgrades and leveraging third-party supply chains
28 The ABC of Future-proof Accessible Bathrooms
How creating accessible solutions is all about remembering the accessible ‘A, B, C’
31 The Future Construction of Homes
The role of timber frame construction in helping housing providers achieve net zero
Westminster City Council shares how it might have the blueprint for future success when it comes
Specifying for smart storage cylinders
34 Can the grid cope?
Advice on delivering low carbon heating in new homes without upgrades
36 Are Smart Hot Water Cylinders the Brains of Future Homes?
How traditional hot water storage cylinders are being transformed into intelligent, multifunctional hubs
38 Learning Environments
Effective ventilation through the use of aluminium louvres is benefitting Northstowe Learning Community
40 Heating controls for low carbon homes
Why heating is central to the transition towards low carbon homes and the role controls play in making this achievable
43 Opportunity Knocks
Creating social housing fit for an energyefficient future
47 The Role of Building Fabric in Tackling Damp and Mould
The role of insulation in managing moisture, particularly in hard-to-treat and solid-wall properties 49 Round-up
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
Greater certainty needed
On the 27th October, Awaab’s Law comes into force. To comply with the new legislation, all housing associations and local authorities must address emergency health and safety hazards, such as damp and mould, within a specified timeframe.
That the new Act is necessary there can be no doubt, with major news outlets in recent years exposing the plight of a number of residents living in social housing, where the conditions were so bad it was detrimentally impacting on their health and wellbeing. Whilst few would question the validity of the new legislation, concerns have been raised that some housing providers will face significant challenges meeting the proposed timescales, which could lead to unintended negative consequences.
Sarah Garry, Chief Executive of the Property Care Association, elaborates: “Although we support the regulations and recognise its positive intention, we believe the blanket response times will have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents which this legislation is designed to protect. There is concern that the timescales will lead to unexperienced, unqualified operatives undertaking damp surveys and remediation, which could result in incorrect works being carried out and additional expense for housing associations.”
Recent analysis from Inventory Homes has revealed that ‘one in 10 social rented homes in England fall below the Government’s Decent Homes Standard — the equivalent of nearly 430,000 properties’.
Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, says: “The persistent gap in Decent Homes Standard compliance underlines a hard truth: legislation alone cannot drive meaningful change without robust enforcement and proactive management. Awaab’s Law is a vital step forward, but unless landlords and managers are utilising efficient systems to identify and address hazards before they escalate, the same implementation delays that plague DHS compliance are likely to resurface.”
“ ...concerns have been raised that some housing providers will face significant challenges meeting the proposed timescales, which could lead to unintended negative consequences.”
There are proposals to widen the scope of the Decent Homes Standard to include communal areas and shared outdoor spaces, however the G15, a group of London housing associations including Clarion Housing Group, Hyde, L&Q and Peabody, is concerned about the resulting cost and resource implications, and the practical challenge of clarifying responsibilities.
Matt Jarratt, Operations Lead at Procure Plus, says: “These are valid concerns; the sector is already facing pressures on budgets and delivery. But behind the [Decent Homes] debate lies a bigger issue: cost certainty. Knowing not just how much works will cost today, but being able to plan with confidence for tomorrow.”
To plan effectively, social housing providers need cost certainty and access to up-to-date data to help evaluate costs, determine competitiveness and allocate the right level of resources on projects to deliver a pipeline of high quality large-scale retrofit works.
Working with partners who are able to offer practical insights and share market intelligence can help social housing providers “navigate volatile costs while ensuring investments deliver real impact” asserts Mike Jarratt. This is more important than ever given the gap in Decent Homes compliance that needs bridging, and the rigorous requirements of the new legislation coming into force at the end of the month. Doing so will help avoid further delays and potential costly mistakes which could negatively impact residents.
Cover story: Clarion Housing Group is working in partnership with Lovell and Plymouth City Council to transform the Barne Barton Estate, more details on page 8. COVER STORY:
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Hertfordshire-based HAs exploring potential merger
Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing have announced they are in formal discussions over a potential merger, which would create a new customer-focused Community Gateway housing association — significantly strengthening the delivery of affordable housing across Hertfordshire and their wider operating areas.
Boards of both housing associations have approved an outline business case for the proposal, which aims to improve services for residents by combining resources, expertise and operational capacity, to better serve communities and address the growing demand for highquality social and affordable housing.
Fortem awarded Gold accreditation Investors in People have awarded Fortem, a leading property solutions provider for social housing and part of the Willmott Dixon Group, We invest in People, Gold accreditation.
Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, says: “We’d like to congratulate Fortem. Gold accreditation on We invest in People is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Fortem in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”
Sonya Holmes, Director of People, comments: “We are delighted in maintaining our Investors in People, Gold accreditation. This award reflects our steadfast passion to support our people to grow, thrive and enjoy working in this exciting industry. We believe that success at Fortem begins and ends with our people. We are delighted to join the Investors in People community of 15,000 organisations across 75 countries.”
Lovell Renew awarded accreditation under new Tpasstandards
National refurbishment and retrofit contractor, Lovell Renew, has become the first commercial organisation in the UK to be awarded accreditation from Tpas, the country’s leading tenant engagement body, under its new standards.
Tpas evaluated the contractor’s tenant engagement approach under its updated standards: governance and transparency; scrutiny; business and strategy; complaints; information and communication; resources for engagement; and community and wider engagement.
In awarding the accreditation, assessors praised the Lovell people-focused approach to customer experience and its approach to apprenticeships, local employment initiatives and social value, as well as its ‘close-knit and supportive culture’. They also commended Lovell for how it handles complaints, noting its commitment to resolving issues quickly and respectfully.
Caroline Lovelace, Customer Experience Manager at Lovell Renew, says: “We are thrilled to be awarded this Tpas accreditation. Our teams, particularly our Resident Liaison Officers, work hard every day for residents and this
Great Place
A North East housing association has been named one of the UK’s best charity and not-for-profit workplaces for the second year in a row. Home Group was listed among 17 large UK businesses named as 2025 winners by Great Place to Work.
Having also been named a winner in 2024, the first year the category was awarded, Home Group is looking to build on its success across other Great Place to Work awards. It had been named 9th in the overall UK’s Best Workplaces in March. Home Group was one of three North East-based winners in the charity and not-for-profit category, and one of two housing associations to win in the region.
Vicki Carruthers, Director of People at Home Group says: “We are incredibly proud to have been named one of the
demonstrates our commitment to putting residents at the heart of what we do.”
Emma Gilpin, Head of Consultancy at Tpas, comments: “Tpas is delighted to have awarded Lovell with Tpas Contractor Accreditation for three years. They are the first commercial organisation to achieve this accreditation under the new ‘Tpas Contractor National Engagement Standards’ after their revision and relaunch in late 2024.”
to Work accolade
best charity and not-for-profit workplaces for a second year. We take a lot of pride in our Great Place to Work results, because it comes directly from honest feedback our colleagues provide.
“To have been named a winner in the charity and not-for-profit category in each year the award has been given tells us that we are getting things right for colleagues, but we also cannot become complacent.”
Pictured from left to right: Lovell Resident Liaison Officer Kirsty Davies with a resident
Smart housing repairs partnership
Luton Borough Council is partnering with leading field service management (FSM) technology provider, Totalmobile, to support a major transformation of its Repairs and Maintenance service, forming a key part of the Council’s wider housing system upgrade and digital strategy.
The new digital platform will provide advanced field working, real-time workforce management, asset management and performance monitoring, helping the Council improve response times, streamline internal operations, reduce costs and deliver more consistent, transparent services to residents.
Ifti Awan, Project Manager, Housing System Replacement Project – Digital Data and Technology at Luton Borough Council, says: “We needed a proven platform to transform how we manage assets and deliver repairs. Totalmobile’s public sector experience and technology gives us the confidence that we can modernise at pace and improve service quality for our communities.”
Working closely with the team at Luton, Totalmobile will tailor its platform to the Council’s unique operational needs, allowing for integration with wider digital systems and resulting in a joined-
up approach to service delivery. Field teams will have access to real-time job information to enable faster decisionmaking and strengthen accountability across the board.
Chris Hornung, Managing Director of Public Sector at Totalmobile, comments: “Luton Borough Council is a great example of how public sector organisations can adopt smart digital platforms to modernise critical services. We’re proud to support the Council to deliver a faster, more responsive experience for residents and frontline teams alike.”
Vision Built’s new brand identity
Vision Built, a leading offsite construction specialist delivering modular and panelised building solutions across Ireland and the UK, will debut its refreshed brand identity at this year’s Education Estates event in Manchester on the 14th and 15th October 2025. With education a cornerstone of Vision Built’s growth strategy, the event offers the ideal platform to showcase the company’s evolving offer to key stakeholders across the sector.
Brian Kennedy, Vision Built’s Managing Director says: “Education Estates is the perfect stage for us to reintroduce Vision Built to the UK market. We’re not just unveiling a new look, we’re sharing our vision for smarter, more sustainable educational infrastructure, backed by proven offsite expertise and a growing footprint across public sector frameworks.”
The rebrand reflects Vision Built’s continued evolution as a strategic partner
DIARY DATES
PCA Conference to consider impacts of Awaab’s Law
Officially titled the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025, Awaab’s Law comes into force on 27th October and will be the subject of a panel debate at the Property Care Conference on 27th November at Manchester United Football Club’s Old Trafford.
The discussion will be chaired by PCA Deputy Chief Executive James Berry, and panellists will include Siobhan McCoy from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, who will also be presenting at the conference. They will be joined by James Wood, Head of Policy at National Residential Landlords Association, Andrew Bradshaw of RTC Group, Paul Harrington from Vortice Ltd and freelance public safety consultant Kevin Dawson.
Sarah Garry, PCA Chief Executive says: “Although we support the regulations and recognise its positive intention, we believe the blanket response times will have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents which this legislation is designed to protect.
to the education sector, with turnkey solutions designed to support circular economy principles and long-term adaptability. The company’s modular systems are engineered for relocation and reuse, helping clients meet environmental targets without compromising on quality or speed.
“There is concern that the timescales will lead to unexperienced, unqualified operatives undertaking damp surveys and remediation, which could result in incorrect works being carried out and additional expense for housing associations. For PCA members, social housing, public health and contracting professionals, this panel debate will be a key opportunity to review the implementation of the regulations exactly one month on.”
More details can be found here www.rdr.link/laz001
Sarah Garry, Chief Executive of the PCA
Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills, Marian Harkin TD, at Vision Built’s Tubbercurry facility with MD Brian Kennedy
Major milestone reached as first new homes completed at Barne Barton Estate PROJECT UPDATE NEWS:
The transformation of Barne Barton, once the largest naval estate in the South West, has reached an important milestone with the completion of the first new homes delivered through a major regeneration programme led by Clarion Housing Group.
Working in partnership with regeneration specialist Lovell and Plymouth City Council, the project is replacing outdated post-war housing with modern, energy-efficient homes. The focus is on creating a greener, safer and more connected neighbourhood for local people.
The first 18 homes in Phase One have now been completed and handed over, providing high-quality homes for social rent and shared ownership. A further 143 homes will be delivered as part of this first phase, with all homes due to be completed by summer 2026.
The new homes are designed with sustainability and resident wellbeing at their core. Each property benefits from solar panels that supplement household energy use, ensuring that when the sun is shining, power is drawn from the panels first. Homes are also fitted with air source water tanks, which use ambient air to pre-heat hot water, helping to reduce overall energy demand. Every property comes with an electric vehicle charging point as standard.
To mark the milestone, Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion, was joined by Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans OBE, Cllr Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-operative Development, Ross Field, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, and other council representatives for a tour of the new homes.
During the visit, they met with a resident who had recently moved in and shared how delighted they were with the additional space, lower energy bills, and strong sense of community on the estate.
The celebrations continued with a community event, where returning residents joined Clarion colleagues, including Clare Miller, Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, to mark this important milestone and reflect on the positive changes taking place in the area.
