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PROFESSIONAL
HOUSEBUILDER & PROPERTY DEVELOPER
WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
KITCHENS & BATHROOMS New kitchen ranges from Uform designed to ‘inspire life indoors’
SPECIAL REPORT
With a growing range of options available, are radiators a key feature in new homes?
BUILDING FABRIC
Reconstituted walling stone can help improve the sustainability and performance of new properties
MARKET REPORT: SALES AT MERCHANTS ARE ON THE RISE
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CONTENTS
PHPD NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 VOLUME 15 NUMBER 9
REGULARS 5
First Word
7
News
12 Developments 14 Market Report 50 Product Focus: CaberShield Plus 51 Last Word
SPECIAL REPORTS 16 Part of the décor… The latest radiators can help create a variety of design options in new homes 18 Catch the Post Why a housebuilder specified DuraPost fence posts for its new development
BUILDING FABRIC 20 Wall aboard Reconstituted walling stone is growing in popularity 22 Plaster class How British Gypsum’s range of ThistlePro finish coat plasters can meet the changing needs of homeowners 24 Thoughts on timber Alex Goodfellow, chair of the Confederation of Timber Industries, looks at the drivers behind the switch to lower carbon materials
20 |
18 |
Fence posts
KITCHENS & BATHROOMS 28 Wall panels – made for modular Waterproof wall panels – the perfect match for offsite construction?
28 |
Waterproof wall panels
30 A sustainable choice Why high performance showers and tapware can help protect the UK’s water supply 32 In need of inspiration? Uform’s latest kitchen solutions are designed to ‘Inspire Life Indoors’ 34 Win a Küppersbusch pyrolytic oven Make a kitchen statement with a new Küppersbusch K-Series.3 pyrolytic oven
PRODUCT FOCUS 40 Add ‘stretch’ to your workwear wardrobe Mascot’s latest ‘stretch’ workwear and hi-vis safety clothing
36 Showering in style How bathroom wall panelling can help create stylish bathrooms faster
42 Panel show Marley has launched a new solar PV panel
38 Round Up The latest solutions for the kitchen and bathrooms
44 General Building Rounding up the latest construction solutions
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Solar PV
Walling stone
Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December 3
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FIRST WORD
Editor Jonathan Cole phpd@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey 07900 248102 craig@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager Marcus Hooper 01923 237799 mhooper@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 Printer Walstead Peterborough 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
Total Average New Distribution 13,292 July 2020 – June 2021
A sustainable future A few weeks ago all eyes were on Glasgow and COP 26. Thousands of delegates from around the world descended on Scotland’s largest city to discuss how to address the environmental and climate challenges facing us all. As we are increasingly aware, the problems are complex and vast – and only time will tell if the pledges announced in Glasgow will be enough. One thing that is clear, however, is that we all have a part to play – individuals and businesses alike. The building of new homes is a key area in the effort to reduce emissions – both during construction and in their operation. Within the sector, over the years, building regulations have been gradually tightened across a number of areas, but perhaps most notably via Part L, and it is anticipated that a further revision to these regulations will be introduced soon. One measure widely reported, the Future Homes Standard, looks to ensure that from 2025 newly built homes use only low carbon heating sources – such as air source heat pumps. To meet the requirements of the conservation of fuel and power there are certainly a number of options that are worthy of consideration – amongst them building products such as solar PV, heat recovery systems, enhanced glazing and insulation. Speaking of solar PV, in this issue we look at the latest solution from roofing manufacturer Marley. Its SolarTile is an energy generating solution that integrates within the roof for enhanced aesthetic appeal. You can read more on this solution on page 42 Using modular or offsite construction techniques could be another way to build more sustainably. In this issue we hear how offsite timber construction can help create new homes – promising less waste and higher quality. Please turn to page 24 Water usage is another area of concern for many, and another area where housebuilders can play a positive role. By specifying showers and taps that help reduce water usage, but deliver the performance householders expect, developers can help to drive down water consumption. You can discover more on page 30 Clearly not all of our environmental and sustainability challenges can be solved by housebuilders – all parts of industry and society must play their part. And with potential buyers also becoming more environmentally engaged, new homes that have been designed and built using sustainable building products may resonate strongly with an increasingly environmentally aware audience.
For more information from PHPD visit www.phpdonline.co.uk @phpdonline
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NEWS
E-mail your news & views to phpd@hamerville.co.uk or tweet us at @phpdonline
Dr Fox MP tours Newland Homes’ zero carbon homes
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ewland Homes has welcomed the MP for North Somerset, the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox, for a hard hat tour of its inaugural collection of zero carbon homes in Tickenham, North Somerset. Progress is well underway on the first of 32 zero carbon houses in Tickenham, which will come complete with solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric car charging points. Dr Fox MP commented: “Carbon neutral quality housing, in small developments attuned to local circumstances, is the housing we need for the future.” Jeremy Drew, Developments Director at Newland Homes, said: “With all eyes on COP26 in recent weeks, we know how critical it is to be taking action on climate change now. As a smaller, private developer we can be nimbler and create the type of homes that the public are demanding now. Companies can’t sit back and wait for change to happen, you have to be out front leading it.” The detached homes under construction in Tickenham will range in size from three bed up to five bed properties. The houses have been
(from left to right) Chris Parker, Marketing Manager at Newland Homes, Marcus Evans, Sales & Marketing Director at Newland Homes, Dr Liam Fox MP for North Somerset and Jeremy Drew, Developments Director at Newland Homes
orientated to maximise solar gain and depending on the orientation of the roof, between 12 and 20 high-performance solar panels will be installed to each property to generate electricity. Air source heat pumps (ASHP) supply heat to an underfloor heating system on the ground floor and radiators on the first floor, keeping the house at an optimised constant temperature by utilising the
ground floor very much like a large radiator. The new homes at Tickenham are constructed with high levels of insulation. It is anticipated that the first homes will be released for sale in early 2022. For further information about the zero carbon homes at Tickenham, please go to www.rdr.link/daa001
Croudace Homes goes green to mark 75th anniversary
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o celebrate its 75th anniversary, Caterham-based Croudace Homes has bought an electric JCB Loadall telescopic handler – and the company has painted its brand new machine a striking green. The company has purchased the brand new JCB Loadall 525-60E compact telescopic handler – its first fully electric telescopic handler – as part of its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint. Croudace Homes Materials Manager, Jason Tooke, said: “We have used JCB Loadall telescopic handlers for over 15 years. We choose JCB because the reliability, ease of use and comfort of the machines are second to none. Our operators prefer and request JCB machines over competitor equipment and the service and back-up from
Watling JCB is also first class. We also appreciate the JCB 525-60E model’s driveability using the two motors as well
as the impressive capabilities, enhanced comfort levels and excellent performance of the machine.”
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NEWS In Brief ■ Buyers are starting to return to the UK housing market but have little choice of new properties, according to the September 2021 RICS Residential Market Survey. Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, commented: “The imbalance between demand and supply remains the most striking theme in the latest RICS Residential Market Survey. Delivering higher numbers of new homes is part of the answer but it is critical they are built in the areas where the shortfall is most visible.” ■ Springfield has announced a new partnership with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. The housebuilder will support the charity’s work to deliver a range of proactive support resources for the construction community, including the charity’s 24/7 industry helpline, complementary app and free wellbeing and mental health workshops.
E-mail your news & views to phpd@hamerville.co.uk or tweet us at @phpdonline
Grant UK releases heat pump case study video
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heat pump case study video featuring a large renovation project at a family home in Wiltshire, has been released by manufacturer Grant UK. The video follows the transformation of the semi-detached property that initially had three bedrooms and underwent a large extension. A core part of the project was replacing the old heating system and upgrading it to a more efficient alternative. A Grant Aerona³ 13kW air source heat pump replaced the gas boiler that was previously heating the property and all the existing steel radiators were swapped for a combination of Uflex underfloor heating and Afinia aluminium radiators. “This vlog takes a closer look at a ‘whole house’ renewable heating project,
interviewing the homeowners, the installer and Grant UK’s Technical Design Manager who worked together to make this Wiltshire family home more sustainable,” explained Anna Wakefield, Head of Marketing for Grant UK. To view the video please use www.rdr.link/daa002
Joint Virtual Meetings launched by NHBC
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HBC has announced the roll-out of Joint Virtual Meetings (JVMs). On new sites the JVMs will be delivered virtually via MS Teams or another appropriate platform, to enable NHBC to work with its builder customers without the need to be in one physical location together. Three types of meetings have been announced including: ‘Pre-start’ at the onset of each project; ‘Inflight’ once the project has commenced – the timing and required attendees of which will be specific to each project and
‘Consultation’ for complex sites that have planning approval but that are not yet registered with NHBC. Pre-start and Inflight meetings will be introduced from 1st November and Consultation meetings from 1st January 2022. Commenting on the launch, Diane Marshall, NHBC’s Operations Director said: “We are confident that these meetings which will be held with our technical experts at key stages during a project will increase collaboration to help our customers build right first time.
“Joint Virtual Meetings will enable our registered builders and developers to work more efficiently on site, reduce the significant costs of remedial works and further improve new home quality for the benefit of home buyers.”
Crest Nicholson launches new range of house types
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new collection of three and four bedroom house types have been unveiled by Crest Nicholson at its Bristol development, Hygge Park at Keynsham. The new homes feature a number of measures designed to deliver environmental benefits. The new house types have been designed to reduce unnecessary angles and ensure that all terrace units align,
with the same overall lengths front to back. This improves their ability to retain heat and reduces the energy required to keep a home warm. Mark Kershaw, Head of Sustainability at Crest Nicholson, commented: “Our new range of house types help us to improve thermal efficiency, minimise waste and speed up construction, helping to reduce our impact on the
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environment whilst helping homeowners to lead more sustainable lives.”
