Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November 19

PROFESSIONAL

HOUSEBUILDER &PROPERTY DEVELOPER NOVEMBER 2019

WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

ELECTRIC DREAMS

Behind the controls of JCB’s new zero emissions digger

BUILDING FABRIC

How to use bricks to make any development distinctive

GROUNDWORKS, DRAINAGE & UTILITIES

Keep your site free from dust and mud

THE FUTURE HOME

Modern homes will require greater levels of control and functionality

EXPERT UPDATE: ADVICE ON PURCHASING LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

contents PHPD NOVEMBER 2019 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 9

This issue Regulars 5

First Word

6

News

8

Developments

10 HBA Column 10 Ask Tobermore 48 Kitchens & Bathrooms 49 Trade Media 50 General Building 51 Last Word

SPOTLIGHT

SPECIAL REPORTS

14 Paint’s positive impact 12 Exchange rates PHPD chats to Spicerhaart Part The impact of paint, and colour, on Exchange and Assisted Move occupant outcomes in new homes about the sales options available 16 Tap into a modern lifestyle to housebuilders of all sizes How changing lifestyles affect the Cover story products housebuilders and JCB’s 19C-1E mini excavator developers specify for the kitchen is a full electric, battery and bathroom only, 1.9-tonne mini 18 The urban living renaissance excavator. For more details Is the boom in urban living good turn to page 47 news for the future of the UK’s cities

FUTURE HOME 20 Building systems PHPD takes a look at a some ‘modern methods of construction’ to discover their features and benefits 25 Energy storage Homes of the future could not only be highly energy efficient, but also produce and store energy 28 Take control How housebuilders can bring the technology of today, and tomorrow, into new homes

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Modern Methods of Construction

BUILDING FABRIC

35 Star glazing Windows, doors and curtain walling create a seamless look at a new home in Cheshire

30 Sky’s the limit Will more homes in the future be built above existing structures?

EXPERT UPDATES

37 Ready, willing and gable Some of the benefits of gable wall spandrel panels, and why compliance is critical for these offsite manufactured products 38 New trends in bricks

31 Design A look inside the recently launched National Design Guide 32 Legal Some of the issues to be aware of when building above existing buildings 33 Land Tips on purchasing land for development

Jason Hughes, Managing Director of specialist brick manufacturer, Imperial Bricks, looks at recent trends for this popular product 40 Round Up

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Trends in brick

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Home controls

GROUNDWORKS, DRAINAGE & UTILITIES 42 Under the surface Can effective surface water management play an important role in value engineering 44 Clean up Dust and mud can present health and safety concerns. Dan McClure, Technical Project Manager at Garic highlights three solutions 47 Charge ahead We put JCB’s new 1.9 tonne mini electric digger through its paces

PRODUCT INSIGHT 41 Securing a garage PHPD takes a look at how Garador is helping to ensure garages remain secure

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Surface drainage

34 Finance Land promotion and option agreements will have tax consequences for developers

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first word Editor Jonathan Cole phpd@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey 07900 248102 craig@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager 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

Quality & quantity What a privileged position it is to build new houses: providing the homes in which people will love, laugh and live out their lives. And, on visiting developments across the country built by conscientious, professional housebuilders, we almost always get an overwhelming sense that developers really do strive to deliver high quality homes.

Some new homes do not make the grade, and the joy of moving into a brand new home can quickly become sullied. This is bad news, not only for the people and company involved, but also for the whole industry.

It is widely known that the country requires more homes each year than we currently build. We all know that the onus is on the sector to deliver more homes. And the numbers are going up. But faster should never mean lower quality.

The Government has recently issued a National Design Guide to show how developers can achieve better homes. In turn Local Authorities will be expected to produce their own guides to reflect their local areas. You can read more on this on page 31.

One route often cited as a way to both raise the quality of new homes and increase the speed at which they can be built is the construction method. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) – be it timber frame, panelised systems, light steel frame or any other – are beginning to be used more widely and certainly have some advantages. We take a look at some options on page 20.

That is not to say the masonry built homes will fade into obscurity – quite the reverse. It remains a material widely used in the construction of homes, and one with a strong public association. Masonry will, undoubtedly, continue to play an integral part in delivering new homes built to high quality levels. You’ll find some thoughts on the latest trends in the use of brick on page 38.

Housebuilders are being asked to do it all: more homes, built faster to higher standards. Many companies stand ready to do this – some are already doing it. To really get the ball rolling – and the bar raised – the powers that be must play their part.

Planning issues – a continual issue for all housebuilders – remain a barrier.

Government needs to do more. A recent announcement by the Housing Secretary (covered on page 6) might help alleviate some of the well-known difficulties.

To ensure people will live in homes of which they will be proud, quality should always be found at the heart of the housebuilding process. The challenge now, is to deliver high quality homes at a rapid pace.

Housebuilders are being asked to do it all: more homes, built faster to higher standards.

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 ■ Due to continued growth, regional housebuilder Create Homes has announced that the company has moved to new premises in Blackpool, Lancashire. Paul Mathison, CEO of Create Group commented: “The move to the new offices for the Homes team is a major step in our strategic plan and coincides with the aggressive growth of 100 units expected in 2020 and the continued aim to be the standout builder in the residential market.”

■ EGGER Group has received the ISO 38200 certificate – an internationally recognised standard for the product chain of wood and wood-based products. The standard regulates the transmission of information along the supply chain: from logging to delivery to the end customer. Walter Schiegl, Production and Technical Group Director at EGGER, said, "With the Group-wide implementation of the ISO 38200 standard, we are setting a further step towards promoting sustainable forestry beyond meeting all legal requirements.”

■ Mortgage data published in October has revealed the number of first-time buyers getting a mortgage increased to 35,010. The figure represents the highest monthly total since August 2007. Housing Minister Rt Hon Esther McVey MP said: “It’s welcome news that first-time buyers have reached a 12-year high.”

Housing Secretary announces planning and design reforms eform of the planning system, a green standard for all new build homes and a new home design manual have been proposed by the Housing Secretary.

The changes to the planning system are designed to speed up the process. The move, the government says, will benefit all planning applicants, from housing developers to individual householders seeking to extend or modify their own home.

Amongst the proposals is the potential for more fees to be refunded if councils take too long to decide on specific

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planning applications.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “We are also reforming the planning system making it faster and more efficient for everyone, from households to large developers, alongside giving families greater freedom to extend their homes to meet their changing needs.”

The accelerated planning green paper is to be published in November 2019.

Use www.rdr.link/dj001 for details on the government consultation.

For more information on the new Design Guide turn to page 31.

Reduced consumer confidence dents demand for new homes clearly holding off buying until onsumer demand for there is more political and new homes has fallen economic certainty. Hopefully by 8% over the last this is just a short-term pause, year, according to the latest and that post-Brexit, demand FMB ‘House Builders’ Survey’, will pick up once again. If not, an annual assessment of and we enter a downturn small and medium (SME) Brian Berry, Chief period, the Government will house builders in England.

Executive of the FMB need to consider how best to Small house builders report support SME housebuilders to avoid current buyer demand (out of 5) at 2.9, many firms leaving the sector.” down from 3.14 last year, and this is Access to land remains the top expected to fall further to 2.75 next year.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, concern with almost half (43%) of builders citing this as the top barrier, said: “Small house builders are starting to down from 59% in 2018. see the effects of Brexit uncertainty For full details on the FMB’s ‘House taking its toll on consumer confidence.

Builders’ Survey’ use www.rdr.link/dj002 Many prospective homeowners are

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Number of new homes built hits 11 year high ew Government data reveals that over 170,000 new homes were built for the year ending June 2019.

Figures taken from the ‘House building: new build dwellings statistics’ show that over 170,000 new homes were completed by developers in the year ending June 2019. This represents an 8% increase compared with the previous year and the highest number built over

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the same period in the last 11 years.

Figures for ‘starts’ fell slightly year on year. There were 160,640 new build dwellings started in the year to June 2019, a 1% decrease compared to the year to June 2018.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “We are moving in the right direction, but there is still much more to do if we are going to deliver the numbers needed by communities up and

Ceebeestock/Adobestock

down the country.”

Comprehensive housing delivery statistics (net additional dwellings) will be updated in mid-November.

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

‘Peace and quiet’ key attraction of village life eace and quiet’ is the most common reason for choosing villages over life in urban locations, according to a national survey commissioned by housebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel in August.

66% of rural inhabitants and 54% of non-rural inhabitants selected the option in a YouGov survey of 2,054 British adults. The survey also revealed that twothirds of rural inhabitants would be equally encouraged to move to a village, or stay there, by the close proximity to nature (66%).

Scotland was the only region of mainland Britain where ‘cleaner air’ was the most popular perceived aspect of village life, with 48% of respondents choosing it as a factor in decisions.

Overall, the heritage & history (21%) and character & identity (31%) were the

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In Brief

Mactaggart & Mickel Homes’ St Jude's Meadow development in Miltonunder-Wychwood, Oxfordshire

least popular named aspects of villages in the UK that would encourage Brits to live there, according to the survey.

Joanne Casey, Managing Director for Mactaggart & Mickel’s Homes England division, said: “With so many health & wellbeing benefits on offer from rural living, it’s perhaps unsurprising that reduced traffic noise, cleaner air and better access to nature have emerged as the most popular perceived aspects of village life in the UK.”

■ Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK, celebrated its 20th anniversary in October. Over its 20-year history the company has grown steadily and now offers a range that includes more than 150 sinks and 60 taps.

■ A report from The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has highlighted the complex and fragmented approaches to planning infrastructure such as transport, energy, water, schools and hospitals.

The report, ‘A Smarter Approach to Infrastructure Planning’, calls on government to devolve powers and funding for infrastructure and recommends that local authorities establish dedicated teams focused solely on infrastructure coordination.

Heat Pump heating for Fellside ancashire housebuilder, Chipping Homes, has selected heat pumps from NIBE for its new development in the Ribble Valley.

Thirty-two, three- to five-bedroom homes on the development, are being fitted with NIBE F2040 air source heat pumps to meet both heating and hot water requirements. The remaining seven properties are smaller bungalows built for the local over 55s community, and these are being fitted with NIBE

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F730 Exhaust Air Heat Pump systems, which offer ventilation, alongside heating and hot water.

Director of Chipping Homes, Ken Whitaker, explained: “The rural location of this site, which is in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meant that designing a heating system to meet the demand of modern homebuyers was a challenge.

The NIBE heat pump system offered a good balance of proven technology and consumer-friendly interface.”

Davidsons Homes shows commitment to apprenticeships eicestershire-based housebuilder, Davidsons Homes, has welcomed eight new apprentices to its team.

The company has taken on three quantity surveyors, three carpenters and joiners, a bricklayer, and a business and administrative assistant in apprenticeship roles.

Jason Glover, Operations Director at Davidsons Homes, said: “Apprenticeship schemes provide young people with the

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opportunity to work and earn money while they learn new skills and develop existing ones.

“At Davidsons Homes, we’re a particularly strong advocate for these schemes. We believe in investing in the future of housebuilding. It is vital in ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry and that we continue building homes that appeal to the ever-changing needs and aspirations of real people.

Davidsons Homes apprentices (l-r) Eve Baxter, Christopher Boss, Ellie Taylor, James Reddington, Kieran Cooper, Tillie O’Shea, Louie Stevenson and Nathan Moulson with Jason Glover and James Wilson from Davidsons Homes

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DEVELOPMENTS Redrow acquires new site in Maidstone

Work begins on restoration of Holmfirth mill Leeds-based specialist contractor, Priestley Construction, has commenced the £800,000 restoration of Green Lane Mill in Holmfirth into 11 two-bedroom apartments.

The contractor was awarded the contract to carry out a six-month construction programme on behalf of developer, Green Lane Mill Developments Ltd. The project will see the contractor transform the 19th century mill building into a high-specification residential development. Work is expected to be completed early Q2 2020.

Gillian Archer, Property Director of Green Mill Developments Ltd, said: “Priestley Construction is renowned for bringing developments of this kind to life, so it was a natural fit to appoint them as main contractor for this project.”

£9m Liverpool scheme given go-ahead A development of 73 new homes by Liverpool-based construction company, Crossfield Group, has been given the goahead in Aigburth, Liverpool.

The £9 million project will comprise 59 affordable homes available through the rent to buy scheme or shared ownership, and a further 14 luxury apartments which will become available for sale on the open housing market.

The planning application was submitted

by Crossfield Exclusive Developments: a joint venture between Crossfield Group and Exclusive Investments.

Redrow’s South East division has acquired a 26-acre parcel of land in the south east of Maidstone.

With a GDV in excess of £100 million, the company is seeking to deliver up to 302 homes. This latest deal expands Redrow’s presence in Kent, with the company currently selling homes at 13 active communities across the county.

The land at Bicknor Farm will be transformed into Monchelsea Park, a

Barratt Homes to bring 310 new homes to Beeston Nottingham-headquartered Barratt Homes North Midlands is to build 310 new homes at a development in Beeston, near Nottingham, after purchasing 20 acres of land for redevelopment.

Located off Technology Drive, in Beeston, the brownfield site (shown in green in the picture) will comprise a collection of two-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and six-bedroom homes.

Planning permission for the homes was granted by Broxtowe Borough Council last year following an application by the site’s

previous owners. Barratt Homes has already started work on the development and its sales centre on the site is expected to be open by February 2020.

St. Modwen Homes launches Phase two at Hilton Valley St. Modwen Homes has launched a second phase at its Hilton Valley development in Derbyshire, where 157 three and four-bedroom properties will be constructed.

Among the new four-bedroom properties is the Paris, a contemporary three-storey home, the Hannington, which features a fully fitted kitchen and the Becket, a home split across three floors.

Lisa Preston, Sales Manager at St. Modwen Homes, said: "Hilton is a lovely area that has been growing and evolving since the mid-’90s and has a wonderful

community spirit. It really is a place where people aspire to live and build a future.

Many of our buyers use our part exchange and assisted move schemes as they are keen to stay in the area and this option offers them a simple and stress-free way to upsize or downsize."

Macbryde Homes unveils plans in Denbigh Macbryde Homes has confirmed its plans to bring 60 new homes to Denbigh, having completed on land with views over the Vale of Clwyd.

With outline planning permission already in place for the 5.26-acre site, it is anticipated that the St-Asaph based housebuilder will commence construction of the new homes in Spring 2020. The scheme is comprised of a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.

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collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and fourbedroom houses, with 30% of the homes provided being affordable. The houses will be from Redrow’s Heritage Collection, which takes inspiration from 1930s Arts & Craft movement.

Managing Director, Gwyn Jones, commented: “The site that we have acquired in Denbigh is in an excellent location and has many positive factors in its favour. It boasts strong transport links, and Denbigh itself has a wealth of vital amenities including doctors, dentists, shops and several primary and secondary schools. These are all well placed to support both the existing and future local population.”

HBA COLUMN

Planning reform by way of a design guide Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Housing and Planning Policy at the HBA, examines the new National Design Guide and argues it does not equate to planning reform.

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n order to “end ugly development”, the Government has introduced the ‘National Design Guide’, which aims to get local authority planners, communities, councillors and developers on the same page when it comes to placemaking and design.

Focusing primarily on housing, the guide is spread across the following ten characteristics: ● Context – Enhances the surroundings ● Identity – Attractive and distinctive ● Built form – A coherent pattern of development ● Movement – Accessible and easy to move around ● Nature – Enhanced and optimised ● Public spaces – Safe, social and inclusive ● Uses – Mixed and integrated ● Homes and buildings – Functional, healthy and sustainable ● Resources – Efficient and resilient ● Lifespan – Made to last Local architectural precedents, biodiversity, pitched roofs, renewable energy, design codes and hundreds of other ideas litter the guide and will no doubt shape the future of design and placemaking.

the guide is unlikely to get the right homes built in the right places Many designers and architects will no doubt baulk at prescribed beauty, as will developers who build identity into their brand. Nevertheless, if the design guide encourages local planning authorities (LPAs) to more readily accept projects which already meet design criteria, many thousands of housebuilders and developers will no doubt rejoice.

The housing minister claims he’s delivered the planning reform industry craves and it’s true that the design guide will help developers justify beauty, while improving design and placemaking.

However, the guide is unlikely to get the right homes built in the right places, or remove the tiered system of permissions which negatively impacts 99% of our industry. It’s best practice, not planning reform.

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

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SPOTLIGHT |Part-Exchange & Assisted Move

Exchange rates Neil Knight

Part exchange and assisted move services are being increasingly used by housebuilders to help facilitate sales of new homes. PHPD chats to Neil Knight, Business Development Director at Spicerhaart Part Exchange and Assisted Move about the options available. process and we pride ourselves on the speed of handling enquiries and providing valuations and offers.

In-house part-exchange is a relatively straightforward proposition: we provide the developer with a valuation of their customer’s existing home which forms the basis of an offer to the customer. Once this offer is accepted, the customer is able to go ahead with the purchase of their new home.

Our team ensures the sale of the existing home happens as quickly as possible, with a target time of 28 days to exchange contracts, enabling the customer to complete the purchase of the new home.

The funded part-exchange service is an innovative solution for developers who do not run their own scheme. We work with a number of specialist cash-rich buyers, ensuring that we are always in a position to facilitate the purchase of any property, at any value, anywhere in the country – even those with structural or other problems.

We arrange two independent estate agent valuations on the existing property, employing specialist agency selection Inside a new property at The Bridge, Haworth by Skipton Properties software to ensure they are

What is a Part-Exchange and Assisted Move service?

Part-Exchange and Assisted Move is a fully managed service that enables housebuilders and developers to sell newbuild properties more quickly and easily.

At Spicerhaart Part-Exchange and Assisted Move we offer four main services – developer’s in-house part-exchange, funded part-exchange, Spicerhaart assisted move, and multiple-agency assisted move.

There are important differences between the four options but the aim remains the same: to make things as easy as possible both for housebuilders and for potential buyers with existing properties to sell. We work closely with housebuilders to ensure a seamless

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market leaders in their areas. We combine these valuations with our own research and analysis to provide a summary report to the developer.

Once the report is received, we will facilitate a cash offer to purchase within two working days. The developers can then put this offer to their customer, along with any additional incentives they wish to make available. Subject to a satisfactory RICS survey, we again aim to facilitate completion of the purchase within 28 days.

What are the benefits to a housebuilder?

