Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer December 2019 - January 2020

PROFESSIONAL

HOUSEBUILDER &PROPERTY DEVELOPER DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

EXTERIORS

How you can create warmer houses using an EWI render

HEATING & VENTILATION

Underfloor heating – easy to install and cheap to run

SMART TECHNOLOGY

Creating comfortable homes the smart way

EXPERT UPDATE: EXPLORING SOME OF THE BARRIERS TO FINANCE

contents PHPD DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 10

This issue Regulars 5 First Word 6 News 10 Developments 12 HBA Column 12 Ask Tobermore

Special Reports

PROFILE 14 Development ǀ Copper Beeches PHPD visits South Wales’ Waterstone Homes to chat about its latest development in Swansea.

16 One way for insulation After merging two insulation companies into the SaintGobain Insulation group, SaintGobain discusses what it means for housebuilders

48 Kitchens & Bathrooms 49 Trade Media 50 General Building

Cover story

The Interlock, winner of the Small Housing Development, Innovation and Architect’s Choice awards at the Brick Awards 2019. Turn to page 18 to find out more.

51 Last Word

Exteriors 18 The best of brick PHPD was on hand for the revealing of the best projects in brick that 2019 had to offer at the Brick Awards 2019.

20 All you need from a plasterbead Catnic guides readers on the importance of high quality plasterbead 22 Bricks for tomorrow Ibstock Brick looks at how the role of brick within UK homes is changing 24 Wrapping up warm Can EWI render systems improve thermal performance? Fassa Bortolo examines 26 Round-up

EXPERT UPDATES 28 Finance What are some of the issues developers face when raising finance?

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Waterstone’s latest development

Smart Technology 32 The smart way to heat homes Uponor reveals how smart technology can provide comfortable homes 34 Building the new standard As smart devices in the home become standard, Megaman reveals the latest technology sure to grab people’s attention 36 A light touch Gresh Braglewicz, Director at Ember Lighting, takes a look at what smart lighting can offer a housebuilder 38 Round-up

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Brick Awards 2019

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Lighting control

Heating & Ventilation 40 Under the radar Hep2O answers our questions about underfloor heating 42 Continual progress Continuous extraction fans can offer an alternative solution to intermittent fans, explains Elta Fans 44 The solution at your feet John Gittens, Business Development Director at Maincor, explains how underfloor heating can save homeowners money 46 Round-up

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Underfloor heating

29 Design What the new biodiversity mandate might mean for you 30 Market Unlocking the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge arc

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first word Editor Kieran Nee phpd@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey 07900 248102 craig@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager Samuel Shannon-Tinsley 01923 237799 stinsley@hamerville.co.uk Northern Area Sales Ian Duff 07810 353 525 probuilder@sky.com Digital Group Manager Stuart Duff Digital Assistant David Molloy Design creativeunblock.co.uk Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Claire Picton Managing Editor Terry Smith Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Publisher Bryan Shannon Printer Wyndeham Group Published by: Hamerville Media Group Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. Tel: 01923 237799 Email: phpd@hamerville.co.uk Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication. © 2019

Subscriptions to Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year — £30 post paid Europe and Overseas: 1 year — £50 post paid Airmail: 1 year — £65 post paid To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk

Not just a house When we think about the homes we grew up in, what are the features that come to mind? If you’re lucky, the memories are mostly positive ones and you still look fondly upon the home where you took your first steps, the home you first left to embark upon a school career and returned to, perhaps, many years later, to find that all of a sudden everything, including your parents, was a little bit smaller.

What you think about when considering your first home is probably not the brickwork, the windows or the flooring. The actual fabric of the house probably didn’t mean that much to you growing up, and indeed many UK adults are probably totally oblivious to cavity insulation or whether their roof tiles are clay or concrete. Of course, they know whether their home is comfortable, warm, solid and is of an overall good build quality, and building first class properties is the aim for all of our readers.

Beyond the building itself, what makes a house a home is everything around it. A home doesn’t end at the front door, but rather it sits within a community, made up of green spaces, local schools, parks, shops, transport – everything that makes life easier and more pleasant.

A recent report from Eurocell has highlighted the importance of placemaking to UK residents, with two thirds of those asked feeling that too much focus is being placed on the building of houses, rather than the creation of communities. Many respondents felt that not enough forethought was being placed on the provision of schools, doctors’ surgeries, leisure facilities and even cafes.

We must ask ourselves, would we think so fondly of the homes we grew up in if everything that existed at the end of garden path was completely different, if we had to travel for miles to get to school, go for a check-up or even grab a coffee? For those who relish peace and quiet, this is music to the ears, but it’s certainly not for everyone.

Of course, the burden shouldn’t fall entirely on the shoulders of housebuilders and local authorities have their role to play. But it is worth keeping in mind that what housebuilders are building are not just houses, they are homes and homes need surrounding infrastructure and community support.

On another note, I would like to introduce myself, Kieran Nee, as the new editor of Professional Housebuilder & Developer and also say a big thank you to Jonathan Cole, who has done an excellent job editing the magazine over the past five years and has now moved on. I look forward to covering all the latest changes and developments in the industry and my path will no doubt cross with some of yours in the future.

Beyond the building itself, what makes a house a home is everything around it

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

Total Average Net Distribution 14,633 1 July 2018 – 30 June 2019

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news In Brief ■ UK government has taken bold steps to support modular housing with Homes England’s £30m funding deal to drive up capacity at Yorkshirebased ilke Homes. The ilke Homes process creates 90% less waste than traditional construction, with its Yorkshire factory recruiting and reskilling workers from outside the industry, bringing much-needed capacity to the sector.

■ Construction and real estate expert Mark Farmer has been appointed as Champion for Modern Methods of Construction in housebuilding, overseeing delivery of the Advanced Construction Corridor in the North. Farmer will also act as an ambassador overseas for the UK’s MMC activities in homebuilding, using international networks and trade opportunities to attract investment into an industry that could be worth an estimated £40 billion once mature.

■ Housing stock net additions rose to 241,130 in 2018/19, representing a 93% increase over the past six years, according to the latest government figures. Of these, close to 214,000 were new build completions, the government’s data showed. The Home Builders Federation noted the substantial increase – the highest number since the 1980s – from a low of just over 124,000 in 2013/14.

■ St Asaph-based Macbryde Homes has increased its team by a quarter as it continues to capitalise on demand for new homes across North Wales and the North West of England. In all, 11 appointments have been made ranging from trainee, through to Director-level roles.

Managing Director Gwyn Jones commented: “With a buoyant and growing pipeline of work in place, we knew it was time to bolster our ambitious and committed team in order to further drive the business forward.”

Belvin builds UK ‘Home of the Year’ ne of the latest designs built by Lincolnshire’s Belvin Construction has been named ‘Best Individual New Home’ at the 2019 LABC Building Excellence Awards.

Barrow House, at Hatcliffe, is a bespoke, contemporary home that’s set within the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The panel of expert judges said: "The immaculate detailing and rigorous environmental strategy of this uncompromisingly modern home impressed the judges – and its distinctiveness in appearance and performance made it a worthy and standout winner."

The partially subterranean Barrow House emulates a modern barn and was constructed using innovative construction techniques and given a range of high quality finishes and

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detailing. The house adopts a huge range of sustainable features such as a ground source heat pump and a rooftop wildflower meadow.

Commissioned in 2016, it was the first home in Lincolnshire to be brought forward under Paragraph 79, a clause that allows for exceptional design in rural areas. The owners moved into the modern four bed home this spring.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl001

Bewley donates defibrillator ewley Homes has shown its commitment to both charity and community by investing in a defibrillator from the Arrhythmia Alliance and presenting it to the Clift Meadow Trust in Bramley, Hampshire.

The developer’s Managing Director Andrew Brooks and Sales and Marketing Director Elaine Stratford paid a visit to the village to unveil the portable automated external defibrillator at the meadow’s pavilion.

Andrew Brooks said: “When we launch a development in any town or village, it’s really important to us to support that

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community in a variety of ways. Donating a defibrillator to the Clift Meadow Trust was the ideal option for us, as its facilities are used by a huge number of people every week. The AED will be of vital importance in case someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.”

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl002

E-mail your news & views to phpd@hamerville.co.uk or tweet us at @phpdonline

Don’t miss out on enhanced tax relief

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CB Finance is urging builders and developers who have made taxable profits not to forget about the temporary increase in Annual Investment Allowance tax relief on plant and machinery that was announced in the 2018 Autumn Budget.

The AIA was increased to £1 Million per year until 1st January 2021 to help support British businesses to invest and grow, by accelerating the relief that would normally be applied over several years.

Depending on a business’ financial year-end, the cut off for benefiting from the increase could be sooner rather than later. For example, if your financial year-end is March, you will need to make any purchases or enter into a Hire Purchase agreement before the 1st April 2020.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl003

Etex to expand UK presence with £140 million investment he Etex Group has indicated its ongoing commitment to the UK construction industry, investing £140 million in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bristol.

Etex Building Performance will develop an advanced plasterboard manufacturing facility for its Siniat brand at the Royal Portbury Dock in Bristol Port, adding significantly to its production capacity in the UK. A brownfield industrial site has been secured close to its existing plant, maximising its ability to import raw materials efficiently and sustainably via the Bristol Channel.

The investment marks Etex’s largest single capital investment to date and is

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Carbon Report’s rallying cry for radical change in the construction sector FB Major Contractors Group has called on Government to act immediately to address how construction – the largest contributor to UK carbon emissions – can help the UK to meet 2050 Zero Carbon target, launching its ‘Transforming Construction for a Low Carbon Future’ report recently.

Speaking at the launch, NFB’s Chairman, Nick Sangwin, said, “This Report is not a document to sit on shelves gathering dust, it is designed to galvanise the sector into action, to see the opportunities and to lead the way towards zero carbon by 2050. It is critical that those within the construction sector are stepping forward and implementing a real step-change in the way they do business.”

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl005

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testament to the group’s belief in the long-term strength of the UK construction industry – Europe’s largest plasterboard market.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl004

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news

E-mail your news & views to phpd@hamerville.co.uk or tweet us at@phpdonline

Starter Homes Fiasco

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he National Audit Office has reported that despite the government announcing in 2015 that it intended to create 200,000 Starter Homes, none have been built to date as the necessary legislation is not in place.

Between 2015-16 and 2017-18, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government spent almost £174 million on acquiring and preparing sites originally intended for building the homes. These sites are now being used for housing more generally, some of which is affordable housing.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders: “We worked hard with the Government to make them understand how important this policy was to small builders and communities. They’ve not only pulled the rug from under small builders, including many hard-working NFB members, but also from under thousands of homebuyers who would have benefited from this policy.”

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl006

NHBC launches new standards for UK housebuilders

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HBC has launched the 2020 edition of its Technical Standards, effective for every new home covered by an NHBC warranty, where foundations are begun on or after 1st January 2020.

The main areas of focus that have seen some updates include Chapter 6.6 ‘Staircases’ which covers issues such as handrails and fixing and Chapter 9.1 ‘A consistent approach for finishes’ which will feature new guidance to help clarify the guidance and improve tolerances where appropriate.