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New ownership to boost Larkfleet growth plans
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he home building activities of Larkfleet have been sold to the funds managed by global investment management firm, PIMCO. Karl and Helen Hick will retain all the nonhome building interests of the Larkfleet Group and will continue their work supporting community and charitable projects, particularly the recently formed Karl and Helen Hick Charitable Trust.
John Anderson, the current Chief Executive Officer of Larkfleet Group, and Alastair Gordon Stewart, current Chief Financial Officer, will stay on to lead the company under the new ownership. The sale covers all the house building activities of Larkfleet Group. The new company will continue to trade under the brand names Larkfleet Homes and Allison Homes.
Storage key for many buyers
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■ The NHBC Foundation has launched a report into electric vehicles and new homes. Plugging in to the future: electric vehicle charging and new homes (NF90) provides guidance on the current state of play with electric vehicles and chargepoints and what housebuilders will need to provide either within the curtilage of a single dwelling or where the development has off-plot or shared parking. To download or view the publication please use www.rdr.link/daa003 ■ New research from Pilkington United Kingdom Limited indicates an increase in demand for specialist glazing. The research of 142 building design professionals found that 61% of specifiers have seen a spike in demand for solar control glass. Phil Brown, European Regulatory Marketing Manager at Pilkington UK said: “Specifiers are acting now to equip buildings with the high-performance glazing that can help them to deliver sustainable energy performance, while making developments more comfortable year-round without the need for heating and cooling systems.”
John Anderson, CEO Larkfleet Group
recent poll has revealed that a substantial number of people (84%) agree that adequate storage space in a home is an important criteria. Fitted furniture specialists, Hammonds Furniture, surveyed 2,000 Brits on how much more they’d be willing to pay for a home with lots of space to put their possessions. According to the research, the average house-hunter claims that a home with ample storage space is worth over £12k
In Brief
more to them. Attitudes vary by generation, with over 65s the least interested in paying extra for storage space, whereas millennials (aged 25-34s) are prepared to pay the most. According to the research, a garage is the most sought-after storage option, with 42% of Brits prepared to pay more for a home that has one. Other top storage options that would result in a higher offer include a spare bedroom (42%), a large driveway (40%), and a utility room (40%).
Kirsty Oakes, Head of Product and Marketing at Hammonds Furniture, said: “When looking for a new home, making sure you have enough storage space is clearly a big priority for many. In fact, our survey showed that for some, it’s considered essential.” Advice on incorporating storage into a home can be found be using www.rdr.link/daa004
Survey shows demand for ‘shake-up’ in developer funding
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n a survey by Avamore Capital, more than half of developers said that there is a mismatch of what lenders currently offer and what they need to meet today’s challenges. Within the same study, which aimed to explore how open developers are to new ways of sourcing finance, almost all (91%) of developers also said that a strong
relationship with a broker or lender has now superseded getting the ‘best deal’. “Our research has found that there is a clear desire for a shake-up in the residential development financing industry”, said Philip Gould from Avamore Capital. “Given the dramatic changes in market conditions in the past 18 months, we started to see a significant shift in
types of lending that were being sought, and we were keen to explore this with further research. “Supporting this trend is also the importance of relationship between lender and developer. The research highlighted that certainty and lender reputation can be of greater importance than pricing when evaluating lenders.”
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NEWS
E-mail your news & views to phpd@hamerville.co.uk or tweet us at @phpdonline
Sponsored hike raises £9,600 for charity
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amily support charity Home-Start West Berkshire has celebrated the donation of £9,604 from corporate sponsor Helix Group, after the team at the Newbury construction company completed a sponsored trek across Pen y Fan, the highest peak in south Wales. Setting out from their Liberty House headquarters on 10th September, and completing their hike near Brecon Beacons National Park, nine colleagues from the Berkshire-based builder had no idea they would more than triple their fundraising target of £2,500.
Helix Managing Director, Nic Davies, said: “We have been a corporate sponsor for Home-Start for three years now and, as Helix Group grows, it's great to be able to bring more people into such a good cause. Our aim is not just to build homes, but to build up the communities in which we work.”
Helix Group, a Berkshire-based construction company, has been donating and volunteering at Home-Start West Berkshire as corporate sponsor for the past three years
Anwyl Homes Lancashire doubles output in busy year
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nwyl Homes’ Lancashire region has seen a 100% increase in housing completions during 2021 and is on course for further growth over the next year. The Chorley-based business completed 198 properties in the 12 months to the end of September and is now targeting a further increase to take the business close to 300 legal completions in the current financial year. John Grime, Managing Director for Anwyl Homes Lancashire, said: “We’ve
continued to grow and demand from home buyers has remained strong, so much so that we’re significantly forward sold for the current year. “Our primary focus now is to secure more land, especially in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and along the M62 corridor, as well as central Lancashire; and to get new outlets open to meet the continuing high demand for quality new homes.”
New homes at Lawrence Gardens, Barton
OakNorth Bank completes loan to Verto
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akNorth Bank has completed an £8.6m loan to Verto. The capital will be used to finance the development of two new residential schemes across the South of Cornwall – both of which being a collection of Verto’s Zero Carbon Smart Homes. The Falmouth site consists of 22 detached homes and eight apartments, while a development in Mylor will consist of 18 detached bungalows, including eight affordable units. Verto’s Zero Carbon Smart Homes produce their own renewable energy through photovoltaic solar panels integrated into the roof. Homes are equipped with triple-glazed argon-filled windows and super-insulation –
promising almost zero heat loss or noise pollution. The homes use a zonal underfloor heating system, so that only rooms in use are heated, and instead of conventional gas boilers, they use ground-source heat pumps (GSHP) and air-source heat pumps (ASHP). Tom Carr, CoFounder of Verto, commented: “With nearly a quarter of carbon emissions coming from buildings, our mission is to
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build the UK’s most advanced sustainable smart homes, creating the perfect environment inside, without harming the environment outside.”
Our net carbon negative products can offset building emissions
UK construction must comply with net zero targets to balance emitted and locked up carbon. Our sheet products, all proudly made here in the UK, are net carbon negative and counter those that are not.
Carbon negative. Positive future. uk.westfraser.com/carbon-negative
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DEVELOPMENTS
BEDFORDSHIRE Hayfield – construction begins on £31m ‘Green’ development
Hayfield has started construction work at a 4.2ha (10.4-acre) site in the Bedfordshire village of Bromham to deliver 80 new homes. The £31m project is Hayfield’s second ‘Green Revolution’ development, featuring Air Source Heat Pumps, energy-efficient underfloor heating, enhanced insulation, electric vehicle fast-charging points and ultrafast broadband.
Planning approval has recently been granted by Bedford Borough Council for the site, where the collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes will be developed around a fully equipped children’s play area and a significant amount of Public Open Space. An off-plan sales launch is scheduled to take place in the spring. For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa005
(L-R) Simon Haber - Contracts Manager for Hayfield, Charlie Moen - Project Manager for RM Contractors, Ken Mulpeter - Production Director for Hayfield, Martin Elderton - Site Manager for Hayfield, and Dom Orton - Site Manager for RM Contractors
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E-mail your latest developments to phpd@hamerville.co.uk Higgins – 193 homes in South London Higgins Partnerships has been granted planning for the regeneration of council owned land in Earlsfield to provide 193 flats and houses. The development will deliver 105 private sale homes, 65 Shared Ownership and 23 social rent properties. Steve Boreham, Construction Director for Higgins Partnerships commented, “We are pleased to have been granted planning and look forward to starting on site in the coming months to deliver these new homes, which will provide much needed affordable housing for the local area.” For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa006
South London
Taggart Homes – show homes at Forest Park New show homes are now open at the latest development from Midlands-based developer Taggart Homes. With a total of 45 detached and semi-detached three and Nottinghamshire four-bedroomed homes, Forest Park is in the village of Annesley. Michael Taggart, CEO at Taggart Homes said: “We are thrilled to be part of this notable project which is helping to revitalise the former coal-mining community of Annesley. Forest Park has been built on the site of a vacant and derelict working men’s club, bringing much-needed new homes to the village.” The new homes all feature open-plan living/dining/kitchen areas, en-suite bathrooms and have been designed with energy-efficiency to the fore. For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa007
Cumbria
Hugr Homes and Fleming Homes – 50 plot development A UK specialist in custom built homes has joined forces with a manufacturer of timber frame properties for a development in the Lake District. Hugr Homes, which is based in the North-West of England, with its private equity partner FNS, is behind Wellbank, a 50plot development on land on the edge of the (l-r) Hayden Martin, Fleming Homes; Joe Higginson, MD, Hugr Homes; Sarah Mathieson, Fleming Homes village of Bootle, in West Cumbria. As part of its aims to create a development of eco-friendly and sustainable homes, it has partnered with Fleming Homes, which is based in the Scottish Borders and has more than 35 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of bespoke, timber frame homes. For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa008
Lancashire
Kingswood Homes – land for 435 homes in Blackburn Kingswood Homes has acquired the final 64-acre piece of the Gib Lane Masterplan. The land covers phases four to 11 of the company’s Green Hills development in Feniscowles. Kingswood will support the continued growth of the neighbourhood by investing £4 million in the community. A hybrid planning application was granted in May for 435 homes, including existing contemporary style properties, along with a range of more traditional looking designs to cater for a diverse mix of purchasers. Work on these homes is due to begin this autumn and is expected to take more than seven years to complete. For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa009
Worcestershire
Avant Homes – second phase of Wellington Park Avant Homes has started construction on a 17-acre site to bring a further 94 homes to Wellington Park. The second phase of the Wellington Park development received planning approval from Sunderland City Council in January 2021. The new phase will feature a mixture of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes across a selection of 17 Avant Homes’ signature housetypes. Once complete, Wellington Park will comprise 118 homes. The first homes are estimated to be ready for occupation in March 2022. The approximate build length of the second phase expected to take around two years. For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa010
Sunderland
Horgan Homes – second phase Midlands development Horgan Homes has broken ground on the second phase of a development of new homes in Worcestershire. The housebuilder has started work on a select number of three-bed £1m+ single storey homes at Manor Gardens at Hackman’s Gate, near Belbroughton. Director Sophie Horgan said: “There is already a nationwide shortage of single storey properties but very little exists in the £1m+ price bracket for discerning homeowners who want a one-level home that also brings exemplary style and design together in the same package.” The Manor Gardens bungalows are expected to come to market in 2022. For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa011
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MARKET REPORT
The latest figures from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), published in October, reveal that year-on-year value sales to builders and contractors by builders’ merchants were 23.0% higher in August 2021 than the previous year.
