Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December 2020

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PROFESSIONAL

HOUSEBUILDER &PROPERTY DEVELOPER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

HOMES OF THE FUTURE How will houses remain safe and secure in the era of smart technology?

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

HEATING

Where style and function meet, make sure the two most important rooms in the property shine their brightest

Changes are coming and keeping homes warm is set to be more efficient than ever before

LAST WORD: WILL TECHNOLOGY SPEED UP HOUSEBUILDING?

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contents PHPD NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 14 NUMBER 9

This issue Regulars 5

First Word

6

News

8

Developments

35 Last Word

The Future Home 10 Ace in the Pocket IronmongeryDirect’s David Saxby explains how pocket door systems will aid future housing design

12 The Smart Step Forward PHPD talks to Tania Tams, Head of Marketing at ERA, about the company’s latest security range

Cover story

Turn to page 12 to find out more about how ERA’s new security range is helping developers and homeowners enter the 21st Century.

HEATING 14 Warm Returns Kingspan discuss how slimmer insulation can help you maximise space 16 Pushing the Envelope Insulation Superstore guides builders through the best insulation for building warmer homes 19 More than just Hot Air Daikin’s Iain Bevan discusses the future of low carbon heating 20 Life After Gas What is district heating? For those of us not yet in the know, Warmafloor explains all 22 Rest Assured New regulations are changing the way homes are heated in the UK. Baxi takes a look at the future.

BUILDING FABRIC 25 Slow Burner Take a look at the new product from Medite Smartply 26 Meet the Cast Brett Martin’s Cascade rainwater system has provided the perfect finish to a Grade II listed abbey

26 | 30 |

Take a visit to Stapehill Abbey

32 |

Touch-free bathroom design

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Step inside a design-led kitchen

28 Water Waste With water under ever-increasing demand, Methven explores how housebuilders can implement more environmentally prudent solutions 30 The Human Touch The industry is heading towards touchless bathroom design, according to Geberit 32 Shaker Maker PHPD gets an intimate look at a shaker-style kitchen from Caple 34 All in One Ann Boardman, from Saniflo, discusses the benefits of cubicle showers

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first word

Editor Kieran Nee phpd@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey 07900 248102 craig@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager Samuel Shannon-Tinsley 01923 237799 stinsley@hamerville.co.uk Northern Area Sales Ian Duff 07810 353 525 probuilder@sky.com Digital Group Manager Stuart Duff Digital Assistant David Molloy Design Adeel Qadri Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Kerri Smith Managing Editor Terry Smith Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Publisher Bryan Shannon Printer Wyndeham Group Published by: Hamerville Media Group Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. Tel: 01923 237799 Email: phpd@hamerville.co.uk Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication. © 2020

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

A point worth making While not in any way a positive turn of events, the pandemic that has eaten up much of the country’s bandwidth of interest this year has at least provided a relief from the incessant stream of Brexit-related news that had been clogging up news cycles for the previous two years. It is time, however, to touch upon the topic once more as the year draws to a close beneath the black clouds that have hung heavily above it since March and a new, hopefully brighter year begins. Before optimism takes sway, the nation’s housebuilders will undoubtedly be looking towards January with caution, as the new points-based immigration system replaces the current free movement arrangement with the EU. From January, workers from the EU will no longer be able to freely enter the UK to work, unless they are an Irish citizen, in which case the pre-existing Common Travel Area still stands. Potential employees coming from outside Ireland, however, will have to apply for a visa to work here, whether they are from within the EU or not.

It’s not news to anyone that the construction industry, for better or worse, has come to rely upon the cheaper labour supplied by immigrant workers. The abundance of lowskilled roles within the industry (along with many skilled and highly skilled roles) and the ever-changing needs of the industry – including which skills are needed and where they’re needed – has meant a whole sub-industry of employment agencies has sprung up to adequately support it. Alongside this, a culture of flexibility, quick turnaround and adaptability has grown (or has persisted, dying out elsewhere) within building.

Housebuilders and developers are at the forefront of the matter, with housing supply falling well below demand and the Government finally putting its weight behind SME developers to get things going, to “build, build, build”. Unfortunately, unlike other industries in the 21st Century, the construction industry is unique in that robots can’t “build, build, build” and it’s unlikely they’ll ever be able to. Only human beings can get the job done, unfortunately for some, and more building means more people building.

So far, so good. More jobs can only be a good thing, right? The problem is that after years of free movement from the EU and years of neglect within schools, the industry itself and Parliament, towards apprenticeships, any new jobs are likely to be taken by ready-to-work EU workers rather than British or Irish workers. Or at least, they would have been.

Now, however, the barriers to construction workers entering from outside of the UK and Ireland are very high and will no doubt reduce the number of labourers and skilled tradesmen to a trickle.

Will the UK step up and produce the thousands of home grown workers the industry needs to function? Quite frankly it’s unlikely. Teachers are unwilling to promote the trade route in schools, with apprentices regularly reporting that they were actively discouraged from a non-academic career.

At the end of the day, with the Government lacking the essential understanding of the industry needed to give it what it needs, with schools still looking down upon the industry as a last-choice (pretty nicely paid for a last choice) solution and a wealth of houses still to be built, it may be time for SME builders and developers to take matters into their own hands. What this may entail, I am not in a position to say. However one start would be to familiarise yourselves with the Points Based System, its requirements and how you can employ skilled workers from abroad. The Construction Leadership Council has produced an informative guide, which can be found on its website.

For more information from PHPD visit www.phpdonline.co.uk @phpdonline

Total Average Net Distribution 13,310 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020

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news

E-mail your news & views to: phpd@hamerville.co.uk Tel: 01923 237799

Permitted development: SME

Pandemic pushes developers set to build more builders online

he effect the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the construction sales market can be glimpsed from the recent news that the plumbers’ merchants’ market is forecast to decline by 18% in 2020, according to the latest market insight from AMA Research. This figure is broadly in line with the forecast fall in construction output as a whole.

However, there has been significant growth in online retailing, driven by competition from alternative suppliers and increased adoption of smartphones and tablets, in line with increased concerns about the safety of in-store transactions.

Merchants have responded by increasingly offering transactional websites, with all of the national merchants and larger regional merchants now offering services such as click & collect. The shift to e-commerce and multi-channel offerings has helped ‘traditional’ merchants defend their market share against competition from internet-only distributors.

Read more on our website at www.rdr.link/dt001

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Is this the beginning of a wider shift in the buying habits of the construction industry? Tell us what you think, whether you’re relieved to finally be able to order what you need on site from your smartphone or do you think there can be no replacement for good old builders’ merchant?

ore than half of the UK’s small and mid-sized professional property developers expect to make use of the changes to Permitted Development Rights in the next two years, with 75 percent thinking they can deliver more units than before, as they look for development opportunities that will help them deliver more housing and avoid collapse.

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“The essence of the change that is needed is to stop looking at the letter of the law and finding ways to comply with minimum standards.

The new approach to building safety must be about the opportunity to deliver buildings which we would all be happy to have our loved ones live in – confident that they feel safe and are safe.

There is a moral imperative above the legal one”

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Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick has already publicly stated his desire to support SME developers to build more, and recent research has found that, away from the big housebuilders, small and midsized property developers are actively looking for conversion opportunities to increase output.