There are numerous benefits for the housebuilder in using a part-exchange or assisted move service. Firstly, there’s the fast transaction times – exchange of contracts usually takes place within 28 days –and of course it removes the sales chain enabling both parties to proceed with confidence. Funded part-exchange brings additional benefits in that it removes the need to tie up capital and enables housebuilders to widen the appeal of their developments – especially important in a tight market.

There are also benefits to customers, of course, not least the certainty that their existing property will be sold and the removal of a lot of stress from the process.

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demand for partexchange and assisted move is at an all-time high.

Could housebuilders of any size use this service, or do you need to be building a certain number of houses a year?

Our part-exchange and assisted move services are available to housebuilders of any size, and many smaller developers come to us as they are far less likely to have the resources to be able to offer a part-exchange or assisted move service in-house. At the same time we also work with some of the biggest names in the industry so our projects range from developments consisting of just a couple of properties to those with thousands of new homes. There’s no such thing as a typical project for us: every client is unique and we aim to tailor our service to their needs.

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What is the difference between a Part-Exchange service and Assisted Move?

With part-exchange, the builder of the new home offers their potential customer a price for their current property, and once that is accepted, the customer can then put in an offer on the new build, safe in the knowledge their current home is sold.

Assisted move is an incentive used for potential purchasers of new build homes, who need to sell their existing home to fund, or part-fund, their next purchase, but who do not meet the criteria for partHeat Pumps should be easy to install and maintain exchange. Essentially, it is an expedited sale process, with our team keeping both customer and developer informed of progress. The assisted move proposition appeals to many customers because it removes a lot of the stress of selling their home, and estate agency fees are typically paid by the developer on completion.

With Spicerhaart assisted move, we

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The Assisted Move process

will instruct agents from our own family of estate agency businesses, but under a multi-agency assisted move we can also work with other leading agencies to ensure that we can always get a quick sale and get the best price for the property.

You have recently reported that your sales are up 46% in the last six months. Why do you think there is a growing demand for these services?

We have had our most successful year to date, and I think there are several reasons, but a fall in listings is certainly one factor. The property market has been tough for some time now, and this makes some people wary of selling. So for those people who are looking to move there are fewer existing homes on the market and new-build becomes an even more attractive option – leaving aside the benefits that a home designed and constructed to modern specifications can have over older properties.

Where movers also need to sell their existing property, they will be faced with the same tough conditions for vendors, so they may want to take advantage of partexchange or assisted move to give them the peace of mind that their property will be sold, and to bring the cash from that sale ‘on stream’ to finance their new home.

Of course, developers are also keen to sell plots – and helping their customers to raise the money is part of that. As a result, demand for partexchange and assisted move is at an all-time high.

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Skipton Properties has recently appointed Spicerhaart Part Exchange & Assisted Move as assisted move partners on The Bridge, a development of two-, three- and four-bedroom stone-built homes, in Haworth, near Keighley in West Yorkshire.

Caroline Verity, Sales, Marketing & Design Director at Skipton Properties said: “We have always offered an assisted move service, because ensuring we can help our customers sell their current home, stress-free and on time has always been hugely important to us. But as we get busier, we are no longer able to provide this service in house, so we have brought in Spicerhaart to ensure our customers sell their homes when we are ready to exchange on ours.”

Caroline added: “So far, we are very impressed, so we will definitely be looking to work with Spicerhaart on future sites.”

To find out more about The Bridge use www.rdr.link/dj003

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information use www.rdr.link/dj004

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SPECIAL REPORT

Martha Dunican, Colour Operations Manager at Dulux Trade, explores the impact of paint, and colour, on occupant outcomes in homes.

Paint’s positive impact T

he World Health Organisation forecasts that stress related illness will be the primary cause of sickness by 2020. It’s no surprise that, in our increasingly always on, technology driven world, people are now investing in physical and psychological health.

The global wellbeing market has grown by 18 per cent in the last two years alone to $4.2 trillion, exemplified by the growing desire to ensure our health, particularly in the design of our homes.

Our researchers have been investing substantially in research, working to develop frameworks that show just how powerful colour and design is in the built environment.

The human touch Trend analysis shows that while we are surrounded by technology, extravagance and distraction - there is a growing desire to strip things back to basics and welcome the beauty of imperfection.

It is insights like this that have informed the development of the Dulux ColourFutures 2020 palettes. The universal theme for 2020 reflects a desire to create more opportunities to experience ‘A Human Touch’ at work and home, at a time when advances in technology are making us feel increasingly disconnected from each other.

People are seeking more positive realworld experiences that provide maximum ‘Tranquil Dawn’ has a soft green hue with a restful quality

benefit in a short space of time. Architects and designers can use colour to encourage making better human connections, enhancing wellbeing and productivity as a result.

The new Colour of the Year, Tranquil Dawn is a versatile, soft green hue with a calming, restful quality that perfectly supports our inclination to blur the boundaries between our indoor and outdoor spaces. Its almost ethereal dimension creates an illusion of space and perspective, a nod to the biophilic design values that espouse the benefits of a greater connection to nature, natural materials and daylight.

An eminently usable shade of green, Tranquil Dawn will happily stand alone in a home, creating a restorative overtone, or can be paired with other colours within each of the four supporting palettes: Care, Play, Meaning and Creativity – where Tranquil Dawn provides a soothing anchor to pops of richer, more dynamic shades.

Dementia care spaces Dulux Trade are advocates for the positive effects that inclusive colour and design can have on occupants within healthcare, particularly for people living with dementia.

The number of people living with dementia in the UK is set to top one million by 2025, with 70-80% of those continuing living with the condition currently staying in their unadapted homes.

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designers can use colour to encourage making better human connections, enhancing wellbeing and productivity as aresult.

Colour can be used to help people age well at home

We have supported the BRE Trust, BRE, Loughborough University, Halsall Lloyd Partnerships and Liverpool John Moores University, with the development of a demonstration home to present evidence-based design, adaptation and support solutions that allow people to age well at home.

The colour schemes used within the demonstration home have been developed as part of a holistic occupant-centred design consideration, evidencing how wall coatings are able to transition from simply delivering core functional performance or

aesthetic requirements, to making a valuable contribution to the wellbeing dimension of a specification brief.

Colour and design Supporting this initiative, Dulux Trade have curated a Dementia Colour and Design guide providing a mini colour palette and a summary of the best practice inclusive design techniques and applications.

Inclusive design encourages the application of colour to enable occupants to more readily identify different areas of

the entire living space – balancing their needs alongside the needs of their carers or family and giving them greater confidence to move independently within their home, whilst also reinforcing positive personal connection with the surroundings to provide the necessary stimulation.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information about the Dulux Trade Dementia Colour and Design Guide, occupant centred design and sustainable paint solutions use www.rdr.link/dj005

SPECIAL REPORT

The Province Monobloc 4 IN 1 hot water tap from Abode features slim-line, classic styling

Tap into a modern lifestyle Leanne Adamson, Marketing Manager at Abode, assesses how changing lifestyles affect the products housebuilders and developers specify for the rooms that sell houses, such as the kitchen and bathroom.

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The Prostream Monobloc finished in Graphite

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ow more than ever consumers are demanding a high level of convenience and functionality from some of the most commonplace items in the home. Our modern lifestyles are often hectic and the key hubs of the home, including the kitchen, now need to be designed as multi-functional spaces where families can easily interact while carrying out various tasks and activities.

But it is not just the layout of the space that has had to adapt; the fixtures and fittings within these busiest of rooms also need to offer a much greater level of convenience. The kitchen tap is a case in point: it is no longer enough that it delivers fit-todrink water as required. The discerning consumer and potential homebuyer will

be better sold on a kitchen that includes a steaming hot water tap that removes the hassle of having to wait for the kettle to boil.

In some parts of Europe, three in four homes have a hot water tap fitted and while they admittedly have some way to go before becoming the norm in the UK, this product sector offers house builders and developers a real point of difference without an expensive price tag. Economies of scale are driving once high prices down to make hot water taps a more affordable option, while advancements in engineering and technology also mean that developers can offer customers a choice of finishes, giving back control of the overall look of their home.

Of course, having near to boiling hot water literally on tap can lead to specifiers and end users having questions concerning their safety.

Pressurised systems can cause spluttering and inconsistency with water flow, which when you are dealing with boiling temperatures is not ideal.

Boilers that store the water at slightly below boiling point, such as the Abode Pronteau range at 98°, ensures a predictable stream and also means they are WRAS compliant in line with Part G (3) of UK Building Regulations. The Pronteau 4 IN 1 range also offers the ultimate safety feature when it comes to dispensing the steaming hot water, the patented HotKey. As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious and concerns over plastic

pollution grow, new kitchens fitted with filtered water taps will also score points among homebuyers. Water filter taps remove all the impurities that can find their way into tap water, resulting in great tasting drinking water straight from the tap. Offering consumers that all-important level of convenience to suit their modern lifestyle, a filtered water tap removes the hassle of buying bottled water or having to keep a large filter jug in the fridge.

A filtered water tap fitted into a new kitchen offers developers a number of selling points; reducing the need for single-use plastic, reducing grocery bills and making it easier for consumers to drink their recommended daily intake of water. And a 4 in 1 tap that delivers filtered steaming hot water is really the icing on the cake.