Once complete, the wider regeneration will deliver more than 200 new homes, with a mix of affordable tenures and open market sale. The project will also include new green spaces and improved pedestrian connections, with an emphasis on placemaking and long-term sustainability.
Photograph shows almost completed maisonettes at Barne Barton Regeneration.
RPS Group secures £1.2m solar contract with ForHousing
RPS Group, one of the UK’s leading domestic low carbon and renewable contractors, has been appointed to deliver a £1.2m programme of solar PV panel stallations for Greater Manchester-based housing association, For Housing.
New solar panels will be installed on 252 of ForHousing’s homes in the North West, including Cheshire West, Chester, Liverpool and Salford and Oldham in Greater Manchester. Priority will be given to the least energy-efficient properties, to ensure the biggest impact on reducing resident energy bills and carbon emissions. Work is set to begin imminently with an estimated completion date of March 2026.
The announcement marks the beginning of RPS Group’s second phase of solar PV panel installations for ForHousing, following the successful delivery of a £1.5m project in September 2024, which saw 320 panels installed on homes across the region.
The programme represents a significant step forward in ForHousing’s efforts to decarbonise its housing stock, in line with its 2025 Green Strategy. This includes reducing energy demand
across both homes and operations, while accelerating the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.
ForHousing has also committed to
achieving an EPC Band C rating across all its properties by 2030 and reaching net-zero carbon emissions across its homes and operations by 2050.
Victory Quay moves forward with site preparation and groundworks
VIVID has appointed PMC Construction as the Principal Contractor, and work is now underway to prepare the site at Victory Quay — laying the foundations for a vibrant new community on Portsmouth’s northern waterfront.
Once this essential groundwork is complete, construction of the first phase of new homes can begin — bringing 183 much-needed homes to the area (once complete will bring 835 new homes, a mix of private and affordable tenures including shared ownership, sales and social rent).
This marks a major step forward in creating a welcoming new gateway community and neighbourhood for Portsmouth, opening doors for more people to find a place they can truly call home.
Victory Quay is more than a housing project — it’s a vision for inclusive, sustainable living. In partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Homes England, VIVID is breathing new life into a
long-unused brownfield site at Tipner East, creating a neighbourhood designed around people, connection, and opportunity.
PMC Construction brings valuable expertise and a collaborative approach to the project, helping turn this exciting vision into reality — starting with the essential
groundwork and site preparation. As a local company, they’ll be working with many local subcontractors and tradespeople, and they’ve already shown their support for future talent by hosting a skills workshop for aspiring apprentices.
NEWS IN DEPTH:
Framework model for housing providers
At this year’s Housing Community Summit in Liverpool in September, digital innovator Plentific launched
The State of Social Housing 2025/26 report, outlining how the balance of investment, governance, organisational capability and technology must align for the UK housing sector to adapt, comply and thrive.
With housing associations facing mounting pressures including increased costs, labour shortages, stronger compliance standards and legacy systems, Plentific’s Report provides a comprehensive bird’s-eye view of critical investment shifts, as well as intelligence available to housing providers to build resilience and best navigate regulatory reforms and organisational transformation.
The company has developed its model as a situation analysis framework to understand the interplay of financial, regulatory, organisational and technological pressures, balancing compliance demands with resident-focused culture, assisted by strong data foundations and technology.
External forces
Plentific’s Four Forces Framework focuses on external forces impacting housing associations including investment capacity and governance standards. Internal forces feature organisational capability, in terms of people and processes, as well as systems and intelligence, highlighting the necessity of reliable data, intelligent automation and the orchestration of systems.
The report frames organisational capability not just as a back-office concern but as the engine room for meeting the sector’s expanding obligations. Moreover, systems and intelligence are viewed as the multiplier for the sector’s ability to handle new pressures of rising labour shortages, tight labour markets and growing resident expectations.
Well designed data architecture is seen as the bridge to connect the UK housing sector, with automation and orchestration essential to redirect finite human resources to the most value-added work, importantly transforming resident interactions from transactional to proactive, building trust.
Pivotal juncture
Cem Savas, CEO of Plentific, says: “The landscape of social housing in the UK stands at a pivotal juncture, marked by both unprecedented opportunity and significant operational demands. The State of Social Housing 2025/26 offers a comprehensive, bird’s-eye view of the critical investment shifts and regulatory reforms defining the coming years.
“At Plentific, we believe delivering decent, safe homes where residents feel heard and respected is the outcome of four powerful forces working in concert: Investment Capacity, Governance, Organisational Capability in terms of people and processes, as well as Systems & Intelligence, focusing on data and systems.
“In this evolving landscape, technology is emerging as the bridge between where we are and where we aspire to be as a sector, enabling housing providers to navigate these complexities, grow sustainably and truly deliver on the promise of safe, decent and respectful homes for all.
“Ultimately, the right technology solutions are much more than just a support system; they are accelerators of
competence, consistency and culture. The providers leading the way are those who see technology not as a bolt-on, but as part of their organisational identity.”
Culture, data and professionalism
Elly Hoult, COO at Peabody and President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, emphasises the importance of culture and professionalism: “Reading this report, it’s clear how much promise and pressure sit side by side. New funding and the longterm rent settlement are significant, but the weight of regulation and rising costs means delivery will still be tough. What resonates most is the focus on culture, data and professionalism. Getting those right is the only way this investment and policy change will translate into better outcomes for residents.”
Nick Atkin, CEO of Yorkshire Housing, added that data and AI are already transforming frontline services: “Reliable, real-time data is the core ingredient of a great service. Together with AI, this is helping us to move from reacting to problems to anticipating them. By using predictive analytics and sensors, we can target resources where they deliver the most customer impact and consistently high standards.”
■ Download Plentific’s Four Forces Framework Report here www.rdr.link/laz002
Building Westminster
James Green, Director of Regeneration & Development – Strategy at Westminster City Council, discusses how the local authority might have the blueprint for future success.
As local authorities, it is well within our power to have a significant influence on how an area is developed or regenerated. Before we discuss the impact Westminster City Council is having on housing in the city, it’s worth providing valuable context about some of the challenges we’re tackling.
It is fair to acknowledge honestly that there are areas of extreme wealth within our borders, but this should not overshadow the scale of the problem at the other extreme.
Within the City of Westminster there is an 18-year life expectancy gap between the most and least deprived areas. A total of one in eight Westminster residents have no
CGI aerial view of 291 Harrow Road, which received planning permission in July 2025
Green, Direc
LOCAL AUTHORITY IN PROFILE: WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL
“ ...we’ve embraced a cross-subsidy model — building homes for market sale to help the council finance more homes for social rent often in the same developments.”
formal education, a figure which doubles to one in four to the north of the city.
As a local authority, we can be proud to have some of the wealthiest residents in the country, but we also have areas in real need of significant support and intervention. We believe this starts with ensuring that people have a great place to live.
The in-house delivery programme the council developed set out to deliver a Fairer Westminster — a strategic vision created in 2022 — marking a significant shift in the council’s administration for the first time since 1965 and a firm commitment to deliver truly affordable housing.
Budgets for local authorities have been squeezed over the last decade and a half and Westminster is not immune from that challenge, but the emphasis of what the team and I are trying to achieve has not shifted — we are determined to put the greatest number of people into good, quality homes that help set them up for the future.
Ebury Bridge
While the Government is trying to ease the UK’s housing crisis with incentives for planning departments and training plans,
our team at Westminster has been going about the day job and delivering new homes for a variety of customers at scale. Take our development at Ebury Bridge for example.
In December last year, we completed the first full phase of the major Ebury Bridge regeneration scheme. The original interwar estate was no longer fit for purpose and hundreds of residents were
in real need of a major upgrade.
In the first phase alone, we completed the build of 226 new homes, 110 ‘for market’ sale and 100 were high quality council homes.
Across the whole regeneration scheme, a total of 781 high quality and sustainable homes will be built, with 370 of these set to be new or replacement council homes for social rent.
This development alone represents the largest delivery of new council homes in South Westminster for 50 years in a holistic, community-centred development — developed alongside residents, prioritising their needs and creating a long-term sustainable neighbourhood development.
In doing this, we have replaced lowvolume and low-quality social homes with something of outstanding design and massively increased the number of homes available, contributing the reduction in the number of people on the social housing waiting list.
That’s admirable enough on its own, without also considering that the buildings are recognised as BREEAM Outstanding, setting new benchmarks in sustainability and ensuring bills for all tenants can be kept low. Each of the homes will be heated and cooled by a ground source heat pump, using warm water from 100 metres underground.
Cross-subsidy model
But it’s not viable to fund a £400m major regeneration scheme directly out of the council’s coffers. We have had to look at every aspect of this scheme and look at the ways it could stack up financially.
This is why we’ve embraced a crosssubsidy model — building homes for market sale to help the council finance more homes for social rent often in the same developments. One such beneficiary of this approach has been our project at
Luxborough Street in Marylebone, in the heart of central London.
We were able to transform an underutilised in-fill site, into 14 homes — seven two-bedroom council homes for social rent and seven one-bedroom homes for intermediate rent. This is a 100% affordable housing scheme in Marylebone. All of which are now occupied.
We have also spent recent months developing Westminster Living, a new market sales brand, which will support our ambitious housebuilding programme through cross-subsidy and reinvestment. As a brand, it will stand out and embrace the lessons of the private sector and help ensure that we are delivering homes of all kinds while also ensuring that developments stack up financially and for the benefit of all residents.
Broader tenure mix
The team has an imperative to ensure that public money is spent wisely and that projects maximise available grant funding opportunities (for example the GLA) for the greater social good. Our recent recruitment drives have been designed to bring people into the council that have valuable experience working in the private sector, and helping us speak the same language as contractors and suppliers.
This means that Westminster’s developments typically have a broader mix of tenures than those on the private market, encouraging a more cohesive community to develop.
291 Harrow Road is a good example of this approach. While still early in its development journey, 291 Harrow Road only received planning permission in July 2025, but its plans will deliver 144 homes with 50% affordable housing. A total of 48 will be affordable homes, 24 will be Adult Social Care units at social rent and 72 homes are for private sale — ratios that are unheard of in the wider market.
Westminster City Council is now in the enviable position of being one of the main developers in the capital, with more than 2,300 homes in its current development pipeline, and a programme of more than 4,000.
We have real and ambitious targets and as a team we are committed to exceeding them. We are delivering a Fairer Westminster and welcome anyone that can help us to achieve this goal.
CGI of the apartment block on Elmfield Way
NEWS IN DEPTH:
DECENT HOMES DEBATE
Cost certainty needed to deliver Decent Homes
Matt Jarratt, Operations Lead at Procure Plus, discusses why cost certainty matters in the Decent Homes debate.
The G15 has raised concerns about proposals to expand the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) to cover communal areas and shared outdoor spaces. Their argument is rooted in cost, resources, and the practical challenge of clarifying responsibilities. These are valid concerns; the sector is already facing pressures on budgets and delivery.
But behind the debate lies a bigger issue: cost certainty. Knowing not just how much works will cost today, but being able to plan with confidence for tomorrow. That’s where things start to break down.
In theory, as market volatility eases, the wide spread of delivery costs for Decent Homestype works should narrow. That should make budgeting easier and ensure more homes are improved each year. In practice, that isn’t happening. Prices remain inconsistent, leaving landlords struggling to know what good value looks like.
Market intelligence
The National Housing Federation has suggested that landlords themselves need to bring more certainty into the
process. But the reality is that many don’t have access to the data or oversight required to judge whether a price is competitive or not.
That’s why organisations like Procure Plus play such a crucial role. Supporting landlords from inception to completion and drawing on delivery data from across an
“ With market intelligence, social landlords can approach a shifting policy landscape, such as changes to the DHS, with far greater confidence that their budgets are realistic, their supply chains are resilient, and value for money is being achieved.”
ever-expanding geography, we can see what’s happening across the market.
Without this kind of market intelligence, the danger is that landlords face spiralling costs, uncertainty in delivery, and fewer homes improved each year.
With market intelligence, social landlords can approach a shifting policy landscape, such as changes to the DHS, with far greater confidence that their budgets are realistic, their supply chains are resilient, and value for money is being achieved.