Paul Cribbens, NHBC’s Standards and Technical Manager, said: “We continue to live through a challenging time within the housebuilding sector, where the need to increase housing output is tempered by

the ongoing skills shortage.

“However, our focus remains firmly on improving quality for those people living in brand new homes across the UK, reducing construction defects,

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improving homeowner satisfaction and avoiding the need for costly and invasive remedial work, something which is in all our interests.”

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl007

DEVELOPMENTS Construction work commences at Hayfield Gate

Avant Homes given go ahead for £37.4m development Midlands housebuilder Avant Homes has been given the green light on a new £37.4m development, after planning permission was granted by Nottingham City Council.

Located three miles from Nottingham City Centre on the site of a former Siemens factory on Woodyard Lane, the 9.3-acre development will feature 110 high quality houses across a selection of two, three, four and fivebedroom design-led housetypes. 10 per cent of the development will offer affordable homes.

Groundworks on the new development, named Woodyard Park, have commenced and the overall build is estimated to take approximately four years.

Hayfield has commenced construction on one of its largest residential developments to date, which will create 95 luxury new homes in the Bedfordshire village of Clifton.

The £39mw scheme – which will be known as Hayfield Gate – has a two-year build programme. A main spine road will run through the 11.8-acre development, connecting with New Road at the western edge, Hitchin Lane at the eastern edge and providing easy access to the A507.

There will also be a biodiversity

corridor created through the middle of the scheme and Hayfield is contributing in excess of £872,000 towards local infrastructure and service improvements, including over £750,000 towards education and schooling.

The collection of traditional brick and render homes will feature Hayfield’s luxurious specification, including Manor Interiors kitchens, ROCA Laufen bathrooms, Minoli ceramic tiles, underfloor heating, heritage bronze ironmongery and Farrow & Ball paint.

Spitfire Bespoke Homes launches new homes in Chobham In the picturesque village of Chobham in Surrey, Spitfire Bespoke Homes has launched its latest development, Rosebank.

Located on the eastern edge of the village, this exclusive collection comprises five individually styled, detached houses.

With a choice of four and five bedrooms, each of these unique properties exhibits traditional design features which have been embellished with architectural detail.

Matthew Brazier, Regional Sales and

Marketing Director at Spitfire Bespoke Homes comments: “At Spitfire, we work extremely hard to ensure our homes fit in seamlessly with their surroundings, whilst providing a variety of individual home designs. Rosebank is an excellent example of this, with its countryside setting and Chobham, which offers a tranquil village atmosphere, despite its easy connections to central London. We are anticipating strong demand for these impressive new homes.”

Work underway at a new housing development in Bidwell Ashberry Homes Eastern Counties and Bellway Northern Home Counties will be delivering a mix of 253 two, three and four-bedroom homes in a joint scheme in Bidwell.

The two developments will form part of a new neighbourhood of up to 1,850 new homes.

As part of the planning agreement, both housebuilders will be making significant contributions to the local

area. Almost £5.4m will be put towards early years, primary and secondary education, highway contributions, public transport and bus stop maintenance, off-site indoor and outdoor sports facilities and more.

Alongside the new homes, the developers will also be providing new public open space, including footpaths and cycleways, orchards and a children’s play area.

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

Generator Group has unveiled show home at Laureate Fields Prospective buyers can now experience the full look and feel of an exclusive collection of contemporary homes on the Suffolk coast.

The contemporary three-bedroom property is now open to prospective homeowners and has been finished to high standards by designers Haus Interiors, featuring an open plan living area with engineered oak flooring, a galleried landing and a vaulted ceiling with skylight.

Max Turner, from the new homes team at Savills Ipswich, which is marketing the properties, said: “Laureate Fields is a truly one-off development, built to the highest

Roundhouse Gate homes under construction of standards, combining high quality, contemporary homes with a remarkable seaside location surrounded by countryside but close to everything that Felixstowe has to offer.”

Generator is currently building 197 new homes at Laureate Fields.

Work begins on 94 new affordable homes in Cheshire East Work is underway on building a development of 94 new houses to meet demand for high quality, affordable homes in Cheshire East.

The homes are being built by Seddon for Laurus Homes, a profit-for-purpose housing development company, part of Trafford Housing Trust.

Plans for the development were finalised alongside BTP architects and

approved by Cheshire East Council in February 2019.

A total of 50% of the homes will be made available for shared ownership and affordable rent. The remaining half will be for private sale. Seddon’s Housing Partnership arm is delivering the build programme, with completion expected in Q3 2021.

Array of new-build homes in construction close to new Ineos factory

Housebuilder to launch new release of homes at new community in Yate Properties at David Wilson Homes’ Ladden Garden Village development in Yate have proved popular enough that the housebuilder is releasing a new selection of homes at the site.

The new development, which boasts commuter links and RSPB friendly gardens, is proving popular among local buyers and those from further afield.

Among the releases is the Cannington house type – which is exclusive to the development and designed over three floors. The ground floor benefits from a light and spacious family/dining room, an

Kier Living Eastern has started construction of its newest Norfolk homes at Roundhouse Gate in Cringleford, with the development set to be launched in January.

The collection of 2, 3, 4 and 5bedroom homes is the developer’s second site in the picturesque village, following the success of popular Roundhouse Park.

With its broad property mix, Roundhouse Gate is likely to appeal to a wide range of purchasers, from firsttime buyers and single professionals to growing families and downsizers. The development enjoys an enviable village location with a selection of amenities close at hand, while the many attractions of Norwich are just 20 minutes away by car via the A11.

Barratt Homes is hailing the arrival of the Ineos Automotive factory in Bridgend.

The five star housebuilder is constructing new homes in the town at Morgan’s Meadow – and says those moving to the development will benefit from easy commuting links and new employment opportunities.

“The news that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has chosen to build his new Grenadier 4x4 car in the area gives people an extra reason to move here,” said sales director, Richard Lawson.

“There are likely to be numerous employment opportunities at the new manufacturing facility – and those working there will have easy access from the selection of new homes we’re building here in Bridgend.”

adjacent kitchen, and a study, whilst a lounge can be found on the first floor, along with the family bathroom and one of the three double bedrooms. On the top floor, there are two further double bedrooms, including the master with en suite.

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HBA COLUMN

Let the Building Regulations lead As housebuilding works towards a net zero carbon future, Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Housing and Planning Policy at the HBA, argues that changes to the planning system are not the answer.

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he Government’s consultation on the Future Homes Standard is due to end on 10th January 2020 and aims to help the UK meet its 2050 net zero commitments.

Despite new homes not being a major carbon concern, the industry welcomes the proposed direction. However, the Government must ensure that the benchmark for quality comes through building regulations, not the planning system.

The planning system’s responsibility should be to plan our communities, not decide how homes are constructed. When the planning system does get involved, as we have seen with Part L (conservation of fuel and power) uplifts, local authorities vary standards, delay projects and force mistakes in technical delivery, such as worse air quality and overheating.

Building regulations, which are updated every few years, deliver uniformity and are nationally applied, and are therefore the best mechanism. They also allow manufacturers, designers and builders to plan for change, while attaining planning certainty.

If the Government is uncertain of this virtue, it should remind itself of the success achieved with Robust Details certification, which applies to sound insulation and part E of building regulations.

Reaching across the whole of industry, building regulations allow much needed standardisation on quality and performance. For part L, this will also ensure a fabric first - not renewable add-ons – approach, which will deliver certain outcomes and not require future retrofitting.

As the Government’s first opportunity to prove they understand planning reform and the industry, this consultation must ensure that the homes built tomorrow will still be fit for years to come.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information visit www.builders.org.uk

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Masonry experts Tobermore have teamed up with PHPD to answer your questions on paving and walling solutions. Here, Craig McBride, Technical and Product Training Manager, provides advice on retaining walls.

Q I’m not the biggest fan of gabion walls, is there anything else I can use?

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ong gone are the times when housebuilders could only choose between unsightly Gabion baskets or a labour intensive block and render approach.

In a housing market where sites increasingly offer challenges in terms of contours and levels, Tobermore’s Secura Grand is a pre-finished retaining wall solution which offers housebuilders a highly efficient and attractive alternative to traditional retaining wall options.

Secura Grand is built using a simple, mortar-free, dry method. Once the area behind the planned wall has been excavated, only a concrete foundation is required, and no wet trades are involved in the construction of the wall. There is no mortar drying times to delay installation, meaning that constant progress can be achieved. Secura retaining walls therefore require less skilled trades, saving time and money on this element of a project.

When placing a Secura Grand order, housebuilders will also receive a tailor-made customer service package, ServiceSure. This customer focused service follows a project from initial enquiry to delivery and beyond, updating customers at every stage ensuring an efficient, and consistent streamlined experience. Secura Grand blocks are manufactured on a single site, with higher stock levels than the industry average, and are ready to be delivered to housebuilders in full and on time, without a long lead time.

Profile |Development

Keeping up the quality Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer’s Kieran Nee gets the inside story on Copper Beeches, Waterstone Homes’ return to Swansea.

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aving made a name for itself in south Wales as a provider of high quality homes, Waterstone Homes has returned to Swansea for the second time in three years with its new Copper Beeches development. Lee Woodfine, Managing Director of Waterstone, explained how the company has been seen up until this point: “Historically, the marquee product has been for high net worth individuals, those with a lot of disposable income. The prices have been set at £550,000 – £600,000 and above, with a minimum square footage of around 1,650 – 3,500, which is two to three times bigger than the average house in south Wales. That’s been our bread and butter and what created the brand.”

Lee joined the company around a year and a half ago, coming from a PLC housebuilder and with a background in civil engineering, something which has given him an eye for detail and a joy for getting stuck into every aspect of the houses. Houses, incidentally, that he has always admired: “I’ve always respected the product and I used to think that if I

won the lottery I would build myself a Waterstone Homes-style house.”

As we sit down to chat in a quiet room at the show home, sat at the top end of the development of nine houses in Killay, a suburb of Swansea, Lee’s eye for detail comes to the fore, as he outlines some of the changes in internal design he has overseen since joining the housebuilder.

“Take, for instance, the windows,” Lee tells me, “I realised when I joined that we were

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spending a fortune on windows, which was money that could be better spent on new, more modern, radiators. I thought about the products as though I were a potential customer, and I came to the conclusion that it didn’t matter as much how the windows looked, what was more important was that they were robust and functional. The new radiators are flat panel, bringing a modern, sleek appearance and much improved performance. We’ve also updated our

thermostats, introducing smart thermostats, bringing the interiors more into line with what modern customers expect.”

In keeping with the lifestyle desired by their clients, each home will feature open plan layouts and a high-end specification, including Amtico flooring and top of the range kitchens with NEFF appliances. The development is also located near the city centre, as well as the Welsh coast, the Mumbles, and the countryside of the Gower Peninsula. The company thinks carefully about the location of each plot they develop on, Lee claims, and being a respected local housebuilder, part of a regional building group, the Jehu Group, definitely gives them an advantage in choosing the most aspirational parts of town. What’s more, south Wales’ often distinctive architectural vernacular has been a benefit to the housebuilder, whose smaller size and focus on higher end materials means it’s been more adept at altering its house styles to suit local areas and planning restrictions, whilst the wider scope for specification enables them to match local materials.