Read more on our website at www.rdr.link/dt002

Dame Judith Hackitt, Government Advisor, discussing forthcoming sector regulation including the Draft Building Safety Bill

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New figures suggest longer-term decline ecently released figures show that the number of new build homes started or completed in England between April and June 2020 fell to their lowest levels since the year 2000 as Covid-19 hit the construction industry.

What the figures also show, however, is that despite the pandemic there has been a long-term decline in housing starts and completions, with the number of homes started or completed in the year to June 2020 also showing a sharp fall.

The number of dwellings where building work has started on site was 15,930 in April to June 2020 – a 52% decrease when compared to the last quarter. It also follows a recent trend of a slowdown in growth with each of the last six quarters showing a decrease. Starts are 67% below their March quarter 2007 peak and are 7% below the previous trough in the March quarter of 2009. It is the lowest quarterly starts figure in the seasonally adjusted time series (which begins in the year 2000).

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“The Government will no doubt point to its recent planning White Paper as the answer to building more homes, but the uncertainty and resulting fluctuating values driven by Covid and Brexit are reducing the incentive on developers to build in the short term.

“The government could address this by temporarily staggering or deferring Section 106 planning obligations so that developers are encouraged to complete housebuilding projects as soon as possible.”

Clive Docwra, managing director, McBains

First housebuilder to be awarded Fair Tax Mark nly a few businesses have been able to declare themselves accredited with the Fair Tax Mark, and now low-cost housebuilder MJ Gleeson is one of them.

The FTSE-listed housebuilder which is known for making home ownership affordable to those on low incomes has met the tough criteria and demonstrated its commitment to responsible tax conduct and transparency. It is the first housebuilder to be accredited under the scheme.

The Fair Tax Mark certifies a business

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“Profitable companies should pay their fair share of tax and be honest and transparent in their disclosure. It says a lot about their values, integrity and ability to trade in a sustainable way.

Gleeson does, and we’re proud to achieve the Fair Tax Mark.”

Stefan Allanson, CFO for MJ Gleeson

as paying the right amount of tax in the right place at the right time and is the gold standard of responsible tax conduct.

Read more on our website at www.rdr.link/dt003

A time for winners PHPD gives readers an introduction to a remarkable site manager.

Who? Zoe Stothard, a senior site manager for David Wilson Homes What has she won? Zoe has been awarded the housebuilding equivalent of an Oscar – a Pride in the Job Quality Award from the NHBC What for? For overseeing construction at the builder’s Mickleover site. Each Site Manager is judged on a range of key criteria including health and safety, their technical knowledge, customer service and attention to detail.

Congratulations to her!

Congratulations indeed, especially as

this is the fourth year in a row she’s won one of the awards.

Wow. What did she have to say about it? She said: “It’s really great to be recognised for a fourth successive year, and this award is just as special as the first. The longer it goes on, the harder you want to work to win the following year. It’s an obsession!”

What an inspiration. That’s what she’s hoping. She also said: “During my time in the industry I have seen more women come in to the profession. For women looking to join the construction industry I would advise them to treat everybody on site as they would expect

to be treated. This is a tough job regardless of gender so they should be prepared to work hard.”

Wise words. Anything else? She finished by thanking her husband for his “total understanding”, which we thought was a nice touch.

Agreed.

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DEVELOPMENTS Waterside Quarter by Shanly Homes – a luxury collection of waterside apartments.

Benefitting from an enviable location in the heart of Maidenhead and situated on the banks of the rejuvenated waterway, Waterside Quarter by Shanly Homes is a luxury collection of contemporary one, two and threebedroom apartments, with secure underground gated parking.

The show home champions style and comfort without compromising on practical convenience, featuring a high-quality kitchen with a range of Siemens integrated appliances, spacious open-plan living/dining area, and sliding doors leading out to a private terrace. The master bedroom includes a stylish en-suite, with floor to ceiling windows. www.rdr.link/dt004

E-mail your latest developments to phpd@hamerville.co.uk

Maidenhead…

Keresley Fields by SevenHomes – 46 new homes from two to four bedrooms.

SevenHomes has acquired a 3.7 acre development site in Keresley, near Coventry to bring 46 new homes to the area.

The new development, named Keresley Fields, will feature a range of two- and three-bedroom terraced and three- and four-bedroom detached family homes, with a gross development value of £12 million.

The new homes will offer a semi-rural location to future homeowners, surrounded by open countryside with the city of Coventry just three miles away. www.rdr.link/dt006

Coventry…

London…

‘Land North of Chippenham Gardens’ by Higgins – a council development including 22 affordable homes for existing tenants.

Work has started on site at ‘Land North of Chippenham Gardens’ to deliver 52 high quality new homes in South Kilburn.

Brent Council awarded Higgins the contract to build the new homes, including 22 affordable homes for existing South Kilburn council tenants. A new public square with hard and soft landscaping will be delivered as part of the project as well as wider landscape and highway improvements. The scheme will also be a car-free development. www.rdr.link/dt005 Toot Lane by Gleeson Homes – 85 new homes at below market price.

Gleeson Homes has achieved approval to build 85 new two, three and four bedroom homes all with off-street parking and front and rear gardens after taking ownership of land in Toot Lane, Boston.

The development will provide affordable housing for many locals, with Gleeson’s price point typically 20% below the average market price. The vacant land will begin its transformation this year with construction on the site expected to commence before Christmas. www.rdr.link/dt007

Boston…

Hayfield Avenue by Hayfield Homes – a luxurious development of 40 new properties.

The luxurious development, Hayfield Avenue, is located in the Cambridgeshire village of Great Gransden and will offer families the opportunity to live in a tranquil, rural village that is commutable to central London.

The 4.4 acre site comprises 40 new residences influenced by the Arts and Crafts era and a linear route through the area, inspiring the Hayfield Avenue name. A total of nine house styles will feature across the development, giving a wide choice of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes.

The collection of brick and render homes will feature Hayfield’s luxurious specification, including bespoke Manor Interiors kitchens, ROCA Laufen bathrooms, Minoli ceramic tiles, underfloor heating, Hammonds fitted wardrobes, heritage bronze ironmongery and Farrow & Ball paint. www.rdr.link/dt008 8 november/december Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Cambridgeshire…

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The future home

Ace in the pocket David Saxby, Senior Category Manager at IronmongeryDirect discusses the benefits of using sliding and pocket door systems in future housing design.

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ith more Britons working from home than ever before, developers are now looking for ways to create flexible indoor spaces which facilitate hybrid living. Adopting modern alternatives to traditional door hardware can help achieve this ambition by enabling the creation of distinct zones, whilst still creating a feeling of openness.

The lockdown measures across the country have forced the population to reassess their living space, not only to accommodate home working, but also the need for private and quiet areas, space to exercise or to homeschool. As such, there’s an increasing desire from homebuyers to seek out house designs that utilise every area of the home in the most efficient way, to save space and to zone different areas for multi-purpose living. Fortunately, sliding and pocket doors provide an ideal solution to help create flexible indoor living as well as maximise floor space.

In recent years, there’s been a significant uptick in the number of sliding and pocket door solutions on the market, with alternatives to accommodate the ten

connecting rooms for a larger, open plan area, whilst also affording the option to zone spaces for individual needs when required. For example, a home office can be partitioned away at weekends or after working hours, and a messy play area can be hidden from sight after the children have gone to bed. As such, both door systems are popular when planning both open-plan and broken-plan living designs.