Making a difference
Cost certainty isn’t just about numbers; it’s about being able to plan, deliver, and make a real difference. As a not-for-profit, Procure Plus works alongside landlords to provide practical insight and shared intelligence, helping them navigate volatile costs while ensuring investments deliver real impact. At the same time, we embed social value into every project, creating training and employment opportunities for those furthest from the labour market.
In a shifting policy landscape, this combination of insight and impact ensures that every pound spent goes further, giving landlords confidence that their investment delivers both value for money and lasting benefits for the communities they serve.
■ More information about Procure Plus and its services is available here: www.procure-plus.com
Matt Jarratt, Operations Lead at Procure Plus
Boosting offsite housing through better cooperation
“Offsite construction methods are boosting the delivery of more affordable homes in the UK, but there is a lot more we can do,” says Will Jones, Marketing Director at SaintGobain Off-Site Solutions. But engagement with industry leaders has revealed the need for better cooperation between landlords, developers, and support from government at both local and national level.
As part of our appraisal of the ongoing needs of the affordable housing market, Saint-Gobain Off-site Solutions undertook a number of listening exercises over the past 12 months, including two roundtables in London and Manchester.
Our aim was to better understand the role offsite construction could play, and indeed is already playing, in helping to deliver affordable housing. The insight and first-hand experience we gained from this engagement process were incredibly valuable and often eye-opening.
The main feedback and themes covered have now been collated in a whitepaper entitled “How Should Off-Site Construction be part of the Affordable Housing Toolkit?”, which has been published on our new online Knowledge Hub.
Attendees from organisations including social landlords, affordable housing architects and investors, shared the challenges they faced in both building new
affordable homes, and maintaining existing stock. Some of the key issues raised included challenging budgets, increased regulation, and a complex planning process, as well as problems in the supply chain, including a lack of skills and difficulties in finding suitable products and materials.
Many of the experts said that components manufactured offsite, such as timber and steel frames, panelised wall systems, and ready-made structural components, were already being widely used in most of their affordable housing developments.
In other words, offsite is already part of the construction toolkit to some degree, particularly 2D panels, which have proven to be more adept at overcoming the challenges that limit the effectiveness of volumetric Category One MMC (Modern Methods of Construction). This is a result of better integration with both traditional supply chains and existing design and delivery methods.
Increasing pace and volume
The attendees all acknowledged the potential of offsite construction methods for increasing the pace and volume of building, while also bringing the benefits of lower environmental impact and warmer homes.
During the roundtables, Colin Lafferty, Senior Development Manager for social housing provider, Torus, explained the appeal of offsite construction. Colin said: “I’m constantly talking to my team about MMC and what new innovations are in
Will Jones, Marketing Director at SaintGobain Off-Site Solutions
the market. What else is out there? We need to keep that education going. Hopefully, just normalising the idea of zero bills for residents or near-zero bills, the sustainability of the products that we’re creating.”
However, there remains uncertainty around accessibility to new technologies from a supply chain more geared towards traditional methods. Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth for Great Places Housing Group, explained: “A challenge for us is how we engage with our principal contractor supply chain to maximise use of offsite solutions, which we believe to be part of the answer, particularly with sustainability in mind.
“We need to support them (to help) adapt their processes to accommodate some of those materials, some of those products. We are looking at how we can work more closely with the supply chain to break down some of those barriers and how that might help us tackle the costs more directly.”
Addressing the challenges
I have a growing understanding that the challenge lies in working with industry stakeholders, particularly affordable housing landlords, to shape how offsite construction can meet their core needs.
Part of our role is to help our clients overcome issues with funding, planning and in finding suitable solutions to site challenges. Alongside scaling up our capacity to deliver more quickly, we also need to better understand how offsite can balance sustainability demands and cost efficiencies if we are to support new housing in a meaningful way.
In our whitepaper, we list six key findings, ranging from the reform of planning processes through to increased government support, both regulatory and funding terms.
When we asked the question, ‘How should off-site construction be part of the Affordable Housing Toolkit?’ The answer was, “It already is… but it could play a bigger role if persistent challenges are addressed”.
These are clear barriers that manufacturers like Saint-Gobain must address by working more closely with
“ A challenge for us is how we engage with our principal contractor supply chain to maximise use of offsite solutions, which we believe to be part of the answer, particularly with sustainability in mind. ”
other stakeholders. However, there are also structural issues that ripple throughout the provision of affordable housing that requires both top-down support and a deeper change in the way offsite construction is perceived.
The full findings and insight from the roundtables are captured in the whitepaper available on our Knowledge Hub, a new online resource designed to demystify offsite construction and raise awareness of the technology as a way of helping to address the UK’s housing crisis.
Knowledge Hub
Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions is part of a global group, and we have started the process of collating a combination of our own whitepapers, case studies, blogs and learning resources, alongside external reports and other assets from government and trade bodies, and made them freely available online on the Hub.
We hope the Knowledge Hub will become a valuable resource of information and insight for anybody in the built environment wanting to know more about offsite solutions, as well as those currently working in the sector or interested in understanding more about offsite construction and its potential, such as architects, planners and academics.
The potential for offsite construction methods in the UK is huge, but all too often it becomes obscured by a lack of information or disinformation. The Knowledge Hub will provide stakeholders and interested parties with vital information, clarity and real-life case studies to set the record straight on the contribution that offsite construction is already making in the UK housing sector and the opportunity for the future.
■ The Knowledge Hub can be found at offsite.co.uk/knowledge-hub/ and the full whitepaper is available to download at www.rdr.link/laz003
The attendees at the roundtables all acknowledged the potential of offsite construction methods for increasing the pace and volume of
Collaborative contracting
Recent research reveals a striking paradox in public sector construction: while 95% of respondents recognise the benefits of collaborative contracting, only 33% are implementing them. This gap between awareness and adoption represents a significant opportunity for transformation. Here, Rekha Thawrani OBE and Global Director at NEC Contracts looks at the potential barriers to adoption and why overcoming them is essential.
The scale of public sector construction activity in the UK demands strategic approaches to procurement and delivery. With £38.6bn in new construction work undertaken by public organisations in 2023, according to ONS data, the need for efficient, cost-effective project delivery has never been greater.
Collaborative contracting is a fundamental shift from traditional adversarial relationships to partnershipbased approaches that emphasise shared objectives, transparent communication, and equitable risk allocation. This methodology is not merely theoretical, it is already being successfully utilised across major public infrastructure programmes,
from educational facilities to healthcare projects and transport networks.
Evidence-based benefits
Our own recent comprehensive research into collaborative contracting practices reveals compelling evidence of their effectiveness. Among public sector respondents, the benefits are consistently
Rekha Thawrani OBE and Global Director at NEC Contracts
recognised. The data shows that 95% of public sector practitioners agree collaborative contracting improves costs and increases efficiency, while 90% identify enhanced innovation and quality outcomes.
The research further indicates that 85% of these respondents report fewer disputes and more streamlined resolution processes, while 80% cite improved environmental performance. These findings align with practical experience from major programmes, including the Ministry of Justice’s prison expansion initiative, which is delivering 20,000 new places across four facilities through a collaborative alliance structure.
The positive sentiment toward broader adoption is equally notable, with 85% of public sector professionals expressing support for increased use of collaborative approaches. Nearly half view expanded adoption as significantly beneficial for industry advancement.
Implementation challenges
Despite this strong endorsement, the research also shows a clear implementation deficit. The finding that only one-third of public sector projects currently employ collaborative contracting suggests systemic barriers that require attention.
Training emerges as the primary constraint, cited by 75% of public sector respondents — significantly higher than the 43% average across all sectors. This disparity highlights a sector-specific challenge that demands targeted solutions.
Collaborative contracting requires different competencies and approaches when compared to traditional procurement methods, meaning investment in training and development is a must. The research also identifies organisational resistance to change as a significant factor, with 56% of respondents noting this barrier. This suggests that cultural and procedural transformation is needed as well.
Strategic pathways forward
At NEC Contracts, we offer a comprehensive range of options — from
“ The data shows that 95% of public sector practitioners agree collaborative contracting improves costs and increases efficiency, while 90% identify enhanced innovation and quality outcomes.”
one-day introductory sessions to fully assessed accreditation courses for project managers — enabling organisations to match training investment to specific roles and responsibilities. While this does represent an upfront cost, the potential returns from improved project outcomes on even a single major project typically justify the investment.
The reluctance to change established practices is understandable but increasingly difficult to justify. However, this can be addressed through consistent sharing of best practices across the sector. The growing number of architects, consultants, and contractors who have worked on
projects prioritising collaboration provides another pathway for organisations making this transition. Choosing partners with this experience, particularly on the first project to utilise collaborative contracting, can reduce implementation risks while building internal capabilities.
Industry transformation opportunity
The public sector landscape stands at a point where evidence, experience, and opportunity are converging to support widespread adoption of collaborative contracting approaches. Our research demonstrates clear consensus on the benefits, while successful programmes provide practical validation of these approaches at scale.
The challenge lies now not in proving the value of collaborative contracting but in addressing the implementation barriers. This requires coordinated investment in training and capability development, supported by knowledge sharing and experience across the sector.
For an industry managing £38.6bn in annual public construction activity, the opportunity for improved outcomes is immense. What’s needed now is the collective will to bridge this gap between knowing what works and implementing it. In our opinion, every project that defaults to traditional adversarial approaches when collaborative alternatives are available represents a missed opportunity to deliver better value for taxpayers and improved outcomes for end users.
*This analysis is based on comprehensive research examining collaborative contracting practices across the construction sector, including detailed examination of public sector adoption patterns and implementation challenges.
■ To find out more about the NEC suite of contracts, visit www.rdr.link/laz004
■ To read the new NEC Contract research report, download Transforming Construction: Smarter, greener, together, here www.rdr.link/laz005
Tai ar y Cyd: Redefining affordable, low carbon housing in Wales
Backed by the Welsh Government, Tai ar y Cyd aims to deliver 20,000 quality, sustainable and affordable homes across Wales by 2030. David Dwyer, Low-Carbon Technical Specification Advisor at NorDan UK explains why this could be a turning point in Welsh housing standards — and why whole-life carbon and energy efficiency are key to producing future-proofed homes.
Developed by 23 Welsh social housing providers, with support from the Welsh Government, Tai ar y Cyd launched earlier this year. It’s a bold initiative aimed at tackling Wales’s social housing crisis by increasing the supply of high-quality, sustainable, and affordable homes.
With a target of delivering 20,000 low carbon homes over five years, Tai ar y Cyd, which translates into Shared Housing, is a rethink on how social housing is being built and delivered in Wales, with an emphasis on low carbon design, climate resilience, cost efficiency and resident comfort.
This new model seeks to support Wales’s broader housing and net zero targets, but also has the potential to make Wales a testbed for long-term housing innovation —- meeting both the Welsh Development Quality Requirements and Welsh Housing Quality Standards (WHQS).
Tai ar y Cyd will run in parallel with a major retrofit programme to bring existing social homes up to WHQS by 2034 — a significant challenge, given that around 33% of Wales’s social housing was built
before 1930, making it some of the least energy-efficient in the UK.
At the same time, there is an urgent need for new homes that go beyond the standard net-zero-ready remit, but are durable and long lasting, built with highquality materials that improve whole life carbon and cost efficiency. That means tackling the embodied carbon produced from the manufacture and transport of materials, as well as the operational emissions buildings generate each day.
Shared pattern book
Tai ar y Cyd plans to achieve this through a pioneering, shared pattern book: 15 house types and 18 variants, ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom family homes, including fully wheelchairaccessible layouts. This consistent design approach will standardise the delivery of homes and ensure they are efficient, practical, and tailored to the needs of residents and communities.
In my mind, the Welsh Government clearly recognises that long-term building performance is key to healthy, happy
residents — and that means prioritising proven, durable materials from the outset. It also signals a strong commitment to reducing whole-life carbon that will increasingly shape specification and purchasing decisions on future developments.
