l Biodiversity Net Gain regulations
l From semi-retirement to Lofthouse luxury
l Taking a ‘whole life’ view of timber
l Part L compliance since June
HEATING & VENTILATION
l Part F revisions and the end of transition
l Key considerations for heat pumps and UFH
INTERIORS: MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACES
14 Back to the floor Paul Beaney, strategic director of Lofthouse Residences, talks about the state of luxury housebuilding and why he decided to trade in semiretirement for a return to the fray
15 Onsite versus off Meadfleet operations director and ecologist Samantha Hursey looks
19 Unpicking fabric first John Mellor, senior product manager at Glidevale Protect, looks at energy efficient ‘hidden protectors’ in buildings
31 Race to zero
The race to net zero is on, with changing building regulations driving a shift towards more energy efficient and climate resilient homes Gonzalo Bunse of Wienerberger UK and Ireland reports.
34 Life sentence
Scott Wolters, building products sales manager at Egger UK, explains why builders need to take a ‘whole life’ view of timber building products
37 L for lower carbon
The grace period for Part L compliance ended on June 15th, leaving no doubts about the Government’s ambitions for low-emission homes Steve Callow, housing manager, MPA Masonry, reports
40 Change of air
Paul Williams, ventilation product manager at Domus, looks at the revised Part F of the Building Regulations and the end of transition.
43 Lower the flow
Darren Trivett, CEO of the Ridgespear Group, discusses some of the key considerations to specifying heat pumps and underfloor heating systems
Editors
Johnny Dobbyn
John Levick
phpd@hamerville co uk
Group Advertisement Manager
Craig Jowsey
07900 248102
craig@hamerville co uk
Northern Area Sales
Ian Duff
07810 353 525
probuilder@sky com
Design
Adeel Qadri
Group Production Manager
Carol Padgett
Production Assistant
Kerri Smith
Circulation Manager
Kirstie Day
Printer Stephens & George Ltd
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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 © 2023
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Dr Kristian Niemietz, Head of Political Economy at the Institute of Economic Affairs, recently wrote that pro-housing voters do not reward development-friendly politicians come election time; while anti-development voters support NIMBY politicians at the ballot box.
And this is why no party, regardless of hue, promotes development and useful planning reform in their manifestos, because there are no votes in it
NIMBY voters punish anyone in favour of progressive housing policies, while taking very few other issues into consideration, and always reward NIMBY politicians Those voters who favour more development and would benefit from progressive policies – mostly people under 40 – don’t factor that into their voting choices and even vote NIMBY when it’s not in their interest to do so
These include the one in three households in the UK who live in rented accommodation and would obviously benefit from lower rents, or the chance of becoming homeowners; and the hundreds of thousands of thirtysomethings and younger under who still live with their parents
So why hasn’t the YIMBY (Yes in My Back Yard) bloc coalesced in the same way as the NIMBY?
This, says Niemietz, is because those voters haven’t made a connection between housing costs and housebuilding Not only would more housebuilding reduce their rents and make it easier for them to buy houses, it leads to lower government spending (through reduced social costs associated with housing), thus potentially lower taxes, increased productivity and greater socio-economic mobility Building, as we all know, is one of the great engines of the economy and what is good for building generally works out as being good for everyone else too
Obviously, the industry can’t expect the current regime to do anything about this It has shown itself unable to resist pressure applied by its NIMBY MPs and members, and all of its interventions in the market appear to be harmful. As reported last month, Keir Starmer is smiling benevolently at the sector with claims not to be a building “blocker” yet there is nothing to suggest that, should he become PM, he won’t fold in the face of pressure from his own demonstrably NIMBY MPs
You wonder where housebuilding’s ‘trade associations’ have been in all this? Yes: some very good research is undertaken and some heavy hitting papers published, yet none of that has shifted the needle one degree with Government in producing industry friendly policies (And let’s be honest about Help to Buy or the stamp duty holiday here: they were fun while they lasted, yet have just added fuel to the current economic fire)
We’re sure they’d claim they lobby Parliament, and lobby Parliament hard, on behalf of housebuilding, but long experience shows that often ‘lobbying’ is more about hob-nobbing and taking tea on the terrace of the House, while everybody tuts, shakes their heads and wishes something could be done.
Perhaps instead, Niemietz’s view of the YIMBY should be taken on board and campaigning shouldn’t revolve around G&Ts in SW1A, but more on building an angry coalition of voters, aware of what better planning and more housebuilding will do for them, and one prepared to both punish and reward politicians accordingly as its NIMBY opposition does already
Ben Hall, a 22-year-old joinery apprentice from Lancashire, has been recognised with the Overcoming Adversity Award at The Young Person in Construction Awards 2023 held by the Construction Development Alliance Despite cancer, Ben successfully completed his joinery apprenticeship at Blackburn’s H&S Joinery, thanks to his resilience and the support of his workplace
Soon after starting his apprenticeship, Ben was diagnosed with cancer Despite this, he balanced treatment appointments with his college lessons, focusing on his future career to push through the challenges H&S Joinery's support, including counselling and the promise to stand by him, was instrumental in his success
Only a fifth of UK homeowners believe the Government is doing enough to combat the housing crisis, new research from Market Financial Solutions (MFS) has revealed
The specialist lender commissioned an independent survey of 1,323 UK homeowners It found that just 21% feel the government is taking sufficient action to address the country’s housing crisis, with a significant majority (69%) stating that the lack of affordable housing is one of the most pressing social issues in the UK
At the time of writing, the Bank of England’s base rate has risen 13 consecutive times since December 2021, jumping from 0 1% to 5% Less than three in ten (28%) homeowners think the government has done enough to support people with mortgages during this period.
In the same period, there have been six different housing ministers, and the survey revealed that just a fifth (20%) of homeowners are aware of who the current housing minister is (Rachel Maclean MP)
Meanwhile, after the Government dropped its mandatory housebuilding
Bancon Homes has won Starter Home of the Year for The Carden at The Aspire Residence, Aberdeen in the 2023 Scottish Home Awards, announced on June 22nd
The company was also shortlisted in four other categories, namely: Apartment Development of the Year (Private Sale) –the Aspire Residence, Aberdeen; Starter Home of the Year – the Carden at The
Aspire Residence, Aberdeen; House of the Year – the Raeburn at The Reserve at Eden, Aberdeen; Housing Development of the Year (Large Private Sale) – Lochside of Leys, Banchory It was also nominated for the first time in the Housebuilder of the Year (more than 100 units) category
“This was fantastic for the Bancon team who work so hard creating new homes for
East Yorkshire-based Beal Homes is using the latest in immersive 3D technology to help house hunters find their new home Beal has teamed up with technology innovator Futurium to offer a digital experience to customers
Using Futurium’s 3D interactive software, househunters can take a virtual tour of Beal developments, explore inside the housebuilder’s luxury house types and select their perfect plot, even before a single brick has been laid
“Traditionally, people looking to buy a new-build home were limited to visiting a
marketing suite on a construction site and viewing one-dimensional house type images, floorplans and development plans,” explains Jamie Barrington, Beal’s sales operations manager
“That meant it was difficult for househunters to visualise plots in the context of the development, appreciate how individual homes would look and imagine the street scene
“This technology takes the guesswork out of it and enables buyers to see exactly what their chosen home and outdoor space will look like and precisely where it
targets in December 2022, 58% of homeowners consider the Government to be prioritising property taxation and regulation, rather than building new homes
Paresh Raja, CEO of MFS, said: “The housing crisis is a major issue in the UK, and our research shows that there is a lack of confidence among homeowners and homebuyers that the government is addressing it This is likely, in part, a reflection of the turbulence Westminster has experienced in the last year, with changes of leadership bringing about new priorities
“ W i t h i n t e r e s t r a t e s r i s i n g r a p i d l y i n t h e l a s t 1 8 m o n t h s , t h e s t u d y c l e a r l y h i g h l i g h t s t h a t s o m e h o m e o w n e r s f e e l l e f t b e h i n d , s o s u p p o r t i n g t h o s e w i t h m o r t g a g e s a n d e n c o u r a g i n g m o r e h o u s e b u i l d i n g o u g h t t o b e a t t h e t o p o f t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’ s t o - d o l i s t
MFS’s research also found that one in three (31%) homeowners believe that high inflation and rising interest rates will result in a property market crash in the next 12 months Positively, though, over half (52%) see property as a safe investment in the current climate
our customers,” commented managing director Allan Clow
“To not only have three of our developments nominated but also Bancon recognised in the housebuilder of the year category, is a major achievement”
will be located within the development
Futurium’s iX3D system is part of the facilities on offer at the Beal Showroom in Hessle, East Yorkshire Beal has invested £5 5m in the facility, with enhanced and expanded facilities and features, including a Design Lounge where buyers enjoy the housebuilder’s design service
Historic England is introducing The Building Stones Database for England It's the first online tool of its kind in the country, collecting data on more than 4,000 types of building stone, their applications and origins. The database features various stones – from Portland stone to Millstone Grit – that are crucial in shaping England's unique buildings
Understanding the different types of vernacular building, and the stone used in their construction, is also important for new developments, as outlined in the National Model Design Code approach It helps to respect and enhance the existing character of the surrounding area and create a sense of place
This tool is designed to preserve England's historic stone structures and
potentially
reduce the carbon impact of restorations. The Building Stones Database for England is free and comes with 45 detailed guides, shedding light on the geology and characteristic stone structures in different regions across the country
“England’s diverse geology has given rise to a huge variety of building stones, which in turn has helped shape our historic landscape – from cottages to grand castles, industrial mills to bridges,” Clara Willett, Senior Building Conservation Advisor at Historic England, said The creation of this new database is a collaborative effort led by Historic England, joined by the British Geological Survey, local geologists, experts in historic buildings, and volunteers.