As consumers become increasingly ecoconscious and concerns over plastic pollution grow, new kitchens fitted with filtered water taps will also score points among homebuyers.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information use www.rdr.link/dj006

Extraction zone Taps are not the only appliance that has had to evolve to suit our modern, busy lifestyles of course. Our modern way of living almost demands that an effective extraction system is included in any kitchen design, to rid the air of cooking odours. This is a particularly important requirement in open-plan kitchen areas that lead on to living space, where such odours can linger on soft-furnishings and upholstery.

But not only does an extraction system need to remove cooking odours, it needs to do so in a quiet and efficient manner. A downdraft extractor, such as the BORA cooktop extractor, makes around the same amount of noise as when a steak is cooking, so it operates

BORA Classic 2.0 is a combination of a high-quality extractor and various powerful cooktops

without being a disturbance.

It is also a good visual alternative to the conventional extractor hood. A headheight extractor hood can create a visual obstacle, particularly when it is placed above an island unit in the centre of the kitchen. A downdraft extraction system integrated into the cooktop taps into the trend for minimal kitchen design and gives a new freedom for kitchen architecture that could be a major selling point of any new home.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? BORA Pure features an optimised, patented airflow through the appliance and uses a modern fan to keep noise to a minimum

For more information use www.rdr.link/dj007

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer november

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SPECIAL REPORT

Damien Holdstock, associate director at national planning and development consultancy Turley, explains why the boom in urban living – and the entrance of institutional investors into the sector – is good news for the future of the UK’s cities.

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p until the late 90s, city centres weren’t thought of as desirable places to live. Even the UK’s major cities were often run down and reported much higher crime statistics than towns on the outskirts, resulting in the most affluent homeowners opting to reside in the suburbs. But fast forward 20 years and urban living is thriving.

Take Manchester, for example. It’s estimated that around 600,000 people are currently living in the city, up from 572,000 in 2015 alone, according to Manchester City Council’s State of the City report last year. This is thanks, in part, to the rise of the private rented sector (PRS) and more latterly the advent of build to rent (BTR) – which is making it easier and more attractive for renters to live in the city.

In London, PRS is about to become the biggest single tenure in the market – bigger than social rented or homeownership. An increasing proportion of this development is now BTR. Across the UK more widely, the BTR model continues to go from strength to strength too. It’s now estimated that 10 per cent of all projects starting nationally are BTR. The rise of BTR is good news for city centres and for tenants. Urban living already has a well-established association with regeneration, bringing people into cities and helping to create vibrant hubs of economic activity by doing so. Urban living delivered as part of mixed-use developments has been particularly effective in this regard.

The BTR model is increasing the quality of accommodation available to tenants and changing perceptions of renting. Many of the institutional funds investing in BTR realise the need to

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provide high quality, desirable accommodation to ensure it can provide returns they are looking for over a longterm basis. Whilst the need for on-site amenities in BTR developments was initially untested, it’s now increasingly common for gym access, concierge services and shared communal spaces to be offered in these schemes.

Taken together, the regeneration of city centre areas and the increasing quality of accommodation available have led to urban living becoming an ever more popular concept. Not only for young professionals but for an increasingly wide demographic of occupiers who want to experience the bright lights of the city centre.

The rise of BTR is good news for city centres and for tenants Unexpected residents The wider demographic attracted to the concept of urban living in BTR accommodation is now beginning to encompass retirees, too.

With access to more shops, bars and restaurants, as well as better social infrastructure like libraries, banks and dental practices, it’s no surprise retirees are swapping the suburbs for the metropolitan lifestyle. For many retirees, urban living is an attractive concept that negates worries about isolation and loneliness that can often be associated with later life.

Urban living is also an increasingly attractive prospect for retirees looking to

BTR schemes could become increasingly common in coming years

downsize from their old family homes, which may require a significant amount of upkeep. Moving into this type of accommodation allows retirees to release equity from the sale of their home, which can then be used to fund a lifestyle of their choosing. This also has the benefit of freeing up family housing for those looking to move onto the housing ladder.

The future role of BTR Despite the trajectory BTR has enjoyed over the last five years from a relative standing start, there is still huge scope for further growth and evolution. While the model is now established in cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham, the sector is in its infancy in the UK. In some regional cities it is still a relatively new concept.

Over the next few years, we can expect BTR schemes to become increasingly common place across the UK. We will see a greater volume of BTR developments catering for an increasingly wide demographic, from post-graduates and young professionals to retirees. This is something to welcome – particularly if BTR accommodation is delivered as part of the mixed-use development that can foster economic growth and prosperity, and continue to make a positive contribution to regenerating our cities.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Damien Holdstock is associate director at national planning and development consultancy Turley. For more information use www.rdr.link/dj008

©RTImages/Adobestock

The urban living renaissance

THE FUTURE HOME

Building systems The number of ways in which new homes can be constructed is growing all the time, but what benefits do these systems offer the housebuilder?

PHPD spoke with a variety of companies to get their take on some of the ‘modern’ methods of construction.

Timber frame Paul Harris, Senior Contracts Manager at Taylor Lane Timber Frame.

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imber frame is renowned for being a faster build method than brick and block, as many of the build components are fabricated in the factory, with only final assembly required onsite.

The prefabricated panels are precision engineered in a controlled environment, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

A timber frame build allows for a more predictable construction schedule.

Managed properly, and with the support of a good roofing contractor, a typical build can be dry in around a week and not adversely effected by inclement weather. This also enables follow-on trades, such as plumbers and electricians to begin work earlier in the build process.

Setting standard room sizes on similar

sized plots is an easy win when designing and building with timber frame.

Standardisation generates speed throughout the entire process. This doesn’t mean that all the houses must look the same. The timber frame structure can be ‘wrapped’ in a variety of external finishes.

Environmental choice By and large, it is a renewable method of construction and has a good number of environmental advantages over other build methods, including sustainable sources – look out for FSC, PEFC, SFI, CSA and MTCC certified sources.

Timber has the lowest CO2 cost of any commercially available building material.

For every cubic metre of wood used in construction, 0.8 tonnes of CO2 are saved from the atmosphere. A typical timber frame house, therefore, saves around four tonnes of CO2 compared with an equivalent masonry house.

Thermal performance Cavity widths are generally different in traditional builds compared with timber

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frame. Nowhere is this more apparent than when achieving the desired U-value.

A standard wall constructed using timber frame can achieve a U-value of 0.19 W/m2K. A traditional build would usually need a wider wall construction to achieve 0.19 W/m2K; a bigger cavity with more insulation which would impact on room size. Furthermore, a timber frame building is more economic to run due to its ability to heat up quickly and retain that heat for longer.

To comply with Building Regulations a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating must be submitted, alongside the predicted Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for new dwellings prior to work commencing. Thermal bridging and air tightness are key indicators in achieving an SAP rating. Timber frame construction can exceed the national standards in both instances; for example, some manufacturers can achieve an average Yvalue of 5%, a 3% improvement on the national standard.

Discover more using www.rdr.link/dj009

The Kingspan TEK Building System of SIPs has been used across a diverse range of housebuilding projects including the luxury Lower Mill development and the Rayne Park estate near Norwich where many homes are expected to achieve Passivhaus certification.

Structural Insulated Panels Matthew Evans, Head of Technical GB at Kingspan Insulation UK.

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tructural Insulated Panels (SIPs) offer a proven, scalable and fasttrack solution for constructing homes which are capable of achieving the highest standards in energy performance.

SIPs typically feature a rigid insulation core which is autohesively bonded between two layers of engineered board such as oriented strand board (OSB) or particle board. The technology isn’t especially new, versions of SIPs have been used in construction since the 1930s, however, it is only over the past two decades that housebuilders here in the UK have really started to take advantage of their benefits.

The panels can be used to construct the structural walls and roofs of homes.

Their insulated cores can allow them to achieve U-values as low as 0.17 W/m2K without the need for additional insulated liners. The jointing arrangement between the panels typically allows insulation to

run continuously throughout most of the envelope, limiting repeating thermal bridges. It also helps to form a highly airtight structure, further improving the fabric performance of the properties. It is this combination which has made them a popular choice for housebuilders looking to achieve Passivhaus certification.

Streamlined process In addition to these performance benefits, SIPs can also help to streamline the construction process. The panels are pre-cut to each project’s dimensions at a production facility, including openings for doors and windows. This offsite approach allows predictable project scheduling, avoiding unexpected delays, whilst still providing plenty of design freedom. The CNC cutting process also supports accurate repetition, allowing multiple identical units to be fabricated in a cost-effective manner.

Once delivered to site, they can be

Light-gauge steel Chris Holleron, Group Product Manager – Housing at Hadley Group.

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e see modern methods of construction as having the potential to completely change the face of the housebuilding industry, providing both speed and efficiency. It is of course no secret that the housing sector continues to be under pressure to provide the high-quality homes that our country needs and at an incredibly fast rate. With this in mind, we believe that the use of light-gauge steel frames is a solution.

Combing both strength and durability, light-gauge steel is a particularly effective building envelope solution. Being more lightweight than alternative materials, such as timber or concrete frames, it can be easily transported to site, as well as helping to reduce the weight of the overall structure and provide relative savings on foundation loads and sizes.

