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PROFESSIONAL
HOUSEBUILDER & PROPERTY DEVELOPER
WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK
MAY 2021
EV CHARGING What do you need to know before installing charge points?
EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING
KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
As the sun comes out, capitalise on the benefits a garden brings.
Sustainable, aesthetic and comfortable – impress homebuyers with these spaces.
LAST WORD: WHO OWNS THE RIGHTS TO THE GROUND UNDER YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
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CONTENTS
PHPD MAY 2021 VOLUME 15 NUMBER 4
REGULARS 5
First Word
6
News
8
Developments
34 Product Focus: Norbord 35 Last Word
SPECIAL REPORTS 10 Parking Charge EV charging advice from CTEK’s Cecilia Routledge
EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING 12 Render Tips Paul Roberts, national technical support manager for SaintGobain Weber sets out his top rendering tips. 14 Insider Info Substrate preparation specialists Setcrete discuss what SME builders need to consider when bringing the inside out. 16 Product Spotlight: Renders PHPD explores what’s on offer in the world of renders. 18 Down the Garden Path Paul Lees, Tarmac Cement, looks at the current landscaping trends influencing garden design and how developers can benefit. 20 Hybrid Theory New manufacturing methods have enabled Brett Landscaping to offer porcelain paving products for a wider range of developments. On the front cover:
Turn to page 12 to find out more about Saint-Gobain Weber’s external renders. On display here at Millgate Homes’ Chart Ridge. Photo courtesy of Tony Mitchell.
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Charging electric vehicles
KITCHENS & BATHROOMS 22 Open and shut case Elizabeth Briggs, Category Manager for Sliding, Room and Building, Häfele UK, argues the case for open and broken plan layouts as the answer to pandemic problems. 25 Even Flow Help ensure your home buyers use less water by installing Neoperl flow regulators.
28 |
Kitchen taps
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Levelling compounds
26 Neo Noir Duravit’s new D-Neo bathroom range offers developers a balance between quality and price. 28 Product Spotlight: Kitchen Taps PHPD rounds up the latest kitchen taps. 30 One Careful Owner Have you considered fitting out your project with a used kitchen? Used Kitchen Exchange puts the case forward for bringing the circular economy to new build kitchens. 32 New Products
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FIRST WORD
Editor Kieran Nee phpd@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey 07900 248102 craig@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager Samuel Shannon-Tinsley 01923 237799 stinsley@hamerville.co.uk Northern Area Sales Ian Duff 07810 353 525 probuilder@sky.com Digital Group Manager Stuart Duff Digital Assistant David Molloy Design Adeel Qadri Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Kerri Smith Managing Editor Terry Smith Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Publisher Bryan Shannon Printer Wyndeham Group Published by: Hamerville Media Group Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. Tel: 01923 237799 Email: phpd@hamerville.co.uk Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication. © 2021
Subscriptions to Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year — £30 post paid Europe and Overseas: 1 year — £50 post paid Airmail: 1 year — £65 post paid To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk
Stock Answer The much vaunted Green Homes Grant was unceremoniously laid to rest this spring, after just six months during which it was much under-used. The sources of failure are already disputed, but perhaps it was inevitable that such a scheme would prove chaotic in the implementation. 20% of the country’s carbon emissions come from its housing, and more carbon friendly housing has the double benefit of saving the environment and lowering fuel bills. Seeing as most people live in older houses, and the UK housing stock is the oldest in Europe, it makes sense to improve that stock’s thermal performance. On paper, it was the perfect plan. Invest in improvements which could futureproof people’s houses, allowing the work and the logistics to be organised on the ground by homeowners and local builders. However, after only 10% of the grant’s £600k was spent, it’s clear this individual-led approach was seriously flawed. What’s more, it’s worth considering whether the whole idea was doomed from the very start. Even with a large Government subsidy, asking families to invest money and time into home improvements the end results of which will see only a slight reduction in fuel bills is a big ask. Many will look at their home and wonder whether the money might not be better spent elsewhere, rather than spent on a crumbling pre-war artefact. Contrast the situation with the new build sector. Newly built homes by SME developers are designed to be as thermally efficient as possible, are heated by renewable energy and provide optimum comfort for homebuyers. Implementing the materials and technology developed over the past thirty years into every home built, SME developers are currently producing exactly the type of properties needed to reduce carbon emissions across the board. Instead of playing catch up with existing stock, maybe a wiser idea would be to invest heavily in the kinds of SME builders that know and care about what it takes to create sustainable homes. Ones that provide quality homes for local communities too. A certain amount of retrofit will always be needed, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that the only way to truly wean the population off draughty, gas heated homes is to get people out of the old stock and into high quality new builds. For that to happen, many, many more will need to be built by small, local builders. How that is achieved is up for debate, but it will certainly require both money and faith.
built homes “byNewly SME developers
are designed to be as thermally efficient as possible, are heated by renewable energy and provide optimum comfort for homebuyers.
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For more information from PHPD visit www.phpdonline.co.uk @phpdonline
Total Average Net Distribution 13,310 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020
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NEWS In Brief ■ Baxi and Worcester Bosch have teamed up again to showcase hydrogen boilers in the UK’s first 100% Hydrogen Home public demonstration. This real-world demonstration marks a step change for the technology. ■ Marley has acquired Viridian Solar in order to begin supplying customers with solar panels. The Viridian business will continue to operate as a separate entity
E-mail your news & views to phpd@hamerville.co.uk or tweet us at @phpdonline
Government u-turn on affordable housing quota
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he government has reversed its decision on raising the threshold for supplying affordable homes. The proposal was to raise the number of homes built before affordable homes are required under Section 106 of the planning act. This currently stands at 10 but the Government was intending to raise it to 50 in order to largely exempt SME housebuilders from the requirement. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that the
measure would not be necessary “at this stage”, due to the industry’s robustness in the face of the pandemic and “other measures we have available to support SMEs”. MHCLG said it would continue to closely monitor the market and speak to SME housebuilders about their challenges and the support that could be given, but “there are no plans to raise the small sites threshold at this stage.” www.rdr.link/dx001
■ Grant’s Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump range has been shortlisted in the 2021 Homebuilding & Renovating Green Home Awards, having been noted for its eco credentials. ■ Elmhurst Energy has launched new free to use software for housebuilders to preview building performance in line with the 2022 Building Regulations updates. The updates include the Future Homes Standard consultation response and the new Parts L and F of the Building Regulations.