Having worked with NorDan UK and Pobl Housing on Gwynfaen, a pioneering large-scale housing development near Swansea, I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of this approach, both for the environment, residents’ wellbeing and the purse strings of local housing associations.
That experience has strengthened NorDan
confidence in the direction
UK’s
David Dwyer, Low-Carbon Technical Specification Advisor at NorDan UK
NorDan UK and Pobl Housing worked together on Gwynfaen, a pioneering large-scale housing development near Swansea
of travel in Wales. In response, we’ve opened a new showroom and headquarters at Cardiff Gate Business Park and established a dedicated Walesbased team to focus on the nation’s specific housing needs.
Design and sustainability principles
Tai ar y Cyd and Gwynfaen also share many design and sustainability principles, placing a strong emphasis on selecting materials that prioritise quality and longterm thinking.
This meant adopting a fabric-first approach — prioritising materials and systems that not only enhance the thermal performance of the building envelope, but also ensure long-term durability, even in the face of increasingly extreme weather.
In line with those principles, NorDan’s alu-clad timber windows have been installed at Gwynfaen. With around a third of a home’s energy efficiency reliant on its windows and doors, these ultra-low U-value windows (as low as 0.8 W/m²K) deliver exceptional thermal performance, keeping more heat inside the homes, improving comfort and driving down energy bills.
With an estimated minimum lifespan of 60 years, these windows also made financial sense for Pobl Housing, reducing the need for repair or replacement for decades. At the same time, they delivered a high-quality, reliable system for residents, a win-win for everyone involved.
“We are now witnessing a step change in the way sustainable, high quality social housing is being delivered. Even more exciting is the potential Tai ar y Cyd holds. As a scalable model, it could set the standard not just for Wales, but also for other parts of the UK.”
When combined with other high-spec, low carbon systems such as solar panels and battery storage, heat pumps and properly insulated walls and roofs, Gwynfaen, residents typically spend just £50 a month on energy, less than half the national average and live in comfortable EPC ‘A’ rated homes.
Setting the standard
Interestingly, Tai ar y Cyd has allowed for the specification of plastic PVC-U
windows. While these may offer short-term cost advantages, their typical 25-year lifespan, higher embodied carbon, and potential maintenance needs make them less in tune with the project’s long-term, low carbon vision.
However, given the clear overlap with Gwynfaen’s approach, there’s every reason to believe the same positive impact can be achieved with Tai ar y Cyd — provided the same level of care is applied to specification choices.
We are now witnessing a step change in the way sustainable, high quality social housing is being delivered. Even more exciting is the potential Tai ar y Cyd holds. As a scalable model, it could set the standard not just for Wales, but also for other parts of the UK.
Given that we can point to Gwynfaen as a successful, real-world example already delivering clear benefits for both residents and housing providers, there’s every reason to be optimistic about what’s ahead. If Tai ar y Cyd fulfils its promise, the environment, residents’ health, and household budgets will all be better for it.
NorDan’s alu-clad timber windows have been installed at Gwynfaen
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L O C A L A U T H O R I T Y B U I L D I N G& M A I N T E N A N C E
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Realising the potential of MMC
Marshall Walk is a pioneering social housing development in the heart of Inns Court, Bristol, delivered by ZED PODS in partnership with Bristol City Council (BCC). Here, Debansu Das, Business Development Director at ZED PODS talks to LABM about the project.
The project provides 12 1B1P (37 m2) high quality, zero operationalcarbon homes for single-person households, including half for single homeless people. Contributing directly to Bristol City Council’s Affordable Housing Delivery Plan and its Corporate Strategy. The homes are funded through the council’s Housing Revenue Account and Homes England and designed to support temporary, move-on and long-term housing needs for single person households.
The development is located on a longunderutilised brownfield plot adjacent to the Inns Court Community and Family Centre. The scheme was granted planning consent in 2022. In early 2024, ZED PODS was appointed under the SWPA framework to take the project through to completion using a full turnkey MMC approach.
Overcoming site barriers
The project site presented several physical, logistical, and contextual challenges. Three-quarters of the plot consisted of hard standing concrete, with
HOUSING & REGENERATION
(NMA) application, which was validated in March 2024. These changes were critical to unlocking the scheme and a redesign of the mono-pitched roof to allow complete volumetric modules to be transported to the site. Despite these changes, generous internal ceiling heights of 2.5–2.6m were retained across all homes, preserving spatial quality.
The window placements were also revised to optimise internal daylighting, provide better symmetry on gable elevations, and reduce the risk of overlooking neighbouring gardens. Obscure-glazed windows were introduced at the rear of each unit to brighten internal corridors. Material specifications were updated, replacing timber-effect doors with anthracite grey, triple-glazed highperformance units to align with ZED PODS’ sustainability objectives and manufacturing capabilities.
“ZED PODS’ integrated delivery model has not only accelerated programme timelines but also enabled greater quality control, reduced onsite disruption, and lowered embodied carbon.”
the remaining portion containing two mature trees and uneven grassland. The site sits at a junction between residential back gardens, a community centre, and local shops with flats above — creating sensitivity around privacy, overshadowing, and massing.
Topographically, the land slopes from north to south, resulting in a step change in level from the street to the build area.
To address this, ZED PODS’ in-house design team developed a stepped modular layout, adjusting building heights in 225mm increments to match the natural gradient. This approach reduced the perceived height of the blocks and resolved access challenges.
Another major constraint was the risk of overlooking and overshadowing. ZED PODS’ in-house architects adapted the window placement and roof pitch to reduce the impact on adjacent properties while enhancing natural daylight within homes. The overall building height was lowered by 330mm through an adjusted roof pitch (reduced from 22˚ to 15˚), which also enabled the offsite modules to be
transported safely on local roads, in compliance with height restrictions.
Given the constrained nature of the plot and its location within a car-free community, the scheme includes a single designated disabled parking space. It also promotes active travel by providing two large secure cycle stores, walkable access to local shops and bus routes, and well-lit pedestrian pathways — addressing mobility needs with minimal environmental impact.
Design adaptation and offsite delivery
ZED PODS’ in-house team inherited a planning-approved scheme, which required some reworking to suit ZED PODS specific modulus system. The inhouse architectural team undertook a full technical review, revising the scheme to meet the demands of offsite delivery while maintaining the approved site footprint and key planning principles. This included enhancements to meet the latest thermal performance standards and full NDSS compliance.
Several refinements were made through a Non-Material Amendment
A key sustainability intervention was the expansion of the solar PV array. Originally designed with three panels per roof, the new configuration allows 14 panels per building, with each home now benefiting from seven panels generating up to 3,000kWh of clean electricity annually — a major step towards net zero operational carbon.
Placemaking and urban integration
The site is situated at a junction between residential gardens, local shops with dwellings above, and a vibrant community centre. It is characterised by a steep northsouth slope and a history of underutilisation. The revised design respects these site contextual constraints while contributing to the revitalisation of the wider area.
The stepped form of the modular blocks follows the existing site gradient in 225mm increments, softening the development’s mass and reducing visual impact. The homes are oriented north-east to south-west to maximize solar gain and mitigate overlooking issues. Externally, the use of red brick and metal cladding creates a contemporary aesthetic that complements both the surrounding residential stock and the adjacent community building.
To enhance the sense of place and foster neighbourly interaction, ground-floor
Each home benefits from seven solar PV panels generating up to 3,000kWh of clean electricity annually
homes feature defensible space with low walls and railings, while first-floor units are accessed via private external staircases. Landscaped areas to the west provide semi-private spaces for residents, while the northern and southern boundaries include soft landscaping open to the wider public realm.
No car parking was provided on-site, as the homes are intended for non-carowning residents. The site’s strong pedestrian connectivity and access to local amenities support this car-free approach and align with BCC’s sustainability and transport priorities.
Construction progress and outcomes
Following design finalisation and contract signing in early 2024, ZED PODS began groundworks in November 2024. As with many constrained brownfield sites, coordinating utility diversions has been a key challenge.
Simultaneously, the fully finished modules were being manufactured offsite in BOPAS-certified facility in Peterborough. The modules were craned into place in January 2025, with project completion in July 2025 — demonstrating the time efficiency of volumetric construction.
ZED PODS’ integrated delivery model has not only accelerated programme timelines but also enabled greater quality control, reduced onsite disruption, and lowered embodied carbon.
Social impact
The company exceeded its contracted social value obligations by delivering 115% of its target, including reduced carbon emissions, maximising recycling of construction waste, use of local supply chain, well-being and training initiatives, local skills and employment support.
In addition, we are an approved supplier of the Prisoners Building Homes Programme (PBH), national scheme to up skill prisoners, help them access employment after release, enable them to turn their lives around and reduce the cycle of re-offending. The day-release prisoners earn Living Wage and pay tax, NI and victim support contribution. Their remaining wage allows them to support their families / post release resettlement cost (e.g. rent/deposit to access PRS).
Under this programme, 12-day release prisoners commute daily to our manufacturing facility to work and train on this project along with our workforce. The
cohort achieved less than 3% re-offending rate (as compared to national average of 25%+), saving UK taxpayers £1.4m on reduced recidivism. To date, 31 dayrelease prisoners have been supported in our factory, making us the largest employer under the PBH programme.
Conclusion
Marshall Walk showcases the potential of MMC to unlock difficult urban sites and deliver future-proof, social-rented homes at pace. By re-imagining a dormant plot through high-performance modular design, ZED PODS and Bristol City Council have created a low carbon, high-quality housing scheme that reflects local context, supports community integration, and exemplifies the next generation of sustainable social housing. This project is a testament to collaborative working, precision offsite manufacturing, and architectural adaptation and sets a replicable model for similar urban infill schemes across the UK.
■ For more information about ZED PODS and its solutions visit www.rdr.link/laz007
The window placements optimise internal daylighting and reduce the risk of overlooking neighbouring gardens
How to Retrofit Right
Social housing retrofit can be a complex task, but if local authorities and housing associations focus on highimpact upgrades like window and door frames and leveraging third-party supply chain expertise, says Martin Hitchin, CEO of REHAU UK, good progress can be made towards decarbonising homes.
For local authority building and maintenance teams, the journey to net zero isn’t just a policy matter. It’s an ongoing practical concern, and its sheer scale can be daunting. Indeed, the UK’s 4.4 million social homes, many built in the post-war era1, are now at the centre of a national effort to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.
These homes, mostly built between 1945 and 1980 2 , were not designed with modern performance standards in mind. They lose heat easily, cost more to run, and fall short of today’s thermal performance expectations. But with legally binding targets on the horizon — EPC Band C by 2035 (or 2030 for ‘fuel poor’ households)3 and net zero by 20504 — the pressure is mounting. Yet the solution doesn’t always require major overhauls. It can start with the basics, including the window frame.
Why frames matter
Window and door frames are often overlooked in retrofit strategies, yet they are among the most effective upgrades available. Poorly fitted or outdated frames are a major source of heat loss and replacing them with high-performance PVC-U systems can significantly improve a property’s thermal efficiency without the disruption of full-scale renovations. This approach, known as a ‘medium retrofit,’ is targeted, cost-effective, and
straightforward to deliver. Crucially for local authorities, it’s a practical solution that aligns with the realities of tight budgets and stretched resources.
Durability
and maintenance benefits
In this regard, modern PVC-U frames offer more than just energy savings. With a typical lifespan of 35 years and minimal maintenance requirements, they are wellsuited to the demands of the UK’s social housing stock. These frames are also recyclable up to 10 times and can achieve an ‘A’ rating under the BRE Green Guide, underlining their sustainability credentials.5
From a maintenance perspective, PVC-U frames reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements. They are resistant to warping, weathering, and other wear and tear that comes with ongoing use. For timepoor maintenance teams, these attributes can help them allocate their efforts and resources to other urgent matters.
The role of third-party expertise
Specifying the right frame system involves more than selecting a product from an installer’s portfolio. It also requires an
understanding of performance standards, ventilation, and security requirements. That’s why third-party expertise is essential. Working with certified fabricators and installers ensures that installations meet the necessary standards and are completed efficiently. It also reduces the risk of future issues, helping to avoid tenant complaints and the costly remedial work that may follow.