Wellbeing through design The company isn’t simply relying on quality materials to get the job done, however. Smart design and a stronger

focus on wellbeing are areas where the company plans to grow, especially in relation to its new brand, Abode, which is aimed at the middle market. Lee explains: “We look to the Netherlands, who are probably 10 – 15 years ahead of us in terms of design, to think how we can create a better product for our customers, for instance by using big windows for natural light and more open plan living spaces. In the UK, we are obsessed with the stairs, and we have the idea that the stairs should be bigger and more pronounced. In the Netherlands, they shrink the stairs right down to give more living space. We want to leave people thinking that the development has been well thought through, and has been designed not just for profit, but also for the wellness of its inhabitants.”

Of course, when the reputation is already established locally, the hard part is simply delivering on the promise made each time a new homeowner signs a contract, and it’s Lee’s job to ensure the quality stays high. “The Jehu Group is a family run company, and they give you a lot of autonomy to make decisions and take ownership over things. It’s so different to working for a PLC housebuilder, where almost everything is

We want to leave people thinking that the development has been well thought through, and has been designed not just for profit, but also for the wellness of its inhabitants done according to a book, telling you what to do each day of the week. I now have influence over design and smaller details, which is nice.

Especially when you suggest something and it works.

“When I first joined, I didn’t come in with a plan or a mission to change things, as my main thing was trying not to treat the family run business like a volume housebuilder. So for me, the first few months were spent trying to understand what made the business click. It was important to me not to ride roughshod over what had got them to this stage in the first place.”

However, as luxury car companies know all too well, it takes a lot of small changes and upgrades to keep a top of the range product feeling consistent.

Ultimately, the best tweaks and improvements are the ones that make it look like nothing has changed at all – and that’s exactly the challenge Lee faces.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.waterstonehomes.com

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Special Report

One Way for Insulation PHPD talks with Saint-Gobain Insulation UK’s Marketing Director, Órla Whelan, about the recent consolidation of the Group’s insulation brands and what it means for housebuilders.

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What are the reasons for incorporating two wellknown brands, Celotex and ISOVER, into a single insulation group within Saint-Gobain?

ISOVER and Celotex are both part of the Saint-Gobain group, each offering a wide range of insulation solutions, so it made commercial sense to bring both brands together under Saint-Gobain Insulation UK. By offering both brands side by side we can now offer additional value and choice to architects, housebuilders, contractors and merchants alike on a range of solutions.

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Will customers who recognise the Celotex and ISOVER brands now need to look out for different packaging or branding?

The product brands will still be retained with their own recognisable identities, such as Celotex’s pink and ISOVER’s yellow.

However, the overarching Saint-Gobain Insulation UK group has its own branding: a teal brand identity and logo to complement each of the individual brand’s colours and give the company its own identity.

So, with this in mind, when it comes to receiving deliveries, all products will look

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the same. The only difference will be the paperwork; it will be headed with the SaintGobain Insulation UK logo and details.

Q

Are there any changes to the insulation solutions customers currently recognise and use?

There are no changes to the products that customers currently use. If anything, the new organisation now means that Saint-Gobain Insulation UK is a ‘one-stop’ shop, able to provide customers with a greater choice and range of solutions.

the new organisation now means that SaintGobain Insulation UK is a ‘one-stop’ shop, able to provide customers with a greater choice and range of solutions.

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Do you offer any specification support to developers considering insulation requirements for a newbuild project?

Saint-Gobain Insulation UK has its own new technical support centre, headed by a knowledgeable team that will be able to offer guidance across glass mineral wool, stone wool and PIR insulation solutions.

As well as providing U-value calculations, installation details, supportive literature and technical guidance.

In addition, Saint-Gobain Insulation UK now has a dedicated Specification Team, with project specification managers offering support on both new and existing projects, including site visits and guidance on insulation solutions.

We are also dedicated to offering highquality training to those in the industry, such as our recent RIBA approved CPD : ‘Polterm Max Plus: Stone wool insulation for façades’.

Are any new products being introduced as part of the move?

As part of the Saint-Gobain group, innovation has long been at the forefront of what we do, always striving to meet the changing needs and requirements of the market and our customers. This year saw the launch of ISOVER’s Polterm Max Plus, our non-combustible stone wool insulation for installation in ventilated rainscreen cladding and overcladding systems. We will continue to work in partnership with our customers to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of product development and service.

Q

What are Saint-Gobain Insulation UK’s sustainability plans?

As part of the Saint-Gobain group, SaintGobain Insulation UK takes its sustainability responsibilities seriously, with a continuous aim of developing solutions that protect both the built environment and the world around us. Indeed, the wider Saint-Gobain group has recently committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, signing the pledge of the Global Compact ‘Business ambition for 1.5C’. This ambition is part of the strategy that the Group has been deploying for several years to limit its environmental impact and contribute to decarbonise its markets.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dl008

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The best of brick PHPD attended the 2019 Brick Awards, held in London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel recently.

Here is a selection of some of the biggest winners on the night.

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s modern methods of construction and modular housebuilding in particular gain ever more prominence in the housebuilding sector, it’s worth reminding developers and builders of the potential that building in brick still has to produce outstanding results. The 2019 Brick Awards, the 43rd annual event of its kind, provided the perfect opportunity. Organised by the Brick Development Association, the awards celebrate the best projects built in

brick, highlighting just how versatile a material it continues to be.

Head Judge, Hilary Satchwell, Director at Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, commented: "What is so delightful about the winners of this year’s Brick Awards is the way they show us what well considered design, robust brick detailing and careful delivery can do for our towns and cities and for all those who live in them. The list of winners present a range of serious buildings that challenge bland and

uninteresting buildings everywhere and demonstrate what best practice looks like.”

This year’s title of Supreme Winner has been awarded to the Dorothy Garrod Building, Newnham College at the University of Cambridge. Designed by Walters & Cohen Architects, the project also took home the Medium Housing Development and Craftmanship categories. Another big winner on the night was the Interlock, which won the Small Housing Development, Innovation and Architect’s Choice awards.

Medium Housing Development – Craftsmanship – Supreme Winner The Dorothy Garrod Building Architect/Designer: Walters & Cohen Architects Brickwork Contractor: Caxton Brickwork/SDC Builders Brick: Northcot Brick – Sidgwick Blend, bespoke blended mix

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Individual Housing Development Kenwood Lee House Architect/Designer: Cousins & Cousins Brickwork Contractor: New Wave London Brick: Wienerberger – Bemmel Blue Stock

Small Housing Development – Innovation – Architects’ Choice The Interlock Architect/Designer: Bureau de Change architects Brickwork Contractor: Irvine Whitlock Brick: Forterra – Staffordshire Blue Clay

Housebuilder Croudace Homes Croudace Homes is a private housebuilder operating throughout the southeast of England. In 2018 they built 470 new homes ranging from affordable starter apartments through to town houses and luxury family homes.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dl009

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer december/january

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Exteriors

All you need from a plasterbead Here, Richard Price, Technical Director at Catnic provides guidance for property developers on why it is imperative to select high quality plasterbead and mesh products that are fit for purpose.

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he external finish of a property is, of course, vital. From a practical perspective, it needs to help protect the building envelope against the elements and, understandably, the external finish is going to have a significant impact on the property’s overall aesthetic and general kerb appeal.

Plasterbead and mesh products can play a vital role in achieving these requirements. They will prevent a rendered surface from cracking, increasing its durability and longevity as well as offering a reliable method of achieving the slick, professional finish that potential owners would expect of any rendered facades. Therefore, accurate selection is absolutely crucial.

Responsible Sourcing As with any building component, start with the basics and ensure that the product has a CE marking. For external applications, developers should select solutions in accordance with BS EN 139141:2016 Code of Practice, which covers the design, preparation and application of external rendering. Failing to comply with these standards or choosing a plasterbead manufactured from an incorrect material could lead to the external envelope becoming exposed.

Developers have a duty of care to ensure

that the products selected are legal and will perform as intended.

Furthermore, it is advisable to look for products that comply with BES 6001. This can provide the assurance for the property developer, contractor and eventual owner that the products meet the Government’s standards for responsible sourcing. BES 6001 certified plasterbead products can help developers obtain credits under the Responsible Sourcing of Materials section of BREEAM. Consider location and conditions Different materials are suitable for different applications, which means it is important for developers to understand how to match the right product with the right surface and environment. The use of an incorrect material type carries a risk of corrosion and brings the likelihood of staining through the render resulting in the need for expensive remedial repair and replacement work to correct the problem.

Choosing the right plasterbead can be difficult, especially as there are so many available on the market. Leading manufacturers should be able to provide plasterbeads in a range of materials, including stainless steel, PVC-u, as well as galvanised beads for any internal requirements.

For external applications and for

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properties in areas of high moisture, or where the risk of damp is present, a stainless steel or PVC-u solution is ideal.

Historically, PVC-u solutions have been more commonly used abroad. However, with the UK’s climate changing and weather becoming more extreme, PVC-u solutions are increasingly common in Britain. An additional bonus for developers is that PVC-u solutions can be more costeffective than stainless steel alternatives and also help to eliminate cold bridging.

If a cement-based render has been applied then a stainless-steel plaster bead solution is the optimum choice.

Checking quality and longevity In the past developers, and the contractors installing the products, might not have considered there to be much differentiation between one brand of plasterers’ bead and another.

With ‘equal or equivalent to’ specifications reinforcing this idea – the door is unfortunately left open for quality compromises that can fall short of the original design intention.

As such, wherever possible, opt for a reputable manufacturer. In addition, a simple but effective means of establishing quality is checking rigidity. The more rigid a plasterers’ bead is, the easier it will be

any zinc mechanical fixings. This would potentially result in a chemical reaction that leads to the breakdown of the fixing and ultimately – the plasterers bead could break away from the surface.

to retain the plumbline and achieve a precise finish.

Above all, it’s important for developers to take the time to match the right solution with the relevant environment. Remember that there is no equal, or equivalent specifications when environmental factors are not accounted for.

Don’t mix your materials Once the product has been selected another important factor to take into account is the type of fixing. Best practice means avoiding mixing different material types. For example, if a stainless steel plasterer’s bead is being used, then ensure the specification does not include

Understanding best practice If possible, gain advice from the manufacturer themselves. Even the best product can run into issues if it has not been installed correctly. For example, when dealing with large sections of external render, best practice dictates installing adequate movement bead panels, no more than 5 metres apart and never over a structural joint. This will allow for any necessary movement of the building without damaging the render finish.

Contributing to a perfect finish When it comes to building a property, the devil is in the detail, and plasterbead and mesh has to be fit for purpose and of a high quality. For external applications, an incorrect product can have serious ramifications for the longterm success of

the use of an incorrect material type carries a risk of corrosion and brings the likelihood of staining through the render the building’s performance and cheap alternatives represents a false economy for developers looking to build highquality projects.