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elped by one more trading day this year, eleven of the twelve product categories sold more in August 2021 compared to August 2020. Heavy Building Materials (+16.9%), Landscaping (+11.5%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+11.3%) put in a strong monthly performance. Average like-for-like daily sales rose 17.1% compared to the same month last year. Compared to August 2019, a prepandemic year, total merchant value sales were up 18.2% in August 2021, with no difference in trading days. This growth was largely driven by two categories – Timber & Joinery (+48.4%) and Landscaping (+29.7%). Heavy Building Materials (+10.1%) also recorded higher sales compared to the same month two years ago, while Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (-0.6%) and Decorating (-3.1%) were among the seven categories that sold less.
Month-on-month For the second month in a row, total merchant sales were down in August compared to July (-7.9%) with no difference in trading days. Only Workwear & Safetywear (+3.1%) sold more. Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (-3.6%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (-6.5%), Heavy Building Materials (-7.2%) and Timber & Joinery Products (8.6%) all sold less. Landscaping (-14.4%) was the weakest category month-on-month.
The Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) The BMBI is a brand of the BMF. The BMBI report, which is produced and managed by MRA Research, uses GfK’s Builders Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data which analyses sales out data from over 80% of generalist builders’ merchants’ sales across Great Britain. The full report is on www.bmbi.co.uk
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Index August’s BMBI index was 139.3, helped by strong performances from Timber & Joinery Products (182.6) and Landscaping (175.3). Seven other categories exceeded 100, including Heavy Building Materials (127.0). Krystal Williams, Managing Director Pavestone UK Ltd and BMBI’s Expert for Natural Stone & Porcelain Paving comments: “The market has slowed but it’s
BMBI August 2021 Highlight Infographic
Strong sales continue at Builders’ Merchants
still busy, although more manageably busy. The end of Q2 saw a noticeable drop in demand as the lifting of restrictions meant homeowners could spend their money on going out and holidays again rather than on home improvements. “Most contractors are booked well into 2022, but fulfilling their orders remains a challenge. There’s a lot of uncertainty around product availability and cost. Shipping costs have risen to $7,000 a container, and it’s looking highly likely container rates will hit $10,000 before the end of the year. “With space at a premium, the industry is having to rethink what gets imported. Each shipment has to be popular products or core lines – there’s no room for specialist and niche items. Arrival times are hit and miss, but once containers get to the UK, port congestion and a lack of hauliers means it can take up to two weeks to get product offloaded and to merchants. It used to take two days. “High demand is pushing up prices and we’ve seen prices rise every month since March. As this makes quoting for jobs problematic, many contractors are pushing consumers to buy their own paving offering merchants the opportunity to highlight the features and benefits of different products and introduce premium options like porcelain, which can be cheaper than sandstone, and available. “Where the market goes next remains to be seen. A slowdown in demand is most likely, as material costs and availability problems put customers off committing to new projects.”
WANT TO KNOW MORE? BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos goto www.rdr.link/daa012
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SPECIAL REPORT
Part of the décor… Chris Harvey, Head of Marketing, Stelrad Radiator Group, looks at how the latest radiators can help create a variety of design options in new homes.
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hen it comes to selecting radiators for the new homes they are building, housebuilders and developers are finding they have more options than ever. Here at Stelrad we have a wide range of radiators available in the UK. There is a huge selection of styles, and a massive range of sizes, most from stock and now, most are available in up to 36 colours – with a number of coloured radiators available from stock, with delivery within 72 hours. Whilst the good old standards – the Compact and the Elite – remain the bestselling radiators, there has been a marked increase in the number of premium panel radiators and decorative and designer radiators being specified and ordered in the past twelve months. This is in part due to the growing popularity of the Vita and Softline series with a full range of designs. However, it’s also got a lot to do with customers wanting an input to the radiator designs they have in their homes – and a growing interest in the TV programmes that allow the man and woman in the street inside celebrities homes – and they like what they see!
application radiators that offer specific options for particular situations. For example the growing range of heavy duty radiators for situations where a more robust radiator is required – Stelrad has extended its range to include Deco HD as well as Planar flat fronted HD options. There is also an increase in vertical radiators now available – ideal for including larger radiators on smaller wall footprints – in corridors and on landings as well as in kitchens and bathrooms where wall space is at a premium. Sales of our low surface temperature (LST) range of radiators is also on the rise, with the ‘safe to touch’ options of attractive radiators in equally attractive casings that ensure the outside of the casing never exceeds 43 degrees Celsius to the touch. They are popular especially where the very young, the elderly or the vulnerable are living or coming into contact with them in their homes or buildings where they congregate. The Stelrad LST casings cover the emitter and all the pipework to ensure that people are safe should they fall close to the radiator or become wedged up against one.
Special applications
Splash of colour
In addition there are a number of trends that are growing in the UK heating sector, including the awareness of special
Coloured radiators are also proving very popular with Stelrad increasing the number of coloured radiators available
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from stock – particularly for radiators heading for bathrooms and kitchens – but also for the rest of the home too. Traditionally radiators have been available in any colour so long as they were white! Now there are a number of radiators available in anthracite grey from stock which is proving popular. If you want a radiator in bright yellow, or orange, you can have them, but you will have to wait a little while longer for those. But the more brightly coloured radiators are proving popular with interior designers and for corporate buildings where the radiators are being selected to match or contrast with corporate colour schemes for example.
Decorative options We’re seeing a sizeable switch away from the standard panel radiator options towards the designer and decorative options. The trend started quite slowly a few years ago but in the past twelve months it has accelerated. One option is to stick with the Compact designs for the spare rooms and the rooms that you don’t see so much, but
stepping up the design content in the main rooms that visitors see – the main living room, the kitchen, bathrooms and cloakrooms and hallways, and of course the master bedroom and en-suite if there is one in the home.
Renewable systems We’ve seen a major increase in sales of K3 radiators in the UK too this year – preparing for the arrival of renewable heating systems. A K3 has three panels and three sets of fins to allow 50% more heat output than from a K2 of the same size. These have also been popular for homes with poorer levels of insulation or rooms that are difficult to heat or which suffer from condensation. These are exciting times for radiators and whilst we see a lot of information about underfloor heating, radiators still take over 90% of the heat emitting options in the UK and are still very popular. Even with the renewable heating options that are coming on stream we see radiators taking the lion’s share of that market – we’re offering a range of larger radiators to meet the specific demands of heat pump driven systems – but we anticipate a high demand for replacement radiators with traditional boiler driven heating systems for the next fifteen to twenty years at least. The success of radiators continues to reflect five key drivers – availability, reliability, ease of installation, breadth of choice and reasonable pricing – and developers are used to specifying radiators and feel comfortable with them. As importantly, homeowners feel comfortable with radiators – they understand them and recognise the reliability factor with them.
We’re seeing a “sizeable switch away from the standard panel radiator options towards the designer and decorative options.
”
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information on Stelrad’s range of solutions please goto www.rdr.link/daa013
Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December
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SPECIAL REPORT
Catch the Post W PHPD discovers why PAR Homes specified DuraPost fence posts for its new 119 home Beacons Gate development in Brecon, Wales.
hen PAR Homes began developing new properties in Brecon, it was clear that durable fencing solutions would be needed. The housebuilder initially decided to go with concrete. However, early on in the project, it became clear that the concrete posts were slowing down its progress. “An employee could only carry one post at a time, and the posts themselves required a considerable amount of preparation prior to installation,” said Neil Lloyd, Contract Manager at PAR Homes. “We wanted to find a replacement that would allow us to be more efficient, whilst not having to compromise on performance and durability.” As a result, Neil discovered DuraPost By Birkdale and the PAR Homes team visited Caerfagu Products, their local building supplier. Here, they acquired a small sample of DuraPost fence posts to trial on one of the properties at Beacons Gate. Neil continued: “We could each carry three of the steel fence posts at a time, which drastically improved our productivity, allowing us to install twice the amount of DuraPosts as concrete posts in the same space of time.”