Determining which system is suitable for a property depends on the walls and space available. Although both sliding and pocket door systems operate by gliding along a horizontal track, sliding doors run parallel to the wall remaining visible, whereas pocket doors require a cavity in the adjacent wall to slide into when the door is opened so it’s hidden from view. At IronmongeryDirect, we’re able to offer leading solutions, such as the Klug Ultra Pocket Door Kit and the Eclisse Single Pocket Door Kit, which help developers to maximise space, whilst also providing exceptional quality, strength and durability. To really accentuate the feeling of space, look for systems with recessed handles, which combine minimalistic design with excellent functionality.

To really accentuate the feeling of space, look for systems with recessed handles, which combine minimalistic design with excellent functionality standard British door sizes. As well as helping to accentuate in-home floor space, sliding and pocket door systems can be used to create flexible environments, which can be separated or joined at an instance.

This is particularly pertinent now that the home plays an even greater role for individuals. The design and layout of the home now needs to accommodate new ways of living that offers multiple uses throughout the day. A sliding or pocket door adapts the interior space by

It is also important to consider the impact that different track systems have on the product’s performance. When poorly installed, sliding track systems can become loud and will begin to perform ineffectively.

Similarly, low-quality sliding and pocket door systems can begin to deteriorate after a few weeks of use. To this end, it’s essential to look for a high-quality system when making a specification that includes acoustic door features to help ensure high sound-proof performance.

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Sliding and pocket doors can also be used to create visual impact. In fact, thanks to their retractable nature, they are a great way of adding colour to an interior, changing the feel of a room in an instant, or to use colour as a way of zoning different areas.

Developers can create fun, high-performing and visually exciting indoor environments that inject new colour into the space.

With hybrid living now the new normal, leading space-saving solutions, such as sliding and pocket door systems are more popular than ever. These neat and sleek solutions offer a huge upgrade on traditional inward-opening hinged doors, particularly on homes where space is restricted. What’s more, they provide an effective way to break up spaces and create designated areas for different activity within a home at any point during the day.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt009

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THE FUTURE HOME

The smart step forward Homes of the future are going to be smarter, more connected and capable of offering a level of comfort previously only possible in science fiction, but what good will it be without a robust security system that can protect properties from unwanted visitors? We caught up with ERA Security’s Tania Tams to find out what the company is offering housebuilders to bring their home security systems into the 21st Century and beyond.

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omeowners expect the homes they buy to be smarter and more interconnected. This includes home security, which needs to be easily accessible whilst also robust. What products can ERA offer to aid this?

This is a great example of why we have recently launched ERA Protect. Previously, we had great smart systems, but they worked alone. The HomeGuard, DoorCam and Cameras, work brilliantly to secure a home, but they work independently and as your question suggests, people today want systems to be seamless and integrated for ease of use. The new ERA Protect is an alarm system, with fully integrated outdoor cameras and floodlight cameras and soon there will be more to add the portfolio of security products, with a video doorbell and an indoor camera; all working together with one, easy-to-use smartphone app.

Can you tell us more about the technology involved?

ERA Protect operates on Bank Grade encryption and is one of the first to successfully pass the Internet of Things IOT Kitemark. The system communicates wirelessly between the hub, sensors and cameras and you can extend it or reduce it at any time by adding or removing accessories. The alarm hub is backed up with a built-in roaming SIM card which enables data from the alarm and camera to be uploaded and alerts to continue, even if the internet goes down.

Can you explain how preinstalling and preprogramming ERA’s hardware might enable a developer to offer the “wow” factor to a potential buyer?

Setting up everything in advance is easy to do and then the homeowner can be given access when they move in, with everything preprogrammed and done for them.

They simply log in, change the password and then the system wholly belongs to them. What more of a wow can the customer get than being handed immediate access to a fully integrated security system which includes discrete floodlight cameras, outdoor cameras, video doorbells and an alarm.

The system does come with a small one-off or monthly paid subscription which can be purchased by the developer at the point of purchase and then passed on to the homeowner or given as a valueadded benefit to the homeowner. The owner will receive app notifications when it is time to renew the subscription.

What are some of the features included?

The system can be armed and disarmed using Alexa and includes features such as built-in SIM back up, a floodcam which lights to 950 lumens whilst discreetly recording and Home Arm functionality

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which allows you to set/unset varied sensors for moving around the home freely whilst still protected.

This system is also available with a Professional Monitoring subscription which means your customer could benefit from an around the clock Professional Monitoring package.

The system is all controlled via an easy to use smartphone app. It is intuitive and easy to follow, making installation a fairly quick process, especially when you have fitted a few. The pairing of accessories is easy, simply by pressing a + button and then scanning a code on the back of the sensor which pairs the sensor to the hub.

What reassurances can you offer that the security products you provide are reliable and safe?

The system has undergone vigorous testing by the BSI Institute of Things, which is a new certification to show that the system is safe and secure. ERA have been securing Britain’s homes for 180 years and are experts in security hardware, this is simply the next step in security, combining technology with time served knowhow.

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ERA have been securing Britain’s homes for 180 years and are experts in security hardware, this is simply the next step in security What are some of the measures taken to inhibit bypassing of the security systems? For instance from vandalism?

The hub, whilst powered by plug, is backed up by a long life battery which means the alarm will continue to work even if the power is cut. In addition, the outdoor camera and floodlight camera have protection to ensure no wiring is exposed, again, making it impossible for vandals to cut wires. Finally, the video doorbell is registered only to the owner.

On removal, it cannot be reused unless a code is obtained from us directly, rendering it useless to anyone other than the owner and therefore worthless… Not to mention they risk being spotted as they get up close to the camera to steal it.

Finally, all data is stored in the cloud, so if camera footage has been recorded, no amount of damage to cameras will erase any footage as it is safely stored away in the cloud and not the camera itself.

Lastly, is the system charged on a one off basis or as a subscription?

The system has a one-off cost, depending on what you buy – you can make it as big or as small as you would like and then yes, to action the full range of features you would have to pay a small subscription depending on what features you want. For example, you can opt for the basic protect coverage which enables SIM back up and 30 day video storage, or you could opt for the affordable 24hr Professional monitoring package which is

where the property is monitored by a professional company for the length of the subscription. It is worth noting that differently to other providers, our subscriptions can be flexible so you can opt in or out – great for the darker months when having extra protection gives homeowners added peace of mind.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt010

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Heating

Warm returns M

aximising returns from each plot is a key focus for all developers and one that requires careful planning, particularly in the restrictive and frequently oddly dimensioned spaces within urban and suburban areas. One limiting factor which should be considered as part of this is the thickness of external walls. As energy performance requirements have tightened, it has become necessary to incorporate more insulation within these constructions, shrinking internal living spaces. New research from Currie & Brown has now shown that by specifying thinner, more thermally efficient insulation materials, it is possible to increase the floor space within units and in many cases achieve a notable return on investment on the additional cost of the insulation materials.

Over the past three decades, the thermal performance requirements for new homes have become increasingly strict and that process is set to accelerate over the next few years.

Welsh consultation it was set at 0.13 W/m2K. This means developers following this approach would need to achieve improved insulation levels within the construction.

Perhaps more significantly, the English consultation makes it clear that it expects the U-values within the notional dwelling to become the norm for all new homes when the Future Homes Standards are implemented in 2025. The requirements in Wales and Scotland are expected to be equally, if not more, demanding.

These changes mean it is particularly important to pay attention to the thermal conductivity of insulation materials when specifying them. The lower the thermal conductivity of the insulation, the more effective it is at preventing heat loss through conduction. This means a slimmer thickness of insulation can be used to reach a desired U-value. Cheaper insulation materials often have relatively high thermal conductivities and therefore must be specified in greater thicknesses.