When looking to find an external plasterbead solution, developers needn’t look any further than Catnic. The company has provided steel and PVC-u construction products to some of the nation’s leading residential as well as commercial projects.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information visit www.rdr.link/dl010

Exteriors

Bricks for Tomorrow Andy Batterham, Group Technical and Innovation Director at Ibstock Brick, examines the changing role of brick in the modern British home.

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ake a walk down any street in the UK and one thing will soon become apparent – the prevalence of brickbuilt houses. From Victorian terraces to new-build developments, the vast majority of Brits still favour a property made of bricks and mortar.

It’s a trend that shows no signs of disappearing. Brick-based building achieved recognition at the highest level in October 2019, when the RIBA Stirling prize for architecture was awarded to Norwich’s Goldsmith Street estate; an eco-friendly social housing development consisting of 105 brick houses. The prestigious win demonstrates just how on trend brick now is, especially in comparison to the early 2000s, when such an accolade would have been almost unthinkable.

Britain’s appetite for brick might be stronger than ever, but, factors such as an increasing number of Millennials stepping onto the property ladder are encouraging an evolution in the ways that the material is applied in housing. Much of this shift can be attributed to changing tastes and trends among younger prospective homeowners.

Maximising kerb appeal For the first time buyer of today, the exterior aesthetic of a property is allimportant. Greater emphasis is placed on a house’s character, with owners wanting a home that delivers kerb appeal via a striking, distinctive façade. One of the most effective ways of achieving this is through the clever use of brick.

The desire for properties with standout aesthetics has seen architects place renewed focus on the texture of the bricks they utilise in projects. After all, texture can be one of the most effective means of creating character for a property. From harder, rougher material which creates a rusticated feel, to smoother, polished products creating a starkly contemporary look, texture is a vital tool for architects looking to pack a visual punch in a property.

That’s not to say a brick’s colour doesn’t also play a critical role in creating individuality. One of the key emerging trends in domestic property is the use of bolder colours, with the ever-popular reds and creams now facing stiff competition from colder palettes, such as blue, black, grey and white.

This trend has bled into contemporary

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housing from the commercial sector, which for some years now has embraced non-traditional colours for a striking finish.

Similarly, the use of more unusual coloured bricks has been growing in popularity throughout Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Belgium, for the past decade, so it’s not surprising to see the trend cross the Channel.

The shape of things to come If you look closely at some newly built housing, you may well notice real diversity in the shapes and sizes of the bricks being used. This is, in part, being led by consumer appetite for longer, thinner bricks. With a distinctive, elegant look, these types of bricks lend a sense of modernity and unconventional design to a property.

It was the growing popularity for longer bricks that first led Ibstock to launch its Linear Collection. The bricks,

One of the key emerging trends in domestic property is the use of bolder colours, with the everpopular reds and creams now facing stiff competition from colder palettes, such as blue, black, grey and white ranging in length from 290mm to 490mm and at heights of 50mm and 65mm, are available in a number of eye-catching finishes, and are designed to help architects achieve a dramatic effect on both housing and commercial properties.

What’s more, housebuilders are increasingly being called upon to utilise brick alongside other materials on a building’s exterior. While brick undoubtedly remains the building product of choice for most houses, buyers are keen to see it used alongside cladding, timber or render. If applied correctly, such other materials can be the perfect complement to brick; lending the product a fresh, unmistakably contemporary finish.

Bonding exercise The size, shape and colour of a brick are, of course, just three of a number of elements that go into a building’s exterior.

Close attention must also be paid to the bond pattern in which the bricks are laid.

As the simplest repeating pattern, stretcher bond remains far and away the number one laying choice for large-scale housing projects; but, take a look at selfbuild projects or premium value developments, and you’ll notice a growing trend for more distinct patterns, such as Flemish or English bonds.

Similar shifts are also being witnessed in mortar. This is a particularly important consideration for housebuilders, as mortar accounts for 17.5% of brickwork and can

dramatically alter the character of a building. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a real leap in popularity for recessed mortar joints; these deliver significant visual appeal over the more traditional bucket handle joint profile. Weatherstruck joints are also on the increase, affording a neat, well-ordered performance which works perfectly with well-formed regular bricks.

Another key trend to be aware of are so-called ‘floating bricks’ above windows and doorways, which are becoming progressively more common in new build houses. This has been driven by designers no longer wanting visible steel lintels on exterior walls. To meet growing demand in this area, Ibstock Kevington now offers Nexus, a leading-edge brick faced support system for creating flawless soffits and lintels, pre-fabricated off-site making it the ideal solution for time-limited projects.

What next?

The announcement of this year’s RIBA Stirling prize is a significant indicator as to how far innovation and creativity in brickbased architecture has come over the past two decades. Brick is in trend like never before, with buyers hungry for this most traditional of building materials to be applied to domestic settings in new and exciting ways – and it’s fantastic to see housebuilders rising to this challenge.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dl011

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer december/january

23

Exteriors

EWI render systems can improve the thermal performance of a property. Dale Telling, commercial manager at Fassa Bortolo UK, looks at the benefits of installing an EWI render system on your next development.

Wrapping up Warm W

hilst there is a lot of focus on the interior of a development and designing a practical, aesthetically pleasing living space, the exterior of a property should also be considered with the same degree of thought.

Used widely in both new build properties and renovations, an EWI system will insulate the property from the outside. Ideal for maximising living space, this system is applied to the exterior wall with an insulating layer, which is usually expanded polystyrene (EPS) or mineral wool, reinforcing mesh, a base coat and a finishing render. Other than helping to reduce operating costs, which can result in hefty savings in older properties, an EWI system is also one of the most energy-saving solutions available.

With the majority of heat lost through thermal bridges in the walls, the only way to combat heat loss is through insulation.

Thermal bridges are prone to the effects of condensation, which over only a short period of time can cause damp issues. This can lead

to internal damage to paint, wallpaper and plasterwork if not properly dealt with.

Not only will an EWI system help insulate the property in colder months, but it also acts as a regulator to keep homes cooler in the summer. The same goes in terms of keeping noise in, and out. Noise-pollution can be a huge deterrent for potential buyers, with traffic on busy roads being the main issue. If the property is located next to a heavy flow of traffic, installing EWI may be the best way to reduce the impact of this.

The thermal performance of a home is becoming more prevalent, as homes with better energy performance certificates (EPC) appear far more attractive to potential buyers. With the correct measures in place, a renovation can operate as efficiently as a new home.

A home which is well-insulated, soundproof, damp free and cost-effective to run is undoubtedly a more valuable one.

Create an impression No longer a thing of grand designs, homeowners are actively seeking homes with a rendered facade. Applied at the final stage of EWI installation, the decorative render brings a modern touch to the building.

To rejuvenate an older house, a finishing render will breathe life back into the property and add that essential aesthetic value. There is a whole spectrum of colours available to suit the style of the property. Crisp whites are fitting on new builds and extensions alongside modern anthracite windows

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Not only will an EWI system help insulate the property in colder months, but it also acts as a regulator to keep homes cooler in the summer. and guttering, while earthy tones are well suited to conversions and country homes.

There are bolder colours available for a more unique look including soft yellows, pastel greens and nautical blues. If the colour needed isn’t available, it’s more than likely there will be a top coat available to fit the brief. If the colour needs to be matched to an existing RAL shade, Fassa offers a colour matching tint machine service at select distributors nationwide.

In areas particularly vulnerable to wind and rain, a rendered facade can help reduce external and structural wear to the property. Some affected locations include the Channel, the west coast of Wales and Scotland, south west England, and Northern Ireland. Continuous weathering, particularly wind-driven rain, can have an effect on the external surface of a building, so a finishing render is one of the best ways to block any long-lasting damage.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dl012

Exteriors I Round Up

POLYPIPE DRAINAGE Polypipe’s Elegance Colour range of robust guttering and downpipe fittings and fixtures offers developers a system that provides sufficient capacity for the efficient disposal of heavy rainfall flowing from a high pitched roof.

In addition, all Elegance Colour systems, available in square and sovereign profiles feature PVCu fascia brackets, top and side rafter brackets, and rise and fall brackets in galvanised metal to provide long term support to the guttering system, which meet BS EN 12056-3: 2000 Roof Drainage recommendations.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl013

CEDRAL FIBRE CEMENT CLADDING

FORTICRETE ARCHITECTURAL MASONRY

Over 450sqm of Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding, in colour Pewter, has been specified by developer Cedarmill Developments. The fibre cement cladding is a low maintenance alternative to traditional cladding materials, offering a minimum life expectancy of 50 years. Resistant to rot, attack from insects and the external elements, the easy to install solution is available in a wide range of shades and finishes and has a Class A fire performance rating.

Seamus Tattan, Senior Contracts Manager at Cedarmill, said: “This is the first time we have specified Cedral and we are already looking to utilise the material on a further two upcoming residential developments as we are so impressed with it.”

Forticrete is aiming to meet the demands for architectural creativity and flexibility when producing distinctive facades with its Architectural Masonry range.

Combining decorative concrete facing blocks, and bespoke precast solutions, the range offers solutions for interior and exterior projects. The collection is available in an extensive selection of colours and textures including Fairface, Splitface, ShotBlasted, Etched and Polished Florentine.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl014

PERMAFENCE METAL FENCE PANELS

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl016

A robust fencing system, Permafence has been brought to the UK market by Derbyshire-based company PermaGroup. The fence for life aims to offer relief from the time and cost associated with maintaining traditional timber fences. The metal fence panels are guaranteed to last 25 years and require only an occasional wash down with a soft detergent. The product has been manufactured using a high-quality plastisolcoated steel – eliminating damage caused by rot and excessive moisture.

The panel system costs about the same as a quality timber fence, but with a longer lifespan and can be installed in just four easy steps.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl015

CUPA PIZARRAS SLATE ROOF TILE Cupa Pizarras’ thick Heavy 3 natural roofing slate has been specified and installed to provide a durable and lasting finish on a large home.

The blue black Heavy 3 is supplied as a 300 x 200mm slate and, as a natural product, the colour and the properties stay unalterable through time with no maintenance required. Split to an average thickness of 7mm to 9mm and featuring nonrusting metallic particles and thin laminations, which form a riven surface, the finish suits this traditional architectural style.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl017

26 december/january Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

EXPERT Update | FINANCE

Financial Struggles

©Inkstop/Adobestock

Kreston Reeves’ Anne Dwyer discusses the issues developers face when raising finance.

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t will surprise nobody to learn that small and mid-sized businesses are finding it increasingly hard to raise bank finance. Nowhere has this been harder felt than in the property and construction sector.

And it is getting harder. Banks have dropped loan to value, or LTV, ratios to 60% to 65%, making it difficult for investors and developers to fund new schemes. It is difficult to pin exactly why banks have changed LTV ratios, but it does seem to have coincided with the change in government and the perceived increased threat of a no deal Brexit.

“ irrespective of Brexit, cautious lending and strict covenants will not change direction quickly” The message from bank management boards and lending committees within the last three months is one of caution.