Lightweight Manafactured from galvanised steel, DuraPost is 80% lighter than concrete but no less resistant to harsh weather. The steel is cut and rolled through a specially made die to
18 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
PLAYTIME Watch a video about the project at www.rdr.link/daa014
create a patented H-section profile. This ensures that it is not only lightweight but also strong, to deliver maximum durability. DuraPost has been tested by the Building Research Establishment Ltd (BRE) and is proven to withstand winds of up to 110 mph. PAR Homes decided to go forward with the DuraPost system throughout the Beacons Gate site, and for the front and back gardens of all 119 properties. “It will be a good-looking site when finished,” commented Neil. “With many of the Beacons Gate properties’ fascias and windows in Anthracite Grey, the fact we could specify DuraPosts to match really helps to bring everything together. I would highly recommend the product to other developers.” Available in various powder-coated finishes, DuraPost affords customers a range of choices to suit many aesthetics, as well as a range of complementary colour matched accessories, such as post caps, capping rails and gravel boards.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more details please use www.rdr.link/daa015
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BUILDING FABRIC
Wall aboard As housebuilders increasingly look to utilise building materials and methods that improve the sustainability, cost efficiency and performance of their properties, could modern building components that are founded upon the principles of natural materials provide the solution? Chris Piper, Sales Director for Housing Developers at Ibstock PLC, explores how reconstituted walling stone is growing in popularity with architects, specifiers and developers.
W
hen constructing luxury properties in geographical locations such as the Cotswolds, Yorkshire and Oxfordshire, achieving an authentic exterior is essential, not only to ensure the development is accepted by planning, but to also provide potential occupiers with a high quality home that delivers real kerb appeal and reflects the local vernacular. Whilst specifying the natural stone of the specific region will appear the obvious choice, and may be a requirement for a small proportion of properties on the development, latest manufacturing advancements are providing professionals with premium reconstituted alternatives that are built upon the form of natural materials, whilst offering cost, sustainability and performance benefits. This is due to the materials being constructed of carefully selected blends of locally sourced natural aggregates and pigments, which are expertly combined with sand, cement and stones. The end result is a low maintenance building material that authentically reflects the texture and visual appearance of natural stone.
Through-colour construction As reconstituted walling stone features a through-colour construction that utilises aggregates from the natural stones it is replicating, this enables developers to
20 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
successfully reflect and sympathise with the native language of the area, as the profiles perfectly mirror the organic colouring. For example, professionals can recreate the rural aesthetic of the Light Ham of Somerset, or the Buff of the Cotswolds, by specifying reconstituted walling stone in shades such as Milbourne or Penstone in rugged, rustic finishes including Traditional Cottage, Split Finish and Pitched Cottage. The very nature of the construction process enables manufactures to supply reconstituted stone in a range of course heights and lengths, which supports developers in meeting the individual specification of each property. This also supports the installation of reconstituted profiles in conjunction with additional building components, such as traditional brick and render, to aid the creation of bespoke exteriors for every property, whilst still achieving a cohesive appeal for the whole development. This not only provides potential occupiers with a personalised touch that makes their property unique from its neighbours, but also adds a contemporary aesthetic that makes the development stand apart from competitor sites, without affecting the planning process.
Tight time scales For professionals working to tight time scales, the manufacturing process for
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reconstituted walling stone enables the materials to be delivered on site in a matter of weeks, compared to quarried natural stone that may have significantly longer lead times due to being affected by poor weather and the subsequent extraction issues that can arise. This, combined with the performance, sustainability and visual appeal benefits, provides an affordable, yet effective, alternative to natural stone that sets the standard for a new generation of traditionally inspired contemporary properties that enable developers to achieve significantly higher margins.
The very nature of the “construction process enables
manufactures to supply reconstituted stone in a range of course heights and lengths, which supports developers in meeting the individual specification of each property.
”
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For further information please goto www.rdr.link/daa049
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BUILDING FABRIC
Plaster class S
Paul Cassidy, Portfolio Development Director at British Gypsum, provides an insight into the company’s range of ThistlePro finish coat plasters and demonstrates how it has been designed to benefit the changing needs of homeowners.
ince the start of the pandemic, the way people buy homes has completely changed. Driven by the introduction of home working and the stamp duty land tax reduction, there has been an increased desire for people wanting to make the most of their money and find somewhere that they are able to live and work. With this new way of living, we have seen an increased demand in our range of ThistlePro finish coat plasters and their added benefits, including better indoor air quality, increased durability, or the ability to create an interactive space with magnetic plaster. When it comes to providing housebuilders with high-performance drylining solutions that help create a positive legacy and a great space to live, our range of ThistlePro finish coat plasters helps our customers build better homes that meet the ever changing needs of homeowners.
Magnetic plaster ThistlePro Magnetic plaster is a skim finish plaster designed using special additives to attract magnets and provide end users with interactive wall surfaces. This specially formulated high-performance plaster is popular with homeowners looking to adapt spaces to create combined working and living areas, such as converting walls into interactive office notice boards. Durable finish We are spending more time at home than ever before, which means movement around the home is increased and walls are more susceptible to accidental damage. ThistlePro DuraFinish is 60% more hardwearing than our standard plaster, making it our most durable skim finish plaster to date. Developed to withstand everyday wear and tear, this
22 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
high-performance skim finish plaster provides an ideal solution for walls in busy hallways and stairwells. Air quality Air quality can significantly impact the health and productivity of homeowners and air pollutants, paint, emissions and furniture are all to blame. We spend the majority of our time at home, so the right products and systems will improve air quality inside our homes and the health of those living there. ThistlePro PureFinish helps remove formaldehyde (a common VOC) from the air. Using Activ’Air technology, formaldehyde emissions are decomposed into non-harmful inert compounds, improving air quality within a home. This high performance range is just one example of our ongoing efforts to help housebuilders build better homes. We are committed to working with our partner construction customers, sharing our technical know-how and pioneering solutions that not only meet the ever-changing needs of homeowners, but have a positive impact on people and the planet.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information about British Gypsum’s ThistlePro range please go to www.rdr.link/daa016
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BUILDING FABRIC
Thoughts T on timber Alex Goodfellow, chair of the Confederation of Timber Industries, looks at the importance of, and drivers behind the switch to lower carbon materials such as timber for housebuilding, the role of offsite timber frame and what this change means for housebuilders.
here is now no doubt that action must be taken to reduce carbon emissions from human activity. In August this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a stark warning that unless ‘immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions’ are achieved it may not be possible to limit global temperature rises to the critical 1.5°C to 2°C range. With an update to the Climate Change Act in 2019, the UK Government made a commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. This will require large-scale changes in every sector, including the building materials and techniques used for new housing. One relatively simple change, and one that is advocated by the Government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, is to replace higher carbon materials such as concrete, brick and steel with low carbon materials such as timber as trees absorb and store CO2 as they grow. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) estimates that using timber frame to build 270,000 homes per year would mean three million metric tonnes of CO2e could be absorbed and stored – the equivalent of removing 648,131 cars from the roads. What does this mean for housebuilders? Some of the UK’s biggest housebuilders already build a sizeable proportion of their homes in timber frame and have pledged to increase that proportion significantly over the next five years. Another significant introduction is the Homes England requirement for 25% of homes built through its Affordable Homes Programme to be delivered using modern methods of construction (MMC).
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In some areas of the UK, timber frame is already the go-to method for new homes. For example, in Scotland the majority of homes are timber frame, while in England it represents only a small proportion. Besides the environmental drivers, there are clear practical advantages for housebuilders. These benefits were outlined in a recent report from the AllParty Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries, which explained how the increased use of timber and MMC could contribute to relieving the housing crisis. Accelerate construction Firstly, off-site manufactured timber frame systems have the potential to accelerate construction by delivering new homes 30% quicker with less waste generated. An off-site manufactured timber frame house can be weather tight in just a matter of days. This not only minimises the risk of weather delays but also provides the opportunity to begin work on the interior areas while the exterior is being completed, shortening the overall build time. The controlled factory environment also allows a higher level of quality control to ensure fewer defects and eliminates certain health and safety risks associated with on-site construction. The more of the build that is completed off-site, the greater these benefits become. In addition, one of the key issues for many housebuilders is the lack of both skilled and unskilled workers, with construction job vacancies reaching 43,000 between July and September
25% Homes England requires 25% of homes built through its Affordable Homes Programme to be delivered using modern methods of construction (MMC).
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2021 – the highest level in 20 years. This means that utilising off-site production can have tangible benefits as the property can be built with fewer people, or the same size team can build more homes faster. For example, the serious shortage of bricklayers, among many other skilled trades, is an issue that is familiar to everyone in the sector. Using timber frame for the structural walls instead of concrete blocks essentially halves the amount of work a bricklayer needs to complete on each property, allowing them to progress to the next one quicker. Despite these advantages and the shift that is already taking place in the market, there are some businesses that still see timber frame as a more expensive approach. However, this is a misconception as STA data suggests that off-site timber frame is in practice 2-3% cheaper than masonry build.
Existing capacity In addition, the Structural Timber Association (STA) estimates that there is existing capacity within the established and thriving UK timber frame manufacturing sector to double the annual output and reach, or even exceed, 100,000 timber frame houses per year. This means it is possible for housebuilders to partner with a specialist timber frame manufacturer, many of which are already expanding their capacity, to deliver the required homes. Taking action to reduce the carbon emissions associated with construction is an essential part of meeting the UK’s net zero target. However, increasing the use of timber and MMC not only helps housebuilders achieve their own sustainability goals but can also provide the answer to many of the issues facing the sector.
utilising off-site “production can have
tangible benefits as the property can be built with fewer people
”
WANT TO KNOW MORE? To find out more about the benefits of timber in construction and the work of the Confederation of Timber Industries please go to www.rdr.link/daa017
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Wall panels – made for modular While tiling is often the go-to method for bathrooms and kitchens, it is perhaps waterproof wall panels that are the perfect match for offsite construction. Rachel Oddy, Marketing Manager at Fibo discusses how waterproof wall panels could be the missing piece of the modular jigsaw for developers.