Record house prices as Covid recovery begins
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oming after PHPD reported last month on fears of a possible housing bubble forming, Halifax has confirmed that house prices in March reached a record high. The average property in the UK now costs £254,606, 6.5% higher than a year ago. Dean Clifford, co-founder, Great Marlborough Estates commented: “[These] figures are good news for residential investors, and is a continuation of a raft of positive housing market data, to which credit must be given to the government for successful policy interventions such as the stamp duty holiday.
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"However, as we enter the recovery period the government must find a way to balance maintaining house price growth with improving housing affordability and ensuring homeownership isn’t out of reach for first-time buyers.” Meanwhile, Guy Harrington, CEO of residential lender Glenhawk sounded a note of caution, arguing: “With an overheated market set to be a reality until autumn, the correction when it eventually comes is likely to be sharper and more painful because of wider economic deterioration.”
Duty calls Adding to the growing confusion surrou nding the housing market, estate agent and property experts Knight Frank have released their analysis of the situation, arguing that the stamp duty holiday hasn’t had all that much effect on the housing boom at all. The company’s reasoning is that the market for properties above the threshold that benefits from the holiday (£500k) has increased more than that below it. Whether the data takes into account the respective sizes of each market and what effect that would have is unclear. www.rdr.link/dx002
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New planning laws set for August
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The Government has announced that under Permitted Development rights, developers will be able to convert Class E buildings (commercial, business and services) to residential dwellings more easily from August. Like all the best laid plans of mice and men, this one has drawn both praise and ire from commentators. According to the RTPI, the new planning regulations risk ‘tearing at the fabric of local communities and jeopardising the vibrancy of high streets’. The Institute said it ‘couldn’t
fathom’ how the government thinks this move will reactivate high streets, citing particularly the unfeasibility of ground floor homes appearing in town centres. On the other hand, Association for Consultancy and Engineering’s chief executive Hannah Vickers argued the move was “a common sense approach to laying the foundations for a postpandemic future.” Going further, she said the move could “support the revitalisation of the high street and bring life back to town and city centres across the UK.” www.rdr.link/dx003
Facts & Figures… ■ Taking into account the number of trading days, January 2021 saw a 5.9% increase in merchants sales compared to 2020, despite the lockdown measures. Sales were up 20.6% on December. January’s BMBI index stood at 100.7. www.rdr.link/dx004 ■ The IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index registered 61.7 in March, up sharply from 53.3 in February. This is the strongest rate of construction output growth since September 2014. www.rdr.link/dx005 ■ The building market for insulation products is estimated to have fallen by around 16% to £1.4bn, mainly due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, with AMA Research predicting a further fall of 3% before growth in 2022. www.rdr.link/dx006
Lending market for SME housebuilders stayed robust in 2020
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he lending market for SME housebuilders remained robust in 2020 despite the economic impact of Covid-19, according to research from real estate finance advisory firm LEXI Finance. The real estate finance market experienced a severe retraction during the first lockdown when the housing market was effectively shut. The second quarter in 2020, the period of most uncertainty in the funding market, saw
lending fall off a cliff, dropping by 30 percent year on year. This represents a mammoth change in a market more used to measuring change in the low single digits. However, despite the pause in Q2 2020, over 120 lenders resumed funding SME developers by the end of the year. By Q4 2020 activity had rebounded and overshot levels of funding seen in Q4 2019. This reaction stands in sharp
contrast to the response of the lending market following the financial crisis in 2008, with only 30 lenders remaining active in 2010. Comparatively, the financing market in 2020 contained four times as many development lenders. This is despite the economic impact of Covid-19, which has seen the UK suffer its largest drop in economic output in over 300 years, far worse than during the crisis. www.rdr.link/dx007
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DEVELOPMENTS
Tyneside… Steenberg’s Yard – 28 luxury duplexes on the bank of the Tyne. Work is currently underway at Steenberg’s Yard at Newcastle’s Lower Ouseburn Valley to create 28 stylish two and three bedroomed luxury duplex apartments, all with outdoor terraces. The Tyneside housing development is set to be completed this summer and has attracted international interest. PfP Igloo – which is building the homes – has revealed that 60% of the homes have already been reserved, with enquiries from as far away as Italy. The thermal efficiency of the homes at Steenberg’s Yard is a significant improvement on the performance required by current Building Regulations, reducing carbon emissions to the environment and reducing energy cost for home owners. This development also includes triple glazed windows and insulated doors. The development features a shared lockable bike store and each parking space has access to EV charging.
The Lower Ouseburn Valley is a conservation area, heavily characterised by its industrial past and has seen considerable rejuvenation in recent years. PhP Igloo took the name for their development from Richard Steenberg, who owned a warehouse on the site in the 19th Century. For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx008
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E-mail your latest developments to phpd@hamerville.co.uk The Sandpipers – planning permission secured for Create Homes’ first Prestige Collection homes. Create Homes’ plans for a £7M development in Longridge, in the Ribble Valley, have been approved. The 34 new homes at ‘The Sandpipers’ are the first to be delivered under a new premium brand – the Create Homes’ Prestige Collection. After listening closely to customers and reflecting changes in demand due to events of the last 12 months, the housebuilder’s design team has improved the design of its current house types, as well as adding some new ones. For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx009
Ribble Valley…
Verla – 74 apartments from studios to three bedroom. Crest Nicholson is launching a collection of 74 contemporary apartments at Verla in the cathedral city of St Albans, Hertfordshire. The development will offer studios and one, two and three bedroom apartments located within walking distance of the city centre. The Sales suite is opening this month, with the first completions by the end of the year. Each home at Verla features a luxurious specification, with stylish, fully integrated kitchens, and contemporary bathroom suites. For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx010
St Albans…
Church Farm – 240 environmentally friendly homes using traditional materials. Pye Homes is creating a major new development of energy efficient housing in association with Radley College. Church Farm will eventually include 240 properties and promote a ‘greener way of living’. These homes will not have fossil fuel boilers, instead moving to more environmentally friendly heating solutions with solar panels and air source heat pumps. Meanwhile, the homes will be built with a mix of traditional, local materials including brick, stone and wood. All will be wheelchair accessible and built to accommodate future accessibility needs. For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx011
Oxfordshire…
Shepherds Quay – Stylish quayside development of 50 properties. Construction work is underway on a high specification £10m development of apartments on the North Shields Fish Quay, looking east over the River Tyne to the pier walls. Developer Ian Stewart is leading the Shepherds Quay project to build 49 apartments and one townhouse in three complementary blocks on the site of a former rubber factory on Clive Street. The three blocks of apartments have been designed by Newcastlebased Napper Architects. They will sit in landscaped grounds, with off street parking, and an attractive frontage with benches for public use facing Clive Street. For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx012
North Shields…
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SPECIAL REPORT: EV CHARGING
Parking Charge With demand for electric cars increasing rapidly and with 90% of EV charging taking place at home, housebuilders have a vital role to play in the development of a charging network fit for the future. Cecilia Routledge, Global Head of E-Mobility for vehicle charging specialist CTEK, discusses six things you need to consider.