By investing a little more in insulation

By investing a little more in insulation materials with lower thermal conductivities it is possible to increase floor area In the Spring, separate consultations into changes to Part L to the Building Regulations in England and Wales for domestic buildings (which governs conservation of fuel and power) closed. The consultations set out two uplift options over the current standards. Under option one of the English consultation, the external wall U-value (measure of the thermal performance for the wall) used in the notional dwelling would be tightened from 0.18 W/m2K to 0.15 W/m2K, whilst in the

materials with lower thermal conductivities it is possible to notably reduce wall depths and increase floor area.

Currie & Brown undertook research to consider the value of this additional floor space.

Research A cost analysis was conducted for a range of buildings and technologies. This included a deep review of cost differences such as materials, labour and sundries.

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Matthew Evans, Head of Technical, Kingspan Insulation, explains how you could achieve greater returns simply by specifying the right insulation.

Further costs such as preliminaries, contingency and professional fees were not included in the analysis.

20 building instances were then identified as being representative of the British housing stock based on factors such as size, location and rental value. Each building was analysed with the different build-ups to consider how much additional floor space could be recovered by using the phenolic insulation specifications. A ROI figure was then calculated by dividing the additional cost of the phenolic specification by the capitalised value of the space (in terms of rental income and yield).

Out of the 20 database buildings that were analysed, 100% showed a positive ROI on the additional cost of the phenolic insulation. The buildings also all showed a positive return on the ‘for sale’ element.

Future Proofing Investment It’s clear that the changes to energy performance regulations will present additional challenges and costs to developers. The research shows that by taking a considered approach and looking carefully at how the use of more thermally efficient insulation may benefit useable space within units, developers should be able to unlock additional returns whilst delivering high quality homes.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt011

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Heating

Pushing the Envelope

Dan Greatrex, manager of online builders’ merchant Insulation Superstore, explains how choosing the most appropriate products for your project can help address any inefficiencies in the building envelope.

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hether you are building a home or buying one, energy is a hot topic and with more homeowners desiring low carbon footprints as well as low energy bills, creating a well-insulated building is more important than ever.

All properties lose heat through the building fabric: the challenge is to reduce this as much as possible, which means that roofs, floors and walls all require attention – and insulation. The thermal performance of insulation can be measured by the Uvalues they can achieve and generally speaking, the lower the U-value, the more heat that is retained.

It’s important to take a holistic approach to improving the energyefficiency of a home and so it may be

appropriate to look at installing insulation to as many areas as possible. It therefore makes good financial, and environmental, sense to choose a product that can be used for more than one area.

Get on board Traditional board insulation remains a popular choice owing to its costeffectiveness, versality and low thermal conductivity. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) boards are great all-rounders and can be used for a variety of applications including roofs and walls. Thanks to its high compression value, it can also be used as under floor insulation although it’s not suitable for rooms with heavy loads such as garages. An extra benefit is that the design of PIR boards typically includes a

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foil face to provide extra protection against moisture.

Insulation boards constructed using phenolic foam are also a great choice for projects where insulation is required in multiple areas as they can be effectively used to insulate floors, roof space and both solid and cavity walls. Although usually a little more expensive than PIR board insulation, phenolic foam performs better and is great if you want to achieve low Uvalues but are limited in terms of space.

Floor it It’s usually only necessary to insulate at ground floor level but it’s worth considering adding insulation to any floors that are directly above any unheated spaces such as a garages or

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A key focus on insulation is understandably its ability to help a property retain heat but it’s also important to consider what happens when outside temperatures begin to rise storerooms to prevent additional heat loss. Polystyrene boards are a good choice for under floor applications and it’s worth looking at their kPa rating which indicates how well the insulation can withstand extremely high pressure. The higher the rating, the more suitable the product will be for use under house foundations, in garages or for commercial or mixed-use buildings.

In older properties where access to the floor joists may be more of a challenge, the use of a flexible product like mineral wool insulation which as it is formed in slabs rather than boards, is much easier to handle and work with. This type of insulation is also a great fit for multi-storey properties and it can be used to insulate floors in between individual dwellings, such as flats and apartments, to not only reduce heat loss but also to limit noise transmission. As well as offering great acoustic performance, the best mineral wool insulation also offers fire resistance for added peace of mind.

For projects where specific U-values need to be met and where budgets allow, one of the most effective types of floor insulation available is the vacuum sealed variety. This type of insulation is typically

much slimmer than other more traditionally-constructed products but has a very low thermal conductivity. It’s usually regarded as a bespoke solution as it has to be made to order and, as a result, is usually more expensive.

Climate control A key focus on insulation is understandably its ability to help a property retain heat but it’s also important to consider what happens when outside temperatures begin to rise. Often referred to as ‘space blanket’ insulation, multi-foil insulation is efficient at not only keeping your home warm during winter, but cooler during summer. By using multiple layers of aluminium foil (hence the name) it works by reflecting heat back into its source and it can be effectively used to insulate walls, roofs and floors. The heat loss isn’t subject to the same diminishing returns as traditional insulation, however it’s worth noting that you will need to consider an extra 25mm of space either side of the insulation for it to perform at its best.

also help reduce its overall carbon footprint and for projects that have stringent environmental targets, there is the option of using products made from naturally-sourced or sustainable materials such as wool, hemp and recycled plastics.

Although the thermal performance of this type of material is not as competitive as others, it does offer a wide range of benefits and is suitable for use in walls, floors and to insulate loft spaces. Wool insulation for example has a natural fire resistance owing to the moisture in the fibres preventing it from igniting easily. It’s also easy to work with and can help reduce humidity and even absorb some atmospheric pollutants to help purify the air that enters a home.

All wrapped up Set against a backdrop of rising energy costs and global climate change, the demand for homes that are more efficient by design has been a key focus of the housebuilding industry for many years but in many ways, this has also broadened the divide between the performance of new and existing houses. It important to remember that developments incorporating existing buildings adhere to the same strict standards as new buildings.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Natural choices Insulation can not only improve the energy-efficiency of a property but can

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt012

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Heating Iain Bevan, Commercial Manager at ecotechnology brand Daikin, discusses why we’re heading in a new direction when it comes to homes heating systems and what low carbon heating technologies are currently out there.

More than just hot air O

ver the next few years, there will be big changes in how the UK’s homes are heated, with the prevalence of low-carbon heating technologies rising significantly.

While the shift to using more sustainable heating systems in homes has been growing over the years, it is the government’s more recent focus on responding to the global climate emergency and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that is proving the catalyst to accelerating widespread adoption.

In a bid to make the UK greener, in 2019 the government made a commitment to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Since then, the number of proposed legislation changes and funding initiatives to help reach this goal has increased.

With at least 15% of the UK’s GHG emissions coming from homes as a result of oil and gas usage for heating and hot water, it’s perhaps no surprise that the UK’s housing stock has become a central focus for change. New build homes are very much at the forefront of this transformation.

To date, many of the government’s changes, which favour the use of more sustainable materials and increase the spotlight on carbon emissions, have been viewed as a nudge towards a greener future.

However, the announcement a little over a year ago that the release of the Future Homes Standard will propose the end of fossil-fuel heating systems in all new houses from 2025, marks a dramatic step-change looming for home heating.