28 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
A
growing number of large, national organisations, regional developers and local housebuilders are investing in modern methods of construction, such as modular and offsite building processes. When you look at the benefits it’s easy to see why, from greater consistency and easier quality control to speed of construction and improved safety on site. However, when it comes to modular building and interior fit-outs, a unique set of products, materials and finishes are required, ones that will complement modular construction and its specific methods and processes. For bathrooms and kitchens, tiles have long been the traditional, go-to solution for wall finishes, making it easy to assume that they are the only viable solution. However, this is not the case. Thanks to developments and innovations in the market, waterproof wall panel systems can now offer an alternative that supports the offsite methodology and helps to reduce post-delivery issues, while simultaneously helping to deliver a contemporary interior bathroom or kitchen space.
Engineered for speed One of the biggest, and most talked about, benefits of offsite and volumetric construction is the time savings, with buildings able to be erected at a far faster rate than traditional methods. As a result of this speed, you need interior fit-out products that can be installed just as quickly and easily – otherwise you risk losing these time efficiencies along the way. In this case, high-quality laminate wall panels are perhaps the perfect choice. For example, did you know that they can be installed up to five times faster than tiles? It’s a pretty impressive statistic, and one that could deliver very real time and cost savings for the modular market. This speed comes from the ability to fit the wall panels directly onto wooden or steel studs, or glued directly onto the wall itself, with no prior wall preparation, expert tools or specialist trades required. All of this means that the bathroom and kitchen “pods” can be fitted and finished quicker, saving time and money in the manufacturing process.
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Long-lasting confidence Commonly manufactured from a timber core and high-pressure laminates, wall panels offer a strong and durable alternative to tiles, providing both housebuilders and homeowners with long-lasting confidence. Look for wall panels that are manufactured with a high-quality ‘tongue and groove’ joining system, for a seamless and waterproof joint. Of course, when it comes to modular construction, it’s not just about the performance of the products during the property’s lifespan that needs to be considered. As the name ‘offsite’ suggests, a common factor in these modern methods is that the primary structure or volumetric pods will be manufactured away from the main site, in
a controlled factory environment, before being delivered to site and lifted into its final position. As a result, you need building products that will survive this journey from factory to site. This penultimate stage of the modular construction process can lead to some common post-delivery issues, such as broken tiles in the bathroom or cracks in the kitchen wall finish. With wall panels, you can rest easy knowing that they are robust enough to withstand the move from factory to site with no remedial work required.
Unrivalled choice With any housing project, looks are important – and offsite builds are no different. If modular is truly to take off as an alternative construction method, then the housebuilding sector needs to show that the quality and standard of the interior finish is not any less. Just because the houses are quick and efficient to construct, does not mean it can look cheap or rushed on the inside. Here, again, wall panels can help, with a huge array of colours, styles and effects available, providing the housebuilding and modular market with unrivalled choice. Fibo has 80 designs spread across six collections to suit all styles and budgets, with everything from luxurious White Marble and contemporary Cracked Cement to the urban-inspired Metro Brick. We also offer a selection of tile effect patterns, with the iconic grout-line routered in, providing the look and feel of tiles, with all the benefits of wall panels.
wall panels offer a “strong and durable alternative to tiles ”
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information, please goto www.rdr.link/daa018
Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December 29
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
A sustainable choice Martin Walker, CEO for Methven, discusses how the specification of high performance showers and tapware can help housebuilders and developers address the industry’s role in protecting the UK’s water supply.
I
n 1960 around 85 litres of water was used per person, per day. Fast forward to 2021 and this figure is around 150 litres and rising. The latest research from Waterwise estimates that over two billion litres of water is used each day across Britain through showering, the equivalent to almost 800 Olympic size swimming pools. There are genuine concerns that the UK will face severe water shortages in the next 20 years due to climate change and population growth, and as a result, the Environment Agency is urging everyone to reduce their water usage. Statistics show that water used in the bathroom accounts for 40% of a household’s daily usage. The government’s new legislation urges local authorities to adopt an optional minimum building standard of 110 litres per person per day in all new builds where there is a clear local need, meeting the target under the latest version of Approved Document G. Therefore, by specifying solutions that adhere to the Government’s ‘optional’ requirement, developers can not only ensure new properties are compliant with current regulations, but simultaneously support future homeowners in proactively reducing their long-term water and energy usage.
Specification range To support housebuilders and developers and help them to attain the next generation of kitchens and bathrooms, Methven has
30 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
developed a dedicated Specification Range, offering coordinating tapware, showering solutions and accessories, featuring technologies that maximise each individual droplet of water to contact the skin in the most effective way, without compromising on visual appeal or performance. Methven also recognises that the housebuilding market has shifted significantly over the past decade with a greater emphasis on delivering high quality homes that are much more design-led. In response to this, Methven’s latest offering consists of three product ranges, Wai, Motu, Tasman, which have been skilfully designed in high-quality finishes, Chrome, Matte Black, Brushed Brass, Gunmetal and Brushed Nickel. The diverse portfolio collection of metallic surfaces support housebuilders and developers in achieving current on-trend interior design schemes. The new Specification Range has also been designed to enhance kitchens, with the tapware range offering a functional solution as well as being optimised to operate as little as at six litres per minute in order to save water. The Specification Range has been designed to ensure that specifiers no longer have to sacrifice form and function to achieve water efficiency and now more than ever it is crucial that industries work together to take a collective approach to protect the UK’s water supply.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information on Methven’s range of sustainable showering solutions, please goto www.rdr.link/daa019
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
In need of inspiration? Uform’s latest product launch is designed to ‘Inspire Life Indoors’.
K
itchens are a key room in any home, and in new homes these vital spaces can help sway the decisions of prospective buyers. Getting the design, colour and layout ‘right’ in the kitchen should be one of the priorities for housebuilders. Offering a large range of options to bring flexibility and the latest designs into the kitchen, Uform has recently made colour additions to its existing ranges which, together with a wealth of new door sizes and accessories, a selection of internal solutions, fresh paint colours and new LED lighting options, aims to deliver living spaces for ‘Inspiring Life Indoors’.
New door ranges Clifden has been designed to capture the latest trends as a one-piece smooth painted shaker featuring a 68mm narrow frame with a sharp router detail. Manufactured from a high tension MDF plus material, Clifden is available ex-stock in a primed finish, as well as four popular colours: Porcelain, Light Grey, Marine and a new Heritage Green, in addition to 24 standard paint colours and a colour match option. The features of this new range include cross rail door designs, 1200mm wide drawerfronts, new sizes for tall-height planning and an array of true handleless door sizes and accessories. Taken together these are designed to offer the flexibility to create a contemporary twist on the classic shaker.
32 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
To tap into the emerging trend towards the ‘timeless inframe’ look, Uform has introduced two door ranges designed to create the illusion of an authentic inframe kitchen without the usual complexities associated with planning and installing a kitchen of this nature. Ellesmere is a new smooth painted 18mm thick, one-piece shaker featuring an intricate outer line detail. Constructed from high tension MDF plus, it offers a selection of doors and plain frames including doors with integrated pelmets in addition to slab doors and drawerfronts. Triple panel larder doors and specific door sizes allow for tall height planning and ‘no filler’ appliance designs help to create a premium yet affordable look. Ellesmere is available exstock primed and can be painted from 28 paint to order colours or colour matched. Taking inspiration from the original Wakefield door, the Wakefield Inframe Effect range features a routered line detailing to give the appearance of a genuine timber inframe kitchen. The fivepiece solid framed door featuring an internal bead is available in 28 paint to order colours or can be colour matched.
Internal solutions Storage is a key requirement in new homes and Uform now offers a range of solutions in the kitchen including corner storage and a range of pull-out bins. Designed to maximise space in difficult, hard to reach areas, the Arco range
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features height adjustable trays which swing out of the cabinet completely and independently. A load capacity of 20kg per tray makes it an option for storing heavy pots and pans, crockery, and even small kitchen appliances. Arco Compact features chrome round wire rails and a white non-slip base, while Arco Linea features anthracite flat rails with an anthracite non-slip base. Arco is suitable for various cabinet widths and is also available in both standard (brake system) and soft-opening and soft-closing. A range of pull-bins are also available including ones with multiple compartments for efficient recycling. With capacity ranging from 21 litres to 86 litres, options are available to suit numerous cabinet widths.
Lighting options A number of new LED lighting options are available, which include under cabinet spot lighting and, new flexible LED strip lighting for multiple applications. There are also new control modules which allow homeowners to control lighting from smartphone Apps or voice control systems such as Amazon Echo or Google Home.
Expanded colours In line with the growing trend in rich, bold greens and deep inky blues, Uform has also expanded its ‘Paint to Order’ palette with two new shades, Indigo and Heritage Green. An Ex-stock colour is now also available in the contemporary Zola Soft-Matte and Strada Matte ranges with the introduction of a warm Cashmere. Commenting on the latest additions, Uform Sales & Marketing Director, Wes McKenna said, “We’re delighted to unveil our latest product launch. Design innovation is at the core of our business, we continuously strive to ensure we launch products which take design flexibility and quality to the next level. This latest offering will give kitchen retailers, designers, and manufacturers a wealth of choice and a distinct point of difference. We’ve made a substantial investment in CGI which customers can benefit from, and our latest brochure showcases the versatility of the 22 door ranges we now offer in addition to new internal solutions. This, coupled with planned investment in painting technology, new warehousing, a revamped Design Centre at our N.Ireland base and enhancements to our distribution network will help to strengthen our market leading position and work towards our vision of making it easy for our customers to create and deliver the heart of any home.”
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For further information please goto www.rdr.link/daa020
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COMPETITION
Win a Küppersbusch Premium Pyrolytic Oven Here’s your chance to win a new Küppersbusch K-Series.3 pyrolytic oven.