Number one: Changes to planning and building regulations Increasingly, developers will be required to factor in EV charging facilities as part of the planning process. Under the London Plan, the 32 London Boroughs are already requiring 20% of parking spaces for new residential developments to have an ‘active’ chargepoint, and a further 20% of spaces to have a ‘passive’ chargepoint, where cables are installed ready for a chargepoint to be fitted. CTEK expects this will soon shift to 20% active and 80% passive and, as the London model is already being replicated in other cities like Milton Keynes and Edinburgh, we can expect to see more local planning authorities putting similar requirements in place.
Number two: Balancing the load The demand for EV charging is growing exponentially, but the grid supplying the electricity is not growing at the same pace. As power is a finite resource, demand on the grid needs to be managed, and CTEK believes this is the biggest issue facing housing developers right now. The Government’s consultation on mandatory residential chargepoints has recognised that it’s more costly to install chargepoints where significant grid capacity reinforcements are needed. However, dynamic load balancing on EV charging networks can reduce the need for grid expansion and connection costs.
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This works by optimising and distributing available power between buildings and across all operational charge points. This ensures vehicles are all charged as quickly as possible, while preventing overload on the grid. Without load balancing, increased demand on the grid from the growing number of EV chargepoints could cause main fuses to blow or trip, due to the demand for power being more than what’s available.
Number three: Smart charging Smart charging, which is standard on all CTEK’s Chargestorm Connected 2 chargepoints, allows drivers to plug in and set their vehicles to charge during offpeak periods when energy demand is low. This could help avoid unnecessary expansion of the grid and also give homeowners access to cheaper electricity. There are additional environmental benefits too, as EV charging can be shifted to periods where there is lots of clean, renewable electricity generation available.
Number four: Fit for the future CTEK’s chargers and networks are futureproofed to allow further charging points to be added without needing to upgrade the system, and they also seamlessly integrate with other manufacturers’ chargepoints and systems through Open Charge Point Protocol. CTEK recommends to always check prior to installation that chargepoints are
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The demand for EV charging is “growing exponentially, but the grid supplying the electricity is not growing at the same pace.
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OCPP compliant because, if they’re not, you run the risk being tied into a particular manufacturer for future network expansion, which could stop you taking advantage of price competition and any new technologies and innovations coming out from other providers.
Number five: Doubling up Many EV drivers are now looking to purchase a second vehicle for the family, and CTEK has seen a rapid increase in demand for their dual socket chargepoints, which allow two vehicles to plug in and charge from the same portal, at the same time. As the cost for homeowners to retrofit a second chargepoint is more than double the cost of an upfront installation, a dual socket chargepoint is a strong selling point for new homes. And for charging networks in communal parking areas, dual socket chargepoints can halve the number of physical units that need to be installed to meet requirements, and at considerably reduced cost.
Number six: Fit well, fit once When you’re responsible for a network of chargepoints, reliability is a key consideration. Robust chargepoints with high quality components will result in less downtime, which is a key frustration for EV owners, and less need for ongoing maintenance and replacement. For outside units, a durable external casing is also recommended, to deter vandalism and protect from the weather.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx013
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EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING
Paul Roberts, national technical support manager for Saint-Gobain Weber sets out his top rendering tips.
Render Tips
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hen applied correctly, modern renders offer homebuyers a low maintenance, durable finish they won’t have to worry about once you hand the keys over. Features such as one-coat and pump application are designed to cut time on site and integrated biocide helps to reduce the natural occurrence of algae on surfaces. However, if render isn’t applied by a fully trained professional, it can be costly to fix. Remediation costs will depend on the level of work needed, but render isn’t designed to come off, so can damage the substrate when being removed. However, there are lots of preventative measures that can be taken before it gets to that stage.
Manage movement in the substrate The most common issue we see is cracking in the render because of
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movement. These stresses are usually caused by drying or shrinkage of masonry which causes cracks in the façade. The movement joints must be implemented as in the architect’s drawing. The position and number of joints is dependent on the height and length of the wall, the materials used and the openings needed. This movement control is designed to allow the stress to dissipate into the joint.
Check render thickness Thickness requirements are impacted by location, orientation and exposure to wind and rain. The recommended thickness for sheltered to moderate exposure is 15mm. In more severe environments, such as coastal properties, this increases to 20mm. The type of cavity wall insulation also has an impact. For a full fill cavity, the render must be thicker to provide two lines of defence against water infiltration.
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As products “develop and techniques change, it’s important to keep up to date with the latest best practice.
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If the render has not been applied thickly enough, the outline of the blockwork can become visible, also known as ghosting. This happens because of penetrating dampness from the underlying masonry. Ghosting should lessen once the blocks are fully dry and the render is fully cured. If this doesn’t solve the problem, there are two options: painting it with a water-resistant paint, such as webersil P, or increasing the render thickness. If choosing the latter, the area should be stripped of any paint or coating, cleaned, dried and sound before re-rendering. If there are any doubts over thickness requirements, check with the manufacturer.
Avoid colour or texture variation Issues with colour consistency are usually caused by operative issues. Check the batch number before mixing. If they are different, mix the products together to ensure colour continuity.
Texture variation can be caused by scaffold position, scarring caused by not maintaining a wet edge when applying the product, or lack of continuity in mixing. The key to preventing variation is consistency. Complete walls in close proximity and in the same timeframe, using the same amount of water, application and finishing techniques.
Prevent algae growth Algae can grow on almost any surface, but it is more obvious on light coloured facades. While it doesn’t impact the performance, it’s one of the most common issues we’re asked about. Properties in coastal, woodland or any damp areas with slow drying conditions or less direct sunlight are more susceptible to algae. Architectural detailing such as big eaves and sills can help by directing water away from the property. Cleaning the render with an algae biocide will help to prevent noticeable build-up of algae or other environmental contaminants.