According to the National Grid, at least eight in ten UK homes are currently fuelled by a natural gas boiler. With the technology so prevalent, it’s clear the

shift away from gas will be a significant new consideration for those building new homes. Understanding the low carbon heating technologies available and making the right decisions when selecting them is vital.

Choosing the right technology The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) recently revealed that becoming net zero by 2050 requires an annual rate of emissions reduction of 3% – that is 50% higher than under the UK's previous 2050 goal.

To achieve this ambitious target a change in how the UK’s homes are heated needs to start now, and that means prioritising technologies that are already available and highly effective. There are a number of different eco-heating solutions on the market, each with their own benefits.

Air source heat pumps are particularly efficient and one of the more cost-effective technologies Electric boilers, for example, offer an improvement on environmental impact when compared to gas and oil. However, there are drawbacks. Not only will homeowners feel the pinch with electric boilers proving typically expensive to run, they are often unsuitable for larger properties due to the limited amount of hot water they can actually produce.

Hydrogen-based heating solutions have been a more recent source of debate, with some touting the technology due to its low carbon benefits. However, it is still a largely unproven technology and there are real questions as to its long-term viability. Additionally, the technology and resources to roll out this option across the UK are currently unavailable, which would slow installation.

Heat pump technology on the other hand can deliver both substantial carbon savings and is well-established enough to enable efficient and easy installation on a wider scale, as well as long term reliability.

There are a number of different types of heat pumps on the market – air, ground or water source – and they all work by extracting energy from one place (the source) and transferring it to the home.

Air source heat pumps are particularly efficient and one of the more cost-effective heat pump technologies to install. A typical air source heat pump will produce 45% fewer carbon emissions compared to a gas boiler, and 59% fewer than an oil boiler – a reduction of up to 43.5 tonnes of carbon emissions over the system’s typical 15-year life span per home.

An additional benefit of air source heat pumps is the variety of options available, which mean they can be installed in almost any type of home. Whether it’s for a luxury new build offering sleek design and smart technology or a practical option to fit with a more traditional heating set-up, the technology will provide flexibility while still delivering significant energy savings.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt013

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Heating

Life after gas Tony Kirby, sales director at Warmafloor, explains what district heating is and how it is set to change the landscape of heating for good.

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hen it comes to tackling the issue of climate change, the type of heating installed within residential and commercial buildings has a fundamental role to play. As the UK Government focuses on putting regulations in place to move away from traditional gas boilers, many builders and developers are exploring new options and systems, like district heating.

District heating, also known as a heat network, is an efficient and eco-friendly method of large-scale heating, most commonly used in high-rise apartment blocks and communal living. Rather than heating up several individual boilers, heat is generated through one single centralised boiler and heat pump. This is then distributed to multiple units or apartments at once through individual ‘heat interface units’ (HIUs) and underground pipework, which uses much less energy than when individual boilers are used for each property. This is really important when it comes to lowering carbon emissions across the UK and is a key reason why district heating is becoming so popular.

It’s been recently reported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change that heat networks are recognised as the UK’s third major energy network, with approximately 55,000 district heating units being installed each year in the UK. This rise in popularity is no surprise considering the benefits district heating can have for developers, installers and end-users.

As well as being more efficient, district heating is also an incredibly safe option.

As gas doesn’t have to be used for the

systems, properties in a multi-residence building are protected from the risk of ignition. This is particularly important in apartments and high-rise tower blocks where many people can live in one structure, and it also means that these networks are able to run off more sustainable and renewable sources.

Creating a path for opportunities such as district heating will make a significant difference when it comes to our carbon footprint Residential heating is actually the largest single source of carbon emissions across the UK and accounts for 45% of our energy use. With approximately only one million of the UK’s 27 million homes currently having low-carbon heating systems, in order to meet our target carbon usage in the UK, the way we heat our homes and what we install into new-build developments needs to change.

This means that new systems will need to be implemented into homes and solutions like district heating, which are currently only really prevalent in high-rise apartment blocks, could also be applied to traditional housing developments.

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A low carbon future When the upcoming ban on gas boilers takes effect, we will be left with only two potential options for domestic heating: electric boilers or district heating. With this in mind, it’s been estimated by the UK government that the district heating market could rapidly grow as a result of the ban, potentially providing up to 14% of heat demand by 2030, compared to the 2% at present.

The government’s new legislation is a positive step forward for the environment.

Creating a path for opportunities such as district heating will make a significant difference when it comes to our carbon footprint. Additionally, the solution will most likely branch out further to other types of housing over the coming years.

In preparation for a carbon-neutral future, as an industry we must all begin to consider alternative options such as district heating and understand the positive changes the solution can bring.

Warmafloor has developed Calefa, a state-of-the-art heating interface unit (HIU) for use in district heating systems. With a minimum saving of 200-400kWh per year, the solution greatly enhances and improves hot water delivery in terms of responsiveness, efficiency and ease of installation. Created with a unique fouroption bypass control, users receive optimum efficiency and maximum functionality.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt014

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Heating

Rest Assured Developers will soon face a number of heating system design challenges. Tom Murray, Specification Director at Baxi Heating, explains what this means, in addition to how developers can meet requirements with confidence.

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s is clear by now, considerable change is coming and housebuilders and developers will no longer be able to rely solely on gas heating options. Upcoming SAP amendments will also require a careful approach to ensure a cost-effective specification where possible, while still meeting more stringent requirements.

This is where Baxi Assure is wellpositioned to provide a full spectrum of low-carbon heating technologies, design, specification and SAP assessment support, together with useful system addons to boost efficiencies such as flue gas heat recovery and smart, easy-to-use comfort controls.

Heat pumps In terms of the low carbon alternatives, ASHPs feature heavily when discussing how low-carbon heat will be delivered for homes built to the Future Homes Standard.

For housebuilders used to working with compact gas boilers, homes with ASHPs will require more space and design planning. This not only includes space outside for the ASHP with adequate free flow air around it, but also for the accompanying hot water cylinder inside the home. With this in mind, and the fact that ASHP are a relatively new technology in the UK, there will be a period of acclimation required and a solid effort across the supply chain to deliver quality installations.

ASHPs aren’t currently specified or installed in great numbers and there is room for error, which could cause housebuilders losses in time and money to rectify. Issues with design, installation and commissioning can all contribute to potential problems. To help combat this, indemnified Baxi Assure Design services can support the accurate design and specification of all Baxi Assure heating and hot water products including ASHPs. Not only this, but bespoke Baxi Assure Training services are also provided on-site to educate contractors across the full product range.

Housebuilders will also need to consider that ASHP user education will be

Homes with ASHPs will require more space and design planning important. The majority of endusers will be used to boilers and in order to better sell new build homes, developers should provide information with the help of manufacturers. Baxi Assure, for example, is creating a homeowner guide to support developers with appropriate post-sales and customer after care support.

Direct electric heating options, such as electric boilers could also be considered

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for smaller well-insulated multiple occupancy and residential flats where it is advantageous to reduce installation and maintenance time. There is also the possibility that future fuels, such as hydrogen, could be introduced into the low-carbon heating mix. At the moment, the policy discussion surrounding the potential Future Home Standard precludes new build developments from connecting to the gas grid, which may mean that hydrogen is not a viable option, but the enacting regulations are not yet developed so this could change.

Service Solution The ever-changing housing landscape presents a real challenge which housebuilders will be looking to navigate as simply as possible. To help meet these anticipated changes, Baxi Assure, a new comprehensive residential specification range of products and services, has recently been launched to provide guidance and support on this journey.