G
erman appliance manufacturer Küppersbusch has unveilled its new K-Series.3 pyrolytic oven for 2022. To celebrate its launch, it is offering one reader the chance to win the BP6350.0, an eye catching premium graphite line model with an elegant black handle, perfect to create a striking kitchen statement. Küppersbusch offers a range of built in and freestanding cooking, extraction, cooling and laundry appliances across the price spectrum for housebuilders and developers. Modern lifestyles Designed for modern lifestyles, the XXL 70 litre single oven features a sleek 3.9 inch TFT electronic display with aluminium control knobs for optimum cooking control. The A+ energy rated model offers 10 versatile oven functions, three pyrolytic settings and Öko-clean for easy cleaning. To ensure the ultimate cooking experience, the new oven also incorporates Ökotherm® technology. The Ökotherm® catalytic converter ensures food moisture is preserved and no cooking odours or grease escape into the kitchen.
WIN For your chance to win the new Küppersbusch K-Series.3 pyrolytic oven please complete and return the form below
The BP6350.0 is also equipped with 10 time saving automatic programmes. The on screen menu offers the user a choice of pastries, fish, meat, vegetables and desserts – enter the weight and select the desired level of cooking. The oven then determines a suitable baking mode and time. Küppersbusch offers a host of premium cooking choices, as well as the option to mix and match ranges: K-Series.3, K-Series.5 and K-Series.8 can be combined for a seamless style fusion. To discover the entire Küppersbusch appliance collection goto www.rdr.link/daa021
“
Küppersbusch offers a host of premium cooking choices, as well as the option to mix and match ranges
”
For your chance to win the Küppersbusch K-Series.3 pyrolytic oven simply answer the following question: How many time saving programmes does the oven have?
Name:............................................................................................................................
❏1
Address: ......................................................................................................................
❏5
❏ 10
Send your answer along with your name, job title, company name and business type to: Küppersbusch competition, PHPD, Hamerville Media, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, WD24 4YF, or email your full details to: phpd@hamerville.co.uk
Company name: ........................................................................................................ Job title: ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ Email: ............................................................................................................................ Are you involved in the construction of new housing in the UK? Yes ❏ No ❏ Signature: ..................................................................Date: ........................................
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Entry deadline is 31st January 2022. The winning entry will be drawn on February 1st, 2022 and the winner will be notified within 30 days. The competition is open to UK mainland residents only, except employees of Hamerville Media Group and anyone professionally connected to the competition. The winner’s name will be printed in the March 2022 issue of Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer. The prize includes delivery to a UK mainland address only. The prize is as stated, does not include installation or removal of existing items and no cash alternative will be offered. The winner will be the first correct entry drawn. Tick here if you wish your details to be passed on to third parties ❏ 34 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Steph Harris, Product Manager at Showerwall, discusses how bathroom wall panelling can help create stylish bathrooms faster and more cost-effectively.
Showering in style B
athroom wall panelling has become a popular solution for modern bathrooms due to rising awareness of its many benefits, making it one of the fastest growing markets in home interiors. The sector has seen estimated growth of 25% year-on-year for the past six years. Panelling has started to take share away from the tile market, with householders opting for this grout-free solution to create high-impact designs that are easier to fit and clean. The growth of this market has also been driven by the rise in popularity of statement-making wet rooms and walkin showers where the space can accommodate bolder designs, as well as demand for more premium bathrooms that add value to a property. In addition, busier lifestyles, an ageing population and the rise in multigenerational living have all created a need for hygienic, low-maintenance and durable bathroom fittings. Together, these trends are accelerating demand for bathroom interior solutions like wall panelling, which are design-led and easy to install, clean and maintain.
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Trend-led spaces Housebuilders can capitalise on this trend for more trend-led spaces when planning and designing bathrooms, without necessarily incurring additional costs for labour and materials. Bathroom wall panelling is quicker and easier to install than tiles, saving time and money on developments and helping to keep projects on track. In addition, specialist wet trades aren’t required to install bathroom panelling, which opens up the opportunity for various contractors to carry out the work.
Focal point The versatility of wall panelling also allows developers to diversify their design offering. Wall panelling lends itself to creating a focal point and can feature intricate, highdefinition and unique designs, often reminiscent of wallpaper or tiles, but without the humidity limitations of wallcoverings or the complexities that come with tiling. It is estimated that bathroom wall panels can be fitted in less than half the time it would take to tile a like-for-like space and they can usually be installed in less than a day.
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Housebuilders can utilise the “different styles and materials available to create different specification tiers within their developments.
”
Housebuilders can utilise the different styles and materials available to create different specification tiers within their developments. Showerwall’s range includes its HPL collection, which offers more traditional patterns in modern neutrals and greys, with popular Showerwall styles including industrial Washed Charcoal and sophisticated Apollo Marble.
Bold designs For developers looking to provide bolder and braver designs, Showerwall’s Acrylic and Custom Collections can help create feature walls to provide a premium offering. For a high-impact look, jewel and nature-inspired greens have been a key trend throughout home interiors, and Showerwall’s Emerald Subway decor has been a top-selling alternative to metro tiles. Botanical decors are popular for creating a nature-inspired sanctuary, whilst scalloped shapes can enhance a Mediterranean design. This is especially true for small and compact bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms. These areas provide the perfect opportunity to create a focal point within the room and allow developers to be more daring with their designs to create standout properties. Showerwall offers HPL panels as well as its Acrylic and Custom Collections, which are available in a range of designs. The full Showerwall collection offers over 80 decors, with panels available in sizes 600mm, 900mm and 1200 x 2440mm, backed by a guarantee of up to 15-years.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For further information please goto www.rdr.link/daa022
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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
! MOTION SENSOR – SHAVER SOCKET Knightsbridge LED mirrors Designed to upgrade any bathroom, the ML range is the latest LED mirrors from Knightsbridge. The top-of-the-range models comprise a demister pad, an on/off motion sensor, and include a dual voltage 115V/ 230V shaver socket outlet with independent switch control. The mirrors themselves, constructed from a pressed-steel base and high-quality glass, can be rectangular or circular, with a mini circular LED border design or illumination from a surrounding LED border.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa023
" ACCESSIBLE – EASY-TO-GRIP Mira Showers Assist The Mira Assist range from Mira Showers is designed to increase utility for those with limited dexterity offering developers ‘ease of access’ solutions for housing developments. The range has been designed to support those with reduced mobility or dexterity and has been created with a safety-first approach. Mira Assist includes easy to grip, assistive controls as well as longer lever handles to ensure it is easy to operate. A fast fix kit includes fixings and templates to ensure installation is quick, straightforward and secure.
# HIGH PERFORMANCE – CONTEMPORARY Reginox Indus tap Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK has introduced the Indus – a kitchen tap designed to combine high performance with a classic design. The single handle, swan neck tap, has a square spout and can be used with single, one and a half and double bowl sinks. The contemporary designed tap has a rectangular single lever allowing medium pressure of water being distributed. The company says the Indus would provide a good match with any sinks from its Ohio or Kansas range.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa026
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa024
! COOKING – REFRIGERATION – LAUNDRY Howdens Lamona appliances Trade kitchen supplier, Howdens, has launched a new brand page on its website for its recently refreshed range of Lamona appliances. The new Lamona brand page is split into the categories within the range; cooking; refrigeration; laundry and dishwashers. Tony Harvey, Head of Appliances at Howdens, said: “The aim of the new Lamona brand page is to offer customers a simple and seamless buying experience while not compromising on the things we know matter, such as the design and overall functionality of the appliances.”
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa025
" BRASSWARE – SLEEK RAK Ceramics RAK-Sorrento A brassware collection designed to bring individual flair into the bathroom, RAKSorrento has a long body and spout combined with single lever control for a modern twist. As well as Polished Chrome, the brassware can also be chosen in Brushed Gold, Brushed Nickel or Matt Black. The RAK-Sorrento basin mixers are available in three sizes – standard, medium and tall – enabling it to be combined with almost any washbasin. A wall-mounted basin mixer is also included in the range.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa027
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PRODUCT FOCUS
Add ‘stretch’ to your workwear wardrobe In recent years we have seen stretch workwear become a staple part of the workwear wardrobe, and with many professionals also requiring hi-vis on building sites, Mascot highlights some of the options available in its latest range of safety clothing.
W
e have become accustomed to leisure clothes and even jeans made from stretch materials that are elasticated and which provide fantastic comfort whenever we move around. Now trades professionals can enjoy the same qualities from the types of hi-vis clothing often worn for protection. Mascot's new range of hi-vis clothing, Accelerate Safe, is made from durable stretch materials while retaining certified visibility (according to EN ISO 20471) to keep professionals safe and protected at work: designed for contractors who prioritise functionality and safety but who also want to look smart.
are flexible in all directions and the fabric follows the body’s movements whether kneeling or standing. The stretch fabric also contracts effectively so that the trousers retain their shape and fit, even after plenty of wear. Selected products in the range are also suitable for industrial washing at temperature of up to 60°C.
Once stretch, always stretch
Hi-vis clothing for all
"Trousers you simply don't want to take off!" – This was the reaction that Mascot received from tradesman when we launched our first range of stretch work trousers in non-hi-vis colours. Since then, black, white and blue stretch workwear trousers have become staple in many workwear wardrobes. Now the company is also launching hivis stretch trousers featuring a fluorescent and stretch trouser fabric that is lightweight, highly durable and boasts a water-repellent finish. It is soft and supple on the inside and the pockets are designed so that they can be filled to the brim without impacting on freedom of movement.