The frustration for developers is that irrespective of Brexit, cautious lending and strict covenants will not change direction quickly. It will take at least six months or longer from our final departure date for banks to rethink and loosen their restrictions.

Banks are also demanding greater security and personal guarantees – something developers are often unable or reluctant to provide – and greater levels of management information.

When finance is secured, bank covenants are increasingly strict. We have seen banks ask for three or more covenants when just a few months ago one would have been sufficient.

Speculative lending has also all but disappeared, with lending committees demanding full due diligence on targets before they are even considered. This comes at a time when costs – particularly labour costs – are increasing. We would argue that now, more than ever, barriers to finance should be dropped to help firms weather Brexit uncertainty.

So how is the industry responding?

Private equity investors are circling parts of the real estate sector, but their demands for higher returns over relatively short timeframes will often be too challenging and holding equity can be unattractive. This has resulted in many development sites stalled or on hold – some for up to three years and counting.

A temporary blip But it is not all bad news. Overseas investors, attracted by the weakened pound, continue to play an active role in the UK real estate market.

Smaller and often regional developers and construction companies continue to do exceptionally well. Homeowners are increasingly staying put and investing in their properties. This is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Larger developers are taking time to review current assets and selling stock to raise funds to bring forward more profitable developments.

Social housing continues to do well, buoyed by institutional investors attracted by long term returns. And of course, the government’s Help to Buy scheme continues to play a critical role for first time buyers.

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Kreston Reeves offers five guiding principles for developers looking to raise funds in the current market: ● Look inside the business first. Can funds be diverted to more profitable work? ● When approaching the banks make sure you have done your homework first. Prepare and have all the documentation needed in advance, including a business plan. ● Do ask how your accountant or financial advisers can help. An independently prepared business plan and financial projections are likely to be well received by bank lenders. ● Do expect finance to take much longer to secure. Bank credit committees are routinely taking six months and longer to review lending applications. ● Funding can be found – but be prepared to pay more for it.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Anne Dwyer is a Partner and Head of Property and Construction at Kreston Reeves. She can be reached by email at anne.dwyer@krestonreeves.com.

For more information, visit www.krestonreeves.com.

Designing in Biodiversity

EXPERT Update | DESIGN

©Red Pixel/Adobestock

Rob Woolston, director at multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p discusses the implications of the government’s new biodiversity mandate.

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n the spring statement, the Government confirmed it would enforce biodiversity net gain across all developments to ensure new infrastructure and housing is not delivered at the expense of nature and wildlife. This ambitious mandate was officially published as part of the newly launched Environment Bill and consultation is now being undertaken by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to ascertain the parameters for delivery.

grasslands, rivers, streams and common green infrastructure.

Within this consultation document, there are some exemptions. For instance, urban brownfield sites that face viability issues or smaller development sites (10 units or fewer), both of which could be offered a more simplified requirement.

Following completion of the consultation period (December 2019) and providing parliamentary adoption, it’s likely the agreed calculation percentage will start

“ there will now be a percentage of the site that must deliver these gains, which is currently being suggested as 10% ” In a nutshell, biodiversity net gain requires developers to properly assess a site, consider existing and potential wildlife habitats, how green spaces and nature corridors might be created, and how they can be left in a demonstrably better state than pre-development. Whilst this might not seem anything above the norm in terms of pre-planning considerations, the difference occurs in that there will now be a percentage of the site that must deliver these gains, which is currently being suggested as 10%.

DEFRA is consulting on how this 10% is calculated, using the Biodiversity Metric 2.0 as a beta-test. Developed with input from environmental NGOs, developers, land managers, government agencies, etc, this metric encompasses

widely agreed that any development should support environmental conservation or enhancement but this obviously should only be one part of the conversation. New development should be strategic, create communities, natural spaces and we can only achieve this by working collaboratively. As an industry, we should welcome the opportunity to engage with DEFRA and local authorities as this mandate gets rolled out to ensure we continue to build the homes in healthy environments that are beneficial for all.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

to be included within planning policy (thus explaining its current absence in all adopted and emerging local plans) and become the responsibility of local authorities to enforce. This is expected to be on a site-by-site basis directly with developers. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that this sits over and above any existing local authority biodiversity requirements and delivery would be expected alongside.

Broadly speaking, the 10% target seems reasonable although it does limit the scope for greater biodiversity gain on larger development sites; a point worthy of further examination by ecological experts and other interested stakeholders such as the RTPI. I think it’s fair to say it’s

Rob Woolston is a director at AJ100 practice, rg+p. Rob has over 20 years’ experience in residential development and oversees a team of architects, master planners, urban designers and town planners. For more information, visit www.rg-p.co.uk

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer december/january

29

The Learning Curve

EXPERT Update | MARKET

©Kenishirotie/AdobeStock

Richard Janes, Director at Development Savills Cambridge explains how a joined up vision is key to unlocking the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

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he arc between Oxford and Cambridge has long been touted as the area with the greatest growth potential outside London. Bookended by two leading university clusters, and containing a concentration of high value employment, it has an agglomeration of assets not found anywhere else in the country.

But if the vision of delivering one million new homes and 1.1 million new jobs by 2050 is to be achieved there are some serious challenges that need to be addressed.

“ Innovative approaches will be required and developers will need to provide a range of housing type tenures” The National Infrastructure Commission found that the main risk to success is a ‘lack of sufficient and suitable housing’ and without a joined-up plan for housing, employment and infrastructure the corridor will be left behind by its UK competitors.

Savills latest research – The OxfordCambridge Innovation Arc – looks at some of these issues in more detail.

If the one million new homes target is to be reached then delivery needs to rise by 13,000 homes annually against what is currently being planned for – an additional 47% of the current delivery

rate. This would mean building at a rate of 3.1% of the corridor’s 2018 stock every year, a level not currently being achieved anywhere in England.

A key challenge will be combining the localism embedded in the National Planning Policy Framework with a strategic, joined up vision for the whole corridor.

Re-examining the role of the Green Belt, particularly around Oxford, Cambridge and the southern fringe of the arc, will form part of wider spatial planning, but what’s needed is a coordinated response across the area’s 26 district and unitary authorities, four county councils and one combined authority.

The greatest potential for delivery is the middle of the arc, where land is less constrained, and the intersections of old infrastructure have the greatest impact on connectivity.

Areas such as Milton Keynes and Bedford already have the highest forecast household growth – they are also the more affordable markets with land values that are able to support the diversity of mix and tenure needed.

Land with capacity for 680,000 homes – equivalent to over 23,000 hectares – also still needs to be identified. And while the four new garden villages within the arc will support delivery, these will not provide the silver bullet necessary to increase delivery to the level needed.

The rate at which houses can be sold, market absorption, is another challenge. Innovative approaches will be required and developers will need to provide a range of housing type tenures.

The problem is particularly acute in both Oxford and Cambridge, where the

30 december/january Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

proportion of people able to access home ownership is so limited that the private rented sector now accounts for over 30% of all households (compared to 18% across the arc as a whole).

One solution is for city authorities to continue to work with more affordable surrounding areas to accommodate their overspill, while a second may be for more schemes to deliver homes for specific needs – such as the partnership between L&G and Oxford University providing discounted homes for university staff on university land.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Richard Janes is Director at Development Savills Cambridge. For more information, visit www.savills.com

Smart Technology

The smart way to heat homes How can energy-efficient smart technology make for more comfortable homes?

Uponor explains all.

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he prevalence of smart technology in the home has risen dramatically over the last five years. The likelihood of tenants owning smart doorbells, appliances and utensils, or products and gadgets controlled via an app or voice command is becoming ever greater.

However, beyond the well-known consumer-focused products, heating and cooling within a building is one area in which smart technology can be used to provide a range of improvements for endusers. These can include increased comfort and productivity as well as reduced environmental impact and energy bills.

Underfloor heating, in particular, is a solution which can be efficiently integrated with smart technology. UFH is

deemed an ‘invisible’ solution which achieves either heating or cooling without the need for radiators or electric heaters.

Unlike radiators, UFH primarily transfers heat by radiation, meaning warmth distributes evenly across a whole building or room, ensuring a thermally comfortable environment at all times. With heat being transferred in this manner it means the occupant of the property can heat or cool a room in the most efficient and costeffective way, reducing expensive gas and electricity bills.

What’s more, unlike UFH, as radiators transfer heat mainly via convection currents, they can increase the amount of dust circulating around a room, potentially causing a range of health

32 december/january Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

issues for occupants who suffer from respiratory illnesses.

Combating the cool In response to the increasing appetite for smart technology and connected buildings, some UFH manufacturers have introduced smart controls for their solutions. Smart controls are integrated directly into an app meaning temperatures can be adjusted from anywhere via a smartphone or tablet, helping occupants achieve the ideal temperature with a simple voice command or screen tap.

Most, including the Smatrix Pulse from Uponor, are also compatible with the Amazon Alexa and Google Home

Smart controls are integrated directly into an app meaning temperatures can be adjusted from anywhere via a smartphone or tablet devices, meaning heating and cooling can be managed easily by voice-activated commands.

In addition, this technology provides homeowners with the option to allow installers access rights to their UFH systems. Consequently, diagnostic tests and fixes can be conducted remotely by the installer. As such, occupants no longer have to wait around for a visit and can carry on with their everyday lives without interruption.

It’s clear that smart technology can provide practical solutions to make the lives of a building’s occupants easier and more comfortable. We see this in the case of integrated heating and cooling solutions, such as UFH. Previously considered energy intensive and expensive, advances in technology have enabled efficient heating and cooling solutions to become the norm in our homes, making for happier tenants and more profitable housebuilders.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dl018

Smart Technology

Building the new standard As the adoption of smart technologies amongst homebuyers increases, housebuilders will undoubtedly have to implement smart devices as standard within properties. Here Glen Krise, Managing Director at Megaman, looks at the latest technologies that could grab the attention of buyers.

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ccording to the latest YouGov survey, 23% of homes have at least one smart device and of the homes that do not, 14% said they would consider purchasing one. While growth is gradual, the adoption of smart home technology amongst consumers is consistent and is impacting on their expectations for future homes.

Research by Barclays Mortgages suggested that prospective buyers in particular are keen on installing smart technology and are often willing to pay more for a house with a smart system already inbuilt, in some cases in excess of ÂŁ10,000.

Meanwhile, for housebuilders, issues like energy efficiency are having a significant impact on the design of new builds, with the government recently establishing a set of new requirements, specifically a reduction in CO2 emissions and an improvement in energy efficiency, as part of the launch of the Future Homes Standard earlier this year. Smart technology has the potential to help a home improve its energy efficiency significantly by increasing the control occupants have over their household appliances. As such, smart technology is

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becoming an ever more necessary addition to a new build property – not only to entice a new generation of prospective buyers but also to help housebuilders meet crucial efficiency targets.