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M i d l a n d s h a v e r a i s e d £ 2 0 0 f o r S p o r t e d U K t h r o u g h c o m p e t i n g i n t h e
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e q u a l i t y f o r y o u n g p e o p l e t h r o u g h g r a s s r o o t s s p o r t s a n d p h y s i c a l a c t i v i t y .
The National House Building Council (NHBC) has launched a new training hub near Histon Football Club in Cambridge Built with the Hill Group, the facility can train more than 100 apprentices each year and is equipped with classrooms, welfare and catering facilities to provide apprentices with a realistic working environment
The hub is the third dedicated training facility built by NHBC – the first was launched in Tamworth in 2021 and the second in Newcastle last year
Jennifer Kehoe, a former police constable, is now doing her Level 2 bricklaying NVQ apprenticeship at the hub. “The training hub is set up like a real building site and it offers fast
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has strongly criticised the failure to prevent life-threatening diseases linked to dust exposure at work
As a response, the HSE is preparing to target construction sites across Great Britain this summer
The HSE's Dust Kills campaign, which provides complimentary advice to businesses and workers about necessary control measures to prevent dust exposure, supports the inspections These summer inspections will emphasise the respiratory hazards associated with dust exposure.
The inspections, part of an initiative focusing on respiratory health, will scrutinise dust control measures, ensuring that employers and workers understand the risks, plan their work, and implement the appropriate controls They will examine the measures implemented to shield workers from inhaling construction dusts, including silica and wood dust, and will also ensure that asbestos-containing materials are properly managed or removed to mitigate exposure
Michael Thomas, HSE’s chief inspector of construction, expressed his concern: “It's distressing to witness construction workers dying each year from diseases exacerbated by their work It's inexcusable in the modern age when we have the means to prevent occupational lung disease "
Thomas urged both employers and workers to take precautions now to safeguard their long-term lung health and avoid the catastrophic consequences that could arise
learning which helped me switch my career,” she says “The first five weeks at the NHBC Training Hub got me ready to go onto a building site "
Since becoming a registered apprenticeship provider in 2020, NHBC has trained 347 apprentices in bricklaying and construction site supervision
The Dust Kills campaign supports this initiative by offering straightforward advice on the Work Right website, aimed at employers, small builders, and workers, to help everyone grasp the risks and maintain their health on-site
Plans for Poole high street
AJC Group wants to demolish an existing three-storey commercial building at 245-251 High Street North, Poole, and build a fivestorey apartment building in its place. The new building would include a commercial unit on the ground floor
It has submitted an outline planning application to the Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch (BCP) Council for this redevelopment The plan includes 32 apartments, with 28 onebedroom homes and four two-bedroom apartments
AJC Group is allocating 10% of the project for affordable housing, with potential to increase this percentage later in the planning process It also plans to make seven of the apartments 'accessible and adaptable homes', following M4(2) regulations, with a lift to provide wheelchair access to all floors
Christchurch-based ARC Architecture worked on the application, submitting a design that features full-length windows at the front and, on the ground floor, a cycle store, providing one bike space for each apartment, and a bin store
Sleekburn approval
Consett-based Amethyst Homes has received planning approval to build an additional 48 homes in Sleekburn, south east Northumberland following the success of its Sleekburn View development near the River Blythe
The new development, called The Pastures, is nearby and will consist of seven different house styles, including attached and detached properties with two, three, and four bedrooms Five of these homes will be designated affordable housing.
First zero carbon homes for ‘nam Newland Homes has unveiled the first of 27 new homes in Cheltenh emissions The homes, called 'Pear Trees,' are being built in response to the urgent need to address climate change
Each of these five-bedroom detached homes features solar-powered air source heat pump As a result, these homes are self-sufficient in terms of energy, producing as much energy as they require to function. This leads to lower energy costs for homeowners and reduces the environmental impact of everyday living
These homes emit no net carbon emissions during their use, which is a significant improvement compared to the average UK home, which emits 3 6 tonnes of CO2 per year (according to the HBF Watt a Save report in February 2023)
As part of the development, nine affordable zero carbon properties have been constructed in collaboration with Cheltenham Borough Homes
The developer plans to begin construction in the summer of 2023, with the first residents expected to move in during the spring of 2024 The entire project is projected to be completed by the end of 2025 As part of the development, Amethyst Homes will also be construct new footpaths that will connect to the bus stops on Brock Lane to improve accessibility
New Forest scheme boosts wildlife
Bargate Homes has been granted planning permission from the New Forest District Council for an initial plan to construct up to 110 new residences on a plot of 15 8 acres (6 4 hectares) in the coastal village of Pennington, Hampshire
Bargate will now draft a Reserved Matters application for a selection of energy-efficient, EPC-rated homes, ranging from one to four bedrooms
Some 63% of the land area will be committed to habitat conservation and the creation of public open spaces
Half of these homes will be turned over to Vivid – the parent company of Bargate Homes – to be utilized as affordable housing Bargate’s design includes numerous distinct plots for development, each fronting green space, trees, and plant life Overall, the project promises a 10% net increase in biodiversity
Proposals include three unique clusters of housing, each characterized by their distinctive features and details Based on Bargate Homes’ local area study, Pennington predominantly features red brick, render, and stained timber cladding buildings, adorned with arched brick headers, red roof tiles, window glazing bars, and chimneys on distinctive residences
Plan for Marshall quarry
Edenstone Group is developing an eight-acre quarry into a housing development in Bleadon after receiving planning permission form North Somerset Council The quarry, which was bought from Marshalls already had outline planning permission
After acquiring the site Edenstone submitted a reserved matters application detailing its proposals, after working closely with Bristol-based Grassroots Planning.
After demolition and remediation work, construction of 29 private sale properties and 13 affordable homes will begin in late summer/ autumn These homes will be a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, plus office and retail space
Environmental measures include a tree-lined main street, green open space for community events, cycle storage, a community orchard and pond, plus electric vehicle charging facilities.
The first homes at the development should be on sale in early 2024, while the whole scheme will be completed by the end of 2025
Final phase of college conversion
Floreat Homes and building
ntractor S J Roberts Construction
h ve started work on the final phase of Radbrook Village, a luxury housing development in Shrewsbury located at the site of an old college. They plan to release 27 homes in this last phase of development, with the first homes set to become available later this year
The properties will consist of a variety of three, four, and fivebedroom houses They plan to sell twenty-three of these homes on the open market, while four will be for shared ownership, a first for this development
Walker House, a large, double-fronted building that was in use during the site's college days, will undergo transformation into two large semi-detached homes These homes will offer a blend of period style and modern features
T h i s f o l l o w s t h e r e f u r b i s h m e n t o f R a d b r o o k H a l l , a l a r g e V i c t o r i a n s c h o o l h o u s e , d u r i n g a n e a r l i e r p h a s e o f t h e d e v e l o p m e n t T h e r e f u r b i s h e d s c h o o l h o u s e n o w s e r v e s a s a c e n t r e p i e c e f o r t h e l u x u r y s c h e m e .
Life Less Ordinary has acquired an office building in Maidenhead with planning consent for conversion to residential and will now submit a revised planning application to refine the current consent and put forwards its own model for modern open plan living “Maidenhead has long been a sought?after location given its proximity to London and this has been boosted since the launch of the Elizabeth Line,” Hinesh Chawda, Director at Life Less Ordinary comments
Hayfield starts Over
Solihull-based Hayfield has begun building Hayfield Lodge a development project valued at £20m in Over, Cambridgeshire, that will provide 44 new homes
In partnership with RM Contractors, Hayfield has begun work on this seven-acre plan, which features a selection of EPC A-rated two-bedroom bungalows, along with two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom houses. Eighteen of these homes have been allocated for affordable housing
The dwellings are prepared for zero carbon living and comes standard with solar PV panels, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, sound-reducing studies, and electric vehicle fast-charging points The scheme, conceived by Woods Hardwick, includes a full-size football pitch
St. Modwen Homes has secured approval for the construction of 183 homes in Longbridge, once one of the biggest car plants in Europe Now to be known as St Modwen Homes at West Works, the former car factory will become a mixed-use community, complete with green spaces and eco-friendly transportation options.
The inaugural phase of the residential construction will encompass a variety of one, two, three, and four-bedroom houses and flats, including 58 affordable homes The development also includes a 1 5km walking and cycling path, featuring a nature trail and an art installation Scannable QR codes and sculptures will be installed along the route
Apartment block replaces former mental home Dorsetheadquartered AJC Group is seeking planning application to redevelop the former NHS Becton Centre, a 0.35ha (0.86-acre) brownfield site in Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire The proposal involves razing the existing structure and redeveloping the site into a single building that will house 31 modern apartments
The Becton Centre, once under the management of Southern Health Foundation Trust, was originally built in the 1950s as a residential facility for older people with mental health issues
AJC Group’s full planning application for the redevelopment of the site has been prepared by RTPI-accredited L Planning A collection of high EPC-rated one- to three-bedroom apartments is proposed, designed by ARC Architects
More the Merrywood Sigma Homes, based in West Sussex, has introduced Merrywood –an £18m residential project located in the Surrey village of Thames Ditton This 1 2-acre development, comprising 26 apartments and houses, all equipped with an EV charging point and constructed to achieve an EPC-B rating.