Fabricated within a controlled factory

environment to the exact required specification, before then being transported to site and simply lifted and fixed into place, light-gauge steel frames provide housebuilders with the ability to construct houses both quickly and efficiently. No longer dependant on the great British weather or on-site conditions, housebuilders could find themselves completing projects at a far faster build rate, with fewer delays and less ‘down-time’.

Reducing re-work Implementing light-gauge steel building envelope components could also contribute towards the improved quality of the overall project, providing communities with high-quality housing that is truly built to last. Being assembled within a controlled environment, quality checks can be more easily and effectively carried

rapidly installed by a small team of contractors using a dry construction process. Typically, the shell of a twostorey house can be fully erected within two weeks. Once a breather membrane is applied, the structure is fully weathertight and internal fit-out can begin. Research has shown this can allow a two-storey SIP home to be completed a full eight weeks ahead of a conventional masonry construction.

The engineered timber facing provides an ideal substrate for a range of cladding and roofing finishes including render, timber cladding and slate roof tiles. Using SIPs within a pitched roof means this space is pre-insulated, allowing the simple creation of a room in the roof. Through these diverse benefits, SIPs are becoming an increasingly popular option for developers.

Discover more using www.rdr.link/dj010

out, meaning that there is less likelihood of snags occurring or costly re-work being required further down the line.

Brexit is of course another concern currently facing housebuilders, with question marks over what effect it will have on an already limited labour force. However, with the light-gauge steel frames being assembled off-site by the manufacturer, even including the necessary door/window openings, bracing and external finishes, there is then less skilled labour required later on site.

It is clear that the housebuilding industry needs to modernise and revolutionise its approach if it is to satisfy the country’s urgent need for high-quality and affordable housing. We would therefore urge housebuilders to look for alternative building solutions that offer, quality, strength, speed and efficiency – all attributes that light-gauge steel frames provide.

Discover more using www.rdr.link/dj011

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THE FUTURE HOME

Aircrete options Jenny Smith-Andrews, Marketing Manager at H+H.

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aturally conservative, housebuilders remain overwhelmingly in favour of traditional aircrete blocks as they provide a familiar, high-performing and durable structure with the additional benefit of flexibility in use. In our experience, private sector housebuilders are reluctant to engage with a volumetric system which requires a steady and consistent delivery of pre-fabricated house systems to site. Much more suited to their business model are solutions which can be slowed down or speeded up according to the rate of sales.

Nevertheless, there is a close focus on introducing Modern Methods of Construction to increase the speed at which houses can be built and reduce the number of people needed to build them. On top of this is the proposed revision to Part L of the Building Regulations which will further tighten energy efficiency standards.

Thin joint H+H has solutions that absolutely tick the MMC box, while retaining aircrete as the structural material. We can also assure the market that external walls based on the naturally insulating aircrete material will be able to meet the new base level U-Values being suggested under the 22 november Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Part L consultation.

Our Thin-Joint system, with the inherent airtightness that is associated with 3mm joints, meets the most stringent air-tightness tests, as demonstrated in the Passivhaus certified projects completed using Thin-Joint as the preferred method of build. Thin-Joint also meets the criteria for MMC in the UK, despite having been in use throughout continental Europe for decades.

Aircrete panels Our most radical solution, however, is based upon our Celcon Elements products. Storey-high panels of Aircrete, Elements are fabricated off-site and simply craned into place, fixed with ThinJoint mortar and allowing for super-fast installation.

The real speed benefit for Elements is achieved when they are used in combination with pre-fabricated floor cassettes and roof structures. This system, known as I-House, is provided to housebuilders as a supply and fit contract and allows for a two-storey standard house design to be built on site in less than a week by a team of three operatives.

When it comes to offsite, I-House offers a great combination of traditional, trusted material with a modern, fast build programme. Extensively trialled with our

housebuilder partners, I-House is growing in popularity.

However, we believe that too blinkered a focus on the method of build can miss some essential considerations.

Firstly, in order to attract mortgage lenders, any system must be warrantied for at least 50 years. With decades-long track record for aircrete, it was not a problem to achieve a Build Offsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) warranty for our I-House system.

We also believe that the most sustainable building is one that will provide a high-quality, resilient, energy efficient dwelling for generations. It makes no sense at all to design energy efficient homes that need to be entirely rebuilt after seventy years, or after a flood or a fire.

Discover more using www.rdr.link/dj012

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The Future Home

Energy storage David Bowen, CTO & Founder, Logicor, outlines how homes of the future could not only be highly energy efficient, but also produce and store energy.

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he pressure is on to find effective, cost-efficient solutions to support government’s ambition of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. All sectors and industries are being encouraged to adopt a sustainable approach. This is especially the case in the residential sector, which in 2018 was responsible for 18% of the UK’s CO2 emissions.

Emissions levels produced by the residential sector vary yearly depending on external temperatures, when extreme weather events and climate change are shining a glaring spotlight on our built environment’s lack of future proofing. I believe now is the time to give serious thought to both how we can safeguard our buildings while also reducing their carbon footprint.

Over the last two decades, we’ve seen a growing enthusiasm for Passivhaus, with

its emphasis on energy efficiency, air quality and comfort. I think it’s time to take this a step further to consider how our homes can work harder to actively produce and store energy.

Countless sustainable products and systems are available to housebuilders, but these are often regarded in isolation of each other. I’d like to take this opportunity to look at what it might look like if we brought these together to create ‘the home of the future’.

Resources for courses Energy efficiency is two-fold: we need to design houses not only to conserve, but also generate and store energy for later use. Since minimising heat loss relies on the airtightness of the shell, this a good place to start.

Government backed think tank The Active Building Centre is demonstrating

effective integration of renewable technologies for the residential environment. A crucial part of their work is the advocating of Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs). Consisting of multiple layers of different materials, these can be preassembled to reduce the number of cuts and joints where warm air can be lost.

Of course, windows should have a low U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). However, technology is now available which makes windows an even stronger team player in the ‘active home’.

Photovoltaic (PV) glass, for instance, is a transparent version of solar panels, absorbing sunlight to generate electricity.

Thermochromic windows offer specifiers another option. Embedded with a polyvinyl butyl (PVB) layer, this special glass helps regulate solar radiation gain. Much like selftinting sunglasses, the panes become darker the more directly sunlight is hitting

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The Future Home

we need to design houses not only to conserve, but also generate and store energy for later use heater off, the walls emit the stored heat, like a sponge being squeezed of water.

This effect can last up to nine hours.

Given the right mix of technology, it is entirely possible to create a truly low carbon heating solution. For example, we are tantalisingly close to combining infrared systems with solar generation and battery storage.

Future dwellings will also see home charging points for electric cars, making them a more viable option for the ecoconscious homeowner. Indeed, as it becomes a more sustainable option, electricity isn’t going away any time soon (or rather, it’s going a great many places!). them. Interiors continue benefitting from natural light without the heat and glare.

Taking charge An active building is, by definition, one which harnesses solar power to generate and store its own electricity. This relies on key components both inside and out.

The Active Building Centre has made effective use of solar walls and a solar roof to help create heat and electricity.

Comprised of perforated steel panels, the solar walls can collect solar heat energy by heating the air on the steel surface, then drawing in the warm air through the perforations. This helps power the heat pump to provide hot water.

The rooves of their test buildings were fitted with solar panels, but not as you may know them. Lightweight and flexible,

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these panels are laminated onto the roofing material. Depending on the surface area, a solar roof can provide produce over 50% of a home’s required energy, which can be used immediately to power appliances and systems, or be stored for later use.

To reap the benefits of solar roofs or PV glass, active homes should be fitted with a home energy storage system to retain excess energy generated during the day.

Current affairs Internally, while heat pumps are one option to reduce homeowners’ reliance on gas boilers, crucially as they are phased out by government, there’s an opportunity to embrace other electric alternatives.

Infrared heating systems offer a more sustainable solution. Rather than transferring heat, infrared transfers energy, acting on a mass to turn it into a heater itself. It works like sunlight, without the ultraviolet. For example, when confronted with an infrared emitter, a room gets warm when it has absorbed as much energy as it can. When you turn the

Sustainable technologies The homes of the future aren’t nestled in the clouds, only accessible via flying cars.

In fact, superficially, they don’t look so different to what we live in today.

However, behind the scenes, a network of innovative, sustainable technology will be harnessing the elements to create energy positive abodes.

The benefits will be palpable. As energy consumption is reduced, savings on bills increase. And inside the comfort of your home, the air and temperature will be well regulated, maintained with clean, renewable energy. As for the bigger picture, the same technologies can be adapted for commercial and industrial use, leading to great reductions in CO2 emissions throughout the UK. There is a lot of work to be done to educate the public on the long term value of electricity and what are, for now, regarded as non-traditional materials.

However, it’s an exciting opportunity for housebuilders and developers to influence a much needed sea change in the industry, and one which will pay dividends.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To find out more use www.rdr.link/dj013

The Future Home

Take control There is little doubt that future homes will feature greater levels of control and functionality. Gavin Williams from Hamilton Litestat outlines the ways housebuilders can bring the technology of today, and tomorrow, into new homes.

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s technology improves at a rapid rate, homes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The high-end functionality experienced by many in hotel suites is filtering through to our everyday living spaces. These technological developments, spanning lighting and audio in particular, will help homes adapt to our modern-day lifestyles, becoming more personalised, flexible and usable, while supporting general comfort and wellbeing.