Smart lighting in particular can provide significant energy efficiency results. By installing a smart lighting system, this enables the homeowner to have instant control over his or her household lighting wirelessly via a smart phone or by verbal commands. By utilising this control effectively, homeowners can easily reduce

and scheduling of up to 50 connected devices via its own app or alternatively via compatible systems including Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings. Not only does this ensure further energy savings but it also increases the size of the smart system considerably by allowing for the incorporation of non-smart, pre-owned household items as well as some of the most popular smart systems on the market – an exciting prospect for prospective buyers. energy consumption and household expenses. With the guarantee of long-term low-cost bills, a smart lighting system is an attractive incentive for prospective buyers – in addition to helping housebuilders meet the initial build requirements of the Future Homes Standard.

When looking to specify a smart home system for a new build, it is important to keep in mind the issue of compatibility.

This is to ensure that the technology a Heat Pumps should be easy to install and maintain buyer already owns can easily be integrated into their new home, an issue they are likely to be considering, as well as futureproofing the home to make sure it will be compatible with any further technological advances.

Bespoke Systems There are currently a number of bespoke home automation systems on the market, yet a common problem is compatibility as they work across a number of different incompatible protocols. Manufacturers are

now looking to combat this issue by producing systems that are compatible with several different protocols and all major smart automation systems. By selecting a system that has this level of compatibility, housebuilders can ensure that they develop a flexible smart home that buyers can utilise in the way they need or wish to.

System Scope Compatibility is also important with regards to the scope of the system. In addition to monitoring and controlling a building’s lighting system, products like Megaman’s own INGENIUM ZB can be connected to a variety of other household appliances, allowing for the simple control of everything through one easy system.

The incorporation of smart sockets allows homeowners to connect any plugged-in device or appliance, for example a television, kettle, fan or standing lamp.

INGENIUM ZB allows for the monitoring

When looking to specify a smart home system for a new build, it is important to keep in mind the issue of compatibility Motion Sensors Furthermore, systems which allow for the addition of passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors – which activate and deactivate programmed technology dependant on an occupant’s presence – can make a smart home even easier to use for buyers and can further generate significant energy savings. If installed during the build, these sensors are simple to connect to and, as a fit and forget solution, once programmed they will continue to function as selected – further simplifying day to day tasks and reducing the energy use of everyday items.

As smart technology continues to gain popularity, especially amongst the next generation of homeowners, it is essential that housebuilders begin to integrate smart systems into developments at the outset. Not only will this entice prospective buyers, who are willing to pay more for smart technology, but it will also help housebuilders meet energy efficiency standards by reducing the energy consumption of a property.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information visit www.rdr.link/dl019

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Smart Technology

A light touch Implementing smart lighting thoughtfully and properly is key to ensuring it offers true benefits.

Gresh Braglewicz, Director at Ember Lighting, looks at how housebuilders and property developers can successfully deliver a smart lighting scheme in new properties.

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he difference that lighting can make to a home should not be underestimated. While it does, of course, have a functional element, an increasing number of people are demanding lighting systems that add to the look, feel and atmosphere within their home. From early morning lights to help us wake up and function, through to a late-night glow to aid relaxation before bed, lighting supports our activities throughout the day. Smart technology can assist this in many ways, yet it must be well-thought out, and from the offset of a project, to ensure it really delivers what it is supposed to. So what are the different elements to consider?

Control systems should ultimately make a home’s lighting easier to operate, not more complicated. They should not require an excessive amount of thought

or effort. For example, a control system that requires six different dimmers in a room just to get the desired effect is not fit for purpose. It should be as simple as pressing a button.

Ember Lighting’s advice would be to think about how a room will be used, and that will tell you how many buttons you need. For example, a dining room is a place used for entertaining and eating.

Therefore, most homes will need a brighter setting for family dinners, and a more ambient setting for entertaining guests or romantic dinners. So using this rule, that would equate to two buttons.

This also links to the issue of maintenance, and some systems will inevitably require more upkeep than others. It is ideal to choose a system that can be maintained by an electrician or even the homeowner themselves. If a

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more sophisticated option is selected, then housebuilders could consider offering a maintenance contract. This will not only give the homeowner reassurance that the system has longevity, it provides an additional revenue stream for housebuilders.

Set up is essential for all control systems. Where projects fail, it is often because they have not been commissioned properly. Housebuilders and developers should allow for at least two visits for a commissioning engineer – one to complete the basic setup and testing, and one for them to set the actual scenes or moods in the room. If possible, this should be done with the client there.

A third scheduled visit could be a value-added service that sets apart a housebuilder. This visit should be carried out once the homeowner has been living

in the property for several months, as it is an opportunity to make any adjustments they would like and address any potential issues.

Wiring and wireless Newer control systems currently require far less wiring, with wireless switches. This is great news for housebuilders and developers as it reduces labour, and makes it quicker and easier to install the smart lighting system.

While this is a clear benefit and means the timing of the lighting installation in the project schedule can be a bit more flexible, smart lighting should still be considered very early on. While the wiring may be easier and therefore create less pressure on other elements of the build, if it is not planned at the design stage these cost and efficiency savings will be lost.

Motion sensors Motion sensors, sometimes known as PIR sensors, provide a small amount of automation. They are an excellent

addition to bathrooms to control a small, low-level night light or in hallways. Some control systems will allow you to have different scenes for different times of the day, for instance, in the daytime the main hallway lights will turn on brightly, but in the evening, they will only come on at 5%.

Ensure compatibility and longevity With the growing demand for smart lighting, there has naturally been an increase in the number of systems now available on the market. Solutions include Bluetooth, Wifi, KNX, and Power over IP, to name just a handful. While choice is naturally a good thing, with it comes complications around compatibility. The selected control system needs to be able to fully integrate and work with all of the lighting that it will control.

The matter becomes even more complicated when you consider the different types of luminaires that are now used throughout a home. But this is the key point – to choose the lighting first, and then the control second, therefore

while choice is naturally a good thing, with it comes complications around compatibility ensuring its compatibility. While the smart technology is an important element of the overall scheme, it will only be as good as the lights it controls. These issues over compatibility are perfect examples of where a lighting specialist may be needed to offer expert consultancy, and sourcing of solutions.

Furthermore, the longevity of a system is equally as important. An ideal smart system could last for 20-30 years; after all, replacing it could be costly in both the upgrade and any decorative work to compensate for it. Choosing a system which the homeowner can adjust themselves, rather than relying on a programmer, is also a key benefit, since finding the same person to make adjustments 10 years on can be complex.

If a programmer is required, make sure you choose a system which does not lock you into one programmer, but allows any qualified person make adjustments.

Lighting controls are amazing, but only if they are set up correctly to ensure they deliver the desired results, with minimum input from the user. While it may seem complicated, by following these points smart lighting can become a great feature of your new build or developed property.

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SMART HOME I round up

COMELIT HOME AUTOMATION Comelit has worked closely with MRFS Group at Inspired Living’s Impact House development to ensure residents in upgraded apartments can experience seamless smart home automation in one all-encompassing solution.

Simplehome is the company’s smart home automation system, which operates with door entry in one user-friendly integrated solution, providing homeowners with full control of their lighting, heating and ventilation. With an ability to programme schedules for up to seven days, the system can be operated remotely using the dedicated app, available via smartphone or tablet and connecting to a home router.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl021

GIRA DOOR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS Gira is digitising and safeguarding homes and occupants with a new range of intercoms. The door communication systems are solutions for convenient home automation, aiming to combine quality lifestyle design and security in a property. The new range has been designed to serve varying degrees of intelligent build management, from simple doorbell systems to communication products with integral video technology: all of which present high aesthetic appeal.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl022

ERA SMART DOORCAM The ERA DoorCam Smart Home WiFi Video Doorbell uses a smartphone app to allow homeowners to view callers and talk to them in real-time, whether they are home or not. The smart doorcam offers peace of mind through a motion detector which alerts homeowners when someone has arrived. Once the product is installed, the homeowner can simply plug in the WiFi chime which comes as standard, with the option to connect up to four more chimes across the home. The system allows for two-way talk with high quality sound with adjustable volume, brightness and colour to suit.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl024

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LEGRAND HOME CONTROL Customisable to each user, Legrand’s Vantage Equinox 41 home control system offers minimalistic on-wall presence with a stylish 4.3in. black glass to edge touch screen. The system allows for control of multiple functions, such as lighting, audio and heating in one place.

In addition, presence detection sensors automatically ‘wake-up’ the touch screen to a desired scenario whilst light sensors adjust the brightness of the screen according to ambient light conditions.

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GROHE DIGITAL SHOWER Thanks to its flexible and accessible positioning, the wireless control on the Rainshower SmartConnect 310 head shower from Grohe enables all users to conveniently select different spray patterns. Thanks to its wireless connection, which doesn’t require any behind-the-wall installation, the shower is a costeffective and simple upgrade that will bring enhanced shower enjoyment using smart, forward-thinking design.

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BRISANT SECURE SMART DOOR LOCKS The Ultion SMART Bluetooth model lock from Brisant Secure claims uncompromised security through its robust Lockdown Mode, a hidden lock which activates when attacked. The smart device has received industry accreditations including Sold Secure Diamond and Secure By Design.

A smart door lock makes security simple and secure using Bluetooth and GPS technology, and can automatically unlock when a trusted user approaches the door.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl027

LIGHTWAVE WIRELESS CONTROL

TITON VENTILATION CONTROL

Lightwave has unveiled the versatile L82 Mini Relay which can be utilised in a wide range of situations, including water features, garage doors and lighting circuits. It is operated wirelessly from a Lightwave Smart Dimmer. The systems all connect wirelessly to the firm’s Link Plus hub and are compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Home, offering two-way communication and built-in energy monitoring functionalities.

Titon has launched the new multifunctional aura-t (HMB), a simple yet innovative touchscreen controller for programming, commissioning and occupancy control of the company’s range of HRV Q Plus HMB units. The HMB (Humidity Bypass) model complements the existing aura-t (B), ensuring there is a touchscreen control option available for all Titon MVHR systems.

The new controller allows for straightforward operation and adjustment of ventilation speeds, while benefitting from a backlit display and providing enhanced functionality when connected to a 2019 HMB model.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl026

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Heating & Ventilation

Whilst still viewed as a luxury by some, underfloor heating (UFH) is becoming an increasingly soughtafter solution for both new build and renovated homes. Steve Harris, Technical Services Engineer for Wavin Hep2O answers our questions about the technology.

Under the radar Q

Why should housebuilders consider underfloor heating (UFH)?

With pipes under the floor, a UFH heating system uses natural radiation to transfer heat into the room across the full floorspace, rather than from designated heating points like radiators. Not only does this mean more even heating, but it also negates the need for radiators that can be unsightly and impact the look and layout of a room.

Another key benefit for end-users is the cost savings they can see from using an UFH solution, as they have increased control over a more efficient heating system, meaning energy bills tend to shrink.

Q

Are there any health benefits associated with UFH? There are many benefits of UFH beyond just heating and aesthetics. One key area that shouldn’t be forgotten is the positive

UFH keeps floor coverings warm and dry by circulating heated water beneath the surface

impact it can have on people’s health.

This heating system has little impact on air quality when compared with traditional convection heating systems which can circulate bacteria and dust. UFH can actually inhibit the growth of fungi and dust mites, reduce the circulation of airborne allergenic particles, and potentially help minimise the risk of room occupants developing respiratory issues.