Baxi Assure has listened to developer feedback and created a complete home service to ensure this can be achieved.

This ‘cradle to grave’ one service solution offers peace of mind at every stage, so that all heating and hot water challenges can be met together.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt015

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Building Fabric

Slow Burner MEDITE SMARTPLY has now launched MAX FR B, the brand new Euroclass B OSB3, a market innovation bringing increased safety and reliability to an industry contingent on safety and predictability.

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martply MAX FR B is the first Euroclass B board – the maximum Euroclass rating for a timber panel – manufactured in the UK and Ireland to feature wood flakes treated with flame retardant solution before pressing. This ensures its flame retardance is integral and maintains its structural integrity, unlike many post-treated alternatives, making it the safer choice for use within timber frame construction, or projects that will require a large amount of timber product.

“We are extremely excited to introduce this new product to the marketplace, expanding our already extensive OSB range,” comments Richard Allen, Sales Director at Medite Smartply.

“Customers can expect all the fantastic benefits of our OSB boards, with the addition of ZeroIgnition solution, a water-based and environmentally

friendly flame retardant which is added during panel production.

“This is a solution that has potential in a huge range of applications and industries, encompassing many modern methods of construction such as offsite and timber frame construction, light gauge steel and modular construction systems, as well as temporary structures.

“Whatever the sector, all customers can rest assured that this board’s flame retardance will hold to Euroclass B standard, even when cut to size, which makes it different to other flame retardant boards out there.”

No added formaldehyde The panels are manufactured using advanced resin technology which offers higher performance with no added formaldehyde. This enables specifying

The panels are manufactured using advanced resin technology which offers higher performance with no added formaldehyde

architects, developers and housebuilders to create safer, healthier environments.

This new technology not only benefits the built environments actively created but the natural environments left behind as the boards themselves are produced using timber from sustainably managed Irish forests.

“We want to support a safer, wider future for timber buildings, that will enable the wider construction industry to work more sustainably and more efficiently, truly building for the future. This has been one of our main motivations in developing this product,” adds Richard.

The MAX FR B panel also complies with the performance requirements in the Structural Timber Association’s FR BUILD “Design guide to separating distances during construction” for timber frame buildings above 600m² total floor area.

We refer to this product as Smartply MAX FR/FR BUILD within our range.

MAX FR/FR BUILD can be used in a timber frame building when mitigation measures are required due to the distance from neighbouring buildings.

There are wall and floor systems outlined within the guide which give points towards the overall building, this satisfies any mitigation that may be required.

Finally, the panel meets with the requirements of European Standards EN 300 and EN 13986, while also complying with the European reaction to fire class B-s2,d0 and Bfl-s1. Boards can be manufactured in largescale formats of up to 2.8m wide by 7.5m long, making it ideal for offsite manufacturing, alongside traditional building.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt016

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Building Fabric

Meet the Cast The cast-iron style rainwater system, Cascade from Brett Martin has struck the right balance between cost effectiveness, performance and aesthetic appeal during the transformation of a nineteenth century Grade II listed abbey into luxury homes.

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n extensive and idyllic grounds near Wimborne, and once home to the Holy Cross Abbey order of Cistercian Trappist nuns, the historic Stapehill Abbey has undergone a restoration and conversion into 22 homes while a further 25 have been built in the grounds. With the developer Ankers and Rawlings committed to retaining many of the abbey’s original period features, the choice of a cost-effective rainwater system had to match the aesthetics of cast iron, whilst offering all the benefits of plastic materials. The size of the roof on the abbey also necessitated a high capacity system.

To meet these requirements, Scott Worsfold Architects specified Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System comprising a 115mm Deepstyle Gutter and 68mm Round Downpipe in classic black. Designed to

offer effective rainwater drainage on larger or steeper residential roofs such as the abbey’s, this semi-elliptical system also provides the developer the potential to reduce downpipes due to higher capacity, which can provide substantial cost reductions and appearance improvements. Hoppers with the year of the renovation embossed on them were also included to provide a unique way of identifying when the works were completed.

“From an architectural perspective the Cascade range is historically very accurate and it fits seamlessly with listed architecture without any compromise,” commented Gary Worsfold, Director of Scott Worsfold Architects. “When looking at all options, ease of install, and the clear benefits of a system that is designed with all components to fit and work together so easily was an obvious and critical

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need. However, it was the aesthetics which convinced us and the conservation officer. The system is an almost perfect aesthetic replica and it fits so well with this project and the architecture we are conserving. Detail is the building block of great architecture and it is in the detail that Cascade has a clear advantage over any other in the market place.”

The Cascade Deepstyle gutter system is characterised by an easy fix clip system, which facilitates simple installation, whilst external fixing lugs allow easy access for cordless power tools.

Significantly lighter than cast iron rainwater systems, Cascade is much quicker, easier and safer to install at a height, helping to offer the developer huge savings in terms of on-site installation costs.

In addition to the popular Classic Black colour specified at the abbey

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development, Cascade is also available in a choice of seven heritage colours including Anthracite Grey, Oxford Blue, Chartwell Green, Olive Green, Graphite Grey, Sandstone and Porcelain White - all of which cater to the subtle nuances of local vernacular architecture. The complete colour range delivers the traditional appearance of cast iron with the

convenience of modern plastic materials.

Cascade is also UV stabilised for a maintenance-free system that will stay looking great and working well for years and comes with a 10-year guarantee.

Brett Martin offers far more than the quality and versatility of the product itself – it can provide superior technical support, detailed installation

Significantly lighter than cast iron rainwater systems, Cascade is much quicker, easier and safer to install at a height, helping to offer the developer huge savings in terms of on-site installation costs

instructions and maintenance guidelines to ensure rainwater systems perform exactly as promised.

With this landmark development now complete and the future of this abbey secured, Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System ensured an architecturally sympathetic appearance was achieved in the shortest possible time and without the health and safety implications of handling and installing a traditional cast iron system.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt017

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Kitchens & Bathrooms

Water Waste With the Environment Agency predicting an extra 3.6 billion litres of water will be required each day by 2050 to meet the nation’s rising demand, Martin Walker, CEO of Methven, explores how housebuilders can help.

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s national water usage continues to rise at an alarming rate, developers are under increasing pressure to improve both the water and carbon efficiency of their properties. In 2016, the Government updated Approved Document G, requiring all new dwellings to achieve water efficiency of 125 litres per person per day, with an ‘optional’ requirement of 110 litres per day.

As conversations throughout the industry continue to address the potential for the optional 110 litres obligation to become the new legal requirement, developers have the opportunity to take a proactive approach to the showering solutions specified throughout their bathrooms by choosing products that feature a flow rate of 8 litres of less.

Historically, some water efficient showerheads, particularly those at entry level that are commonly constructed of white plastic, have gained a negative reputation with consumers for having poor performance and forcing compromise on the overall bathroom aesthetic.

While many of these products may have significantly reduced the flow rate of water used per minute, the overall function was so limited that individuals had to shower for up to twice as long, resulting in the same level of water usage as a normal shower head.

Whilst the quality of the overall showering experience is essential, aesthetics are also a key priority As a result, Methven research concluded this led to a proportion of homeowners being sceptical of water efficient products and ultimately replacing the shower head with their original, or less efficient, model to gain better performance and visual appeal.