The first phase of the brownfield site will provide 12 semi-detached three-bedroom houses, ready for occupation by December 2023
The interior layout for the three-bedroom homes is designed over two and a half floors and includes a dedicated study in addition to the bedrooms. Features include modern kitchens equipped with Bosch appliances, fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms, and premium vinyl and carpeting provided as standard throughout
Spitfire Homes has opened a new show apartment at The Jephson Portfolio in Royal Leamington Spa, which comprises houses and apartments The Midlands-based developer has restored the original Victorian country house into nine apartments which have stone detailing, hanging tiles and finials and are surrounded by 7 5 acres of woodland and green space and reached through a private driveway with automatic gates
The show apartment is part of the Spitfire’s Bespoke Collection It's a two-bedroom apartment on the ground floor with an open floor plan with a custom kitchen replete with a quartz worktop and built-in appliances Both bedrooms have fitted wardrobes with sliding mirrored doors and the main bedroom has an en suite
All the bathrooms have white Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware, fitted mirrored cabinets and full height ceramic tiling All properties also have basement storage and private parking, including electric car charging points
The latest figures from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), published in May, show Q1 2023 total value sales to builders and contractors recorded a -2.3% slide in year-on-year growth, with volume sales falling -16.4% countered by +16.9% price inflation. With one more trading day this year, likefor-like value sales were3.8% lower.
Nine of the 12 categories sold more in Q1 2023 compared to the previous year with Renewables & Water Saving (+42.3%) head and shoulders above the rest Workwear & Safetywear (+14 9%), Decorating (+13.9%) and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+12 8%) performed well while Heavy Building Materials (+3.3%) grew more slowly. Services (4 5%), Timber & Joinery Products (-15 3%) and Landscaping (-18 3%) all sold less
Total value sales were up +5 8% in Q1 2023 compared to Q4 2022 Volume sales edged up +0 6% and prices climbed +5 2% With five more trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were -2 5% lower than October to December 2022 Renewables & Water Saving (+22.3%) was the strongest category, followed by Tools (+11 8%), Ironmongery (+11 1%) and Heavy Building Materials (+6 4%) Services (-2 4%) was the weakest category
Total value sales for March 2023 were -6 7% lower than March 2022 Volume sales fell -19.7% year-on-year and prices rose +16 2% There was no difference in trading days Seven of the 12 categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving (+26 6%) again taking the lead March total merchant sales were +14 8% ahead of February 2023 Volume sales were +13 2% higher and price inflation was up +1 4% All categories sold more, with seasonal category Landscaping (+25 4%) increasing the most, followed by Workwear & Safetywear (+19 3%)
Kevin Tolson, commercial director Wienerberger UK and BMBI’s expert for bricks & roof tiles said: “The first few months of 2023 haven't been easy for the construction sector but we had been expecting it to be tougher
“Twenty twenty-two saw an unprecedented amount of demand for construction materials, so compared to that, the beginning of 2023 was bound to seem a bit slower On the bright side, construction work has been more active than we thought it would be, and people's overall confidence in the economy hasn't gone down as much as expected
“The Office for National Statistics indicated we're not headed for a recession this year after all, with growth predicted to be at +0 2%, which is much better than the prediction from the Winter Forecast in January that was a contraction of -0 7%
“It's also been great to see a real shift towards focusing on Net-Zero from many in our industry as we start this year As manufacturers, we'll keep finding the best solutions that meet our sustainability goals, but we'll also make sure we're still offering the best products and solutions for our trade customers ”
BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, visit www.bmbi.co.uk.
PHPD recently met with Paul Beaney, strategic director of Lofthouse Residences, to find out more about the current state of luxury housebuilding and why he decided to trade in a comfortable semiretirement for a return to the sector.
What are your perceptions of today’s market in general? Where are the big opportunities – or the major barriers to progress?
Demand for quality homes remains strong, particularly driven by a lack of supply However, build cost inflation, rising interest rates and cost of living increases will likely temper demand somewhat in the second half of 2023
In terms of regulations, what needs to change? And given the current planning farrago, what would you like to see from the NPPF?
The planning system needs to be reviewed. Currently the time it takes to get an application through planning and the red tape involved is ridiculous It’s crippling the industry, will put some firms out of business and is depriving people of much needed housing
What is your philosophy in terms of upmarket housebuilding?
I’ve had a passion for every property I’ve built
I build it as if I’m building it for myself (which I have done) I don’t want to waste money, I don’t want to do things twice No cutting corners, and ‘good enough’ never is Value engineering is key – building the best quality property for the best price
How much potential do you see for Lofthouse Residences?
I believe we can differentiate ourselves, even in the luxury housebuilding sector. We’re very well-funded, which provides the flexibility to grow with confidence There is a deeply felt passion for doing things right among David [Lofthouse] and his team, which I totally buy into I’m really looking forward to the years ahead, helping to put Lofthouse on the map and establishing it as the Bentley of UK luxury homebuilding
What does being a strategic director involve?
I t ’ s c o n v e n i e n t l y a m b i g u o u s ! I t g i v e s m e f r e e r e i n t o g e t i n v o l v e d i n p r e t t y m u c h a n y t h i n g I l i k e , f r o m h i g h - l e v e l s t r a t e g i c d i r e c t i o n t o s o u r c i n g s u p p l i e r s , s u bc o n t r a c t o r s , a r c h i t e c t u r a l a n d l a n d c o n t a c t s , a n d m u c h e l s e b e s i d e s I ’ m g e n u i n e l y e x c i t e d t o g e t b a c k t o t h e s t a g e o f m y c a r e e r t h a t I r e a l l y e n j o y e d – b e i n g o n s i t e , h a n d s - o n , h e l p i n g t o m a k e a m a z i n g p r o p e r t i e s h a p p e n a n d g r o w t h e b u s i n e s s .
You then took early retirement in 2020, but recently came back to work for Lofthouse. Did the golf course lose its appeal?
Not really. I did enjoy working on my handicap, as well as travelling and spending more time with the family
Maybe it was being so heavily involved in the building of my own home that reminded me that I still have sand and cement coursing through my veins
But I always enjoyed working with a passionate team of like-minded people, and I recognised plenty of them in Lofthouse. I was eager to get involved, but it had to be properly hands-on – I wanted to contribute practically to the growth of the company rather than have a typical non-executive director role involving one day’s work a month and a decent lunch
phpd@hamerville.co.uk
For more on Lofthouse Residences, go to www.rdr.link/dao001
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations effective from November 2023 will affect all new planning applications, with 10% minimum compulsory enhancements and 30-year management requirements This is designed to ensure that an area is left more ecologically diverse after development
With this comes the debate of whether the gain should be focused onsite or offsite Onsite is the preference outlined by the guidance, with local authorities more likely to approve applications. This is because it works alongside initiatives like the Green Infrastructure Framework, a commitment in the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan to create a network of accessible green spaces and climate resilient towns and cities across England
Onsite habitat creation would provide spaces of higher quality within urban areas It also ensures gains are being created where they are to be lost. This is also considered the cheapest way to deliver BNG, as the developer already owns the land You can create new habitats within its footprint and improve or restore existing habitats to hit the BNG target
However, research suggests that close to 90% of developers believe the availability of land for onsite mitigation to be the biggest challenge, with offsite delivery at some degree a necessity. With land suitable for development being in high demand, developers will want to maximise building space within a parcel
There is some thought that onsite delivery should be achievable with carefully designed layouts avoiding areas with the highest loss and maximising enhancements such as grasses, trees, and SuDS
Some would say there are more benefits for biodiversity to be achieved by creating larger areas off-site than smaller areas onsite Yet the metric incentivises onsite and local delivery of BNG, with units outside the Local Planning Authority boundary more expensive for developers to deliver.
The third option is to purchase BNG credits that would then be used to create biodiversity elsewhere in the UK. However, it is still unclear as to whether a developer will need to demonstrate how they have applied the mitigation hierarchy and exhausted all possible options onsite before seeking BNG options further afield
Onsite will be the initial requisite of the new legislation so with most future developments incorporating BNG within their green infrastructure its management is a key consideration for developers and Local Planning Authorities across England to ensure the 30-year covenant is met Customer and community engagement is key to the success of BNG For some time, we have been positively promoting biodiversity and providing information on the benefits to our customers as well as aligning their views and expectations of how these enhancements are delivered on the ground. This includes our awardwinning Bee Friendly campaign which was established in 2019 to create new habitats for pollinators and provides multiple opportunities for customer and community engagement and education
For more information on Meadfleet’s services, go www.rdr.link/dao002
Following revisions to the Building Regulations, there has been a significant focus on how new homes can be better built to reduce the environmental impact of both their construction and operation The widely accepted fabric first approach to housebuilding has helped to add clarity on how these efficiencies can be made –by making as many improvements to the building fabric as possible to reduce the reliance on other more costly and energy intensive mechanical or electrical service systems, as well as the greater adoption of natural ventilation strategies for indoor air comfort
It has also forced housebuilders and architects to take a closer look at the elements that comprise the building envelope and understand not just how they work individually but how they can work as a specified system to achieve better results This view needs to go further than specifying low U-value doors and windows on a scheme, and beyond simply adding more insulation
For a fabric first approach to be truly effective, there needs to be a greater understanding of the products installed within the wall structure such as breather membranes and air and vapour control layers and their benefits in terms of thermal efficiency and airtightness
Reducing air leakage is key to helping buildings retain heat and the 2022 changes to Part L of the Building
Regulations means that new homes must meet even lower U-value targets Here, the correct specification and accurate installation of wall construction membranes is vital The most energy efficient membranes are those with low emissivity reflective surfaces which provide an additional insulating benefit to both warm and cold sides of the insulation
As the effectiveness of a reflective membrane is dependent on the quality of the foil faced surface in terms of how it performs as a radiant barrier, choosing products that feature high quality aluminium and provide good aged thermal resistance is advisable When used within a still airspace, aluminium reflective membranes can significantly reduce radiant heat transfer, ensuring the cavity becomes low emissivity, which is a vital part of improving energy efficiency in buildings
Airtightness can be boosted by using specialist air and vapour control layer membranes (AVCLs), which are installed on the warm side of the insulation to further limit heat loss When installing an AVCL, it's essential to create a continuous airtight seal, paying particular attention to service penetrations, overlaps and junctions between different elements, such as a wall and floor or a window and wall Any gaps, however small, can become thermal bridges where heat can easily escape and cause an accumulation of condensation which in turn can cause mould and mildew to form
Some of the most effective energy efficiency products are those that are not only often hidden from view, but also overlooked in discussions about design and specification. John Mellor, senior product manager at Glidevale Protect, explains why these ‘hidden protectors’ should be brought centre stage.