Within the home, advances in smart lighting control technology are helping us to make better use of popular open-plan living

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spaces. The kitchen/diner/living area is hugely sought after as it allows occupants to spend more time together while undertaking their individual tasks, such as cooking, watching TV or working at home.

However, the lighting required to complete these tasks – as well as others demanded of the space – is vastly different.

In the zone A key consideration during the design and development stages of a property is lighting control, which can help ‘zone’ spaces within these multi-functional areas and provide flexibility for any task. Rather than the usual on/off binary experience, these solutions are capable of much more complex lighting schemes that can be easily created, stored and recalled. So, someone can be cooking with the help of bright lighting, while others could be in a dimmed area watching TV. The creation and programming of lighting scenes can be straightforward with the right product. Hamilton has developed its simple-to-use lighting

control solution to do just this. Once set, the recalling of these lighting scenes is as easy as the touch of a button or control pad. Stylish solutions can be coordinated with designer switch plates and sockets throughout the home, including multifunctional plates that include the now essential USB charging ports.

Moreover, in today’s connected world, lighting can also be controlled on a smart device via the Hamilton App, which can provide control from anywhere in the world where it’s possible to get an internet connection. This is must-have functionality for today.

As well as task lighting, Hamilton’s smart control solution can incorporate mood – and architecture – enhancing lighting. Key features of the room can be accentuated with DMX lighting control, which applies either a red, green or blue colourwash to the area. Additionally, to enhance the ambience and comfort within a room, RGBWW can be used. This ‘warm white’ light is a better performing and more cost-effective way of incorporating

and enables playback of this when the homeowners are away to simulate occupancy.

this sought-after light, as LEDs typically have a bright white output.

Wellbeing boost In addition to managing artificial light, smart controls will also help balance natural light, which is known to boost wellbeing. Blind or shade control can be incorporated to automatically open and close at certain times of the day, either

increasing natural light or keeping out dazzling light, as well as regulating heat.

Today’s trend for floor-to-ceiling glazing, along with roof lights and lanterns, makes this highly functional technology particularly appealing.

What’s more, lighting control can help with the security of a home. Hamilton offers a solution that records lighting control habits over a specific time period

Listen up Music is another key feature of the home that can benefit from smart controls. Gone are the days when audio was only available in one room from a cumbersome hi-fi system. Music can now be streamed from many devices to multiple wireless speakers around the home; the ability to do this is now expected by the younger generations. This is an area where Hamilton will be expanding in the very near future, supporting our existing smart audio solutions.

Smart controls are set to make homes more personalised and more comfortable now and in the future with just the touch of a button, control pad or swipe of a finger on a smart device.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Find out more by using www.rdr.link/dj014

The Future Home

Sky’s the limit T

‘

he future’ once felt a long way off; it was something space-aged, something yet to happen. But the world has moved on and the future is already here in so many respects, not least of all housing need. We can wait no longer to deliver ‘future homes.’

Consensus prevails on the need for more homes, more homes in the right places and, perhaps above all else, homes which are sustainably built.

Indeed, this is something that the Click Above team is both certain of and committed to. That’s why we’re resolute in our belief of the impact that airspace development can have in realising the ‘future home’.

‘Airspace development?’ you may query. It sounds slightly space-aged but in reality, it’s relatively straightforward. We’re simply talking about constructing homes in the airspace above existing buildings. With land for development, especially in cities, in such short supply and often commanding

We’re simply talking about constructing homes in the airspace above existing buildings.

30 november Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Aaron Emmett, MD of airspace developer Click Above, explains why more homes in the future will be built above existing structures. approximately 80% of the construction activity away from the site, disruption, noise, traffic levels and overall safety are significantly improved.

high values, creating capacity to deliver new homes can be tricky.

A tangible solution The construction of new, modular, homes atop the roofs of existing residential and commercial buildings offers a tangible solution to housing supply. Modular construction isn’t new or futuristic; it has been deployed in traditional housebuilding on-and-off since the postwar period, albeit to greater or lesser degrees of success and desirability.

Today, however, with greater industry awareness and a stronger commitment by government to support it, we’re hearing about modular construction more often.

It is, however, in the airspace that offsite, modular construction really comes in to its own. Building on any rooftop is not without challenges; in modular builds the management of craning in to place the modular units is the obvious one, but with that comes benefits. By removing

Environmental impact The environmental impact is also far less than in a traditional build thanks to high levels of quality-control within the manufacturing environment which allows us to exceed energy, sound and insulation standards.

Finally, in a society where cookiecutter, identical homes are often looked down on, taking a modular approach enables us to deliver an individual and bespoke design within the parameters of the building on which we are constructing.

Inside, these homes are equipped with features including Wi-Fi enabled thermostats and electric skirting heating which allows for the maximum use of floor and wall space given the absence of wallmounted heating panels.

Estimations for the impact that airspace development could have in London alone stand in the hundreds of thousands; nationwide this figure would expand further. Of course, not all future homes will be built in the airspace, but rest assured, in the future we will see many more of these ‘future homes’.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Discover more at www.rdr.link/dj015

EXPERT Update | DESIGN

Design takes centre stage

©Red Pixel/Adobestock

Rob Woolston, Director at multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p outlines his reaction to the newly launched National Design Guide from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

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t the end of September, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick launched a new design guide with the overarching objective to set a national benchmark for measuring and delivering good design and placemaking. This is the first attempt of its kind and it’s certainly encouraging but what does it mean for us, as design professionals, on a daily basis?

The guide is framed around ten characteristics; context, identity, built

specific project examples for each characteristic. We’ve not seen the government do this before so again, I expect this to become a useful tool for those required to judge design.

Challenges Some of the challenges I anticipate are that the guide is focused on a national level, and whilst there was encouragement for it to be rolled out locally, there is no standard

“ how the guide is implemented remains the key question” form, movement, nature, public spaces, uses, homes and buildings, resources and lifespan, that when considered holistically should create good space, nurture a community and address environmental issues.

Without wishing to sound conceited, these ideas aren’t new or especially ground-breaking, it’s what architects, master planners and urban designers are trained to do. Where it does provide an advantage is it focuses the mind of those with a vested interest in the provision of new communities – planners, policy makers, local authorities – those who have skillsets in other areas; and gives them the material to make more complete judgements.

Another clear advantage is, rather unusually, that the guide references

format or funding made available for this. So where it makes reference to context and identity, this becomes difficult to gauge because they’re only truly determinable at local level.

Secondly, it does not provide any clarity as to how to judge a successful outcome against the ten characteristics. As we know, design is entirely subjective; it can mirror an area or directly contrast it, and there is currently no guidance to determine success.

Going forward, how the guide is implemented remains the key question.

Are we heading towards the return of architects being directly employed by local authorities for instance? Are the ten characteristics going to be given

any sort of formal adjudication or do we still adhere to previous standards e.g.

Building for Life 12 and use these alongside each other?

As with any national guidelines, it is inevitable there will be questions raised and teething problems as the document is distilled but we should applaud the intent. If used in the right way, with the right advice, the guide brings together all the right ingredients to create the nearest thing we’ll have to a nationwide design standard. Let’s work together and embrace it.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

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, landscape architects and urban designers. For more information, please visit www.rg-p.co.uk

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EXPERT Update | LEGAL

©zimmytws/AdobeStock

Is developing upon the up?

Lauren McQue, Collyer Bristow, explores some of the issues to be aware of when building above existing buildings.

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n a controversial move, the government has proposed a relaxation to permitted development rules that will allow property owners to add an extra two storeys to their property without seeking planning permission. It is intended that the new rules will initially apply to purpose built blocks of flats from January 2020 and subsequently be rolled out to detached houses.

Just because planning permission for an upwards extension is unnecessary or has been successfully obtained, there are a number of additional factors to consider before carrying out the works, and being able to do so unhindered. Property developers need to be mindful.

“ the developer should ensure it takes steps to limit the amount of disturbance caused to any neighbours” Before taking any steps, the property’s title deeds and any other relevant documents should be considered carefully in order to check the position of the boundary. The development should not extend beyond it.

A freehold property is generally taken to include the airspace above it, unless the title deeds say otherwise. With a leasehold property, there are no definite

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presumptions and it will be a matter of construing the lease. Case law has offered some guidance as to when the airspace might be included, for example if the demise includes the roof space and roof above, or if the lease is granted of the whole building.

The title documents should also state whether there are any other potential restrictions, such as any restrictive covenants. Usually a lease will require a tenant to obtain landlord’s consent to make certain alterations, therefore this should be checked carefully and any necessary consent should be obtained. If these steps are not taken before the works commence, the landlord or neighbouring occupiers could take steps to prevent the developer from carrying out the works or cause the project to be significantly delayed.

Design and planning If all is well and it is established that the development can be carried out without restriction, there are certain things to consider when designing and planning the scheme. During the works, will access to neighbouring land be required, or even access over it with a crane for example? If so, are the necessary rights available? If not, the neighbour’s permission may need to be obtained and a formal licence may be required.

If permission is not forthcoming, an application to the court under the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992 may be necessary. If works are to be carried out to a party wall, whether or not a notice should be served on the adjoining owner will also need to be carefully considered.

Finally, when carrying out the works, the developer should ensure it takes steps to limit the amount of disturbance caused to any neighbours, which could potentially be significant with an airspace development. Carrying out works, and in doing so unreasonably interfering with the neighbour’s enjoyment of its property, could lead to a claim by the neighbour under the law of nuisance.