Keep up to date with training As products develop and techniques change, it’s important to keep up to date with the latest best practice. Weber’s Render Best Practice Presentation is mapped to relevant insurer standards. It covers render solutions engineered in line with industry requirements, preparation and working with the environment, and application of render.
Render isn’t “ designed to come off, so can damage the substrate when being removed.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx014
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EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING
Insider Info Substrate preparation specialists Setcrete discuss what SME builders need to consider when bringing the inside out.
Importantly, for “exterior applications a specialist external levelling compound must be used to withstand all that the British weather can throw at it.
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he trend in house design and development to ‘bring the outside in’ is well established, helped to a large degree by the widespread use of bifold doors for garden rooms and kitchen/diners, which can fully open an entire wall to provide an unbroken view of the garden space. Now, a growing number of properties are seeing this trend evolve further; extending the interior living space out to an adjoining terrace or patio using porcelain floor tiles throughout to create a truly seamless connection between the inside and outside. Achieving the look requires perfect preparation of the subfloor base to ensure the external floor maintains the aesthetic quality of the interior. What’s crucial in achieving the perfect finish is to ensure the subfloor is properly prepared, which means it must be sound and stable, as well as being super smooth, level and at the same height as the internal floor. This makes the installation process easier and quicker to achieve that all-perfect finish; indistinguishable from the inside. A typical concrete screed is unlikely to be laid so that it precisely matches the height of the internal flooring screed and certainly would not achieve the same level of smoothness as a purpose-design levelling compound. This is even more likely to be the case if the team laying the concrete isn’t the same team that will be installing the tiles. Levelling compounds are designed to deliver the perfect subfloor base as part of the tiling installation. The best performing ones are formulated to provide flow properties and self-levelling characteristics that make the preparation process simple and quick, with drying times that fit in with demanding build programmes.
Exterior performance Importantly, for exterior applications a specialist external levelling compound must be used to withstand all that the British weather can throw at it; from severe winter frosts to 30°C plus summer sunshine and everything in between. Furthermore, the levelling compound must retain its integrity throughout the lifetime of the installation. Because the compounds are designed to be self-levelling, only minimal work with a smoothing trowel is required to ensure the floor is evenly covered. Normally, the levelling compound will be applied at a thickness of between 5-15mm (or up to 50mm with a gravel-filled mix). The best performing levelling compounds are fast-setting and fastdrying, so will be ‘walk on’ hard after around two hours and ready for the porcelain tiles to be installed the following day. The super-smooth surface finish facilitates application of tile adhesive, making the tile installation process easier and faster and, crucially, avoids imperfections and undulations in the concrete base transferring to the finished appearance of the tiled area. The result is a visually stunning floor that encourages a natural flow from the inside to the outside, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of a property and creating a practical and desirable outside space that really brings the inside out.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx015
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EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING
On the face of things… PHPD explores the wonderful world of renders.
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here are many reasons to apply a render to the properties you build. From the basic purpose of hiding an undesirable substrate to providing a minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of the art deco era, a well-executed render can elevate a property in the eyes of a potential buyer. Not only is the render the visual skin of a home, but it can prolong the life of a wall, reduce the maintenance needed and, used in conjunction with an External Wall Insulation system, can make for a warmer, more sustainable home. Let’s take a look at some of the options available on the market.
Protective base coat – Parex A building’s fabric will always play a critical role in both protecting occupants and regulating the indoor environment. A rendered finish will protect any underlying masonry substrate against wind, rain and the extremes of temperature and humidity. A good render will look great for longer and its durability will therefore reduce maintenance requirements. Parex is a render manufacturer with systems that can withstand the extremes of the UK climate, including all exposed coastline areas. Parex’s Multi-Purpose Render is a weather resistant grey render suitable for internal and external walls as a base coat for receiving a decorative finish. The render can be applied by hand or spray machines onto masonry and walls conforming to BS EN 1996 including blocks made from concrete, clay, aircrete, and expanded clay insulation as well as shuttered concrete, stone and brick. For more information go to
www.rdr.link/dx016
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Long lasting colour – Ecorend Eliminating the need to paint the surface and reducing ongoing maintenance, through coloured renders feature the colour throughout the thickness of the material. Ecorend’s through coloured renders are traditional cement-based renders which have been polymer modified in order to enhance water repellence, breathability and adhesion. The pigment is preblended into the product so once mixed with water, and applied to the wall, the 15mm thickness of the render is coloured throughout the body of the material, thus reducing the need for subsequent painting. They are formulated using the most advanced raw materials available in the world and are scientifically developed and rigorously tested to the most exacting standards. Not only are they designed to shield the building from weather, but they also add to the beauty of the design. For more information go to
www.rdr.link/dx017 Thermal performance – Fassa Bortolo Using a render system or an EWI system on the exterior of a home can be a great way to improve U-Values without reducing internal space. Fassa Bortolo’s Thermobenessere is a heat insulating plaster/render, compliant with EN 998-1 and classified T-CSI-W1, applicable by machine in two coats, made using a hydraulic binder and high-density polystyrene aggregate. The render offers excellent thermal conductivity (λ= 0,050
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: RENDERS
W/mK). It features optimum adhesion and compatibility with any type of masonry; its formulation makes it easy to apply, even very thick and on old walls. For more information go to
www.rdr.link/dx018 Thin coat – K-Rend Some renders are designed to act as a finishing layer, covering up thicker layers of render, sand and cement or an EWI system below. They are typically thin, flexible and easier to handle. K-Rend’s Silicone Thin Coat coloured renders and primers are suited to lightweight systems such as External Wall Insulation. Silicone Thin Coat holds the prestigious kitemark licence to BS EN 15827:2009. Silicone TC 05 is a ready to use organic resin render which is applied to provide a low maintenance textured finish. It is available in different textures and a wide variety of colours. The render adds insulating properties and allows the substrate to breathe, whilst also being very easy to handle. For more information go to
www.rdr.link/dx019 Sustainability – Corksol There are literally hundreds of different types of render on the market, designed
to match the hundreds of different substrates, climates and needs that will affect a builder’s choice. Sustainability will be a key factor for many. Corksol is dedicated to the distribution of natural render products which meet the needs of the housebuilder in an age driven by sustainability. The company prides itself on robust environmental credentials and has an ambitious vision to change the future of building facades, offering a high performance solution which is 100% sustainable. SprayCork is a natural cork coating, designed to offer a sustainable façade and internal plaster solution. The bark is stripped from the cork tree and grows back naturally over time, meaning there is no long lasting impact on the environment, unlike quarried materials. For more information go to
natural flexibility and breathability, not to mention its heritage aesthetic, mean it’s definitely something worth considering for all developments looking to go the extra mile. Lime Green’s range of lime-based external render and decorative finishes offer developers high levels of flexibility, durability and quality of finish. Lime is vapour permeable, meaning air can pass through it in a way that doesn't happen with a denser material like cement, or polymer-based renders and plasters. This allows buildings to breathe, so that when moisture forms it can escape. For more information go to
www.rdr.link/dx021
www.rdr.link/dx020 Heritage friendly – LimeGreen No longer the preserve of those working on conservation properties, lime has reentered the arena to reclaim its badge of honour. Whilst its days as the number one go to for external covering are over, lime’s
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EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING
Rethinking the Garden Paul Lees, Head of Packed Cement at Tarmac Cement, looks at the current landscaping trends influencing garden design and how housebuilders can use them to sell more homes.