Q

Can a UFH system also be installed on the wall?

Despite the name, UFH isn’t exclusively for under floors. In fact, it can be installed into any part of a building envelope, including the walls of a room. This would provide an ideal solution in a room with a small surface area on the floor to maximise the potential heat output. This would be the case in a room such as a small bathroom where UFH would boost heating output for a space that would only be able to house a small – if any – radiator traditionally.

This solution enables great spacesaving for smaller rooms like these, where the wall surface area is needed for cisterns, showers or sinks. However, it’s not advisable to opt for UFH in walls alone, as the heat output is higher when installed under floors.

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There have been cases where UFH has been installed in the ceiling of a property and this can be hugely effective in building structures such as apartment blocks. As the void of the ceiling is easily accessible for installation, the heating solution can be beneficial for both the room above and the room below. This kind of installation is more commonly found abroad in hotter climates because it works efficiently as a cooling system by circulating cold water. The pipework can be set into the concrete itself, allowing the complete building structure to be heated or cooled as required.

Q

On the subject of using UFH to cool buildings, how does this work?

While it is uncommon in the UK, housebuilders and developers are increasingly looking for UFH cooling solutions over traditional air conditioning systems as spaces become smarter and summers warmer.

Underfloor cooling systems use chilled water, sourced via air or the ground which is circulated through the pipes to cool the building. The temperature is then reduced through the transfer of energy by radiant heat exchange to a temperature lower than the air above, creating a cooling effect.

The components are identical for heating and cooling UFH systems, the

only major difference is the control systems involved. Underfloor cooling requires more complex controls which automatically change from heating to cooling, as well as controlling the dew point when in cooling mode.

It is important to note that underfloor cooling systems can only work with a limited variety of flooring types. For example, stone, ceramic or LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile).

Q

Are there any size constraints housebuilders should be aware of?

As the consumer demand for UFH in both new builds and renovations continues to increase, Wavin Hep2O offers a range of products suitable for both heating and cooling for projects of all sizes – from individual room renovations to full new build specification. Such systems are easy to

install and come with market leading certifications and guarantees to meet current Building Regulations. Planners can also use Wavin Hep2O’s online tools to help provide the best quote and bill of materials, to ensure the very best solutions are chosen for a project.

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HEATING & VENTILATION

Continual Progress Although intermittent fans have held sway in UK homes for a number of years, Paul Harrington, Head of Residential Sales at Elta Fans explains how highperformance continuous extraction fans can offer an alternative solution for those seeking compliance with the latest Building Regulations.

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he importance of keeping our homes effectively ventilated is well documented, with links to health issues and instances of condensation and damp highlighting the importance of implementing a comprehensive ventilation strategy. There are a range of options at a housebuilder’s disposal, but it

generally comes down to a choice between intermittent or continuous.

Ensuring compliance Common across all ventilation strategies is the need to comply with the latest Building Regulations, which has been brought sharply into focus following the

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introduction of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. While this Act refers specifically to rented properties, the awareness it has generated has meant that domestic dwellings across the UK must ensure engagement with current regulations.

Approved Document F provides guidance on meeting building regulations that specifically apply to ventilation, so it is crucial that housebuilders and developers get to grips with it, as well as the accompanying Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide. Within the document, there are minimum ventilation rates that need to be achieved, and these vary depending on several different factors.

The number of bedrooms and overall size of the property affect the ‘whole dwelling ventilation rates’, which essentially govern the minimum ventilation that is required in a home. On top of this, there are considerations over

Common across all ventilation strategies is the need to comply with the latest Building Regulations…

the positioning of extract fans, whether that is the room they sit in, such as the kitchen or bathroom, or even the location within that room, such as next to a hob or by the shower.

Approved Document F contains a table that shows the different minimum rates that must be achieved in varying circumstances. Significantly, it makes the distinction between the rates required of intermittent fans, and that required of continuous extract models.

Intermittent extract fans Intermittent extract fans, as the name suggests, are not constantly running, and must be switched on by the operator before they start to ventilate. The advantage of this is that they can move air in a short, sharp burst, and in theory deal with pollutants at source. In addition, intermittent extract fans must be

supported by background/trickle ventilators, which would have to be installed in every window.

However, the fact that they are manually controlled means they are dependent on someone being present to switch them on – if not, the property will not be adequately ventilated.

Furthermore, intermittent extract fans are often perceived as noisy due to the large volumes of air they need to move to comply with Building Regulations, which means that even when they are on, occupants must either tolerate the noise, or suffer from poor indoor air quality.

Decentralised continuous extract fans Decentralised continuous extract fans (dMEVs) are individual room fans which are in constant operation. They draw moisture from the air at a lower rate than

intermittent fans but with the caveat of doing so continuously. They are typically quieter, more reliable, and more energy efficient than their intermittent counterparts, significantly improving the living conditions for a building’s occupants. Crucially, these fans are not as reliant on background ventilators as in less thermally efficient structures –making them a perfect choice for existing homes. dMEVs operate at what is known as a ‘trickle speed’, which must match the whole dwelling ventilation rate as prescribed in Building Regulations. They also provide a ‘boost’ mode, which increases the ventilation rate when required, such as cooking or bathing.

Due to the low trickle speeds that dMEV fans operate at, they can sometimes struggle to meet the minimum whole dwelling ventilation rates prescribed in the Building Regulations – especially in homes that are larger or have a higher than normal occupancy. As a result, multiple fans are required to ensure compliance. However, some of the latest models, such as Elta Fans’ MORI dMEV II 150HT, have much higher trickle speeds than their predecessors, meaning this method of ventilation can be used where the whole dwelling ventilation rates are high, but there are limited wet rooms.

Understanding the Building Regulations is crucial for those tasked with delivering ventilation to domestic properties, and Approved Document F should serve as the guidelines for what is required of different circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and to ensure compliance, builders should refer to the document for any ventilation work they undertake.

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Heating & Ventilation

The Solution at your feet With energy bills forever on the increase, anything housebuilders and developers can offer purchasers in the way of long-term savings is an extra selling point, so can underfloor heating be one option? John Gittens, Business Development Director from Maincor, takes a look.

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reating luxury spaces that fulfil a dream for the potential purchaser is, of course, largely down to the overall look. Top spec fixtures and fittings all help entice the buyer but when it comes to standing out from the competition, housebuilders and developers should be mindful of some of the less obvious things too. Underfloor heating is a good case in point. It unarguably achieves a luxury finish and makes a property more desirable, but that’s not the only advantage that developers can use as a hook.

As properties become more open-plan, there is less wall space for radiators and underfloor heating taps into the trend for all things minimal in the modern home.

Because it’s out of sight it will also be in keeping with any style of property and gives the interior designers much more creative freedom. With the trend being very much towards wood and tiled flooring for ground floors as opposed to carpet, underfloor heating offers the homeowner peace of mind that things won’t get too cold underfoot, even in mid-winter.

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These are all practical advantages that are worth highlighting as reasons why housebuilders and developers should invest in underfloor heating for their projects, but there is another key point that will tick a lot of boxes with potential customers. This is the eco benefits of underfloor heating when compared to conventional systems. Underfloor heating requires much lower water temperatures, as the large surface area of the floor is enough to warm the room efficiently as the heat rises.

In fact, an underfloor heating system will generally run at around 45° as opposed to the 80° used in radiator systems, which means that there are energy and running cost savings to be made, especially when used with renewable heat sources such as heat pumps. This results in lower CO2 emissions, which is good news for the eco conscious homeowner and developers looking to meet sustainability requirements.

When it comes to a developer’s sales brochure though, the USP with underfloor heating has to be the energy savings for the homeowner. Put simply, this means lower utility bills and when a purchaser is about to pay out hundreds of thousands of pounds on a new home, any potential long-term monetary savings are likely to be music to their ears. As each room can be heated on an individual basis with underfloor heating, the user has complete control over the temperature throughout the property, so the rooms that are used the most can be kept at a slightly higher temperature, for example. Greater control

and lower energy bills are, in a nutshell, the selling points that underfloor heating gifts the developer.

Water based underfloor heating systems work by turning the entire floor into one large low temperature radiator which is heated via a network of pipes that are embedded within the floor. Since the floor (the ‘radiator’) is so large, it only needs to run at a low temperature to heat the room. This means that the water that flows around the floor needs to be at a far lower temperature than a traditional radiator system.

For solid floors underfloor heating pipes are laid and fixed onto floorgrade insulation which is placed over a solid concrete base and then screed is put over the top of the pipes. Options are also available for suspended, floating and low profile floors. For low profile floors, for example, systems are available that utilise 12mm pipe laid into pre-routed gypsum or polystyrene panels.

Using a wide range of wired and radio

controlled systems, including app enabled technology, means that room temperatures can be individually controlled, allowing the occupier maximum flexibility, whilst increasing the energy efficiency of the building.

In the past, the biggest drawback of specifying underfloor heating would have been the material and labour costs involved with installation. However, that’s no longer the case, meaning there are cost benefits to the developer, as well as to the end user.

Today, underfloor heating is straightforward to install regardless of floor construction, whereabouts within the building it is required or the stage of the project.

For housebuilders and developers looking to wow homebuyers, all of these benefits add up to make underfloor heating a very viable option.

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heating & Ventilation I Round Up

ARISTON ELECTRIC STORAGE WATER HEATER Ariston has added the new Velis Evo and Velis Evo Wi-Fi to its growing range of electric storage water heaters. With a slim twin tank design for up to 16% more hot water availability, these units have a best in class ErP rating and are available in capacities of 45 and 80 litres. Designed for use in residential apartments and studios, the water heaters are a combination of comfort and Italian design, offering rapid reheat times and are shower ready in less than 30 minutes.

The flagship model in the range is the Velis Evo WiFi, whose partner app enables users to shuffle through modes and turn the unit on remotely for a hot shower at the perfect time.

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VITAL ENERGI HEAT INTERFACE UNITS A new range of Heat Interface Units (HIUs) known as vTherm has been launched by Vital Energi. The units claims to have the lowest Volume Weighted Average Return Temperatures at 70°C of any HIU assessed under the BESA 2018 test regime.

The vTherm°e is an electronically-controlled unit combining performance with intelligent data collection, which allows performance to be remotely monitored. This brings a new level of analysis and control to the network and allows operators to create a cycle of continuous improvement.

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VIESSMANN BOILER RANGE With an 11kW output, Viessmann has introduced its new Vitodens 200 domestic boiler range. The company believes the 11kW output will satisfy the demands of the majority of modestsized, well-insulated homes, and reduce the common problems associated with oversizing.

Both wall-hung boilers (Vitodens 200-W) and floor-standing storage boilers (Vitodens 222-F), are available, with outputs from 11 to 60kW. Inbuilt WiFi is also featured, making them smartphone-ready.

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WUNDATHERM OVER-FLOOR HEATING Underfloor heating specialists Wunda Group have created Wundatherm, a rapid response over-floor system 16mm or 20mm thick that can be laid without the need to dig up floors and is suitable for both retrofit and new build homes.