REHAU’s Retrofit Right whitepaper highlights the importance of building strong supply chain relationships. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of trusted partners, local authorities can deliver better outcomes across their social housing stock, with greater confidence.
Digital tools for smarter maintenance
Local authority maintenance teams are under constant pressure to do more with less. However, new developments in digital support tools are helping to reduce this burden. Solutions such as REHAU’s Window.ID, for example, embed key data such as installation details and frame specifications directly into the window unit via a QR code.
With a quick scan, maintenance personnel can access the information they need without returning to the office or arranging additional site visits. This streamlines repairs, reduces downtime, and improves service delivery. Cutting out these unnecessary steps is growing increasingly crucial for local authorities managing large housing portfolios, allowing their teams to instead respond faster and more effectively.
Maximising Available Funding
While budgets remain tight, funding is available through schemes like the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, the Home Upgrade Grant, and the Warm Homes Plan. The key is to use these resources wisely. That means prioritising upgrades that deliver the greatest impact for the lowest cost. Window and door frame retrofits fit this profile perfectly, offering measurable improvements in energy efficiency, tenant comfort, and long-term maintenance savings.
A practical path forward
Retrofitting social housing is a complex task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on practical, high-impact upgrades like window and door frames and leveraging third-party supply chain expertise, local authorities can make meaningful progress toward their net zero goals.
These upgrades don’t just reduce emissions, they improve the quality of life for tenants, reduce maintenance burdens, and make the most of available funding. For building and maintenance professionals, this is where real change begins — not with
sweeping reforms, but with smart, wellexecuted practical solutions.
■ Find out more about REHAU’s Retrofit Whitepaper here www.rdr.link/laz008
The ABC of future-proof accessible bathrooms
When it comes to creating cost-efficient accessible bathrooms for residents, the key lies in good design and specifying for the long-term. HereStuart Reynolds, UK Marketing and Product Management Director at AKW, a leading provider of inclusive solutions, discusses how creating accessible solutions is all about remembering the accessible ‘A, B, C’.
The need and challenges
The key to success with any accessible bathroom installation lies in juggling the limitations of funding versus material and labour costs, physical space restrictions and longevity. However, with 14.6 million people currently registered as disabled in the UK and only 9% of the social housing stock in England classed as accessible,i there is a significant need for
social landlords to factor accessibility into their portfolios.
The key challenges for social landlords however looking at creating cost-effective, long-lasting accessible bathrooms include:
• Cost and funding — Minor adaptations, such as grab rails, are relatively straightforward to fund, however major bathroom adaptations require a means tested Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
and occupational assessment. They also need an experienced install team to minimise costly delays.
• Layout and space — Retrofitting a bathroom to be accessible and fully compliant can be challenging when dealing with outdated existing designs, materials and infrastructure.
• Future-proofing and adaptability — To avoid repeated renovations more and
more social landlords are having to consider how their adaptations can be future-proofed.
The Accessible A,B,C
A is for ‘Accessibility’: First and foremost, everyone’s accessibility issues will be specific to them, so how can social landlords accommodate these? The secret lies in a good initial design layout, that can adapt to suit the need for a wet room or a bath and include some of the more traditional accessible features, such as grab rails, as standard. Initial designs need to prioritise accessibility from the outset to avoid expensive retrofitting. If possible, the use of standardised layouts, with modular bathroom components is worth considering across properties to reduce material and labour costs.
However, this only works up to a point — think of installing anti-slip flooring, lever taps and toilet flushes, electric showers with easy-to-use buttons and dials and TRV regulation — as each tenant’s accessibility needs will differ. Also, the layout of the bathroom should be optimised, so that it is functional, meeting minimum requirements for turning circles and fixture placement etc.
B — ∏ bathrooms for life: it is possible to create bathrooms that can accommodate a range of tenant needs if the right base products are installed during the new-build or refurbishment stage. A good example is AKW’s ‘Bathroom for Life solution’. It combines a future-proof waste adaptor kit, and a bath sized wet room former. This enables the bathroom to be quickly and cost-effectively changed from bathroom to wet room or vice versa as needed.
The typical initial cost is £500 more to install than a traditional bathroom, but the future refurbishment savings of turning the space into a wet room — and back again — as needed are significant. It also saves time, as instead of taking three plus days to turn a traditional bathroom into a wet room, it can be achieved in half a day.
C — Choosing the right products: choosing materials that are durable as well as suitable for the user is key. That is why it is important to choose quality products that are long lasting and that require minimal maintenance. For example, consider using
“ ...it is worth remembering that small changes can make a big difference to saving water and energy usage. Look for WRAS approved showers, 3/6 litre flush options on toilets, and flow limiters on electric showers. ”
moisture-resistant wall panels instead of tiles, which are cost-effective and easy to clean. Alongside the functionality and look of the space, wall panels achieve a high value appearance for considerably less than the cost of tiling.
The colourways from AKW’s Alveo PVC and Marlbrook ranges enables a non-clinical finish to be obtained. They are also easy to maintain, come with long warranties and can be fitted quickly using a standard toolkit, reducing bathroom downtime, and saving on using a specialist tiler.
In addition, check out the warranties on the products being specified. AKW has a wide range of products that come with lifetime warranties, include the Tuff Form wet room formers, Braddan shower trays, many the shower screens, wastes, grab rails, shower seats, and sanitaryware.
Long lasting solutions
One final note on choosing the right products for longevity — with sustainability such a priority currently, it is worth remembering that small changes can make a big difference to saving water and
energy usage. Look for WRAS approved showers, 3/6 litre flush options on toilets, and flow limiters on electric showers. Not sure if it is worth it? Well, when it comes to water saving, AKW’s Arka Cool Touch, Arka Thermostatic and Vettora lower flow mixer showers use between 40 to 69% less water — depending on the unit chosen — than those without a flow limiter. To create long lasting, cost-efficient accessible tenant bathrooms that meet the needs of present and future tenants is a tough ask. However, with good design and a careful choice of products that have been designed with flexibility and durability in mind, it is possible to create functional, long-lasting spaces that are cost-effective as well as looking good.
■ For more information on any of AKW’s best practice accessible bathroom guides visit www.rdr.link/laz009
AKW’s Bathroom for Life solution — wet room to bathroom with ease
The future construction of homes
Steve Griffiths, Technical Director at Taylor
Lane Timber Frame explains how timber frame construction can support housing providers in achieving net zero and sustainability goals and meet the proposed Future Homes Standard.
For many years, speed speed has been the key advantage most associated with timber frame construction. It is a faster build method than traditional brick and block, without compromising on quality. Precision engineered under factory conditions, timber frame systems are highly accurate with less waste, this not only speeds up the build programme by about a third, but it can also reduce waste and recycling costs onsite.
More recently, attention has shifted to performance benefits, most notably energy efficiency, thermal performance, sustainability and carbon capture, as legislative and housing requirements evolve.
Green credentials
Timber is the only true renewable building material and has the lowest CO2 value of any commercially available building material. Timber frame systems can also
significantly lower embodied carbon compared to masonry or steel alternatives.
Timber frame builds reduce cold bridging, allowing for a well insulated — timber is a natural insulator — and airtight construction. While timber frame supports a fabric first approach it is also well suited to integrate low carbon technologies.
Ready for the Future Homes Standard
Looking ahead, the Future Homes Standard (FHS) is expected to be published this Autumn. Allowing for a transitional period, it’s anticipated that enforcement will be from 2027. However, the Government, while broadly content with the FHS, the specific details, technical requirements, and timeline are still to be announced. Yet, we are already aware of some of the key aspects — all new homes from 2025 (subject to
change) will need to be net zero ready, with high energy efficiency, low carbon heating and rooftop solar.
Based on the benefits outlined previously, timber frame construction will play an essential role in meeting Future Homes’ requirements. While we wait for confirmation and implementation of the FHS, some housing providers, such as Bromsgrove District Council are leading by example and commissioning developments that exceed regulatory standards.
Bromsgrove District Council embraces MMC
Timber frame was one of the green technologies employed by the Council to reduce the carbon impact of its Burcot Lane scheme, an £8.6m housing development which included the demolition of the former Council offices to make way for 18, two- and three-bedroom
Aerial view of Bromsgrove District Council’s Burcot Lane development
Taylor Lane Timber Frame’s Classic wall system was used to construct 22 dwellings at the Burcot Lane development
HOUSING & REGENERATION
“ The Classic wall system includes factory-fitted external reflective breather paper, 9mm OSB external sheathing and 100mm stud insulation. ”
semi-detached houses, 39, one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom maisonettes — a mixture of timber frame and steel frame dwellings.
Strategic Housing & Business Support Manager for Bromsgrove District & Redditch Borough Councils’, Matthew Bough, explains more: “The site was the former Council offices and an ideal opportunity for the Council to have a positive impact on the housing market in the District.
“The Council considers the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) as an important part of the future construction of homes, in a timely manner, and complements the Council’s priority of tackling climate change.”
The project was funded by both Bromsgrove District Council and a grant from Homes England, under its Local Authority Accelerated Construction (LAAC) programme. MMC was also a requirement of the grant funding.
Timber frame supplier
Taylor Lane was appointed timber frame supplier by main contractor, Speller Metcalfe,
and was responsible for the supply and build of timber frames for all 18 houses and two of the two-bedroom maisonettes.
Taylor Lane’s Classic wall system was used to construct the 22 dwellings. The Classic wall system includes factory-fitted external reflective breather paper, 9mm OSB external sheathing and 100mm stud insulation. Metal web joists were also supplied as part of the timber frame kit.
The MMC Category 2 timber frame was made using PEFC certified timber.
Green technology
Bromsgrove District Council also received £610k from the Getting Building Fund through the Worcestershire LEP, this was to increase the renewable technologies and improve energy performance.
Zebra Architects Ltd designed the houses and maisonettes to include air source heat pumps with underfloor heating to ground floors, MVHR, Waste Water Heat Recovery and photovoltaic array. Airtightness was also a key factor of the sustainable building design, to which the timber frame made a positive contribution.
The airtightness achieved was below 3.5m3/m2.hr. The houses achieve an EPC A rated score in excess of 100.
Strong working relationship
Taylor Lane is a long-established supplier to leading regional contractor, Speller Metcalfe, having worked together on many and varied schemes across the West Midlands and South West. Burcot Lane is one of several recent collaborations.
“We had a strong working relationship with Taylor Lane on the Burcot Lane scheme,” commented Speller Metcalfe. “The team were well managed, met the programme and issued all relevant information on time.”
The Burcot Lane properties are a mix of private and social rent, and private and shared ownership, and are now fully occupied. Bromsgrove District Council’s Registered Provider partners supply further affordable housing across the district.
■ For more information on Taylor Lane and its products and services, please visit www.rdr.link/laz010
Timber frame was one of the green technologies utilised on the Burcot Lane scheme
City Plumbing and Help me Fix partner to help housing providers meet new regulatory demands
Plumbing and heating merchant, City Plumbing, is partnering with propertytechnology specialist Help me Fix to support social housing providers under pressure to improve repairs, meet new legal obligations, and build resident trust.
The partnership brings together City Plumbing’s national network of branches and advanced boiler diagnostics tool, FaultFinder, with Help me Fix’s AI-powered platform, creating a powerful solution to help landlords manage repairs faster and more effectively. The service can support 20 core trade areas, including damp and mould, plumbing, electrics and joinery.
The collaboration comes at a time when the sector is facing significant regulatory change. The Social Housing (Regulation) Act, alongside Awaab’s Law, is setting tougher guidelines around safety, speed and communication in response to repairs, particularly those affecting resident health. Meanwhile, the Housing Ombudsman has reported a sharp rise in repair complaints, putting many providers under pressure to improve the performance of both their in-house teams and contractors.