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f more people are spending time at home and with outdoor entertaining set to be on the rise, housebuilders must be mindful of the latest outdoor trends that could tempt purchasers. People talk about bringing the outside in, but when deciding on garden furniture and layout, bringing the inside out has been on the rise. This means ensuring a seamless flow from the inside space to the garden and transforming the garden into a stylish entertaining hub for friends and family. In show homes, for instance, housebuilders should explore the different ways to showcase the space by adding concrete worktops, furniture and accessories. Installing a concrete worktop is an effective way to bring the kitchen outside – adding other warmer, natural textures like fabric or wood can prevent it feeling too austere.
Compact There’s no doubting the popularity of the garden space during each lockdown and purchasers will be mindful of this going forwards – but not every new development has the luxury of space. The key for developers is to make the most of even the smallest garden.
18 May Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
One simple way to add the perception of space is by creating a path in the garden. Some designers advise avoiding a straight path, instead incorporating diagonals into the line to trick the eye into making the space appear larger. In addition, laying a paved border is another solution for a small garden.
Minimalism The trend for more scaled back design in favour of finishing and attention to
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The trend for more “scaled back design in favour of finishing and attention to detail is set to be big this year.
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detail is set to be big this year – and grey looks like it will continue to be the go-to colour in garden design. For landscaping projects, polished concrete is a versatile and durable solution for garden elements such as planters, pathways and patios. To further enhance the design, adding unique elements such as coloured glass can further complement its simplicity. The polishing process involves using progressively finer grinding tools until you reach the desired texture. For high traffic areas such as walkways or patios, it’s best to use a high-strength concrete and you should only polish these areas up to three times to maintain a safe slip rating of R10. For decorative planters, you can grind up to nine times to achieve a completely smooth and polished finish.
Office outdoors Finally, with home working set to continue in some form, garden workspaces will undoubtedly continue their boom. Even before coronavirus, ONS statistics showed the number of home workers rose by 75% between 2008 and 2018. With average UK house
sizes decreasing, and office space indoors limited in multi-occupancy homes, the value of a garden office space is all the greater and experts are suggesting that a garden room can add around 5% to the value of a property. Even if the structure itself is beyond your build budget, a garden office could be an added option to offer potential buyers – and laying a suitable base for purchasers to invest in their own garden office can add perceived value. The process here is no different to laying a patio area. We recommend 200-300mm for a crushed, granular Mot Type 1 material, compacted down with a wacker plate or heavy garden roller. Follow this with a slab base on top of the sub-base and give purchasers to option of a second patio or a ready-made base for their garden office. Gardens and landscaping have always been a key selling point for many new homes but the significance of the garden space in our lives is only going to increase in the near future. More than ever, taking the time to understand those trends which will appeal to purchasers could be the difference between achieving a sale or not.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx022
Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer May
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EXTERIORS & LANDSCAPING
Hybrid Theory New manufacturing methods have enabled Brett Landscaping to offer porcelain paving products for a wider range of developments.
20 May Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
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here has never been any doubt that porcelain has an impressive finish but an evolution in manufacturing technology means that housebuilders and developers can also take advantage of a speedy and efficient installation. Installing porcelain will ensure a beautiful finish but the process must be followed correctly. The bound method of setting the sub-base, making the bedding course, priming the slabs with cementitious primer, laying the slabs, waiting a day to be able to start the jointing – can be a daunting prospect when speed is of the essence. There is, however, a way to achieve a high quality aesthetic finish using unbound methods – just a sand laying course and a narrow sand-filled joint. This allows the benefits of porcelain paving to be enjoyed while also offering the speed, ease and cost benefits from unbound installation methods – provided you have the correct product. Porcelain has long been used for highend garden patios but advances in technology mean that larger developments can benefit from the low-maintenance and long-lasting qualities of the material. Porcelain paving slabs are made by selecting suitable raw materials, grinding these materials to make them incredibly
fine, combined with a suitable mix design and a precisely controlled manufacturing process. This includes finely grading the right type of clays and firing them at an extremely high, controlled temperature in a kiln. It is ideally suited to use outdoors as it is extremely strong, hard-wearing and low maintenance. It uses the aesthetic of natural stone while adding the benefits of modern paving manufacturing. It is now an increasingly popular material for large projects due to its stylish finish but also the lack of water
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There had “previously been
absorbency helps with stain resistance, meaning that the tiles are easier to clean and maintain. Having a very low porosity, this enhances the frost resistance and provides longevity to the installation. Using porcelain paving can bring a unique aesthetic with a mixture of light and shade the design of a scheme providing a premium finish which will retain its looks for years to come.
Flexible spaces Its versatility in working in an indoor and outdoor setting also provides an elegant way to design large flexible spaces that can adapt to environmental factors. For an ‘inside-out’ look, designers can source 10mm and 40mm hybrid products from the same supplier with matching designs. The 10mm will suit, for example, a kitchen – while the 40mm hybrid will be perfect for the patio adjoining the kitchen. There had previously been question marks about the material’s suitability for some functions on housing developments but modern manufacturing techniques mean that there is now a solution for large projects without compromising on the quality of finish. That solution is a composite porcelain and concrete paving flag tile with a pre-bonded, cementitious, water-permeable drainage layer. While 10mm slabs would suit an interior and 40mm slabs suit a garden, using innovative manufacturing techniques, a composite porcelain unit can be made at
a thickness of 60mm which makes it suitable for use on driveways and areas of very high pedestrian traffic. Each pre-bonded flag unit features integrated nibs on all four sides which help to protect the porcelain face during transit and installation, along with providing a consistent joint width when the slabs are installed. As the system is supplied as a porcelain tile with a concrete backing it means it can be laid and walked on much more quickly. It is installed as simply and flexibly as a concrete slab rather than a ridged installation usually associated with porcelain paving. On a large, light duty traffic area like a path or driveway there can be a reluctance to install porcelain as contractors would be laying mortar beds, priming and grouting. With the hybrid slab the speed of installation, with sand-filling of the joints, is considerably faster. It is as easy as with a standard concrete unit. There also may have been concerns over the durability but Brett Landscaping’s 60mm GeoCeramica porcelain surface slabs are permanently and inseparably bonded to a drainage mortar base which offers excellent stability, strength, drainage and adhesion. These technological advances have given builders and developers the confidence to know that they can specify porcelain and it will be an efficient solution as well as a visually pleasing one.