Latest advancements in showering technology is delivering a new generation of high quality, visually appealing chrome showers that feature a contemporary construction, whilst also providing the lowest flow rates available.

This includes systems such as Methven’s unique, contemporary range of Chrome Satinjet handsets, shower roses and fixed shower heads, which offer a flow rate as low as 5.7 litres a minute, without compromising on the overall showering power and experience for the homeowner.

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This is achieved through its unique twin-jet technology, which creates optimum water droplet size and pressure, delivering over 300,000 droplets per second. The result is an immersive, full body showering experience that provides individuals with the highest standards in performance every single time, whilst simultaneously using less water.

Taking the place of ordinary white sanitaryware, is a new era of showering and wider bathroom solutions that offer both style and performance. This is showcased with the current popularity of matte black and metallic finishes, as potential homeowners search for monochrome bathrooms and en suites that feature sleek, streamlined aesthetics combined with eye catching highlights.

By choosing a complementary range of high quality showers, tapware and accessories from a single manufacturer, developers can create an effective and cohesive appearance throughout an entire bathroom that creates a first class finish, whilst actively reducing water usage, yet increasing overall functionality.

Whilst the requirements outlined in Approved Document G may not be updated in the near future, developers have the ideal opportunity throughout next year and beyond to proactively improve the overall water efficiency of their developments by specifying innovative showering technologies that work to actively reduce flow rate, without also reducing performance levels.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt018

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Kitchens & Bathrooms

The Human Touch Sophie Weston, channel marketing manager at Geberit, discusses how existing product design and innovation can help shape the future for housebuilders and developers.

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he term ‘unprecedented’ has been used a lot so far this year but the outbreak of Covid-19, and what its legacy could be, really is like nothing else.

It goes without saying that homebuyers have been preparing to adjust to a new world – one where hygiene is now front of mind as soon as they step outside their front door. One recent study undertaken during the pandemic’s peak found that some 80% of consumers are expecting to change the way they engage with publicly available technology . So, are we set to see a ‘new normal’ in bathroom design?

Importance of the washroom space It’s worth touching briefly upon the history of the bathroom and its evolution alongside disease prevention to put the significance of the space in a little more context. Today’s bathrooms developed alongside the 1950s cholera epidemic, the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and tuberculosis outbreaks. Back then, wallpaper, floorings and finishes were all designed to minimise the spread of bacteria and to promote health and hygiene; the need for bathrooms to be easily cleaned was a crucial consideration.

In later years, when antibiotics and hygiene standards improved, the emphasis shifted from disease prevention in the bathroom. Bathrooms evolved into more sensory spaces, with trends like textured bathrooms in the 70s and into the 80s where carpets and toilet seat

covers were ‘stylish’ additions in the space. More recent decades have seen the transformation of the bathroom into a sanctuary, with innovations such as bluetooth and infra-red technology developing alongside this.

Even before the advent of Covid-19, we were seeing the start of a new frontier in bathroom design and the growth in demand for infra-red products in the bathroom.

Manufacturers have, of course, been producing touchless products for many years and it’s likely that one of the biggest shifts will be even greater demand for this touchless technology – something we at Geberit are now seeing unprecedented demand for from our customers.

Infra-red wall-mounted taps, for example, such as Geberit’s Brenta and Piave products, optimise hand hygiene in washrooms used by non-household members such as guest washrooms – a major area where bacteria can spread between households. Likewise, touchless WC flush controls like Geberit’s Sigma80 and Sigma10 incorporate innovations such as a sensor that allows the unit to flush as soon as the toilet has been used.

Making any guest washroom space touchless wherever possible could soon be a huge consideration for housebuilders and developers.

But it’s not just this infra-red technology that can help put hygiene front-of-mind. More simple product

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developments from manufacturers – for instance, Geberit’s KeraTect Glaze – make cleaning easier with a non-porous and smoother surface; such glazes can also help prevent staining of the ceramics and create a high-gloss, effect. Solutions like this not only help maintain high levels of hygiene but also, crucially, really help to enhance the look and feel of the bathroom as a ‘clean’ space.

Similarly, developments such as Geberit’s Rimfree ceramic appliances and TurboFlush technology can eliminate tricky corners and hard-toreach areas around the pan, with removable toilet seats also helping eradicate any hidden areas where dust and bacteria may proliferate.

Another area we’re predicting real growth in is wall-hung toilets and sanitaryware. Lifting the toilet from the floor naturally makes maintenance and cleaning much easier; and once again, with no hard to reach areas, dirt and dust accumulation is significantly reduced.

At a time when hygiene is in the spotlight, the onus is now on manufacturers, housebuilders and developers to work together to find solutions and designs that provide clean spaces.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt019

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Kitchens & Bathrooms

PHPD catches up with a couple who recently had the opportunity to specify their own Caple kitchen along with property developer Chapel Properties.

Shaker Maker W

hen Chapel Properties gave Sarah and Martin Worswick the chance to put their own personal stamp on every aspect of their new home, they immediately turned to Caple for an open-plan Shaker-style

kitchen. Sarah explains: "We knew we wanted to have plenty of space in which to relax and unwind after a busy day. However, we also wanted ample room in which to entertain. So, we soon realised an open-plan space would

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achieve just what we were looking for.

I'd already got my heart set on a Caple Shaker-style kitchen – their Harptree had caught my attention for some time, so I couldn't wait to get to the kitchen design process."

Sarah sat down with furniture designer Lily Dahl to discuss what the couple wanted from the new kitchen and exactly how they planned to use the space. Lily says: "The initial planning stages can be some of the most important aspects, when it comes to kitchen design. So, I discussed a variety of options with Sarah and Martin from how much storage they would need to the best locations for certain appliances."

Style was important to this couple, however they were also looking for cabinets which would stand the test of time. "I chose a Shaker-style kitchen, because I've always loved this classic look. In addition, I wanted a kitchen which we wouldn't have to rip out in five years or so because it looks dated.

So, this made the perfect choice," Sarah

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explains. The couple chose a two-tone effect with bold blue cabinetry on either wall and a pale grey for the island unit in order to define the kitchen area and give it more depth. Choosing timeless, Shaker-style kitchen furniture would also help them create a more seamless flow from the kitchen to the dining and living area.

The cabinets are bespoke in size and the lacquered oak drawer boxes feature the classic dovetail design. The doors are 75mm ash-framed surrounded by a solid ash beaded frame with feature extended bottom rail. This kitchen also comes with soft-close hinges for smooth opening and curved doors are available.

The central island An island unit was important, but it would need to match the length of the tall Shakerstyle kitchen units for a uniform finish.

However, this suited the couple perfectly.

After all, they were looking for furniture with plenty of storage and ample room for a breakfast bar and hob. This piece of furniture would also make a strong style statement and mean that friends and family can gather round as they cook on their induction downdraft. Sarah adds: "I'd seen this hob in operation before, so I knew it was perfect for our home renovation project. What sets this appliance apart for me is its ability to capture every odour, using Plasma technology. I don't think

I chose a Shaker-style kitchen, because I've always loved this classic look. In addition, I wanted a kitchen which we wouldn't have to rip out in five years or so because it looks dated. So, this made the perfect choice. – Sarah Worswick

there's another extractor available, quite like it. "This appliance also didn't take up much room in the base units below. In fact, the charcoal filter was stored in the plinth, making this a neat option. They added a neat power dock to the island too, with handy USB ports for charging phones and three 13A sockets.