As the warm water system is placed directly beneath the floor finish, it evenly warms rooms quicker than radiators while running at the same energy-saving low temperatures. With its rapid response aluminium, users are able to turn it on, off, up or down whenever they need to.

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VENT-AXIA SILENT FAN RANGE The Silent Fan range from Vent-Axia now has six new models added to its collection, offering increased flexibility and choice for developers. The new range features an IP45-rating and includes variable speed models, humidistat options and up to a fiveyear-warranty. And with all models offering ultra-low sound levels, and now offering an IP45-rating (for Zone 1) the fans makes installation easier and safer.

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KITCHENS & Bathrooms round up HUDSON REED BATHROOM SUITE

ABODE HOT WATER TAPS All Abode 4 in 1 steaming hot water taps, filters and boilers now have full WRAS approval, giving developers peace of mind across the range. Catering for every need in the modern kitchen, with styles and finishes to suit every decor, the Pronteau mixers deliver lime scale-free filtered cold and 80-98º filtered steaming hot water, on demand. At 98º the tap delivers water in a structured and controlled way, eliminating spitting and spurting and not only complies with WRAS requirements, but also meets Part G building regulations which stipulate that 100º should never be used in new build projects in the UK.

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The Luna ceramic collection from Hudson Reed brings a touch of contemporary styling to any bathroom scenario. The vitreous china range features three WC pans and cisterns and four basins. The WCs in the suite are available as wall-hung with concealed cistern, back-to-wall with concealed cistern and flush to wall, with all featuring soft close seats.

Two basin sizes, 520mm and 420mm, are also available, each as semi pedestal or full pedestal, featuring the same distinct ‘D-shape’ spacious basin design with clean lines and a flawless white finish.

Like all ceramics from Hudson Reed, Luna comes with a 5-year guarantee ensuring consumers can be assured of the highest quality standards, durability and performance.

| Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl037 KINEDO SHOWER TRAY Positioned at the top end of the company’s growing portfolio of shower trays, the Kinestone shower tray from Kinedo is lightweight and highly durable. It combines realistic looks with the benefits of modern manufacturing materials. The textured surface provides both comfort and safety underfoot, with improved non-slip credentials.

Manufactured from Biolith, a high density cellular structure, the tray is resistant to damage and therefore long lasting. It is available in square and rectangular shapes with sizes between 800mm and 1,800mm; ideal for the popular walk-in type showers used in modern bathrooms.

| Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl038 MULTIKIWK FLUSH PLATES Designed to suit an array of bathroom styles, Multikwik’s new Hydra and Hydra Glow flush plates are both available with a white, silver grey, anthracite grey or slate grey finish, with a frame only option also available. This allows customers to insert a wall tile into the plate instead, providing a sleek and seamless look to a bathroom. For those housebuilders looking to provide a more colourful and playful aesthetic, Hydra Glow comes with an illumination strip option and a choice of seven interchangeable colours, including a vibrant green, calming blue and cheery yellow.

| Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl039

48 december/january Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

DURAVIT TAPS Minimalist, unpretentious design is the order of the day with Duravit’s C.1 series of taps from designer Kurt Merki Jr. This series features a handle that is proportioned both to the eye and to the touch. Alongside classic chrome, the series also introduces contemporary Black Matt into the bathroom. With the two finishes and the four different tap sizes, the series will bring out the best in any washing area – from the handrinse basin through to the wash bowl.

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Trade media

DULUX TRADE COMMERCIAL COLOUR SCHEMER TOOL Dulux Trade has upgraded its Colour Schemer tool to make exploring colours and visualising schemes in home environments easier and more effective. The online tool allows developers to create professional branded moodboards, all in a few clicks.

Tailored to individual sectors, it enables users to review and adapt a range of colour schemes created by colour experts.

Schemes are created around a chosen start colour, such as flooring or furnishings already in place, or simply a preferred wall colour. The software then renders a colour scheme within the selected image and the start colour or co-ordinating shades can be swapped in and out, or viewed in different images, until the desired outcome is achieved.

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UKCMB/NHBC MOISTURE PREVENTION GUIDE

ACO DRAINAGE OVERVIEW GUIDE

AICO PRODUCT SELECTOR

A new guide published by the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings and supported by NHBC Foundation provides guidance on understanding moisture in newly built homes.

Moisture is naturally present in the air and during the construction process many materials used to build homes will retain moisture. Although it is something homeowners won’t notice, construction moisture will steadily dry out over time.

ACO Water Management has shown its commitment to housebuilders and developers by launching a new brochure dedicated to housing projects.

The Housing Developer brochure provides clear understanding of the firm’s range of drainage solutions that can deliver both aesthetic and functional attributes to a housing project. Covering external and internal areas of a house, the new brochure presents its broad range of solutions to suit all elements of a housing project; from driveways to building thresholds and large landscaped areas.

Issue 10 of Aico’s Product Selector features the same ring bound format as the previous edition, for ease of use, and all the key features that customers value, with the added enhancement of tabs to help customers find what they are looking for with greater ease.

Aico’s product range and list of features are covered in the new Product Guide, along with an easy reference product list including descriptions.

Features and technology include next generation Radio Frequency Wireless Interconnection (SmartLINK), Real-time facts, real-time action (AudioLINK) and Aico’s dust compensation mechanism.

| Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl043

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general building I round up

JOHNSTONE’S TRADE INDOOR PAINT

IMPERIAL BRICKS GAULT BRICK Imperial Bricks has launched a second brick with its new ‘dual-faced’ finish: the Weathered Burwell Gault. A hard-textured, handmade brick with some golden buff shades and some greys, it’s traditionally seen in Cambridge, Suffolk, and other Southern counties.

“While every face of a standard brick can be used to create a brickwork pattern or bond, they usually have the same texture and finish,” claims Jason Hughes, Managing Director of Imperial Bricks, “this brick is the second in our dual-faced range, with one ‘clean’ face/header and one with heavier weathering.”

Developed with Air Purifying technology, Johnstone’s Trade Air Pure neutralises up to 70 per cent of formaldehyde from the air as soon as it is applied. Formaldehyde is one of the most harmful volatile organic compounds present in houses and public spaces, with molecules being emitted from a range of common indoor materials, such as chipboards, carpet, glue and interior fabrics. By reducing the concentration of formaldehyde, this paint enables developers to satisfy increasing requirements from bodies such as BREEAM and LEED for improved air quality.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl046

SURECAV CAVITY SPACER SYSTEM The patented SureCav cavity spacer system replaces concrete backing blocks and timber shutters on buildings with an outer skin of natural stone, ensuring clean dry cavities and properties with improved insulation and footprints that are 7.5% larger.

Continued development has delivered a 100% recycled polypropylene product which has, to date, replaced the equivalent of 4.2 million concrete blocks on-site.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl047

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl045

SANIFLO WASTE PUMP The Sanifos 110 from Saniflo has enabled the installation of a drainage system on a Norfolk boat house overlooking the River Bure, allowing the creation of a kitchen above the boat storage.

Sitting approximately 4m below and 65m from the drainage level of the on-site sewage treatment plant, discharging black and grey water waste requires a pump capable of lifting waste up and along soil pipes to meet the waste treatment plant. The pump is the right size to lift the grey and black waste and discharge the waste via 40mm pipework up to the treatment plant.

Discover more at www.rdr.link/dl048

SUPERFOIL INSULATION MULTI-FOIL INSULATION Multi-foil insulation manufacturer, SuperFoil Insulation’s multifoil insulation products are produced from 40% recycled materials and have a life expectancy of more than 50 years with a GWP rating of 3 and the entire range is 1200MNs/g vapour resistant. The insulation has R values ranging from 2.27 for its 40mm thick SF19 product, to 4.42 for its 100mm SF60 insulation, when used for roof insulation. The products have been approved by the British Board of Agrément.

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ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Breedon Cement Ltd ..........................................................................(ifc)

R. Hamilton & Co. Ltd ..............................................................(page 33)

Domus Ventilation ....................................................................(page 41)

Stelrad Radiators ......................................................................(page 47)

Fassa UK Limited ....................................................................(page 27)

Tobermore ..................................................................................(page 31)

Harrison Thompson & co Ltd ................................................(page 25)

Ubbink UK Ltd ..........................................................................(page 25)

Ideal Standard (UK) Limited ....................................................(page 4)

UBM (UK) Limited ......................................................................(page 13)

Norbord Europe Ltd ..................................................................(page 9)

Velux Co. Ltd ............................................................................(page 21)

Pro Builder Live ................................................................................(obc)

50 december/january Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

last word Chris Stanley, Housing Manager, Modern Masonry, argues that Modern Methods of Construction is not a rapid solution to the housing shortage.

No quick fix

Market slowdown All this is set against the backdrop of an 8% decrease in new starts, making the proposed 300,000 per annum target by 2025 seem out of reach. So, the blame game begins, with the UK government very much in the firing line. Perhaps to solve this problem, policymakers need to think more holistically and inclusively,

Masonry has been the primary building material for the majority of our houses for centuries

©AdobeStock/nrqemi

L

ast month, I attended UK Construction Week where the focus was very much on the latest in modern methods of construction, from lightweight steel frames to homogeneous containers which stacked like blocks. On the panels, professionals and policy makers were heartily banging the MMC drum.

There’s no ambiguity about the fact the UK is in the grips of a housing crisis and the need for increasing the number of new starts is pressing. We all remember two years ago when the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, announced new targets. Admitting there would not be one magic bullet to solve the problem, his words implied everyone across the housebuilding sector would have to pull together.

As such, you would have thought the approach would be to inspire hearts and minds across the whole construction industry, yet the government’s strategy suggests otherwise. At present there is a concerted push for one type of construction in favour of others, namely off-site.

taking the harder but more sustainable route than short-term one.

While off-site is among the range of systems we have at our disposal, it is not the definitive answer to current problems. In my view it’s inefficient and misguided to suggest that we put all our eggs in one basket.

There are some short-term benefits to building modular homes, which is why the government has backed it as a construction method. It can reduce labour requirements and limit on-site activities, but investment in offsite manufacturing is still at an early stage and capital costs are very high. On the other hand, the current contractor base is relatively small, meaning developers are unable to negotiate good prices.

Masonry construction To offer some context, by comparison, around 70% of new build housing is currently achieved with masonry construction. The sector as it stands, is more than capable of absorbing 100% of the current shortfall (80,000).

Furthermore, masonry is not at high risk with regards to Brexit, as most of the

constituent materials are sourced and manufactured within the UK. We have a tendency to believe that progress is linear and to assume that things are better simply for the fact of being new. This is just one of a whole host of misconceptions which urgently need to be overturned. After all, masonry has been the primary building material for the majority of our houses for centuries.

The speed at which we need to build requires traditional on-site methods to keep up with demand as well as making use of the years of accrued skills with materials readily and locally available. A full-scale offsite roll-out could be anything from three to ten years away, and we certainly cannot rely on this to solve the immediate housing crisis.

The housebuilding sector is and should be diverse, and there should be room for both on-site and off-site to receive funding to create a level of parity. As with any complex there is no easy fix.

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