question marks about the material’s suitability for some functions on housing developments but modern manufacturing techniques mean that there is now a solution for large projects without compromising on the quality of finish.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx023
Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer May
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Elizabeth Briggs, Category Manager for Sliding, Room and Building, Häfele UK, argues the case for open and broken plan layouts as the answer to pandemic problems.
plan space “canA bebroken adapted to become an open plan space on demand, providing home buyers a greater level of flexibility in terms of how they use their properties.
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22 May Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
Open and shut case K
itchen trends and designs vary depending on how the public are living their lives at any given time, which is why both open and broken plan designs have witnessed a boom in demand amongst homeowners in recent years. Just 40 years ago, the average living room and kitchen were 15% bigger than the spaces we occupy today. So as residential dwellings continue to decrease in size, many homeowners are keen to achieve an open plan layout, taking down partition walls to merge multiple areas – like a dining room and kitchen – to create a more spacious feel. Simultaneously, as our homes are forced to be more multifunctional than ever before, others are seeking a broken plan layout – one which is separated into zones, using complementary fixtures and fittings such as sliding doors or moveable walls – to serve several purposes at any one time. By using suitable design features, fixtures and fittings, such as sliding doors or moveable walls, either approach can be achieved in a home with any size of footprint. Additionally, by installing these flexible divisions, a broken plan space can be adapted to become an open plan space on demand, providing home buyers a greater level of flexibility in terms of how they use their properties. Such flexibility has been key in the wake of Covid-19, and the pandemic will continue to feed into the things homeowners look for in properties, for some time to come.
Our recent market research of 2,000 homeowners found that 31% have regularly been working at their dining table, while one in ten have been using kitchen worktops. Over two-fifths (43%) of respondents said they often work from a bedroom, whether that’s their own, someone else’s or a spare bedroom, and 8% have cut their commute to the bare minimum by choosing to work from their dressing table. But very few people are happy about this approach, and don’t want to make it a long term habit. Many respondents said they are planning to reconfigure an existing room to create a dedicated home office set up, while almost a third of work-from-homers are considering going a step further, by doing building work to create the space they need. Meanwhile, many others are considering moving to a completely new house, favouring developments which have additional rooms to better cater for home working. For housebuilders and developers, this presents a clear opportunity to deliver properties which better cater for the changing needs of the UK population, creating houses and kitchens which enable permanent homeworking in more comfortable, tailor-made spaces. And whether it’s because of the changes the pandemic has inflicted on our day-to-day lives, or a different reason entirely, such as a growing family, developers should continue to consider open and broken plan layouts in their schemes to help customers achieve what they need from their homes.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx024
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Even Flow W
Help ensure your home buyers use less water by installing Neoperl flow regulators.
Mikado, economical for handwashing, offers an attractive water stream with a flow rate of just over a litre a minute
homeowners “areIfsaving the amount of water used, they’re also saving the energy that heats it.
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ater is a precious resource under growing pressure as we build more homes for more people and experience the increasing effects of climate change. It’s also a fact that in the UK each person uses on average 141 litres of water every day, the highest usage across all European countries. It’s therefore predicted that unless we reduce our current water usage our daily lives, communities, nature and the wider economy will start to suffer. Being involved in the building of new homes you will likely be aware of the drive, through Building regulations Part G, to develop more water efficient homes. Planning authorities expect limits of 125 litres of water per person per day on new developments and they can also ask for a lower limit of 110 litres as a planning condition. So, any products that help you as the developer reduce water usage have got to be considered early in the planning process. It’s estimated that 34% of all water used in the home is through showering and bathing and here is where the fitting of a flow regulator or Pressure Compensating Aerator can help. Today, these small devices can be retrofitted and inserted at the end of a tap spout or upstream of the shower outlet, to reduce and regulate the water flow. A standard European shower will produce around 18 litres of water a minute, yet an equally comfortable shower is possible from a shower head delivering around 12 litres of
water. If homeowners are saving the amount of water used, they’re also saving the energy that heats it. Many assume that valve showers and taps already have a flow control device within them and yes some do. However, it’s only really once the tap or shower is in situ that the flow can really be assessed. We’ve all experienced taps that splash water out of a basin or a shower that splashes out of an enclosure where a small reduction in the flow would improve both the performance and the comfort whilst also reducing the water usage. It’s a simple audit that’s required and it could help save thousands of litres of water a year per home. Neoperl’s clever solution is a flow regulator device, technically engineered with an integral dynamic control ring at its core. As water flows through it and as the pressure fluctuates the DCR deforms into the core of the flow regulator, either reducing or increasing the size of the orifice, to enable a stable and constant flow, independent of pressure. Retrofitting a flow regulator or PCA can be an easy job for a builder, you simply need to obtain the right product to retain adequate performance and use a simple tool to fit it. It is a quick and simple fix to help save water and the environment.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx025
Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer May
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Go with the f low Tap up the selling potential of a well appointed kitchen area. PHPD provides an overview of some of the most impressive kitchen tap designs out there at the moment.