To create a reliable and continuous seal, the use of specialist adhesive tape which have a high tack adhesive, offers greater accuracy than traditional double-sided tapes or mastic sealant
Creating a well-sealed and thermally efficient home is only part of the challenge Without a considered plan to balance airtightness with ventilation and reduce the risk of condensation, problems will arise that can negatively impact both the health of the building fabric and the residents within
Again, the development and specification of air and vapour control layers can provide an effective solution as well as combining this with a natural building ventilation solution A ‘build tight, ventilate right’ approach can help ensure a healthy and energy efficient home is specified
For structural timber framed homes built using offsite construction methods, it’s important to also consider the installation of an external wall breather membrane to the cold side of the insulation Not only can this help prevent water penetrating and damaging the exterior of the building during the construction, but breather membranes can significantly reduce the risk of interstitial condensation and the formation of damp patches
When used as a system of wall membranes within a timber frame closed panel for example, the combination of an AVCL and breather membrane can provide benefits in terms of condensation control and if low emissivity reflective membranes are used, this can ensure greater thermal performance and a low overall U-value.
Cavity trays are an important part of housebuilding but owing to numerous examples of poor installation and the frequency of wetter and windier weather, they have come under closer scrutiny over the last few years A cavity tray itself is a purpose-designed product to prevent water penetration and damp problems, shaped to collect downward moving water from within a cavity wall and divert
the water, via weepholes, to the external face of the wall.
Cavity trays are required anywhere where the external wall cavity is bridged or where an external wall becomes an internal wall at a lower level
Specific solutions are available for brick, block or random stone external masonry walls
The quality of installation is essential and so it’s important to partner with a reputable specialist contractor and to take advantage of the innovations and technical support available from the cavity tray manufacturer
Common installation problems include trays not being fitted to the correct height or not linking with the flashings and this has led to the development of prefabricated cavity trays that have been designed for ease of installation and feature integral pitch marks on the back of each tray to avoid incorrect positioning
It’s also important that all cavity trays specified must adhere to the relevant Building Regulations, NHBC Standards and BS Code requirements
With so much to consider so early in the design of new homes, close collaboration within the supply chain is the most effective way for housebuilders and contractors to understand how the building fabric can be constructed to maximize the overall energy efficiency and quality of a build
With greater focus on the ‘golden thread’ of specification and numerous challenging targets to meet, it’s never been more important to have full visibility on all the different product components that comprise the building fabric And although they are often out of sight, such ‘hidden protectors’ as specialist membranes, air and vapour control layers, and cavity trays, should never be out of sight, out of mind
With net zero fast approaching along with new building regulations, we can keep everything under one roof for a complete endto-end consultation to installation service.
Our experienced consultants are able to provide a holistic assessment of your requirements, giving an individual, future proof charging solution that looks at available capacity on site and the ways to get the most charging for that site We’ll also roll-out over-the-air upgrades when they’re available
We're experienced in managing EV projects from design to installation and even operations when they're live, as well as being able to give installations an accreditation by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)
Energise your housing development –from 100% REGO backed electricity to electric vehicle charging, metering, district heating networks and street lighting All so much easier with one supplier: E ON
There’s never been a better time to invest in Electric Vehicle (EV) charging technology All new build homes in England now require EV charging points With numerous financial and reputational benefits available and the 2030 deadline looming, developers that make the move
today will establish themselves as sustainable pioneers and be investing in vital infrastructure that will serve them well into the future
Demand for EV charger installation at new property developments is on the increase Installing EV chargers at residential or commercial developments today has far reaching benefits for a business and its customers in the future
l Increase ‘kerb appeal’
l Attract a new generation of ‘green’ buyers
l Enhance developers’ environmental credentials
l Encourage the move to more sustainable travel
l Help to decrease carbon emissions
WAN T TO KNOW MORE?
To find out more, head to eonenergy.com/ev-for-business
The tipping point for electric vehicles has finally arrived and there has never been a better time to invest in EV charging technology With numerous financial and reputational benefits available and the 2030 deadline looming, developers that make the move today will establish themselves as sustainable pioneers and be investing in vital infrastructure that will serve them well into the future
Of course, any new investment can be a daunting prospect, but E.ON is here to help businesses through this transition and support their EV charging needs through to 2030 and beyond
Our charge points are backed by a comprehensive three-year product and workmanship warranty together with operation and maintenance cover, protecting your investment
New, sustainable building regulations call for low-carbon technologies As more electrified systems need to be connected to the grid, the result can be costly electrical infrastructure upgrades for property developers. We can help avoid these with innovative connection solutions for new construction projects
Greater installation of low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and EV charging stations is creating a significant increase in demand on energy networks This is pushing grids to their capacity limits.
Even rooftop photovoltaic solar panels (PV) installations pose a challenge, as the local grid does not always have sufficient capacity to absorb the energy generated To avoid
costly infrastructure upgrades payable by the developer, the innovative solutions enabling connections to distribution networks in new construction projects are needed
Within the project, the grid connection of new sustainable assets, such as PV
An intelligent and innovative energy management system to make sure network capacities are not exceeded.
Bespoke designs for new build developments, avoiding costly network infrastructure upgrades for developers
Find out more about how we can help with your solar needs at www.eco2solar.co.uk
In a pilot project at Maidenhill, near Glasgow, with Cala Homes, Energy Assets and SP Energy Networks, 70 new homes onboarded E.ON Innovations solution to meet sustainable building regulations
This manages on-site power consumption and generation, so that renewable energy is supplied to as many homeowners as possible At the same time, peak loads on the local distribution network are reduced, so it doesn't exceed the available capacity of the electrical substation
Based on network capacity, regulations and location-specific planning conditions, the solution is adaptable to individual customer requirements
In order to meet the increasing electricity demand and at the same time avoid costly infrastructure upgrades, the E ON Innovation team developed a trailblazing solution It allows Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to host new sustainable technologies –such as photovolatic (PV) solar panels, without need to upgrade the grid
The solution employs an intelligent peak load management system: by
managing on-site power consumption and generation, the system ensures that renewable energy is supplied to as many homeowners as possible. At the same time peak loads on the local distribution network are reduced, thus ensuring that the available capacity of the electrical substation is not exceeded
Based on network capacity, regulations and location-specific planning conditions, the solution is adaptable to individual customer requirements
With the solution provided by E ON Innovation, increasing the efficient use of our existing power network infrastructure becomes viable This is done through active monitoring of energy flows and intelligent control of devices to manage the peak load on the local distribution network.
Initially, the project is geared towards exporting electricity from solar photovoltaic systems. In the future, air source heat pumps shall also be controlled with this solution
In 2015, the London Borough of Waltham Forest, the Greater London Authority and Taylor Wimpey, approached E ON for help to work on a plan to create a district heating network
This would connect multiple new housing developments within the Blackhorse Lane station sites cluster, in Waltham Forest, East London and have built-in capacity for further expansion
and expertise, and the pursuit of continuous improvement across all parties we have been able to help deliver cleaner and more sustainable places to live
Provided a full design and build service, connecting heat and hot water to 476 homes, and 650m2 of small commercial units at Blackhorse Lane
planning, collaborative efforts and innovative thinking, have ensured that this flagship project has been successful in helping supply the new community with low carbon energy ” Lead Sustainability Officer, London Borough of Waltham Forest
“E . O N ’ s i n n o v a t i v e
d e s i g n s t o c o m m i t a n d
e x p a n d h e a t n e t w o r k s
a n d d e c a r b o n i s e
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a w a r d e d t h e ‘ H e a t a n d
E f f i c i e n c y : O p e r a t i o n a l
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2 0 2 1 A D E . ”
l Over 1,600 residents supplied with heat and hot water
l 46% reduction in energy consumption
l 942 tonnes of CO₂ saved per year
Blackhorse Lane is an excellent example of what can be achieved when collaboration is fostered across multiple stakeholders and shows our passion for continuous improvement and development of low carbon schemes The project was cited by the Greater London Authority (GLA) as an exemplar project demonstrating the ambition of the London Plan by connecting multiple developments to one district heating network
Due to the sheer scale of stakeholder engagement collaboration across all parties was paramount, to ensure the aims of the GLA and the London Borough of Waltham Forest were addressed, and to balance all economic, legislative, regulatory, and environmental considerations. We used a proactive approach with the formation of the Council led Landowners Hub and regular workshops for ongoing dialogue to provide key insights into the process, lessons learned and the sharing of knowledge to ensure at all stages of the development program that communication was clear, and challenges and risks were mitigated accordingly With the pooling of resources
Expanded networks to three more developments, and through low carbon technologies installed, saved the customer around 46% in energy use
In the first stage, we provided a full design and build service for Taylor Wimpey, for the energy centre and entire heat network In 2016, the energy centre and all the heat interface units were connected and installed to provide heat and hot water to the 476 residential properties and 650m2 of small commercial units at Blackhorse Lane E ON entered into a 40-year energy service company contract under which we now supply and manage the delivery of decentralised energy to these properties
Since then, we have been able to expand the existing heat network to connect a further three developments, Blackhorse Mills (Legal and General) – a new build project of 479 apartments and a leisure centre, Equipment Works (Telford Homes), which consists of 342 residential units and Blackhorse Point (Barratt) which comprises a further 350 homes
Find out more about district heating at eonenergy.com/district-heating
As a leader in the field of public lighting and grid connection, we offer a comprehensive service from design, through to installation, to maintenance and aftercare We provide a competitive and efficient alternative to using your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for housing connections
l Complete solutions for housing developers, local authorities, and private owners
l Authorised to carry out network connections and disconnections
l Experience in providing end-to-end solutions
l Work on developments to provide Low Voltage (LV) cable networks to domestic and commercial properties
l Fully accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP) and can work on any network in the UK
calculating the load capacities for future installation of EV chargers, street lighting requirements and meter installation to each property
Browns needed a reliable energy connection partner while constructing new social housing for North Kesteven District Council
Our Grid Connection team were able to meet their bespoke needs across four different sites and handle every aspect of the project, from designing the network, to carrying out the works
The initial phase involved us safely connecting four new properties to an existing mains line that ran beneath a newly formed car park After completing this part of the project, we led on the groundworks to install a brand-new mains cable beneath a road and connect an additional three new properties
How
Browns were building new social housing for North Kesteven District Council Our Grid Connection team handled their network needs across four different sites – from designing the network, to
We carried out this same work at a different site, laying new cabling beneath the roadway and connecting two new properties to the grid
For each of the connections, we calculated the necessary load capacities required for future installation of EV chargers, ensuring Browns were set up to meet the changing landscape of building regulations around provision of electric vehicle charge points.