Accelerate Safe is a two-tone range which encompasses products head to toe and from inner layer to outer layer in many different colour combinations and sizes for both men and women. Trousers in the range are available in different options including ‘Ultimate Stretch’ (four-way stretch), stretch zones and with no stretch at all. The range also enables women to put together a complete workwear wardrobe featuring everything from T-shirts and jackets through to trousers and skirts – designed with the female figure in mind and in common sizes.
Optimum comfort Low weight, high visibility and comfort are other key features of the new hi-vis fabrics in the Accelerate Safe collection. The trousers
40 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
Sporty design The collection also boasts an athletic design with segmented and asymmetrical reflectors giving the products a dynamic and slimming look. The reflectors are also segmented for a more modern appearance and design.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? To find out more about the Mascot Accelerate Safe range please use www.rdr.link/daa028
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PRODUCT FOCUS
Panel show T
SolarTile is the new solar PV enhancement introduced by Marley.
aesthetically pleasing “integrated solar panel systems such as the Marley SolarTile are an ideal renewable solution for the specification market.
”
o aid the specification market as it seeks to design-in renewable energy solutions needed for the homes of tomorrow, Marley has launched a new solar panel. The Marley SolarTile has been designed to deliver a lean, lowprofile aesthetic for both new build and retrofit projects and offer simple and quick roof integration. Marley says that the enhanced panel is quick to fit – with an install time of 45 minutes per kWp. The panel development gives specifiers the benefit of an increase in total power output from the roof area or achieving the same output using fewer panels. Stuart Nicholson for Marley, commented: “According to Solar Energy UK, 2020 saw a 27% year-on-year increase in new solar capacity in the UK, with 40% of this increase coming from solar roofing installations on homes and commercial buildings, and with many specifiers striving to support net zero ambitions, it’s clear to see why.”
Sustainable solution Stuart continued: “Our new enhanced panel further supports specifiers as they look to provide sustainable, product-led design solutions for the homes of the future as well as retrofit projects that enhance the energy efficiency of older properties. “As homeowners and tenants seek out ways to reduce their carbon footprint and
42 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
energy costs, and with regulations driving forward, effective, safe, and aesthetically pleasing integrated solar panel systems such as the Marley SolarTile are an ideal renewable solution for the specification market. With speedy installation and inbuilt flexibility to help achieve the required system power output, specifiers now have access to a great new PV product solution that can help to tackle the climate emergency we all face.”
Flashing kits The aesthetic appeal of an integrated solar roofing solution has been enhanced with the launch of the new panel. Accompanying flashing kits now include darker coloured flashings, enabling new solar installations to blend between panel and flashing for kerb-side appeal and integration with the overall roofscape. The enhanced panel comes with all the components, including fixings, to allow installers to complete the job without the need for additional products.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more details please goto www.rdr.link/daa029
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GENERAL BUILDING
! STAIN BLOCKING – ONE COAT HB42 PS1 Primer-Sealer Stain Block Sealants and adhesives specialist HB42 has launched a premium white shellac primer-sealer, PS1 Primer-Sealer Stain Block. PS1 is suitable for interior surfaces and to ‘spot’ exterior surfaces. Designed to deliver a rapid matt finish, that covers stains in one coat, it is suited for use on interior woodwork, plaster, glossy and hard to paint surfaces such as tiles, varnish, or gloss paints. PS1 has been formulated to dry in 15 minutes and be ready for a recoat in 45 minutes.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa030
! STORMWATER MANAGEMENT – PAVING SYSTEM Wavin AquaGrid 40 Stormwater solutions manufacturer Wavin has launched a new pervious paving system, AquaGrid 40. The product offers a sustainable water management solution for car parks, landscaped areas and driveways. An extension to the company’s Stormwater Range, AquaGrid 40 comprises modular square grids made from recycled plastic that interlink with integrated locking lugs. These sections can be filled with grass or gravel to provide an effective solution which improves the management of captured rain and stormwater.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa031
" RENEWABLES – WATER HEATING Ariston Nuos Plus Wi-Fi heat pump water heater With the sector placing more emphasis on sustainability, Ariston has launched the new, A+ rated Nuos Plus Wi-Fi heat pump water heater. Available as either a 200-litre direct (200D) or 250-litre indirect (250I) model, the units combine a floor standing unvented cylinder with an efficient air source heat pump water heater. The products boast a COP of up to 3.14, while producing 51dB of noise. The unit features three different modes: Green, Comfort and Boost, and state-of-the-art Wi-Fi control via the Aqua Ariston Net app.
# TOPSOIL – SUBSOIL British Sugar TOPSOIL NHBC Accepts British Sugar TOPSOIL’s Landscape20 General Purpose Topsoil and General Purpose Subsoil products have been added to NHBC Accepts. Launched last July, NHBC Accepts enables quicker assessment of a home for warranty and reduces the risk to the builder of delays in their project. National TOPSOIL Manager Andy Spetch said: “We have worked closely with the NHBC in recent years to establish the needs of new home builders, developing topsoil products that they can use with confidence and providing help and guidance on soils.”
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa033
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa032
" VIDEO – ASHP Grant Heat pump sound video Grant UK has published a new video on its YouTube Channel which demonstrates the sound level produced by air source heat pumps. The video features an Aerona³ heat pump in operation, showing its sound levels and providing comparative sounds of other common household appliances. The short video features footage of the Quiet Mark approved Aerona³ 13kW air source heat pump working, providing audiences with the sound levels of the unit both close up and further away.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa034
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Modern Masonry for Sustainable Building Jenny Smith-Andrews, Head of Marketing at aircrete specialist H+H UK Ltd, outlines the sustainability arguments for masonry buildings
46 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
S
ustainability is one of those tricky terms that can be interpreted in many different ways. What is finally emerging, however, is an international consensus, set out in the UN Sustainability Goals. With a clear set of definitions, H+H is committed to supporting this agenda.
Reducing carbon Number one on the list of worldwide objectives is to reduce carbon emissions. With home heating alone contributing around 19% of the total CO2 produced in England each year, it is no surprise that thermal efficiency targets for new homes are increasingly ambitious. Aircrete, with its inherent thermal efficiency and extremely effective airtightness, has always been a good choice for highly efficient houses. As long ago as 2007 H+H aircrete was used as the structural material for prototype zero energy houses and it is now proving to be a popular choice for modern Passivhaus designs. Zero carbon in operation, however, is no longer the only goal. With many housebuilders announcing their intention to be zero carbon by 2050 the entire supply chain must work together to decarbonise manufacturing, transport and construction. H+H is not alone in committing to a zero carbon 2050 target, requiring the organisation to eliminate net carbon emissions from its own operations and to work with its suppliers to ensure the raw materials we use have done the same. The first stage is to establish a sciencebased assessment of the starting point. It sounds straightforward but it is only recently that there has been any sort of consensus on how embodied carbon should be calculated. Measurements and numbers only make sense if there is a commonly agreed
It makes no sense at all to “construct zero carbon homes quickly if they need to be demolished and replaced in fifty or sixty years.
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standard for calculation, allowing all materials to be compared on a level playing field. With robust lifecycle assessments, including all the manufacturing, in use and post-use phases of construction, H+H has now registered its science-based targets for carbon reduction.
Building a Sustainable future The drive to eliminate carbon from manufacturing, while hugely important, is only one part of the bigger picture of building for the future. We need, at the same time, to consider both the lifespan and resilience of the houses we build today. It makes no sense at all to construct zero carbon homes quickly if they need to be demolished and replaced in fifty or sixty years. The Committee for Climate Change in its June 2021 Assessment of UK Climate Risk cites overheating and flooding as the two most significant risks for the housing sector. H+H would point to the 150-year lifespan, inherent resilience and thermal mass characteristics of aircrete to further support its position as a material with a secure future in modern, sustainable housing.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For further information on H+H, its products and its sustainability criteria, go to www.hhcelcon.co.uk
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GENERAL BUILDING
! LOW EMISSIONS – DIGITAL DISPLAY Navien NCB condensing gas boilers Comprising four Combi and four System models, with outputs from 20 to 40kW, Navien’s range of NCB condensing gas boilers feature low NOx emissions (class 6), and are water resistant to an IPX5 rating. Navien NCB gas boilers boast a stainless steel heat exchanger and digital display panel, with 40kW models benefiting from a turndown ratio of 10:1. The units feature 60/100mm plastic flues and are supplied with a free LPG conversion kit.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa035
# ROOFLIGHTS – THERMALLY BROKEN Atlas Roof lantern Roof lantern manufacturer, Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, is offering to provide products in lead times of less than four weeks for any orders made before the end of 2021. The announcement could provide relief for those who have faced long lead times during the year. Atlas specialises in the manufacture of roof lantern systems and rooflights. Its current systems include a thermally broken structure; an improved secure pressure-plated system and fitter-friendly fixings.