Steaming hot water tap
Touch free tap
InSinkErator has enhanced its portfolio with the introduction of two new specialist kitchen taps. The 3N1 steaming hot water tap is now available in the on-trend finish of Velvet Black, in two shapes, J and L. Streamlining worktops and creating a stylish focal point in the kitchen, the brand new Velvet Black taps safely dispense filtered steaming hot water, alongside regular hot and cold options. They are encased within a stylish, onepiece, Italian designed fixture. The compact NeoTank supplied with the tap benefits from a digital, adjustable thermostat that enables users to set the desired temperature of the water in the tank from 88°C to 99°C. For more information go to
With rising interest for touch-free products in the home, Franke has launched the Atlas Neo Sensor kitchen tap The ergonomic hybrid design makes the tap easy to use, with the dual benefits of true, touch-free technology and manual operation from a single lever. The tap’s infrared sensor is positioned on the left side of the tap for ultimate control, allowing for easy hand washing, rinsing pots and pans or cleaning vegetables. The sensor responds instantly to a simple hand movement within a 510cm range. The temperature can be preset on the control box located under the sink and the water flow automatically stops after 30 seconds. For more information go to
www.rdr.link/dx026
26 May Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
www.rdr.link/dx027
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: TAPS
Industrial Style Kitchen sink and tap supplier The 1810 Company has launched the Henry Holt Collection of industrial-style kitchen taps. The range includes single and twin lever models together with a bridge mixer and wall-mounted models. Henry Holt taps are available in seven finishes; chrome, brushed steel, copper, gunmetal, gold brass, matte black and brushed gold brass. All are supplied with a choice of colour-matched handles and fire engine red handles. For more information go to
www.rdr.link/dx029
Brass tap Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox, boasts a range of high-quality kitchen taps including the visually striking Aurora. The stylish tap, made out of brass and finished with chrome plating and black spout, presents a combination of style, compatibility, quality and performance. The Aurora also has a pull-out hose making it easier to clean dishes making it the perfect functional addition to a kitchen. For more information go to
www.rdr.link/dx028
Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer May 27
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Duravit’s new D-Neo bathroom range offers developers a balance between quality and price.
Neo Noir D
uravit’s selection of D-Neo ceramic elements, high-quality furniture, the wide range of bathtub options and matching tap range makes it possible for housebuilders and developers to customise any bathroom with top quality products within an attractive price range. The range has been created to “outlast short-lived trends”.
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Furniture in the refined Natural Oak look (30) can be ideally complemented with accessories made from natural materials. The components hold their own in rooms of any size and layout. Their sleek forms create the space into which individual style can unfold.
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Minimalist design and perfect order: the vanity unit with the asymmetrical D-Neo furniture washbasin (800 mm), with its two open racks and drawer, provides ample storage space.
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The interplay between the Oak Terra furniture finish and the generously sized oval above-counter basin lends the washing area an air of solidity. The combination of a wall-mounted DNeo toilet and the A.1 actuator plate underlines the coherent character of the range.
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With its velvety look and feel, the freestanding DuraSolid bathtub measures just 1600mm in length, making it a great choice for smaller bathrooms.
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The straight-lined and geometric style of the ceramics is mirrored by the D-Neo faucets - which are perfectly coordinated in this modern, timeless design. Washbasin mixers with the FreshStart feature are also available for the first time: cold water flows in the central position.
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WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx030
Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer May
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
One Careful Owner T
Have you considered fitting out your project with a used kitchen? Used Kitchen Exchange puts the case forward for bringing the circular economy to new build kitchens.
30 May Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
he kitchen is the heart of the home and needs to be carefully designed to sit comfortably and meet the highest expectations of the home buyers. However, costs saved on the choice of kitchens for a development can have a big impact on profit margins. Using the services of kitchen resale companies, such as Used Kitchen Exchange, can save up to 90% of the RRP of a kitchen, so now is a good time to get on board with the growing re-use movement. It’s not just about pre-used kitchens from domestic homes, which may very well include barely-used kitchens that were installed in a development home but not to the new owner’s taste. It can also include ex-display kitchens from kitchen showrooms – which will look brand new, be expertly designed and hardly used except maybe for the occasional demo. Far from its previous negative connotations, ‘used’ is now synonymous with both value for money and waste avoidance. Buying pre-loved has become a badge of honour for Millennials, with the lower price tag and promise of having an input into saving the planet proving an irresistible ‘feel-good’ combination. Mirroring a circular economy model, the buy/sell market for high end preinstalled designer kitchens is growing rapidly. The opportunity to reduce both costs and the environmental impact of buying a new kitchen can work in two ways: either by selling an existing pre-
installed kitchen from your next development instead of spending money to remove and skip them; or by buying an approved-used pre-installed kitchen for your next project. Ideally, using both ways means financial savings in both directions. It’s a savvy way to shop. The circular approach will cut the costs of removing and disposing if there is an existing kitchen, and/or allow the purchase a high-end designer kitchen for a fraction of the RRP, all whilst redirecting potential carbon waste. Property developer, James Thomas agrees: “Buying pre-owned kitchens for our developments is a 'win-win' situation. If you’ve got the skills and knowledge to design kitchen spaces and access to a decent joiner then definitely consider it as an option. If you choose well on the preinstalled kitchen you’ll get a significantly better quality kitchen with all the extras for a fraction of what it would cost if you were to buy new. Another increasingly important reason and why in many ways we go preinstalled with our developments is the overall impact on the environment. It’s important to us to reduce our waste on our builds, and we can do this and reduce our carbon footprint by taking the opportunity to sell and buy used and ex-display kitchens.” Sustainability is, by definition, all about balance. While cost will always remain the key driver for consumers, this opportunity to make a more ethical choice without compromising on quality, design and function, is not to be missed.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx031
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
ELICA – COOKER HOOD multi-directional · slim design · wifi connectivity Designed in keeping with the trend for minimalism, the Super Plat wall-mounted cooker hood is available in two distinctive material finishes: cast iron and grey glass, and black glass. Its Multi-d Capture function ensures extraction takes place from all round the hood’s perimeter and gives it a maximum airflow of 730 m3/h.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx032
FISHER & PAYKEL – FRIDGE FREEZERS recessed handles · smart · seamless design Available in matte black glass or stainless steel, Fisher & Paykel’s new French door fridge freezers are designed with recessed handles and perfectly flat doors for a flush fit with kitchen cabinetry. The ActiveSmart control system anticipates future use by sensing environmental conditions and understanding how you use your fridge.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx033
KEUCO – SHOWER LIGHT integrated shower head · quick installation The Royal Midas shower light has a large integrated shower head which combines light and water fall. Single drops of water reflect the light, whilst the water streaming from shower above covers the body. The all-in-one product is quickly installed in combination with a Keuco shower valve and can be set or dimmed between 6500 kelvin (daylight) and 2700 kelvin (warm white).