The partnership between will support housing providers in tackling repairs more efficiently and at a reduced cost. Help me Fix is an AI-
powered property repair and maintenance triage platform designed to reduce unnecessary engineer visits and streamline repair workflows. Based on live video and smart diagnostics, it enables residents and contact centre agents to resolve many issues remotely. Since launching in 2019, the company has supported over 200 organisations, de-escalating 90% of emergencies without engineer attendance.
Now, through its integration with City Plumbing’s FaultFinder tool, the Help me Fix platform has an extra layer of efficiency, as issues can be identified more precisely and matched with over 7,000 parts across more than 13,000 boiler models. Parts can then be sourced directly from City Plumbing’s nationwide network of over 360 branches, reducing delays, unnecessary visits and repair costs, while improving the experience for residents and the first-time fix rate.
Can the grid cope?
David Broom, Director of Sales at Kensa, offers advice on delivering low carbon heating in new homes without upgrades.
As housing associations and local authorities look to build new homes for their residents, while also meeting the Future Homes Standard (FHS) requirement of installing low carbon heating instead of gas, there have been concerns over whether the grid can cope with the move to electrified heating. When this change takes place, social landlords need confidence that affordable, sustainable heating solutions can allow them to deliver new homes without incurring delays or thousands in costs to upgrade grid infrastructure.
There is good news — with the right technology, grid constraints don’t have to be a barrier. Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps are one FHS-ready solution that fits the bill without those grid upgrade concerns, allowing providers to meet regulations while offering affordable heating for their residents.
What are networked ground source heat pumps?
A networked ground source system is a
tried-and-tested solution that, once installed, doesn’t look too different to gas. Each completed new home is equipped with a small ground source heat pump inside the property, usually in a cupboard under the stairs or next to a hot water cylinder. The heat pump connects to a shared underground network of boreholes and pipework, which draws renewable heat energy from the ground that the heat pump uses to produce heating and hot water.
Does this system need grid upgrades?
One key advantage of networked ground source heat pumps is that they don’t add strain to the grid. Because the ground temperature remains steady year-round, the system operates at high efficiency without the demand spikes
that other technologies can experience during cold weather. This allows a new development to run a low carbon heating system within the same grid capacity as gas, avoiding the cost and delay of reinforcement works.
For most sites, this means networked ground source systems can be installed and operated comfortably within existing capacity. By contrast, other low carbon heating options may require reinforcement.
CGI of Kensa’s Shoebox NX in a cupboard
Where grid reinforcements are needed, the costs can be significant, and the wait for upgrades can take years, dramatically impacting build schedules.
Installing in new developments
When it comes to delivering a networked ground source heat pump system for a new development, there’s a replicable sequence that aligns well with a typical build programme. This includes:
• Design and planning come first. Expert designers size the boreholes and heat pumps according to the homes’ heat demand, plot layouts and the local geology. This stage is critical and ensures the system operates at optimum efficiency.
• Borehole drilling usually takes place alongside other on-site works. Boreholes between around 120 and 200 metres deep are drilled and sealed, ready for later connection. Boreholes are drilled at around 2 – 2.5 per week; however, this can be adapted to match the desired build rate.
• Network installation follows as trenches are opened for other utilities. Flow and return pipework from the boreholes to the manifolds are laid alongside water, broadband and electricity services, making heating part of the standard utilities package.
• Internal installation happens at the second-fix stage, with the compact heat pump fitted inside the home, and connected to the shared underground
network and the home’s wet heating distribution system. Systems can also be designed to deliver passive cooling — a low energy feature unique to ground source heat pumps that may be useful where overheating risks are higher.
• Commissioning completes the process, with each unit running independently and providing residents with reliable heating and hot water.
Case study: Ashton Rise, Bristol
The Ashton Rise development in Bristol is an example of this style of low carbon heating already in action. Working with Kensa and developer Willmott Dixon, Bristol City Council delivered 133 new homes, with 40% available for social rent, which were all connected to Kensa’s networked ground source heat pump system.
By choosing this model, the Council delivered sustainable homes with low running costs for homeowners and residents. The underground infrastructure
demands.
Benefits for landlords and residents
Networked ground source heat pumps can be delivered through a multi-utility model, such as the one Kensa and GTC are offering to new-build developers. This means the infrastructure and heat pumps can be owned and maintained by a specialist operator, removing the burden of servicing from landlords and giving residents access to a dedicated support service if issues arise.
Residents themselves benefit from the lowest running costs of any low-carbon heating system. This reduces fuel poverty and encourages consistent heating use, which in turn improves building fabric by reducing damp and condensation from occurring.
A replicable model for social housing
With major changes coming for the newbuild sector, networked ground source heat pumps offer housing associations and councils a practical way of delivering new homes without the cost concerns and uncertainty of needing grid upgrades.
Just as they have done with implementing retrofit measures, housing providers have the opportunity to take the lead in providing the best possible, futureproofed new-build homes for their residents, with a high-performance, highly efficient heating system at their heart.
All the homes on the Ashton Rise development in Bristol are connected to Kensa’s networked ground source heat pump system
Are smart hot water cylinders the brains of future homes?
As we transition to a more electrified and digitally integrated way of living, many traditional home systems are being reimagined to meet the needs of tomorrow. Tom Oldfield, Head of Sustainability and External Affairs at Mixergy, explains how traditional hot water storage cylinders are being transformed into intelligent, multifunctional hubs that can serve as the control centre for smart, efficient, and healthier homes.
In the shift to net zero housing, why is the humble hot water cylinder, traditionally used as a passive storage unit, taking centre stage? Quite simply, because every future-ready home will need one. As heating systems become more efficient and electricity replaces gas, every home will require a method of storing and managing thermal energy. Cylinders offer flexible thermal storage that can integrate with solar PV, heat pumps, and smart tariffs. This makes them essential to any intelligent, electrified housing stock.
In a low carbon, all-electric future, a smart hot water cylinder, like Mixergy X,
can be so much more: it stores heat, manages demand, and, increasingly, can interact with other smart systems like ventilation, electric vehicle charging, and renewable energy generation. And for local authorities and housing providers, this change brings new opportunities to improve performance, reduce costs, and support residents more effectively.
Smart hot water cylinders
ensure adequate ventilation when humidity levels rise, or reduce energy usage during peak pricing windows. It can even carry out auto-cleansing cycles for Legionella remotely, without needing access to the property or disturbing the tenant. Crucially, these systems can deliver comfort, health, and efficiency without the occupant needing to lift a finger.
For housing providers, this means fewer complaints, better SAP scores, and lower lifetime costs. For residents, it means a healthier, more responsive living space, with no need to compromise on comfort.
With the integration of advanced sensors, software, and connectivity, smart hot water cylinders can do far more than heat water. They can monitor occupancy patterns, learn user behaviour and adapt heating schedules accordingly. Using machine learning and predictive algorithms, they can preheat water when electricity tariffs are lowest, or when solar generation is at its peak, thereby reducing reliance on the grid.
This evolution transforms the cylinder into what the team at Mixergy call a “node in the home” — a control hub that drives both comfort and efficiency. Rather than functioning in isolation, the smart cylinder becomes the “brain” of the home — capable of coordinating with other systems to optimise overall performance. It can
By focusing on intelligent control and communication, smart cylinders offer enhanced performance in both newbuilds and retrofits. They support the UK’s net zero ambitions by providing demand flexibility, enabling energy storage, and improving the carbon performance of homes. And as part of an integrated smart home, they empower both residents and housing providers to take control of their energy use.
As our homes evolve into connected ecosystems, the smart hot water cylinder isn’t just keeping up. It’s leading the charge. In the not-so-distant future, we
Birmingham City Council partnered with Mixergy to deliver an extensive hot water retrofit
may look back and realise that the key to smarter living was sitting quietly in the airing cupboard all along. The future of home energy isn’t just smart. It’s coordinated, efficient, and cylinder-led.
Birmingham City Council’s net zero drive
As part of its ambitious climate action strategy, Birmingham City Council has partnered with Mixergy to deliver an extensive hot water retrofit programme for council homes across the city. This initiative aligns with Birmingham City Council’s target to reach net zero by 2030, two decades ahead of the UK government’s national goal.
Birmingham City Council recognised the need to both decarbonise housing and reduce fuel poverty among its residents. Traditional water heating posed a significant barrier, with high energy use and associated costs impacting both environmental and social outcomes.
To test retrofit strategies, the council initially launched a pilot in East Birmingham, targeting 300 homes for energy upgrades. Mixergy’s innovative solution was selected to modernise the provision of hot water in these properties, due to its ability to reduce consumption while maintaining safety and performance.
The technology made an immediate and positive impact on residents’ lives. Dorothy Burrows, one of the first residents to receive a Mixergy cylinder, shared: “I can spend more money on my grandchildren. It’s the best thing the council has ever done.”
The Mixergy sol
ution
Mixergy’s smart hot water tanks allow users to heat only the volume of water they need — from 10% to 100% capacity — via an app and through machine learning. Tenantcentric features, such as the app, energy scheduling and the assurance of never running out of hot water, have dramatically improved satisfaction and helped build trust in the retrofit programme.
The project, which now numbers over 1,000 installations of Mixergy cylinders, has been delivered through close collaboration between Birmingham City Council, Equans, and Legionella & Fire Safe Services. Installations are designed
to be non-intrusive, similar to the process for fitting standard unvented cylinders, to reduce disruption for residents.
Mixergy’s cloud-connected platform provides the council with a powerful tool to ensure all systems are functioning correctly without the need for costly and time-consuming tenant visits.
The council’s strategy demonstrates that decarbonisation and tenant wellbeing can go hand in hand. With over 1,000 Mixergy systems now installed, key benefits to date include:
• Substantial savings: £286,745 saved on energy bills across all installations.
• Energy reduction: 328,587 kWh saved across installed properties over two years.
• Carbon impact: 172 tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduction.
• Hygiene assurance: Built-in sterilisation routines protect against legionella bacteria.
• Remote monitoring: IoT connectivity via Mixergy’s remote diagnostics.io platform enables easy fleet management and fault resolution.
Danielle Bayliss, Director at Legionella & Fire Safe Services, explains: “Mixergy tanks optimise water usage, reduce energy consumption, and maintain the temperatures required for water safety, helping us minimise risk without compromising efficiency.”
Councillor Jayne Francis adds: “We’re delighted with the savings achieved across our fleet of Mixergy cylinders. These innovations are helping residents save money while supporting our decarbonisation goals. Technologies like
this are vital in bringing tenants along with us on this journey.”
Birmingham City Council continues to lead from the front on sustainable housing. Plans are underway to install more Mixergy smart cylinders and to explore how they can be integrated with renewables such as solar PV and heat pumps. Through education, partnership, and innovation, the council is steadily closing in on its 2030 net zero target.
Peter Armstrong, CEO of Mixergy, summed it up: “Birmingham City Council is pushing the envelope for social housing. We’re proud to support their transition with technology that saves money, cuts carbon, and keeps residents in control.”
Through the installation of Mixergy’s smart, “heat-what-you-need” water cylinders, the council has not only improved energy efficiency across its housing stock but also significantly reduced tenants’ energy costs and carbon emissions. The result: a scalable, tenant-friendly retrofit model that sets a benchmark for local authorities nationwide.
Learning environments
John Park-Davies, Group
Managing Director
of IKON Aluminium Systems, explains the importance of ventilation in our buildings and shares an example of how effective ventilation through the use of aluminium louvres is benefitting Northstowe Learning Community.
Ventilation in buildings is essential for health, comfort, and safety. It helps to maintain indoor air quality, supports health and wellbeing which is particularly important where people share enclosed spaces, works with heating and cooling systems to regulate indoor temperature, and in certain applications, can enhance safety by removing hazardous gases and smoke control.
In England, ventilation requirements fall under Building Regulations Part F and are detailed in Approved Document F. Volume 2 of Approved Document F provides guidance on ventilation for Buildings other than dwellings.
For non-dwellings, such as schools, offices, and hospitals, Volume 2 states that ventilation must dilute and remove indoor pollutants, provide appropriate ventilation rates, and comply with minimum fresh air supply rates. Building designs, therefore must consider occupant density, internal pollutant sources, and building use when specifying appropriate ventilation systems.