We even took care of their street lighting requirements across both sites, and our New Connections team installed meters within each property
LED lighting technology uses less energy than other traditional lighting methods, saving you money and counting towards your net zero target. With specific energy modelling, we can even anticipate the payback period and have managed to save councils we work with around £1.2 million in energy costs.
Whether it’s upgrading or repairing existing lighting infrastructure to make it more efficient, or designing and installing an entirely new solution, we’re able to deliver exactly what you need. We’re also an accredited ICP, so are able to work on any network in the UK.
Tits ambitious net-zero targets, the construction and built environment sector must assume a leading role Statistics from the 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction found that the sector accounted for over 34% of energy demand and around 37% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions in 2021 This means that the gap between the climate performance of the sector and the 2050 decarbonisation pathway is widening rather than shrinking
The introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025 signifies a huge stride towards a more sustainable future in the built environment The regulations will see the construction of zero carbon ready homes, boasting low carbon heating systems and exceptional fabric values, become the norm from 2025
Newly constructed homes must generate 75-80% fewer carbon emissions compared to those built under pre-2022 Building Regulations Critically, homes built under the standard must require no retrofitting in the future The new Part L Building Regulations, updated in June 2022, have been introduced as an interim step before the Future Homes Standard with the aim to make CO2 emissions from new builds 30% lower than current emissions
The challenge to get there is no small undertaking A study conducted by The Housing Forum's Future Network found that the housing industry is unlikely to
et the Future Homes Standard requirements by 2025 Tellingly, one in every five surveyed admitted to lacking a comprehensive plan to build homes that align with the 2025 emissions objectives. Clearly, a great deal of work needs to be done as an industry, and we invite our partners and communities to share their sustainability ambitions with us, so that we can innovate and move forward together. As suppliers, we can collaborate to support the housing sector to meet this challenge
To ensure compliance with the Future Homes Standard, housebuilders must adopt a ‘fabric first’ approach. This means the specification of highperformance fabric materials from a project's inception to minimise energy consumption and reduce a home's operational carbon footprint
Although the primary responsibility for implementing this approach rests with housebuilders, it’s equally important that manufacturers contribute by consistently innovating high-performance products that prioritise decarbonisation and energy efficiency
So, what steps are suppliers taking to support housebuilders in meeting regulations? For instance, new ‘eco bricks’ can help housebuilders looking to achieve an uplift to standards in Part L whilst reducing brick costs by around 10% It has a slimmer profile than a conventional facing brick and, importantly for prospective homebuyers, allows potential
The race to net zero is on, with changing building regulations driving a shift towards more energy efficient and climate resilient homes. Here, Gonzalo Bunse, category director at Wienerberger UK and Ireland, explores how developers can build energy efficient homes to meet the Part L and the Future Homes Standard.
savings on energy bills and an increase in thermal performance by increasing insulation material by 37 5mm Being a slimmer brick means less clay is extracted, processed and transported which, in turn, cuts the carbon footprint per square metre of façade by up to one-third
Likewise, solutions such as clay block walling systems can also help housebuilders to meet the new Part L Building Regulations by preventing heat loss and reducing overheating by utilising thermal mass
We can also expect the future of solar to be a bright one In the first six months of 2022, the UK installed 556MW of solar PV energy, representing an 80% growth in new solar PV installations compared to the previous year In addition, 60% of homeowners without roof-mounted solar panels reported that they would be likely consider installing them in the next few years Under the new Part L 2021 and SAP 10, PV is now in the new building regulations for the notional assessment This means that when assessing a dwelling, it will be compared with having solar PV and so, if PV is not installed, it will be very difficult to pass the SAP assessment
Without a doubt, the construction industry must undergo a real transformation to achieve seamless compliance with the Future Homes Standard by 2025 Surpassing the standards set in Part L right now is crucial for equipping new housebuilders with better tools to comply with the Future Homes Standard
Embracing this fabric first approach, working closely with manufacturers to stay abreast of product development and incorporating products that promote sustainable building practices are critical to fulfilling regulatory requirements.
It's worth noting that it’s not just regulatory change driving this Research says homebuyers are being more discerning about the energy efficiency of their homes and are more likely to actively seek out a house with the best energy credentials due to climate change and fuel poverty concerns Respondents in research by Knight Frank said that they would pay more for an energy-efficient home too
Undoubtedly, consumer mindsets, coupled with evolving building regulations, herald a new era of sustainability To safeguard our planet, it’s important that housebuilders and suppliers adapt and improve processes now, so they aren’t left behind in years to come
Scott Wolters, building products sales manager at Egger UK, explains why builders need to take a ‘whole life’ view of timber building products, as well as the activities of supply partners, to understand the potential impact on the environment, natural resources, and local communities.
As environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) performance becomes increasingly important, housebuilders need to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in all these areas Not only are more potential house-buyers looking for proven sustainability in new homes, but also investors are favouring businesses that are committed to ESG values
Of course, one of the most important environmental considerations is the choice of building products Selecting renewable materials and maximising the use of products manufactured from recycled and recyclable materials is essential, as is looking carefully at the embodied carbon This is the emissions associated with a product’s lifecycle, from the harvesting of raw materials to the installation on a development, as well as the disposal at the end of the product’s lifespan Therefore,
it is important to look carefully at the chosen supplier and its operations to ensure the environmental impact has been minimised at every stage
Firstly, while it may sound simple, the choice of material used is fundamental Timber is now widely viewed as a sustainable option for many applications and an alternative to other more carbonintensive materials
This is primarily due to the renewable nature of timber, trees can be replanted and regrown in a relatively short time, and they absorb and sequester atmospheric carbon as they grow. For example, a cubic metre of spruce wood sequesters around 825kg of CO2 and a cubic metre of OSB boards lock in 931kg of CO2. However, these environmental benefits are dependent on how the timber is managed and used throughout its lifecycle, including how the timber is sourced
Irresponsible harvesting of forests causes a serious environmental impact through deforestation and the destruction of habitat On the other hand,
sustainably managed forests operate in a way that maintains the health, productivity and biodiversity of the forest, with no impact on other ecosystems As such, when selecting timber-based products, such as structural flooring or OSB, for walls and roof decks, it is important to ensure the wood is obtained from sustainable sources
Certifications from organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) demonstrate that the timber used has been grown and managed sustainably
However, while this is an essential consideration, it is only a starting point and there are other factors that need to be considered to ensure the most sustainable products are specified. For example, products manufactured in the UK from locally grown sustainably managed timber can help minimise the carbon emissions associated with transportation
In addition, it is possible to choose timber structural flooring that contains recycled wood This can include postconsumer scrap wood, industrial waste and sawmill by-products, such as hackchips and saw dust From a sustainability perspective, this not only diverts waste away from landfill but also continues the carbon storage
The longer a wood product remains in use, the greater the environmental benefit What is more, recycling wood fibre into a new form keeps the absorbed
carbon out of the atmosphere and has a positive impact for the environment
Energy is another key factor when evaluating the environmental impact of a building product By using renewable or biomass generation in production, suppliers can reduce the carbon footprint of their products In particular, woodbased material manufacturers can utilise timber waste materials from the production line as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel energy This biomass is viewed as a carbon-neutral fuel as the carbon released when it is burnt to produce energy is the same amount absorbed during growth
While the environmental credentials of materials and the sustainability commitments made by suppliers are important, the ‘social’ element of ESG should also be a consideration It is important for housebuilders to look at the values and policies of suppliers to ensure they align with their own ESG principles For example, at the most basic level, every business should be able to demonstrate a commitment to health and safety excellence and ‘safe home every day’ policies
Social value in the supply chain can be created through working with businesses that invest in recruitment, apprenticeships and training to upskill employees and close the industry’s skills gap Another way is to partner with suppliers who are committed to community support and working with local and national charities, as well as supporting employees in their own fundraising activities
The industry has already had to get to grips with meeting upcoming standards, following its introduction in June 2022 and now, all future homes built must achieve an overall fabric U-value of 0 18 W/m2k or lower, before backstops Not only that, but it’s also encouraging a race to ensure compliance with the now-mandatory 31% carbon reduction guidelines
However, a rocky 12 months, which has resulted in material cost inflation and labour shortages are squeezing margins Additionally, a raft of other, incoming regulations, arising from the BSA and FSA, are also causing a significant headache It’s left many businesses looking for agile solutions to achieve Part L without the addition of significant expenditure
An increasingly important improvement in residential construction has been the move towards improving fabric efficiency, set to become a regulated and default principle for construction by 2025 Low Uvalues, driven by fabric first principles are proven to improve thermal performance and further provide additional compatibility with efficient systems such as PV, ASHP, and GSHP.