AQUALISA – THERMOSTATIC SHOWERS concealed · chrome finish The ‘Dream’ thermostatic mixer shower range includes 12 single, dual and triple outlets – all finished in chrome. The showers feature concealed valves and the range includes a choice of adjustable handsets, fixed head drenchers and bath fill outlets. The range is available as a ‘one box’ offering through the usual merchant outlets and comes with all the necessary fixing options including mortar guards and all connections.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx036
For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx034
ROCA – BATHROOM FURNITURE affordable · compact · stylish The Victoria Maxi back-to-wall furniture collection maximises bathroom storage while concealing pipework for both the basin and WC areas. The functional, modern design and simplicity are common features of this range of WC and semi-recessed basin units with worktops. Basin units feature soft and self-close doors as well as a convenient shelf inside.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx035
GAGGENAU – DOWNDRAFT VENTILATION quiet · stainless steel · automatic Eliminating odours and vapours from the kitchen, the Vario downdraft ventilation 400 series is a range of quiet and unobtrusive extraction appliances. The downdraft ventilation is controlled using the frontmounted stainless-steel knobs, aligning with the control knobs of the other Vario cooktops 400 series products. The Vario downdraft ventilation can be set to the intuitive automatic function, which allows it to self-regulate its power settings during the cooking process.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx037
32 May Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
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NEW PRODUCTS
PRONORM – KITCHEN UNITS neutral colour · matt lacquer · easy clean
ROUX KITCHENS – KITCHEN STORAGE british made · award winning design
Pronorm has introduced a new Grey-Green door finish with a tactile matt lacquer texture that is subtle and well suited to two-tone kitchen designs with woodgrains or plain colours. Plenty of storage is provided by the mid-height units housing the appliances and the wall units, which are stylishly separated by an illuminated midway section creating a visual feature in the kitchen design.
Roux Kitchens, the premium kitchen collection that has been designed, developed, and manufactured in partnership with British kitchen manufacturer, Moores, and Michelin Starred Chef, Michel Roux Jr, has been named the winner of the Ideal Home Kitchen Award for Best Kitchen Storage Solution.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx038
For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx039
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PRODUCT FOCUS: NORBORD
Zero Sum Game Norbord’s range of OSB panels are all net carbon negative and zero added formaldehyde.
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orbord’s portfolio of OSB products, all of which are net carbon negative, is one of the most popular in the building and interior design industries and comprises SterlingOSB Zero 3, SterlingOSB Zero Tongue and Groove, SterlingOSB Zero SiteCoat, SterlingOSB Zero Fire Solutions and SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix. They are variants of the precision-engineered OSB3 board. BBA-approved and designed for humid conditions, the board contains zero added formaldehyde and is unique in the market by being the only ZAF OSB manufactured in the UK. Produced in Scotland from forest thinnings taken from sustainably managed forests, the board is certified according to the guidelines of the FSC or PEFC. Unlike traditional oriented strand board containing urea-formaldehyde or melamine-urea-formaldehyde binders, the SterlingOSB Zero family from Norbord uses a methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (poly-urethane MDI) resin to bind the thousands of strands that make up each board. SterlingOSB Zero is even more environmentally-friendly to produce than its predecessors. The pMDI binder cures at a lower temperature than UF/MUF resins so less heat energy is
consumed during manufacture. It is also safer to produce since pMDI resin uses water as a catalyst in the curing process; UF/MUF resins need the addition of ammonium nitrate – an explosive chemical – to harden. The benefits of specifying Norbord panels are numerous, of course. Relative price stability is guaranteed, and transport costs are lower because the product doesn’t have to travel far which, in turn, leads to benefits for the environment.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? To find out more about Norbord’s products, get in touch with Daniel Clarke, National Sales Manager, Housing Sector at Norbord at daniel.clarke@norbord.net Alternatively, go to www.rdr.link/dx040 where you can order free samples.
ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Dynamis Associates Ltd ................................................page 15
Reginox UK Ltd ..............................................................page 24
Franke ..............................................................................page 29
Saniflo Ltd ........................................................................page 23
Hamilton Litestat ..............................................................page 11
Scotts of Thrapston Ltd ..................................................page 4
Ideal Standard International ........................................page 31
The Electric Heating Company Ltd ............................page 15
Marmox (UK) Ltd ............................................................page 33
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34 May Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
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LAST WORD
Mine and Yours T
Claire Acklam is a Senior Associate Solicitor in Walker Morris’ Commercial Dispute Resolution team, specialising in all types of developer dispute. Here, she highlights mines and minerals ransoms – an increasingly prevalent risk for developers – and offers her practical advice.
he phrase “mines and minerals are excluded from this title” (or words to that effect) is commonly found on a property’s Register of Title. However, landowners and developers may not be aware that, on any title where mines and minerals have been excepted or reserved – whether the land be one small plot or a multi-acre site – there is the potential for a developer to be held to ransom. “Mines and minerals” can comprise anything from gold, silver, semi-precious stones or metals, to clay, gravel, sand and everything else below the topsoil surface of land. There can be value in mines and minerals of any kind – whether per se or because their owner may be able to effectively hinder development. Consequently, some companies now make a business of buying-up minerals rights for the specific purpose of holding developments to ransom.
What are the options for developers? ● Agree to pay a negotiated sum to acquire
the rights to the mines and minerals. This is likely to be a sensible, commercial solution in many cases. However, developers should consider carefully any leverage for the making of any payment. ● Call their bluff. Apart from the risk of an
unfavourable precedent, consider whether the company will actually be in the financial position to pursue an injunction. The court requires an injunction applicant to undertake to pay for losses suffered by the developer in the event that the application fails. ● Consider challenging whether the
company’s rights or reservations actually extend to lawfully preventing the proposed development. The developer might be able to obtain a
court declaration that proceeding with the development would not be an actionable trespass against the company in any event, thereby entirely undermining the company’s threats.
● Check whether, when you purchased
the site, your solicitor advised of the mines and minerals ransom risk and whether you obtained indemnity insurance. Any advisory failings might merit a solicitors’ negligence claim to counteract any losses suffered at the hands of the mines and minerals owner.
Practical advice Whilst it may be possible to deploy options such as these in many cases, it does not follow that developers can treat injunction threats or applications lightly. A real bite behind a mines and minerals ransom is often that, ultimately, to sell plots, developers need to be able to give good and marketable title and have to disclose the fact of any dispute to potential buyers. Customers may not wish to proceed, and lenders may not wish to lend, where there is any indication of an issue. The best advice is therefore ‘prevention is better than cure’. Developers should ensure that they and their solicitors carefully check the Register of Title of all potential development sites – large or small – specifically to understand what exactly is being offered for sale, what is being excepted or reserved in respect of mines and minerals, and what might be the potential consequences for proposed development.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dx041
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