Again this could significantly delay the works or even prevent them altogether.

Whether or not you consider the government’s proposal to be a positive or negative step, there could be other factors that may prevent an upwards extension, all of which need to be carefully considered.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Lauren McQue is a Senior Associate in the Real Estate Litigation team at Collyer Bristow. She can be reached by email: lauren.mcque@collyerbristow.com.

EXPERT Update | LAND

Purchasing land

©Nrqemi/AdobeStock

Purchasing land for development can be a complex proposition. David O’Reilly from Ainscough Strategic Land provides his top tips on how to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Leave nothing in the locker You should feel nervous when you win, ‘have I over-paid?’ and distressed when you don’t, ‘could I have put more on the table?’ Put your best bid in, ask everything you’d ask if it was your own money, and trust your judgement. What is the seller is seeking? I’ve often secured sites where money is secondary to building relationships and delivering a scheme the

tender the site – in phases at ‘all risk’ on the contractor? Are the working drawings reliable? Ask how the scheme will be constructed from sod-cutting through to the first units being occupied. Do each of the production, technical and sales teams know the plan of attack and do their strategies marry in cost and timescales? It may seem early to ask such questions, but you want to be nervous that you paid the

“ Be accountable, flexible, open and accessible to the very end of a transaction” landowner can be proud of. If you still lose then there’s comfort in knowing your competitor has a problem.

Be properly diligent with your DD Is the capacity of local utility networks sufficient to deal with your ambitions?

What technical constraints exist now, and what changes might be asked of you by statutory authorities before you get on site? Getting it wrong at Stage One is never cheap and rushing wastes time later on. Good surveyors and lawyers are vital and if you haven’t got absolute faith in them, look elsewhere.

How constraining are those constraints?

Does your cut and fill strategy deliver the levels you need? Will you have to export materials or can you just move them around the site? Then look at the finished floor levels of properties to understand how you’re going to get clean water in and waste water out. How are you going to

highest price, not fearing you missed something which later costs you.

Mind the pennies Have a forensic grasp of your cost plan before exchanging. Are you forecasting every possible cost and aligning that with the correct timescales so that your cash flow (and the cost of your money) is where you need it to be, all the way to the sale of the last unit? Get involved in the process of delivering a site from design on paper to the houses being built.

There are always lessons learnt, from having the right mix of houses to release in each phase through to how the monthly site budget reviews marry with your first forecast. Such experience and learning is critical to success.

Remember the competition You should have a keen understanding of your USPs in relation to competitors.

An average product offer, when set against competitor activity nearby, can cost you dearly. Find your edge and max it – then make sure your customers see, feel and experience it at every touch-point.

Communication is everything If you’re not a good communicator the process will become harder, longer and less enjoyable if all parties to a transaction aren’t kept in the loop. Be accountable, flexible, open and accessible to the very end of a transaction and it will be a good deal easier.

Transparency is key: get problems or issues on the table early so that no-one feels they are sprung on them down the line. Far better to under-promise and over-deliver – and understand that sellers just want to know the likely end outcome from the start so that they can manage and plan accordingly.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information on Ainscough Strategic Land visit www.ainscoughstrategicland.co.uk

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EXPERT Update | FINANCE

©Inkstop/Adobestock

Land promotion

agreements Land promotion and option agreements will have tax consequences for developers, says Colin Laidlaw and Jo White from Kreston Reeves.

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and owners are increasingly looking at ways to utilise their assets more effectively and in a tax efficient manner. Coupled with the relaxation in planning rules and the opportunity that more land is to be used for housing, this inevitably leads to thoughts about the land they own. To help them achieve the best price for the land they often engage with land promoters and developers.

Land promotion agreements, also known as planning promotion agreements, are arrangements where a promotor aims to obtain planning agreement on your land and, once successful, finds a buyer. There is often an upfront non-refundable payment from the promotor to the landowner for entering into the agreement.

The promoter charges a fee to the landowner for its services based on a percentage of the selling price, and it may also reduce the sale proceeds by the planning costs it has incurred.

The main benefit for the landowner is that he/she doesn’t have to incur a considerable upfront cost in obtaining

land less an allowance for costs incurred in securing the planning permission and possibly also in lieu of a promotion fee that would otherwise have been charged.

Options are generally time sensitive and there may be a fee paid to secure the option, as well as to extend it if necessary.

The benefits of this arrangement for the landowner include that of promotion agreements but may also give some certainty to the sale price in advance of permission being achieved. However, this price is generally fixed in advance and may not necessarily therefore be reflective of the market value at the time planning has been obtained, particularly where density changes or if there is a significant time delay.

There are differences between the two and variations on a theme (such as hybrid arrangements) and there are potentially significant issues/costs which need to be understood and managed if you are to mitigate these and achieve the most appropriate and efficient tax outcome.

“ Options are generally time sensitive and there may be a fee paid to secure the option” planning permission, especially as the time to obtain it can be lengthy. If planning is not obtained, there is normally no charge. This benefit is offset by the fees payable to the promotion agent for its services.

An Option agreement will typically see a developer take on the responsibility of securing planning permission with an option to buy the land at a certain point, typically once planning has been obtained.

The developer’s purchase is for an agreed price which reflects the market value of the

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Developers need to give consideration to the following: • Corporation Tax – the timing of tax relief on their costs may not be as expected due to the tax rules following the relevant accounting principles.

• VAT – No VAT is generally payable on an option payment or the land bought, unless an option to tax has been exercised. If the option to tax has been exercised by the landowner, VAT is payable. This is likely to be

recoverable if new dwellings are developed and sold but care needs to be taken if the land is sold on without development. The mechanism for valuation of the land is important and there may be a deemed supply where the land purchase value is reduced in lieu of promotion costs/fee.

• SDLT – this is payable on the consideration for the land. The primary difference between the two options will be that SDLT could be paid earlier under the option agreement should there be an option payment made at the outset of the agreement.

• SDLT in either situation is payable on the VAT inclusive price and therefore consideration as to the VAT position is important before ultimately determining the SDLT cost to you.

This can be a complicated area as no two arrangements are the same. As the numbers involved are high it is important to seek advice ideally before signing agreements.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Colin Laidlaw is a VAT Director and Jo White a Tax Consultant at accountants and business advisers Kreston Reeves.

Both can be contacted via the website – www.krestonreeves.com for further information.

Building Fabric

Star glazing I

t’s rare to see so many different architectural aluminium window, door and curtain walling product applications on one house. However, at one new home in Cheshire, fully compatible curtain walling, window and a variety of door systems from Sapa have been installed to create a seamless appearance.

This contemporary style, five-bedroom detached house commands a floor area of 10,000sq ft and includes an indoor swimming pool together with gym and leisure facilities. Rear facing, the property has been constructed on raised land that slopes down to a natural stream with countryside views beyond.

Design architect and managing director of Manchester-based Leach Rhodes Walker, Christian Gilham, explained his vision for this dream home: “Creating a sense of light and maximising the spectacular views were key design priorities. These factors made the glazing an important element of the build,

Creating a sense of light was one of the design priorities

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requiring a systems package that would deliver the slim sightlines to enhance the views whilst at the same time creating a uniform architectural appearance.

“We also wanted to specify a range of systems that provided dual colour capability as well as contributing first-class thermal and weather performance together with high security throughout the house.”

Thermal calculations Following initial design meetings with the architect, Sapa provided a full NBS specification for the aluminium systems with typical through sections and full thermal value calculations, as well as budget pricing pre-tender to ensure an accurate tender package.

Meeting the demanding energy efficient U-value of 1.5 W/m2K, external doors, windows and curtain walling from the Sapa range were selected for their compatibility and specified with high performance solar performance glazing throughout.

A single source of window, door and curtain walling products has helped to create a seamless appearance at a new home in Cheshire.

Highlights from the house Providing the indoor swimming pool with light, Sapa’s high-end C160 Aluminium Sliding Door system has been installed as a six-pane configuration spanning 11m by 3.6m. Engineered with a slide action, the doors glide back to create a dramatic opening onto the exterior marble terrace.

The feature room of the house is a large kitchen diner and lounge area that runs from the front to back, opening on to an orangery.

Two sets of Sapa Sliding Folding Doors have been installed in the orangery. One, featuring a six-pane run that splits and opens in the middle, the other, a threepane configuration that opens to the side – exploiting the open aspect of the rear and side elevations.

Three striking gables shape the focus of the house to the rear, with a curved onplan bay entrance to the ground floor that features faceted Sapa Dualframe 75 HP Aluminium Hinged doors. This structure creates a balcony area for the master bedroom suite at first floor level where Dualframe doors have been installed, opening out on to the balcony. The doors are framed by a raked head detail, produced using Elegance 52 curtain walling to mirror the pitch of the roofline.

Sapa Elegance 52 curtain walling has also been used to create a full height feature glazed entrance screen, ensuring a light and airy entrance hall, together with two small rooflights that connect the main house to the swimming pool and leisure suite.

Three gables are a focal point of the rear of the house

Dual colour Adding a further design dimension, the Sapa systems also offer dual colour capability. Finished in charcoal grey to the exterior, the aluminium systems tie in with the slate roof, providing a contrast to the rest of the exterior, which features purpose-made Portuguese limestone and a slightly off-white render. Internally, the systems are finished in white to blend with the interior design scheme.