We might argue we’ve been building in this way for centuries without realising it. Tried and tested masonry-built cavity walls provide a prominent example, especially in the here and now when they can be modified with widened cavities, efficient insulation and low-conductivity wall ties
Shown to achieve an ultra-low U-value of 0.18 W/m2k or lower, this type of construction also prevents the thermal bridging that can so often occur within other build methods, especially modular build forms Crucially, this system limits the likelihood of exposed elements coming into contact with the external leaf, which can also contribute to significantly reducing the thermal performance of a property
Even better, it’s a system that most of this country’s builders will be familiar with, and can easily train new recruits on-site
Yet, achieving Part L need not be as complex as it might first appear, particularly if housebuilders and developers take stock and look towards modifying existing traditional build methods
The grace period for Part L compliance ended on June 15th, leaving no doubts about the Government’s ambitions for lowemission, energyefficient homes. Steve Callow, housing manager, MPA Masonry, reports.
Although fabric first became the norm in many parts of the residential construction sector, there remains a concern that some operators are still pushing towards offsite fabrication, which is facing an uncertain future currently with many businesses failing A lot of this has to do with the quality of the materials used and the way they are specified.
One clear example is poorly built inner leaves or badly installed insulation, which can result in thermal bridging or, worse, lead to damaging issues like damp and mould, These, in turn, can lead to serious health problems for occupants In these cases, the best laid plans for a thermally efficient home will be undermined, with residents also likely to have difficulty heating their homes, contributing to eyewatering energy bills
Consistency is the challenge, and standardisation, as found in Part L, is the answer After all, no-one wants to find themselves searching for new answers or under-resourced as the industry pushes for more units to be built
The better future is now
Furthermore, as the housing industry emerges strongly from the global resource shortage, the robust approaches, encouraged by standards like Part L, will undoubtedly pave the way to lower-carbon, more efficient homes
The popular push within the sector is towards modular builds and offsite, but the issues are rising concerning lifespan, sustainability, and the alarming recent
examples of financial collapses in this industry When longevity is the goal, it should be in everyone’s interest to keep the stable approaches at hand.
Extensive work within the sector also indicates that the lowest fabric values needed for some of these developments will be a challenge for offsite construction, with the additional insulation criteria required being unachievable in many cases
U l t i m a t e l y , i t w i l l b e i n t h e s e c t o r ’ s b e s t i n t e r e s t s t o a c h i e v e h o m e s t h a t c a n a d d r e a l v a l u e t o r e s i d e n t s , p a r t i c u l a r l y w i t h t h e c o s t o f l i v i n g c r i s i s , e n e r g y t a r i f f s a t r e c o r d r a t e s a n d m o r t g a g e r a t e s s e t t o i n c r e a s e . T a k i n g a f a b r i c f i r s t a p p r o a c h , w i l l c o n s i s t e n t l y d e l i v e r o p t i m a l e n e r g y e f f i c i e n c y , a c h i e v i n g t h e i n c o m i n g F u t u r e H o m e s S t a n d a r d , m a i n t a i n m o m e n t u m t o w a r d s N e t Z e r o 2 0 5 0 a n d e n s u r e t h e U K ’ s v i b r a n t d e v e l o p e r c o m m u n i t y s t a y s c o m p l i a n t
Paul Williams, ventilation product manager at Domus, looks at the revised Part F of the Building Regulations and the end of transition.
Changes to the Building Regulations Approved Document F, Volume 1: Dwellings (ADF1) came into effect on June 15th 2022 It gives guidance on how to comply with Part F of Schedule 1 to Building Regulations and applies to dwellings identified as self-contained units
However, not all new building projects were initially covered under the revised ADF1
Where a building notice, initial notice, or full plans for building work that were submitted to a local authority before June 15th 2022, and where the building work commenced by June 15th 2023, compliance with these revised regulations was not compulsory This enabled developers to maintain existing ventilation plans, avoiding the cost and delays of redesigning systems to meet the new, requirements many builders and even a sway of contractors have k to the new ADF1 Here, ap the five key changes that now need to accommodate n your ventilation design
Across all sizes of properties, minimum ventilation rates, now
based on the floor areas and number of bedrooms per property and no longer with predicted occupancy rates (which required a level of guess work and, ultimately, uncertainty), have been increased as follows:
These increases are significant, especially when it comes to larger properties, and reflect the concern that previous ventilation levels were insufficient to reach all parts of a home, especially the bedrooms overnight if doors are kept shut.
To achieve these new ventilation rates, mechanical ventilation systems in the form of Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) are the most proficient option
Background ventilation is the passive supply of external air into a room via ‘a small ventilation opening’, such as
intermittent extract fans, trickle vents in windows and airbricks in the wall. Previously, the size of the background vent was determined by the size of the property Now, this is to be calculated on a room-by-room basis to ensure adequate ventilation throughout a property This is likely to mean an increase in the number and size of background vents. Certainly, it will mean considerably larger grilles are required, which aren’t aesthetically pleasing and can’t be covered up.
In the case of extract only systems, such as MEVs, the background vents size has been doubled from 2500mm2 to 5000mm2, which is likely to have implications for the property’s façade and window sizes
Natural ventilation systems, such as the background vents mentioned above, are now only an option for less airtight homes with a design air permeability of ≥5. Passive Stack Systems, which work on the principle that warm air rises and gets sucked out at the top floor whilst cool air enters through trickle vents to replace it, have also been removed as an option
One important issue that was highlighted when reviewing the regulations was the lack of compliance Depending on your perspective, this has been attributed to the complexity of the requirements causing confusion and a lack of understanding, or through the deliberate flouting of them
As we have seen, under the revised regulations, the calculations have been
simplified by removing the need to predict occupancy rates. At the same time, reporting has been tightened up to drive compliance Now a new style commissioning sheet featuring a compliance report and photographic evidence must be provided to building control bodies and the building owner, along with a Home User Guide specifically for householders
The latest ADF1 places greater emphasis on combatting both internal and external air pollutants more thoroughly. It looks at exposure limits and times for Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Formaldehyde (CH2O) and TVOC Recommendations for the placement of intake grilles away from the direct impact of the sources of local pollution are provided. Where urban traffic is a source of pollution, the air intakes for dwellings next to busy urban roads should be as high as possible and located on the less polluted side of the building Ventilation intakes should not be located in courtyards or enclosed urban spaces where air pollutants are discharged
A combined step forward Part F of the regulations cannot be read in isolation; it is closely tied to Part L (Conservation of Fuel & Power) which is a driving force for the changes to Part F, and the new Part O (Overheating) The aim is to ensure that new homes built from 2022 produce 31% less carbon emissions compared to current standards A further revision will take place to come into force in 2025 to bring that figure to an 80% reduction by 2050, the year set for Net Zero
Concerns about the Government s timescale for adopting a Net Zero future for domestic heating and motoring have some striking similarities, as well as major differences. The roll out of heat pump technology does not, for instance, depend on dramatically increasing the extraction of metals such as lithium from across the planet to manufacture batteries, though there is a geographical dimension to both ambitions across the UK
As many drivers of electric cars have discovered when heading off for business or vacations, the number of charging points per vehicle is falling, leading to long queues in areas like the west country, while many millions will struggle to install a charger outside their home.
The challenge for heat pumps, in terms of infrastructure, is that in many parts of the country the National Grid cannot provide sufficient power and permission for connection is not always forthcoming and as the difference in the overall energy performance of our homes is highlighted by an EPC rating, neither a ground or air source heat pump will be suitable for every property, so an honest evaluation is therefore required from both installers and politicians
Likewise, customers need to be conscious of the fact many manufacturers seek to highlight the peak performance of their ranges over the average output, which can fall off dramatically in near-tozero temperatures.
The adoption by the industry of clear performance labelling makes it easier for to be sure what flow temperature will be delivered by different models of air and ground source heat pumps, but running costs and occupant comfort are still dependent on the quality of design for both the product and the building specific solution
Fabric heat losses and load must be accurately assessed and the emitters –preferably underfloor heating systems –must be correctly sized and installed
Incredibly, a recent Grand Designs episode showed Kevin McCloud watching a self-builder at the iconic Graven Hill site, tying heating pipework to the reinforcement for their ground floor
Darren Trivett, CEO of the Ridgespear Group, discusses some of the key considerations to specifying heat pumps and underfloor heating systems.
concrete slab, where it was later punctured with a jack hammer Even an over-deep screed can cause long warm-up delays and poor overall performance: hence the pipe’s distance from the surface and the planned type of floorcovering, must be carefully considered
Although underfloor heating pipework clipped to rigid insulation a ‘wet’ screeded system remains very popular, particularly for domestic ground floor layouts, dry systems featuring very accurately produced floor panels, including those able to take the place of conventional particleboard decks, are increasingly being utilized for upper levels, in both new build and retrofit situations These should also avoid the common problem of ‘thermal striping’ where pipe runs are spaced too far apart, leading to poor heat distribution and comfort levels.