" RECYCLED CONTENT – FLAGS Harrison Flagpoles Eco range Flag, flagpole and display manufacturer Harrison Flagpoles has launched a new Harrison Eco range of products and services. The Newton Aycliffe-based manufacturer’s ‘eco-friendly’ range comprises a suite of products, including the Eco Flag, Eco Banner, Eco Heras Mesh, Eco Display Fabric and Bravura Display Range. Eco Flag uses 100 per cent recycled material made from recycled plastic waste including single-use PET plastic bottles. On average there are 29 recycled plastic bottles in every Eco Flag the business prints.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa038
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa036
! DEEP GREY SLATE – SMOOTH SURFACE CUPA PIZARRAS CUPA 50 CUPA PIZARRAS has launched CUPA 50, a non-carbonated, deep grey slate which features a uniform, smooth surface and thin laminations. CUPA 50 will be available in a range of sizes between 20x20cm and 64x45cm. It also comes in a range of thicknesses, from 3.7 to 7.5mm. The company says that a variety of formats that are traditionally difficult to source will also be available.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa037
# SHOWHOME SOFTWARE – ONLINE BROWSING PIXEL HomeSelector PropTech company Pixel has launched new digital showhome software, promising to ‘bring newbuild sales into the 21st Century’. The HomeSelector, developed by the company, allows potential buyers to browse newbuild projects online. Buyers can virtually walk through each property with and without furnishings, walk around the streets of the development, see birds-eye perspectives of plots and floorplans, compare and shortlist multiple properties, and click to reserve a house before they’ve had a chance to visit the site in person.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa039
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GENERAL BUILDING
! FLUE OPTIONS – HIGH-RISE Baxi Multifit New Baxi Multifit flue options are now available as part of the Baxi Assure suite of products and services for domestic hot water and heating project requirements. Designed to be fully high-rise compliant, the latest additions to the Multifit range are the 1.8m Highrise Horizontal Flue Terminal 60/100mm and 2m Highrise Flue Extension 60/100. Both extensions are interchangeable with standard flue terminals to support installers when refitting flues to meet new regulations. The extended length and a UV stable paint covering which is also fire retardant, mean the flues are suitable to run outside of buildings.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa040
! WALLING STONE – DESIGN Forticrete Product Selector An interactive Product Selector designed to streamline the initial design and specification stages for its customers has been launched by Forticrete. The tool enables architects, specifiers, contractors and merchants to visualise the company’s offering of reconstituted walling stone across a diverse range of applications. Users can also view the finishes, shades and size variations available across the company’s Shearstone and Anstone ranges – alternatives to natural stone. The company also offers bespoke specifications to help meet specific project requirements.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa041
" MASONRY FACADES – EXTERNAL WALL Siderise Masonry passive fire protection package Siderise has launched a suite of new passive fire protection products engineered for masonry facades. The solutions have been designed to meet the specific construction challenges and requirements of brickwork facades, whether masonry or steel framed. The new product range includes the Siderise External Wall (EW) and enhanced External Wall intumescent (EWi) systems, comprising both specialised cavity barriers and fire stops, in addition to the Siderise BB-CB Balcony Bracket Cavity Barrier.
# SOLAR READY – 25 YEARS Tata Steel Confidex home guarantee Tata Steel has introduced a ‘solar ready’ enhancement to the Confidex Home Guarantee so it is valid on standing seam residential roof and wall systems manufactured from Tata Steel’s Colorcoat Prisma and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra and available via its four UK supply chain partners: Tata Steel (Colorcoat Urban), Catnic (SSR2), Euroclad (Vieo) and EQC (Seamlap/Seamlock). The revamped guarantee offers the same protection against paint peeling on the pre-finished steel product for a period of 25 years, regardless of where the property is located (coast or inland); in addition to now allowing homeowners to install Clip and Fix Solar Panels on their roofs.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa043
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa042
" SECURITY – FUNCTIONALITY Yale Lockmaster 21 Stable Door Lock Yale has responded to the increasing trend for stable door functionality in more contemporary settings as well as cottages and farmhouses with the launch of its new Lockmaster 21 Stable Door Lock. Made specifically for PVC and composite stable doors, the lock is a combination of Yale’s recently launched Lockmaster 21 multi-point door lock and its Lockmaster Keyturn key-operated multi-point lock for doors with a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The range includes 35mm and 45mm backsets, is available with or without rollers, and comes with a two-piece keep.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa044
48 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
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! CEMENT-FREE – CONCRETE BLOCKS SigmaRoc PPG Greenbloc The Greenbloc cement-free concrete block has been awarded an Environmental Product Declaration. The EPD is classed as a type III environmental declaration with ISO 14025 and provides information about the environmental impact of Greenbloc which was developed as an ultra-low carbon alternative to traditional cement-based concrete blocks. Manufactured to BS EN 771 – 3: (2011) from class 1 aggregates and Cemfree – a totally cement-free alternative to conventional concrete – Greenbloc also complies with Part E of the Building Regulations for Walls and Floor.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa045
" REMOTE OPERATION – LOADERS Bobcat MaxControl Bobcat has launched the MaxControl Remote Control system enabling operators to control Bobcat compact loaders remotely via an app, using an iPhone or iPad. The system is compatible with all Bobcat loaders with Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC) dating as far back as 2004. MaxControl is available now on iOS devices and an Android version will be available shortly. The MaxControl system uses a Wi-Fi signal to communicate with the iOS device and operates at a range of up to 100m.
For more information go to www.rdr.link/daa046
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PRODUCT FOCUS: CABERSHIELD PLUS
Prepare T for winter West Fraser explains how CaberShieldPlus can keep you building for up to 60 days, even with the roof off.
he winter wonderland is not so wonderful for builders – so now is the time to look at products and systems that can fight back against snow, ice, rain and wind. West Fraser’s CaberShieldPlus is produced from the company’s moistureresistant CaberFloor P5 tongue-andgroove particleboard flooring panel, but is specially designed to withstand exposure to wet conditions. CaberShieldPlus has protection on both sides, not just the exposed upper surface. The top surface features a permanent non-slip coating that prevents damage to the board and ensures a safe working platform. The underside is protected with the smooth coating that protects against damage and makes sure that the board slides easily into position. For added durability, the waterproof coating applied to CaberShieldPlus is not designed to be peeled off after completion but is bonded permanently on both sides of the panel. BBA-approved for up to 60 days’ continuous exposure to the elements when used with CaberFix D4 adhesive, the board lets builders carry on building even with the roof off. 12 bottles will cover
66 boards (one whole pack of 22mm flooring) when using it to glue both the joist and the T&G joints. After work is complete, the floor can be wiped over for a clean, finished floor ready for finishings such as carpet or laminate.
Colour coded The 2,400mm x 600mm tongue-andgrooved panels are available in 18mm and 22mm thicknesses and are colourcoded to make identification of the top surface straightforward. CaberShieldPlus is delivered in packs of 80 (18mm) or 66 (22mm). All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC certified and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For further information visit www.rdr.link/daa047
ADVERTISEMENT INDEX A. Proctor Group Ltd ..................................................................page 21 Beauxfort ......................................................................................page 49 British Gypsum ......................................................................pages 6, 41 Caple ............................................................................................page 39 Domus Ventilation ....................................................................page 45 Etex (Exteriors) UK Ltd ..............................................................page 23 Franke ..........................................................................................page 33 Garador Ltd ..................................................................................page 37 Goldcrest Finance Ltd ..............................................................page 45 H+H UK Ltd ..........................................................................pages 19, 46 50 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer
JCB ......................................................................................pages 26, 27 Layher UK Ltd ............................................................................page 25 Mascot International Ltd ............................................................page 4 OMNIE Ltd ....................................................................................page 43 Quickslide Ltd ........................................................outside back cover Reginox UK Ltd ..........................................................................page 35 Saniflo Ltd ....................................................................................page 31 Superglass Insulation Ltd ......................................inside front cover West Fraser ..........................................................................pages 11, 15
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LAST WORD
The Inside View: Three Storey Homes The townhouse has fast become one of the most popular house types, especially over the last 18 months when our homes have had to work so much harder. But what it is about these three storey layouts that’s so appealing and how do you make the most of the space? Steve Hird, Director at Edward Thomas Interiors offers some insight.
N
ew build townhouses appeal for many reasons. Not only do they have plenty of kerb appeal with feature details such as dormer windows and gable porches, but they are usually either semi-detached or detached, meaning a good level of privacy. The majority also benefit from good size gardens, which means even more space as well as that all-important connection with nature and the outdoors. Internally, townhouse layouts are mostly open plan with rooms designed to be truly multi-functional. The versatility of these homes is their real selling point, they can adapt as your tastes change, your family grows or priorities shift. Most commonly, the showpiece of a townhouse is its main bedroom, or suite. Likely occupying an entire floor, this space often includes an en-suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe or dressing area alongside a spacious bedroom. Our styling for these tends to emulate a spa or hotel. It should be a sanctuary, somewhere to retreat and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the house. We’ll use statement lighting, mirrored or metallic furniture, calming colourways and even luxurious pieces like a chaise longue to create an elegant private space to enjoy a peaceful coffee or good book.
Alternative inspiration However, from here our approach differs and we try not to follow the conventional ‘badging’ of rooms in order to provide alternative inspiration. Remembering that townhouses sometimes have to accommodate three generations of a family, we consider how rooms can be personalised. A ground floor study might just as easily be a children’s playroom, music room, dining room, or even an occasional bedroom for an older child returning from university.
At one of our recent developments, we created an almost self-contained suite on the ground floor, styling the room adjacent to the utility as a bedroom while turning the utility itself into a mini kitchenette. The idea being this could appeal to elderly relatives as much as youngsters yet to move out of home. Similarly, a floor with two bedrooms and a family bathroom can make an ideal haven for a teenager. Transforming one of the bedrooms as a den, gaming room or even home cinema gives them somewhere private to relax, study or hang out with friends. Equally, these bedrooms could make an ideal hobby or craft space, somewhere for sewing, photography, painting or sketching. One of the other benefits of three storey living is the number of transitional spaces that can be cleverly crafted into creative nooks. Why not make your landing into a library, an integral garage into a home gym or art studio, build a foldaway desk under the stairs or add a crafts bench in the eaves? The key is to think differently and keep evolving. A townhouse offers limitless possibilities, there’s no right or wrong way, so allow it to reflect your family’s current lifestyle.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information please goto www.rdr.link/daa048
Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December 51
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