Critical to student wellbeing
For the expansion of Northstowe Learning Community, project architect and lead designer, Frank Shaw Associates
designed in a wide range of ventilation solutions to meet the requirement for both natural and mechanical indoor ventilation.
“Ventilation, natural daylight, acoustic comfort, and indoor air quality are critical to student wellbeing, concentration, and learning outcomes — especially in education environments,” comments Claire Mills, Principal of Northstowe Learning Community.
Northstowe Learning Community is an all-through education campus delivering nursery, primary, secondary, and sixth form learning within one integrated site. Phase 2
expands education capacity in Northstowe, one of the most significant new communities under construction in the UK.
Chosen supplier
Duplus Architectural Systems (Duplus) was sub-contracted by construction partner, Kier to supply the aluminium curtain walling, windows and doors. This contract included provision and installation of aluminium louvres. For this, Duplus turned to established supplier, IKON Aluminium Systems.
“We have worked with IKON previously and know them to be reliable; they have never let us down,” comments, Ben Roberts, Contracts Department Manager, Duplus Architectural Systems Ltd. “They also make a really good, high quality louvre. We chose IKON for Phase 2 of the Northstowe project based on price and a competitive lead time.”
Glazed in aluminium louvres
For this project, IKON recommended its IKL302-PFA50 glazed in louvre which complies with BS EN 13030:2001 and provides ventilation to help regulate indoor temperature and air quality without letting rain or debris in. This louvre features a blade centre of 30mm and blade angle of 59 degrees and offers 58% visual free area and 50% physical free area. It achieves the required airflow rate of 50%.
While aluminium louvres have long been recognised as an effective means of natural ventilation, they are also an important component in mechanical ventilation systems, controlling airflow in and out of the building while providing protection.
A proportion of the 101no. louvres supplied by IKON were glazed into aluminium doors manufactured by Duplus. These doors open into the Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) and plant rooms. Consistent ventilation is essential for the MVHR units and plant equipment to operate effectively, efficiently, and safely. With the glazed in louvres, the doors provide both a physical access point and fulfil a ventilation function — maintaining airflow, preventing overheating, and balancing room pressure.
The remaining louvres were fitted directly into the curtain walling made by
Duplus. Visually, the louvres blend seamlessly with the curtain walling maintaining the aesthetic of the modern building design.
Award-winning education campus
The campus opened to pupils in March 2025. “As one of the first buildings delivered in phase 2 of the town, Northstowe Learning Community has played a key role in establishing strong social and educational foundation for the town,” continues Claire Mills. “It has been recognised for its exceptional, wellbeingfocused design — supporting science, sport, arts, and outdoor learning, which underscores the importance of environmental quality in education settings.”
Northstowe Learning Community was recently named Best Education Project at the UK Forum East of England Property Awards. The award was received by Homes England, master developer for phases two and three of Northstowe. Meridian Trust and Cambridgeshire County Council were also key partners. The project was recognised for its low carbon construction approach. Effective ventilation through the use of aluminium louvres is contributing to reduced operational emissions and longterm sustainability.
■ More information on IKON Aluminium Systems aluminium louvers here www.rdr.link/laz015
Drone shot of Northstowe Learning Community. Image credit: Kier
Image credit: Kier
Heating controls for low carbon homes
As the UK accelerates towards its net zero targets, local authorities and housing associations are at the forefront of one of the greatest challenges: decarbonising the nation’s housing stock. Here, Andrew Baines, National Sales Manager at Drayton explores why heating is central to this transition and the role that controls play in making this achievable.
Around 17% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heating our homes, and for millions of tenants, the balance between warmth, affordability and sustainability remains precarious.
While the conversation often centres on the high-value items, such as heat pumps and insulation, heating controls are an equally important piece of the puzzle that can deliver results today and across all types of homes. Whether smart or traditional, they have a vital role to play in ensuring renewable heating systems work effectively, while also helping to cut carbon emissions and reduce bills in properties that still rely on fossil fuel boilers.
Why heating controls matter for renewable systems
Renewable heat sources, such as air source heat pumps, operate very differently to gas boilers. They run most efficiently at lower, consistent flow temperatures compared to traditional systems with a gas boiler.
Without the right heating controls in place, a heat pump may never achieve its advertised performance. As a result,
tenants may find their homes are either too cold or too expensive to run, leading to dissatisfaction and a perception that renewables don’t work. The reality is that controls bridge the gap between the technology and the end-user.
For example, heating controls that feature load and weather compensation can ensure that a heat pump delivers steady, efficient heat matched to the property’s requirements. Additionally, controls with multi-zoning capabilities allow residents to heat the rooms they use most, avoiding wasted energy. It is important to remember that these solutions don’t need to be complex, but rather that simple, intuitive controls can be just as effective for local authority housing stock.
Cutting carbon with fossil fuel systems
Although the UK is committed to its net zero targets, fossil fuel boilers will remain part of the housing landscape for years to come. This presents another challenge in its own right when it comes to reducing costs and carbon emissions, but one that can also be tackled with the right controls in place.
While simply upgrading from an outdated thermostat and programmer to a best practice thermostat can make savings of up to 12% according to BEAMA, this can be enhanced even further depending on the type of control installed, as opting for a smart control can offer an additional 6%. Simple interventions like this can help residents only heat their homes when and where it is needed. For a housing association managing thousands of properties, the cumulative savings in energy and emissions are considerable. This is particularly relevant given the cost-of-living crisis. Energy-efficient controls reduce bills, providing tangible benefits for tenants while also helping local authorities meet their own carbon reduction commitments. In many cases, upgrading heating controls is a lowdisruption retrofit measure, making it an attractive option for improving existing housing stock.
Smart vs. traditional: which is the best solution?
When it comes to heating controls, affordability and usability are as important
Drayton’s Digistat is a Bluetooth enabled heating control
for local authorities as technical capability. In many cases, traditional heating controls remain the most practical choice for social housing. They are reliable, cost-effective, and easy for tenants to use without the need for broadband connectivity or apps.
Equally, local authorities also need solutions that are user friendly for tenants. If residents cannot understand or easily manage their heating system, any potential efficiency gains are quickly lost. That is why well-designed, intuitive traditional controls remain the top choice for many organisations as they strike the right balance between performance and accessibility.
However, smart heating controls do have a role to play, particularly in new-build projects or where local authorities are seeking more advanced data and diagnostic capabilities, or remote monitoring via a BMS system. For example, this could help local authorities detect issues early and reduce call-outs. However, these benefits must be weighed against
upfront costs, connectivity requirements, and the digital skills of residents.
To bridge the gap, there are now solutions on the market that combine the ease and lower-cost of a traditional thermostat with the capabilities of a smart heating control. The Digistat from Drayton, for instance, is the Bluetooth enabled heating control that allows users to manage their heating either via the thermostat or on the Wiser Home app on their smartphone. This means that residents can benefit from innovative smart modes, typically associated with smart controls. The energysaving Away Mode and Delayed Start offer reductions in energy use of up to 14% and 10% respectively.
A practical step towards net zero
The transition to net zero is complex, but not every solution has to be. Heating controls represent a practical, scalable investment that can deliver immediate results across housing stock of all ages and tenures.
For local authorities and housing associations, investing in appropriate heating controls can help to reduce carbon emissions, support tenants, and lay the foundations for future decarbonisation. In the journey to greener homes, heating controls are not just accessories, they are a vital tool that local authorities should be utilising.
■ More information on Drayton’s range of heating controls including the Digistat, here www.rdr.link/lazo16
HEATING & VENTILATION ROUND-UP
New electric boiler delivers energy-efficient heating for social housing
Baxi recently launched the Amptec S, a state-of-the-art electric system boiler to provide an energy-efficient alternative heating and hot water solution to gas. Manufactured in the UK, the Amptec S is available in six models ranging from 4kW to 18kW, offering a versatile solution for social housing properties. With a temperature range adjustable from 30 to 80˚C, modulating ratio up to 9:1 and cycling of its heating elements, the boiler intelligently matches output to demand. This all results in reduced energy use and running costs.
To ensure seamless integration with a wide range of controls, Baxi has made the Amptec S compatible with universal communication protocol, OpenTherm. The unit includes a circulation pump, an expansion vessel, this allows for reduced installation times and space saving as all pipework is inside the boiler. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) feature improves user experience and assists with maintenance and fault finding.
Heat network installed at Huddersfield specialist housing development
Ideal Heating Commercial POD Heat Interface Units (HIUs) and Evomax 2 condensing boilers have been installed into Ash View Extra Care in Huddersfield as part of a heat network designed to heat the 50 one- and two-bedroom flats and communal areas, along with hot water, at this new development for Kirklees Council.
The company supplied four Evomax 2 100kW wall-mounted boilers in cascade at the energy centre at Ash View Extra Care, and 50 POD HIUs with first fix kits and factory fitted hard wired Mbus heat meters. Highly efficient, Evomax 2 has up to 99.6% full load efficiency and up to 110% part load efficiency, can operate at up to 30˚ Δ T, and boasts a high turndown of 5:1. The four Evomax 2 boilers at Ash View Extra Care are running in cascade on a standard height frame and header kit delivering 400kW of output for an energy-efficient solution.
Nuaire ventilation systems now with Passivhaus certification
Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire is pleased to announce Passivhaus certification has been achieved on its BPS Passivhaus air handling units (AHU) and XBC Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units. Rigorously independently tested under realistic conditions to ensure they meet the strict the standard’s efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality criteria, the company’s BPS Passivhaus AHUs in sizes 12,17, 22, 32 and 42, and XBC Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units in sizes 55 and 65 have now been certified as Passivhaus compliant components.
The BPS Passivhaus AHUs’ efficiency comes from a dual compressor system that uses less energy than one single large compressor, a high efficiency thermal wheel, and minimal air leakage (it has the top L1 leakage classification). BPS Passivhaus AHUs feature a high quality double lined acoustic end panel insulated with Rockwool for reduced noise breakout and low leakage, ensuring the unit is airtight.
Smart ventilation solution for social housing launched ahead of Awaab’s Law
The new LoCarbon Revive 7 SwitcheeEnabled smart ventilation solution from Vent-Axia is designed specifically for the social housing sector. It integrates Vent-Axia’s smart-enabled fan technology with Switchee’s in-home connectivity to deliver energy-efficient ventilation, realtime environmental insights, tamper-proof performance, and proactive communication between landlords and residents. Vent-Axia is the first UK ventilation company to provide remotely accessible fan data to housing providers. It is also the first smart technology solution that not only identifies condensation and mould but also actively helps to prevent them.
The product is an energy-efficient, filter-less unitary fan, which offers high performance and near-silent operation. Designed to tackle condensation and mould, the Revive 7 already incorporates a sophisticated in-built data monitoring system; however, by integrating Switchee’s real-time data insights, social housing landlords can now proactively manage properties and support residents in a completely new way.
Opportunity knocks
Fresh funding streams and new legislation provide local authorities and social housing providers with the opportunity to create homes fit for an energy-efficient future. Dan Redfern, Head of Marketing Communications from Marleyexplains more.
The housing crisis, particularly in the social sector, is being addressed as new funding and a comprehensive regulatory framework to underpin housing-related decarbonisation ambitions, take effect.
June’s Spending Review highlighted the instigation of the Social & Affordable Home Programme, which aims to build 300,000 new homes, with at least 60% targeted for social rent purposes. The £39bn funding allocation over the next 10 years is a significant uplift on the previous programme, with £3.9bn now available annually to create new social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership homes. A key deliverable of the
programme is the inclusion of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards in the social housing sector, ensuring homes are warm, safe, and efficient.
This, together with the upcoming Future Homes Standard (FHS), where the industry is awaiting further details about the regulations, including a potential implementation date, will be central to solving the ongoing housing crisis.
Heating and powering buildings accounts for up to 40% of the UK’s annual energyuse, so it’s not surprising that the ambition behind the FHS is to build new homes that deliver improved heating, hot water efficiencies and a reduction in heat waste. As a result, the
regulations are expected to mandate that all new homes will be built to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions, and that this decarbonisation target will be achieved through a combination of the building fabric and low carbon renewable sources such as solar PV.