The top performing panels have precision routed channel profiles and special foil diffuser layers to optimize the heat output from pipe runs, while the latest generation even include a routed overlay board whose top surface indicates where it is safe to position fixings
Other types of UFH system and ancillary products have been developed specifically to suit situations where there’s a desire to minimize overall floor buildheight – perhaps where door heights and skirting boards cannot be changed – or where it is intended to install ceramic tiling as the floor finish
Crucially then, specifying the correct type of emitter throughout a property can not only offer good levels of comfort, but also achieve this at lower flow
temperatures which also enable heat pumps to operate at high efficiency levels In fact, heat pumps generally give optimum performance when allowed to run for longer periods: which can also cut wear on the compressor, while reducing the spikes in power demand which concern electricity providers and the Grid
While a well installed heat pump should always result in lower carbon emissions than a gas boiler meeting the same design loads, longevity is also very important to the whole-life equation and this product life can be enhanced by good installer training, ensuring that the system is properly commissioned (preferably by the manufacturer’s own engineers) and carrying out the required maintenance
The past winter, where cold but calm weather compounded the impact of European-wide gas shortages, emphasised the fragility of our energy security and therefore the need to increase efficiencies
Customers, from individual homeowners to housebuilders and social housing providers should seek to engage with manufacturers and installers who have the experience and integrity to offer appropriate, wholehouse solutions featuring high performance heat pumps, emitters and controls
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“This is the start of something very exciting for us and we look forward to seeing how our customers engage
technology and that means continually innovating and rethinking how we can help customers access our products.”
Mark Larden, Managing Director UK & Ireland
According to Actis, its latest roof insulation product, Eolis HC, is a game-changer because it is not only faster to install than traditional products but it is also far slimmer, so it is suitable for applications where headroom is limited
Traditionally, under BS 5250, an air gap is required where high resistance underlays are used
However, the makeup of the Eolis HC and its specific use in a pitched roof means there is no need for this gap in most UK locations
A combination of a reflective insulation and a vapour barrier, the product is based on the Triplex technology and consists of multiple layers of reflective films, separated by thin fibre layers, trapping air in between Installing Actis Eolis HC is also more straightforward and quicker compared to traditional insulation methods Instead of cutting insulation for each rafter, this product can be laid across the rafters from the inside like a blanket, and sections can be sealed together using the product's self-adhesive lap
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao009
Knightsbridge has introduced a collection of corrosion-resistant polycarbonate outdoor lights, specifically designed for coastal, exposed, and other harsh environments. It includes four ranges –Eamon, Alana, Toro, and Dura -– suitable for residential and light commercial use, with a three-year warranty
The Eamon range offers adjustable wall lights, downlights with motion detectors, and spike lights, available in four finishes –anthracite, brushed brass, black and white The Alana wall lights, come curved or square versions, and are IP65 rated for water and dust protec
The Toro range includes two lantern-style lights that offer a mod take on traditional design and can adjust their LED colour temperatures
Lastly, the Dura range is available either as an IP65 IK10 LED bollard in moulded, toughened polycarbonate or an IP65 IK08 wall light
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao010
The great outdoors
Origin's range of bifold aluminium doors offer an elegant yet secure way of creating a seamless connection to the outdoors The strength and lightness of aluminium – 67% less than the weight of steel – allow for slim sightlines, easier operation and complex configurations without compromising on security or performance – the doors’ U-value is 1 1 W/m2K, easily exceeding new build Building Regulations
Each door is bespoke, so customers can choose from more than 150 RAL colours, select dual-colour options for internal and external frames and specify a range of handle models and accessory finishes
Backed by a 20-year guarantee, each door can be equipped with Origin's multi-point lock system, which has eight locking points, robust 20mm chamfered linear bolts, and 25mm deep throw security hooks for high security and weather resistance
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao011
Four more indoors
Look: no cement
C C P B u i l d i n g P r o d u c t s i s o f f e r i n g a l l p r o d u c t s i n t h e G r e e n b l o c r a n g e i n t h r e e l e v e l s a c c o r d i n g t o h o w m u c h c e m e n t i s s u b s t i t u t e d w i t h a n u n s p e c i f i e d “ i n d u s t r i a l b y - p r o d u c t ” : G r e e n b l o c S t a n d a r d , G r e e n b l o c P r e m i u m , a n d G r e e n b l o c U l t r a . E a c h o f t h e s e v a r i a n t s p r o v i d e s a n i n c r e a s i n g d e g r e e o f P o r t l a n d c e m e n t ( O P C ) s u b s t i t u t i o n , r e s u l t i n g i n p r o g r e s s i v e l y l o w e r l e v e l s o f e m b o d i e d C O 2
Greenbloc Standard, previously containing 30% OPC substitution since early 2022, now offers a 50% substitution at no additional cost Greenbloc Premium and Ultra go further, offering 80% and 100% OPC substitution, respectively. For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao012
Howdens has added four styles to its range of internal doors in response to demand for customizable doors. Among the new styles, three doors come primed and ready for finishing according to preference, while the fourth one boasts a warm walnut-effect. Each door is available in multiple widths and can be modified to match a variety of entranceway sizes, so the same style of door could be installed throughout the home
The doors introduced are the Holdenby White Primed Door, the Daytona Laminate Walnut Door, the Daytona White Primed Door, and the Primed Spey Plywood Door
The Holdenby White Primed Door is a hardwood internal door that is pre-primed for easy painting and finishing, while the Daytona Laminate Walnut Door provides added fire protection The Daytona White Primed Door and the Primed Spey Plywood Door introduces a streamlined look to an interior This pre-primed Spey entrance fixture can both be customized to match any interior
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao013
Take to the shadows
Introducing a 3-D element to cladding, the Shadow Gap range from Fortex looks like painted pine and has a deep groove between the boards It can be installed either horizontally or vertically to give the impression of height
This design element is co-extruded with a solid foam core and a durable textured surface. Shadow Gap comes in seven colours, including Anthracite Grey, a fresh addition now available across the whole Fortex range Anthracite Grey is popular for fascias, soffits, and gutters and means that the cladding can now match rooflines, windows, and doors
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao014
Knauf Insulation believes that its Rocksilk RainScreen FFCB built-in cavity barrier is the first of its kind designed to be affixed to the surface of insulation during the construction of masonry facades
Being attached directly to the insulation surface as the brickwork is constructed eliminates the need for postinstallation insulation cuts This innovation streamlines installation, minimizes waste, and reduces the risk of performance-compromising air gaps
The product is part of a certified system designed to provide up to 90 minutes of fire resistance (EI90) in the residual cavities of buildings with masonry facades and is classified as non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification.
Because it is installed between the insulation and the masonry façade, just three width and depth variations are required to cover all sizes of cavity – something that makes product selection much easier
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao015
Designed to help home owners cut their energy bills by using more solar energy, the GoodWe Lynx Home U Series is a lowvoltage lithium battery that is simply ‘plug and play’ due to its pre-wired communication cables
The battery series can be scaled from 5 4 – 32 4 kWh, and with self-detecting modules and a stackable design, it is simple to commission. It can work with the company’s ES, EM, and SBP hybrid inverter ranges and, as well as powering homes, it can also serve as a backup during power outages.
The Lynx Home U series also comes with several other features, such as remote troubleshooting and updates, an automatic reboot function for low voltage situations, and IP65 protection for outdoor use
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao016
Comar Aluminium Architectural Systems has launched Fuzion, a durable, energysaving entrance door that blends the thermal efficiency of aluminium with the appeal and eco-friendliness of timber
Fuzion integrates a high-performance slab, identical to the one in Comar's premium Comar 9 system, giving it an excellent U-value of 1 2 W/m2K Part of the Legacy suite, the Fuzion door can easily blend with side screens or building facades
These 68mm thick timber doors comply with the Secured by Design standard and are equipped with a Winkhaus AV3 slam shut lock, a three-star security cylinder, and a two-star security escutcheon for enhanced security Each door features ten layers of paint for weather resistance and durability.
Customers have a range of glazing and colour options, both standard and custom, and, with options like Coastal hardware and Nuki smart lock technology, can tailor their doors to their preferences.
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao017
Black is the latest colour to be offered by Marley for its Fibre Cement Weatherboard external cladding, joining white, light grey and slate grey. Manufactured with a textured woodgrain finish, Weatherboard is a durable and cost-effective way to enhance exteriors on both residential and commercial projects.
Suitable for both new build developments and retrofit projects, Weatherboard comes with a complete package of matching trims and fixing components. Installation is quick and efficient due to the 200mm wide lightweight boards, while Weatherboard also delivers high levels of thermal insulation and weather resistance and is certified to BRE fire safety classification A2-s1, d0
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao018
London start-up
Hidealoo is launching a discreet moveable frame that makes it easier to fit toilets in small awkward spaces.
Hi d e a l o o ’ s s t e e l m e c h a n i s m a l l o w s a t o i l e t p a n t o b e s w i v e l l e d t h r o u g h 9 0 º t o t h a t i t c a n b e h i d d e n i n s i d e a w a l l o r c u p b o a r d w h e n n o t i n u s e A s w e l l a s c r e a t i n g m o r e f l e x i b l e f l o o r s p a c e a n d o t h e r w i s e i m p o s s i b l e c o u n t e r s p a c e , t h i s g i v e s g r e a t e r o p t i o n s f o r i n s t a l l a t i o n s w i t h i n h o m e s w h e r e a d d i n g a n e w b a t h r o o m m a y n o t o t h e r w i s e b e p o s s i b l e F o r e x a m p l e , b y a l l o w i n g a t o i l e t t o b e f i t t e d w i t h i n a u t i l i t y r o o m c u p b o a r d , b e d r o o m w a r d r o b e , o r i n a c a b i n e t u n d e r n e a t h l o f t e a v e s
For wet rooms, a further benefit of the frame is that the ability to fold the pan away into the wall means it not only then allows the same space to be used as a shower, but keeps the pan dry, increasing ease of use.
Its inventor, Monty Ravenscroft, has spent the last 25 years pioneering designs for innovative moving elements in architecture His space-saving London
home was featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs and labelled “one of London’s 10 most remarkable Homes” by Open House Architecture Festival
Monty was inspired with the idea for the frame when designing solutions for his home that would maximise the space available by making it more flexible in use He also wanted to create something for his invalid father, who needed the convenience of bathroom facilities in his bedroom but in a discreet way that preserved his dignity.