The couple say they had their eye on a steaming water tap right from the start. "I don't like clutter, so this made perfect sense. We could forget about a kettle and use the worktop space for other things such as food prep. We chose Caple's swan neck steaming water tap as I thought the design would blend in," Sarah adds. It looks classic, however Sarah decided to add a modern stainless-steel sink. This model features angular lines for contemporary appeal in the wet zone.

The worktop and flooring Sarah says she really wanted a marblestyle worktop to complement the kitchen.

But she was looking for something which would be affordable and easy to maintain.

So, the couple chose a modern slimline Formica top called Prima Radiance with a marble-effect finish from Kitchen Worktops Online. For the flooring, they chose luxury vinyl as they wanted wood effect but, again, maintenance and pricing would be key. Sarah explains: "We found a beautiful Moduleo tile from Donnelly Watson with a texture for a more realistic finish. It's also hygienic and easy to clean, which enables us to quickly wipe away muddy paws from our cat, Mushka.�

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt020

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Kitchens & Bathrooms

All in one Saniflo UK Head of Marketing and Product Management, Ann Boardman, shares her thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the housebuilding sector and offers some tips for making a strong comeback.

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his year has seen the housebuilding industry come up against one of the most challenging situations ever faced – a global pandemic which put a halt to site everywhere and risked a major dent to buyer confidence going forward.

What is important now is that the industry looks forward to the future and starts planning ahead. This includes building properties that will stand the test of time.

I believe that one of the best ways to futureproof a property is by installing a shower cubicle rather than any other form of showering.

Not only are some shower cubicles – such as the Kinedo range – inclusively designed for multi-generational living, they’re also designed with safety and style in mind. Today’s models are a far cry from the more basic plastic designs from many years ago. With anti-slip trays, sleek opaque glass back and side walls and a high quality level of shower controls and internal fittings, the products of today are often surprising to those yet to come across them.

Not only that, shower cubicles are the best option for timber-framed properties where the building can flex and cause tiling and plaster to crack. Designed to be leak-free, they offer peace of mind against undetected leaks that can damage the

integrity of a timber-framed property.

As they’re quick and easy to install – some Kinedo models can be installed and ready to use within the same day – housebuilders and property developers can save time (and therefore money), and reduce the hassle factor of installing multiple bathrooms in one home.

We know that independent bathroom installers love shower cubicles. The fact that no tiling or grout is required, means jobs are completed faster with less mess and fuss, resulting in higher profit margins and happy customers.

The wide variety of housebuilders and property developers who have already chosen the Kinedo range of shower cubicles report high levels of customer satisfaction. Consumers love the fact that our shower cubicles are easy to keep looking pristine, even with heavy use, many years after installation.

Our most recent range, Brooklyn, was launched at KBB in Birmingham. The feedback we received was phenomenal, with some even saying that Brooklyn is our best shower cubicle yet. I don’t know about that, as I think we have some fabulous styles in the portfolio, but what our ongoing launches of new models show, is that shower cubicles are

extremely versatile and that we can design a range to suit rapidly changing market demands and changing trends.

If cubicles are not an option for you, then consider the Kinedo shower enclosure range. We design our enclosures with some of the same philiosophy as our shower cubicles. We understand that quick installation is also important when it comes to enclosures. That’s why, the Kinedo Fast 2000, has the word ‘fast’ in its name. It’s one of the easiest and quickest shower enclosures to install available on the market today.

Our natural texture trays, such as Kinestone and Kinerock, offer versatile flooring options. This patented material, available exclusively from Kinedo, offers a stone effect in a range of colours that are anti-slip and cuttable.

Our technical team is on hand to answer all queries during working hours and our 100-strong Service Engineer network is available for total aftercare.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt021

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Baxi Heating UK Ltd ......................................................page 18

Norbord Europe Ltd ..............................................pages 21,24

Birkdale Sales ..................................................................page 13

OMNIE ..............................................................................page 15

Brookson 5097 Ltd ........................................................page 33

Reginox UK Ltd ..............................................................page 29

Domus Ventilation ........................................................page 23

Stelrad Radiators ............................................................page 31

ERA Home Security Ltd ..............................inside front cover

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34 november/december Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

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last word Stewart Dalgarno, AIMCH Project Director and Stewart Milne Group Director of Product Development, discusses the latest innovation in housebuilding.

All in a day’s work I n 2019 the annual housebuilding target was missed by 138,978. The UK Government wants 300,000 new homes built a year – a number not hit in 50 years. Traditional methods of construction simply fall short on delivering the volume of homes required.

The events of 2020 have emphasised the need to transform the housing and construction industries if we are to deliver the quality homes needed to meet current and future demand.

Is it possible to build a wind and watertight superstructure in a day?

This is exactly what the Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes project set out to do when started 18 months ago, trialling a range of solutions that could help to tackle the housing crisis by building new homes faster.

Working with the UK’s biggest housebuilders, the project is a national meta-study to compare new and old manufacturing methods on actual building sites, and the impact modern methods of construction has on the housebuilding industry. We are now halfway through the three-year project, and more than ever, we are convinced that MMC, such as offsite panelised systems and digital working, offer unrivalled benefits.

The project is collecting findings across different sub-studies: on-site monitoring, productivity, cost, and digital and industrial innovation. Some of this innovation includes augmented reality,

These new smarter ways of working will help the industry to achieve more with less.

offsite panelised systems, and roof trusses being lifted fully into place.

So the answer to the question is yes, we can build a wind and watertight home structure in a day. In fact homes can be erected in under six hours using Panelised MMC offsite construction technology, and findings from the first half of the project are extremely encouraging showing that we can build homes significantly faster.

Getting to wind and water stage is critical to building a home efficiently and cost effectively. The AIMCH MMC systems ensure the building envelope is completed fast and to a high quality, using pre-insulated wall systems, factory fitted windows, pre-loading materials and roofing systems that can be pretiled, without the need for scaffolding or safety decking during the construction process. Optimising the crane to a single day ensures buildings can be progressed internally and externally immediately after the building envelope is completed. From foundation level to completion, can take as little as 8 to10 weeks, depending on house size and complexity, half the time of traditional masonry methods. This balanced approach ensures controlled processes with a high predictability of achieving completion dates on time. Weather risks are eliminated and follow on trades can work in parallel and in harmony, derisking the reliance on bricklaying skills and availability of workers.

However the fast delivery of homes does not result in reduced quality. In fact, AIMCH study findings so far support a reduction in defects using modern methods of construction. This coupled with the advantages of productivity gain, and the potential for cost reduction, whilst also reducing cash usage and development funding costs, demonstrates

that MMC can deliver the transformation required by the industry.

The technological changes mean we’ll also need a workforce equipped with the necessary skillset to support the transformation in housebuilding and construction industries. This brings the opportunity to attract new talent with digital skills, making the sector more appealing and creating a diverse workforce. These new smarter ways of working will help the industry to achieve more with less, the need for which has been highlighted even more this year as the industry adapts to working through ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

It has been a challenging year for the sector, yet despite this, we are achieving fantastic outcomes. Much has been achieved since the AIMCH project started 18 months ago, and we are incredibly excited about the next part of the journey where we will be looking at creating a future factory model, design standardisation, studying productivity, commercial viability, embodied carbon, and implementing new technologies. We will drive the adoption of MMC by derisking it for small to medium businesses, making construction a more digitally integrated, manufacturing and assemblybased sector that delivers the required high volume of sustainable quality homes that society needs.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dt022

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