The combination of the Social & Affordable Home Programme and FHS, provides a unique opportunity for councils and housing associations through uplifted financial support and legislative direction. It ensures that social housing stock — both new-builds and retrofit projects — can be future-proofed both in terms of effective efficiencies that minimise energy bills and enhance long-term building performance.
“ After carefully assessing the feasibility of bidding for funds, we opted to proceed in the hope that we could use the secured financial funding to pay for the inclusion of solar PV at Miners Court.”
As such it is important to understand what funding is available to plan and deliver housing stock improvements that meet government targets.
Flexible thinking
Charitable social housing provider, Coastline Housing based in Cornwall, did just this as it looked to embark on an ambitious retrofit roofing project at Miners Court, a social housing development incorporating 64 individual flats in Redruth.
Ben Nevitte, Head of Repair and Maintenance, was keen to include the sustainable energy benefits of solar PV as the roof was refitted and to help tackle cost-of-living pressures felt by tenants. He sought out the financial help he would need to turn his aspiration into reality and
turned to Cornwall’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which allocates funding streams, one of which could be used in relation to tenants’ cost-of-living challenges.
Ben says: “After carefully assessing the feasibility of bidding for funds, we opted to proceed in the hope that we could use the secured financial funding to pay for the inclusion of solar PV at Miners Court.
“We developed a costed proposal which would support a total roofing retrofit project. This included the specification of solar PV arrays for each flat and new Marley Edgemere concrete roof tiles, as well as solar PV inverters and battery storage solutions to convert and store the energy created.
“We were already planning to reroof Miners Court in two- or three-years’ time,
but if successful with the bid, we decided we would pull the project forward and take the opportunity to include solar PV specification alongside the roof tiles for the first time.”
Ben’s planning flexibility not only helped to ensure that the benefits of solar could be enjoyed earlier than expected at Miners Court but raises a salient point about taking a holistic view on upgrade and maintenance works to align project planning with funding cycle availability.
Smarter planning
Working smarter and investigating funding timescales can help overcome any potential for a disconnect between planning works and having the funds in place to proceed. For instance, it can be advisable to undertake preparatory work to identify what is needed ahead of funding applications being actioned. This could also include adding in other improvement measures such as double glazing or insulation at the same time as the roofing work.
There can often be delays in the funding award process, but if programmes are fully planned of fund receipt, work can then commence straightaway. Flexibility and investing resources to find out what is available and when, can reap real dividends at a time when the Government is actively and financially encouraging action by councils and social housing providers.
Full system supplier
Finally, it is also good sense to work with a full system supplier such as Marley, which can support the social housing sector with a renewable roofing system underpinned by a 15-year guarantee. Accessing expertise in the creation of sustainable roofs that utilise solar PV as part of a fully integrated system, means local authorities and social housing providers can buy with confidence knowing that ongoing roofrelated maintenance commitments are minimised and their housing stock is fit for a bright future.
■ For more information visit Marley’s website here www.rdr.link/laz021
The role of building fabric in tackling damp and mould
As Awaab’s Law comes into force, David Ward, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at ROCKWOOL UK, examines the role of insulation in managing moisture, particularly in hard-to-treat and solid-wall properties.
The case of Awaab Ishak showed how poor housing conditions can lead to tragic consequences. The two-year-old’s death in 2020 from exposure to damp and mould prompted the introduction of Awaab’s Law under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, with the first measures taking effect in October 2025. From this point, social housing landlords will be legally required to investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould hazards within set timeframes, and tackle emergency hazards within 24 hours.1 The law will be extended to include other household hazards, such as fire safety and excessive cold and heat, in 2026.
As part of the drive to improve housing quality and energy efficiency, good-quality insulation plays a crucial role, and the
level of loft and wall insulation in homes in England has increased over the past decade.2 However, materials are sometimes chosen for their ability to reduce energy use alone, without consideration of other factors such as moisture, acoustics and fire safety. Legislation such as Awaab’s Law highlights the need for thoughtful specification and planning of materials to
support healthy buildings across all of these performance areas and more, with a particular focus on damp and mould.
The age and condition of much of England’s housing stock make it especially vulnerable to damp. Many homes were built before 1919, and most of today’s social housing dates from between 1945 and 1980.3 These older buildings are often poorly insulated and prone to moisture issues.
How does moisture become a problem?
Understanding how moisture builds up inside homes is essential to addressing the issue and even inadvertently making it worse. Moisture levels vary between homes, depending on the age, construction and location. A typical family of four can produce up to 10 litres of moisture per day through breathing, as well as daily activities such as cooking and washing.4 Without adequate ventilation, heating, and suitable insulation, this moisture can become trapped, leading to persistent condensation — and ultimately, mould.
ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION
Why the type of insulation matters
Older buildings are often described as ‘moisture-open’, meaning they have been constructed from permeable materials like brick and stone, and typically have a lot of natural ventilation. Moisture-open materials allow moisture to move in and out of the building fabric, both as liquid and as vapour.
The most common types of insulation are typically either vapour-open or vapourclosed. Vapour-open materials can allow the movement of water vapour in moistureopen constructions. This helps to maintain the moisture balance within a building, reducing the risk of condensation. By contrast, vapour-closed materials block moisture movement, which is desirable in some applications but may lead to trapped damp in certain constructions.
Damp problems can emerge over time if older homes are retrofitted with insulation without taking their original construction into account — and the problem may be compounded if other vapour-closed materials have been installed, such as plastic windows that prevent airflow. Moisture can be trapped by retrofit systems if they are not properly designed and installed. This risk can be reduced by conducting a detailed survey before any remedial work begins, and by selecting the appropriate materials — determining whether moisture-open and vapour-open materials should be used.
Stone wool and moisture management
Among the various insulation materials available, stone wool insulation — made from volcanic rock — stands out for its ability to be used effectively in both vapouropen or vapour-closed constructions.
Stone wool insulation has a high vapour permeability5 which means vapour can pass through without condensing and accumulating into moisture. Water repellent and non-hygroscopic, stone wool will not attract or absorb moisture from the surrounding environment — making it a good candidate for retrofit applications where some residual moisture may be present, where ventilation is inconsistent, or where there is a risk of minor water ingress.
Stone wool insulation can be used in lofts, roofs, floors and external walls, improving thermal efficiency and helping to minimise the risk of damp and mould. In
“ Without adequate ventilation, heating, and suitable insulation, moisture can become trapped, leading to persistent condensation — and ultimately, mould.”
addition, stone wool is A1 non-combustible, so it will neither contribute to the spread of fire nor contribute any significant toxic smoke or gases in the event of a fire, whilst it also performs as an acoustic insulant.
Fit for the future
The advantages of retrofitting homes with insulation are clear. Doing so can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment, and help to reduce energy consumption. But success depends on a careful assessment of the building to be retrofitted, including its construction and any previous improvements. Designers, installers and insulation manufacturers need to work together and look at the whole
retrofit system — including any effects that changing various elements could have on the moisture behaviour of the building. This level of cooperation is essential to reduce the health risks posed by damp, mould and other household hazards — helping to deliver homes that support the aims of Awaab’s Law, and are truly fit for the future.
5.“Moisture Behaviour of Buildings when Retrofitted with Mineral Wool Insulation” (2015) – a report prepared by the Sustainable Buildings Alliance for the Mineral Wool Insulation Manufacturers Association with contributions from Glasgow Caledonian University, University College London, BRE Wales and Archimetrics
■ More information on ROCKWOOL and its stone wool insulation solutions here www.rdr.link/laz022
ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION ROUND-UP
Glidevale Protect boosts sustainability at Swansea social housing scheme
A range of products from Glidevale Protect have been specified and installed to help create energy-efficient and healthy homes by property development specialists Castell Group on a new affordable housing scheme constructed in Llansamlet, Swansea.
The Samlet Road development comprises 35 new homes with a mix of one- and two- bedroom apartments and two- and threebedroom houses in partnership with social housing provider Caredig. The scheme takes a fabric first approach and includes a host of sustainable features to improve the quality of the living
spaces and ensure energy costs are reduced where possible, including integrated in-roof solar PV panels which have been installed throughout.
Glidevale Protect supplied products from its roofing and construction membrane ranges, including the Protect A1 Solar pitched roofing underlay — a high performance, heavy-duty type HR impermeable roofing underlay designed for use on all cold and warm pitched roofs where in-roof solar PV panels are installed. Used with the correct ventilation strategy, the underlay reduces the risk of interstitial condensation forming on the underside of solar PV panels.
To further reduce the risk of condensation forming in the roof space, Glidevale Protect also provided low and high level roofing ventilation including over fascia vents and rafter rolls at the eaves, and the Protect Fulmetal UniRoll dry-fix ridge and hip system at the ridge. The flexibility of Glidevale Protect’s roofing solutions enabled them to be installed throughout the scheme, which comprises a mix of timber frame houses and flats as well as traditional masonry build apartments.
The timber frame homes used on the development also feature Glidevale Protect’s low emissivity TF200 Thermo reflective external wall breather membrane to help achieve lower wall U-values and improve the thermal efficiency of the properties. Glidevale Protect worked closely with the manufacturer of the timber frame structures LoCal Homes, part of the Green Square Accord Group.
Siderise Insulationhas achieved certification to the latest version of the BES 6001 standard for all its stone wool passive fire protectionand acoustic products manufactured at its Maesteg factory in South Wales. This latest achievement for the global manufacturer evidences its ongoing commitment to achieving the highest sustainability standards in its field.
Developed by UK-based research organisation, BRE (Building Research Establishment), the BES 6001 framework standard requires construction product manufacturers to evidence that their products are made from responsibly sourced materials. The independent assessment process looks at every product stage, from raw material extraction to processing and point of sale.
Siderise was awarded a ‘Good’ rating, following a comprehensive review of its processes and procedures around matters such as procurement practices, supply chain, transport impacts, life cycle assessment, and engagement with local communities. It received full marks for its environmental and quality management system in the supply chain, responsible sourcing policy, and operational management of responsible sourcing. BES 6001 certification is recognised across the globe as demonstrating responsible, sustainable procurement practices and reduced supply chain risk. Products certified to it can support specifiers to secure additional credits under sustainable building certification standards, such as BREEAM, LEED and DGNB.
ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION ROUND-UP
Major roof-mounted solar array completed at iconic Glasgow landmark
Vital Energi successfully completed a flagship roof-mounted solar project at Glasgow’s historic Kelvin Hall. The landmark project for Glasgow City Council, featuring over 1,000 solar panels and worth approximately £1.5m, demonstrates the company’s growing presence in Scotland’s renewable energy sector and its capability to deliver complex technical solutions in challenging built environments.
The ambitious project at Kelvin Hall is a key part of Glasgow City Council’s climate action strategy. It is designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions, supply approximately 20% of the building’s annual electricity needs, and generate £182,000 in electricity savings each year.
The installation is accompanied by seven smaller solar installations across Glasgow schools and day care centres, collectively supporting the city’s journey toward net zero emissions.
The project showcases Vital Energi’s technical innovation capabilities. From
custom-designed lifting equipment for safely transporting panels to the roof to the implementation of abseil-style systems that allowed technicians to install panels on the sloped surfaces, these solutions were essential to overcoming the strict limitations inherent in retrofitting modern renewable technology to the culturally significant building, dating back to 1927.
Beyond its environmental impact, the project has delivered significant community benefits, including educational initiatives and employment opportunities.
■ For more information about Vital Energi and its work visit www.rdr.link/laz025
Glasgow-based contractor, Versatile, was engaged for the installation, supporting jobs in the city’s East End. The project has also included classroom presentations on climate action for local schools through Vital Energi’s Climate Education Programme, and is providing raised plant beds, soil and plants for community gardens at the day care centres involved in the wider scheme.
The solar project was 50% funded by Salix Finance, with Glasgow City Council providing the remaining investment.
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