Monty explains: “Our retractable toilet provides the ability and versatility to use small spaces more efficiently Not only does Hidealoo free up valuable space to allow enhanced use of a bathroom or cloakroom, but it supports the installation of systems in many alternative positions.”
The Hidealoo frame is manufactured in Britain and works with any standard UK wall hung ceramic pan and 110mm waste pipe It has been tested to hold 400kg in weight and has been successfully operated through 250,000 flexing cycles with a fully flooded pan and pipes – the equivalent of the pan being used 10 times a day for 65 years while blocked up to the rim
Installation is simple and thanks to its strong flexible pipework, a toilet attached to the frame can be flushed in any position, with no impact on the frequency of potential blockages
For more information, visit www.rdr.link/dao019
Moores has added Kensington Black to its range of kitchens, reasoning that this addition to its classic shaker kitchen range could be either a full kitchen or be used as an accent colour when combined with other tones from the range It says that black cabinets are well suited to zoning different areas of the kitchen, yet also pair well with its open shelving system
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao020
Keuco has added two new wall-mounted shower fittings to its Plan blue range: a thermostat shower mixer and a combo unit with a built-in head and hand shower
They come in two colours, classic chrome and a new black that feels soft, is easy to clean, and is durable The flat head shower has a height-adjustable shower rail and the 250mm diameter overhead shower can be swivelled and moved to the desired position while the hand shower is set to an easily reachable height using the shower slide.
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao021
Palermo, the latest addition to the CRL Quartz range from CRL Stone, mimics natural marble with its white base and faux veining yet is far more practical for worktops due to its resilience to knocks, heat, scratches, and stains With no special products needed for cleaning, stain removal is simple, requiring only water or mild cleaning agents Its non-porous nature inhibits the accumulation of bacteria or mould, making it a hygienic and easy-to-maintain surface
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao022
Hansgrohe has extended its Logis range of taps with models in a sleek matt black finish: Logis taps and Logis Fine taps with a slimmer silhouette These taps feature CoolStart technology, which supports efficient water and energy usage by supplying cold water when the handle is in the middle position and activating hot water flow as the handle is turned left, saving energy and reducing heating bills The matt black finish is not only fashionable but durable too, able to withstand cleaning agents and maintain its appearance over time With Logis Fine taps offering a sleeker appearance, customers can easily match their taps with a range of matt black thermostats for the shower area or bathtub, creating a seamless style in the bathroom
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao023
Feature Wall panels, now available from specialist surface materials distributor IDS, is a range of slatted wooden panels that are lightweight, easy to cut and simple to install. They are available two sizes of 2400 x 600 x 22mm and 3000 x 600 x 22mm with concealed joins between each panel for a seamless finish Three real wood veneers are available Natural Oak, Silver Oak and Charcoal Oak. Feature Wall panels are noise absorbing because the density of their black felt backing and can be attached to battens to create space for concealed cabling Made from black FSC certified fire resistant MDF, the panels and come with a one-year warranty
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao024
Franke has launched the Mythos Air Hub range which incorporates a high-performance extractor with a state-of-the-art air sanitisation system It not only effectively eliminates vapours and cooking odours but also removes up to 99 99% of bacteria and viruses through a separate air stream and two dedicated UV-C lamps For design and installation flexibility, Air Hub is available in a choice of three models: Vertical, T-Shape and Ceiling. Each offers three speeds plus an intensive setting with an extraction rate of 470 m3/h and a noise level of 57dB at the maximum setting
The Vertical and T-Shape models feature an intuitive touch screen control panel where the Air Hub controls are independent from the hood’s and are identified with their blue LEDs With the ceiling option, the Air Hub controls are fully integrated into the remote control or can be controlled through the Franke @Home app For more information go to www.rdr.link/dao025
Kudos Shower Products has added to its Pinnacle8 range of shower enclosures with sliding door models that have no bottom rail, providing level access for easy entry and exit from the enclosure
The lack of bottom rail also simplifies cleaning and looks minimalist appearance
These models are available in chrome, matt black, or brushed gold profiles, and in four sizes – 1200mm, 1300mm, 1400mm and 1500mm – for either a corner or a recessed installation. Standing 2000mm high and made of 8mm toughened safety glass with LifeShield protection, these doors are durable and easy to maintain For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao026
Moores has introduced Open Shelving, a shelving system that can be adapted to any kitchen layout and caters to the growing popularity of open plan living It comes in multiple configurations, and its dimensions – height, depth, and width – can be modified to suit the any space, be it over the sink, worktop, or as freestanding storage. The design combines oak shelving with metal hardware, enabling it to complement any kitchen style, including any range from the Moores catalogue
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao027
PJH's Bathrooms to Love brand has introduced Align, a wall-hung modular bathroom furniture collection with a full wrap-around fluted design that does away with handles Available in three contemporary matt lacquered finishes: Matt Willow Green, Matt Mineral Grey, and Matt Cotton, the Align collection includes basin units and a tall unit, all with linen-effect lined interiors Consumers can choose between one-drawered basin units in two sizes (600mm or 800mm) with the flexibility of a sit-in white ceramic basin or a colour-coordinated worktop with a choice of washbowl. A 350mm wide tall unit incorporates three interior shelves, and all units come with soft-close fittings as a standard feature
For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao028
The kitchen designed for lockdown
German kitchen manufacturer, Rotpunkt, has based its new Loft Black Oak kitchen around the concept of working from home (WFH), bringing cooking, eating, and working into one space while catering to multi-generational households It features a built-in hot desk with ample legroom and storage, designed to accommodate a computer, paperwork, and other essentials for two users simultaneously. The tall cupboards with extra-long bar handles and the push-to-open top units ensure office supplies can stay out of children’s reach The Loft Black Oak finish integrates seamlessly with contemporary black appliances, lending a stylish, modern appeal to the workspace The kitchen island's height allows for versatility in both entertaining and working, while providing additional cupboard space This is coupled with the smart-ready Manila Lighting, which can vary the lighting remotely according to the occasion via a digital assistant on a tablet, smartphone or as part of a fully-integrated smart home system For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dao029
A Proctor Group Ltd page 4
www rdr link/DAO100
CorkSol UK page 36
www rdr link/DAO101
E ON UK plc pages 23-30
www rdr link/DAO102
Fassa UK Ltd page 33
www rdr link/DAO103
Origin Frames Ltd inside front cover
www rdr link/DAO104
Origin Frames Ltd page 10
www rdr link/DAO105
Quickslide Ltd pages 20,21
www rdr link/DAO106
rdr link page 45
www rdr link/DAO107
ROCKWOOL Ltd page 18
www rdr link/DAO108
Sevadis page 11
www rdr link/DAO109
STH Westco Ltd page 9
www rdr link/DAO110
Superglass Insulation Ltd outside back cover
www rdr link/DAO111
Tarmac pages 16,17
www rdr link/DAO112
TOOLFAIR page 42
www rdr link/DAO113
West Fraser page 13
www rdr link/DAO114
www phpdonline co uk page 39
www rdr link/DAO115
The recent Resi Happy Homes 2023 report revealed a shift in how consumers view homes, returning to wellbeing, happiness and a renewed focus on multipurpose spaces that are both cheaper to run and enable meaningful connections.
Steve Hird, director at interior design specialists, Edward Thomas Interiors looks at how we can reclaim homes with thoughtful interiors.
IReading the Sunday Times coverage of the Happy Homes Report, a standout point was about re-prioritising home use and tailoring space more towards lifestyles and hobbies than worrying about resale values. This is a trend we’ve been seeing in interiors for a while The role of the home as multifunctional has evolved significantly post-Covid and has become a common part of a housebuilder’s brief
So how is this achieved? As consumer attention is drawn to their own wellbeing, there’s a surface level of styling that can be introduced For instance, how furniture is positioned to maximise daylight and views, or encourage interaction, or to avoid creating inaccessible spaces
But there’s more to it than this It’s important to show how a house will be used on a daily basis, both practically and imaginatively Now this might be how rooms can be dual-purpose such as kitchens with home working stations, or bedrooms with a day bed alongside craft space, but more frequently it’s about using underutilised spaces
Could a built-in cupboard accommodate a desk to shut away at the end of the day, be transformed as a home bar or used as a secret pantry? Can transitional spaces like landings, hallways or alcoves become useful? Reclaiming spaces like these for moments of quiet reflection, or to indulge in a hobby is key It could be something as simple as a cosy chair on the landing for crafts or reading, to a ladder desk in the hallway for home working
An increasingly popular space is the designer bootroom, or as I prefer to call it, the ‘bootility, where the utility morphs into a boot room! Often reserved for the chore of laundry, utilities are becoming more stylised as homeowners seek to recapture as much space as possible
Bench seating and bespoke units allow for tidy storage of coats, boots, wet weather & seasonal sports gear, bike helmets and pet accessories, as well as the more traditional cleaning and
washing equipment. Bootilities often have an exterior door too, so are great for getting outdoors and creating a designated entrance for four-legged family members!
For those in smaller properties, or apartments with single level living, this shouldn’t be a deterrent when it comes to multipurpose spaces Physical partitions such as temporary screens make obvious distinctions but consider using walls and ceilings to mount TV’s, make vertical gardens, or create hanging bar storage Wall treatments, including panelling, colour block painting or living walls, are a subtle way to subdivide space
m e o w n e r s d e s c r i b e t h e i r h o m e s a s ‘ r e l a x e d ’ , ‘ o r g a n i s e d ’ a n d ‘ s o c i a b l e ’ – t h r e e t r a i t s a w e l l - d e s i g n e d , m u l t i p u r p o s e i n t e r i o r w i l l e n s u r e
For more information, go to www.rdr.link/dao030