The main window module comprises Sapa Dualframe 75 Si casement and tiltbefore-turn windows throughout the house. All other exterior doors are single and double sets of Dualframe 75 HP Aluminium Hinged residential doors with high security hardware.

Made-to-measure installation One of the priorities from an installation perspective was to achieve a flush threshold finish and no upstands, to avoid trips when stepping from inside to out. With underfloor heating throughout, a precision approach was vital. To achieve this fabricator and installer, Nottingham-based Bonam & Berry Ltd undertook an onerous and comprehensive laser survey ensuring every detail was purpose measured prior to manufacture and installation.

Martin Spencer, Bonam & Berry’s Managing Director, highlighted another installation requirement, designed to maintain the aesthetics of the limestone: “Also included in the brief was the use of non-leaching silicone sealant, to prevent

We also wanted to specify a range of systems that provided dual colour capability as well as contributing first-class thermal and weather performance. discolouration of the limestone surrounds.”

He continued: “Bonam and Berry Ltd has supplied Sapa architectural aluminium products continuously for almost 40 years, and uses the complete range of Sapa products for residential, commercial, education and all public and private sector applications.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For information on Sapa systems use www.rdr.link/dj016

BUILDING FABRIC

Ready, willing and gable Tim Tasker, Technical Manager at Pasquill, explains the benefits of gable wall spandrel panels, and why compliance is critical for these off-site manufactured products.

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able walls add an attractive aesthetic to a build, and many housebuilders and developers are choosing to include this in the design of their properties. To enable this design in the build structure, gable wall spandrel panels provide an alternative to the inner leaf of an exterior masonry wall at the gable end of a building.

Although the offsite production method of gable wall spandrel panels can increase build speed and quality, this is only true when the design, manufacture and installation elements work together effectively. It’s crucial they are designed to comply with structural, thermal and fire resistance performance standards, as well as current building standards and regulations.

Ensuring compliance British Standard’s PD 6693 for the UK and SR.70 for Ireland offer recommendations for the design of timber structures, outlining the importance of one person assuming overall responsibility for a project. In the instance of gable wall spandrel panels, the building designer is the responsible party and information should be shared throughout the process.

Responsibilities for each designer can be found within Annex A in PD 6693 and section 10 in SR 70. The manufacturer will engineer the gable wall spandrel panels to meet stated requirements and withstand design loads specified by the designer. These will include wind loads – both pressure and suction – and the acceptable permitted deflection limit of the outer leaf of masonry.

Sound structure The NHBC Technical Guidance on spandrel panels to cold roofs states that gable wall spandrel panels require robust lateral connections from the masonry gable wall to the spandrel, and between the spandrel and the roof trusses at rafter and ceiling level. This is to effectively transfer loads to the main trussed rafter roof structure. In addition, they must resist wind loads acting on the gable end walls, and any loads imposed by the outer layers of cladding.

These loads are transmitted through the panel to the roof structure via lateral restraints, which can be provided by metal restraint straps fixed to the panel and noggings, timber bracing fixed to the bottom or top chord across a minimum of three trussed rafters, or timber members fixed into at least two studs within the panels.

gable wall spandrel panels provide an alternative to the inner leaf of an exterior masonry wall at the gable end of a building Fire protection When it comes to fire protection, compliant specification is dependent on the dwelling type and distance from relevant boundaries, based on Approved

Document B1 (England) and 100mm thick masonry outer leaf fire protection.

Three storey houses and two storey flats must meet Requirement B4 if the building is close to a boundary, and the area of the gable wall spandrel panel is larger than the allowable ‘unprotected area’ of the plot.

Houses and flats with height exceeding this must meet Requirement B4 if the building is close to a boundary and the area of the gable wall spandrel panel is larger than the allowable ‘unprotected area’ of the plot.

Thermal considerations Investigation into the thermal performance of a gable wall and cold roof thermal bridge detail, incorporating a timber spandrel panel in place of an internal leaf of masonry blockwork, found it to be a highly compliant solution, subject to careful detailing of the connection to the head of the masonry wall.

The modelling found all scenarios to demonstrate compliance with the minimum surface temperatures/fRsi requirements of BR 497:2016, and the associated heat loss (y/Psi-value) for use in SAP calculations.

Panels are clad on one side with structural sheathing board, which is covered with a breather membrane to prevent moisture ingress from the cavity during designed service life.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information on products and services available from Pasquill use www.rdr.link/dj017

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BUILDING FABRIC

New trends in bricks Bricks are the main building fabric used in the UK – but the market and the mix of different products is changing. Jason Hughes, Managing Director of specialist brick manufacturer, Imperial Bricks, looks at recent trends.

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ricks are still the most common component in construction – and for good reason. Durable, weatherproof and secure, bricks are being used to achieve traditional and contemporary effects. There’s a huge variety of colour, size and finish available, and they’re producing stunning results in many projects around the UK. Architects, housebuilders and developers are using colour, texture and detailing to add interest to their buildings.

Each area has its own distinctive brick.

Colour is a good indicator of location – a London Yellow Stock would look out of place in the Midlands where the standard is a warm red, oranges and plums and further north bricks can be grey, blue or red. Imperial Bricks has recently been advertising its ‘50 shades of clay’, but that’s understating what’s actually on offer – we now have around 70 different varieties to choose from.

For example, the majority of projects we supply use one or two sizes, colours, or textures to complete the work and bricks are chosen to help the development blend with its surroundings. But we’re also increasingly seeing upmarket developers and smaller, niche housebuilders using bricks to make a statement, distinguishing their projects from major developments.

They are mixing colours – often in patterns

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which echo earlier fashions – and using different sizes to create a dramatic effect.

Architect Richard Lomas of Lomas + Mitchell, Chesterfield, has noticed the trend: “There’s definitely a resurgence in bricks. We’re seeing them used imaginatively in all kinds of modern and traditional features, such as in open jointed panels or laid proud of the wall for decorative effect. The selection of colour has greatly increased too – we’ve just completed a project using black bricks!”

Bricks as decoration Langton Priory (pictured above right) is a residential development in Guildford which has seen a late 18th century priory converted into up-market apartments. The development also includes a stylish new build which complements the original building. It’s located in a conservation area, so the new building had to blend in with its historic surroundings. Developers Newcourt Residential chose a bespoke blend of imperial-sized Urban Weathered and Farmhouse Orange bricks and used them in a standard stretcher bond which formed random patterns, echoing the existing building and adding instant character to the new.

In contrast to Langton Priory, developers extending a house in Oxford have used Cambridge Buff bricks with

bands of Regency Orange (pictured above left) to re-create the decorative banded detail of the original Victorian house. It’s a more defined, formal pattern than the random blended brick effect used at Langton. The extension is indistinguishable from the original house and blends with neighbouring properties.

Metric handmade bricks in traditional finishes and colours are also becoming more popular. This makes the build easier – metric bricks fit easily with modern blocks and lintels – while still allowing the builder the option of blending in to the surroundings, adding kerb appeal or standing out to make a statement.

Linear bricks As well as traditional patterns and finishes, we’ve seen a trend for creative use of size and shape to achieve eyecatching results. Linear bricks, for example, are very much in demand, a modern take on what was originally a brick size dating back to Roman times.

Handmade linear bricks are being used in Stephenson Studio’s project to transform the Hallé Orchestra’s rehearsal, performance and education facility in a Grade II listed former church. The new building is uncompromisingly modern, but it complements the Victorian church and other historic buildings in the area.

Moonlight Drive – image courtesy of VanquishID

Brick slips inside and out Bricks are increasingly being married with more modern methods e.g. brick slip cladding for new build or re-skinning an existing property. They are also proving to be a popular solution where space and time are at a premium. A recent project in Brixton saw developers Vanquish Iconic use brick slips to renovate and extend an existing building, converting it to luxury apartments. They also used brick tiles inside to create attractive ‘exposed brick’ feature walls.

New handmade bricks and brick slips were used in an awardwinning development at Moonlight Drive, Forest Hill, London – a scheme which perfectly illustrates the versatility of bricks. The project used a custom blend of Reclamation Yellow Stock and Yellow Stock bricks to add character to the development’s exterior, finished with a decorative arch and band detail in 2½” Georgian, and utilising brick slips inside to. give the interior spaces a contemporary urban twist.

Sourcing bricks In the past 2-3 years Imperial’s range has grown to 70+ different products (mainly handmade, wirecut and pressed bricks), in response to demand for more choice and diversity. But it’s important to know that the bricks you buy are high quality and are

it’s important to know that the bricks you buy are high quality and are from ethical, responsible, reliable suppliers from ethical, responsible, reliable suppliers.

Imperial’s bricks are CE marked and tested to ensure they meet or exceed EU and UK standards. We’ve always adhered to strict ethical manufacturing processes and all our established factories and trading partners are SEDEX-audited. We also stipulate that our partner factories meet the employment guidelines specified in the Ethical Trade Initiative Base Code.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information use www.rdr.link/dj018

Building Fabric I round up

쑼 IBSTOCK LAUNCHES BRICK SELECTOR Ibstock Brick has launched a new Product Selector designed to help industry professionals identify the ‘perfect’ brick for a project.

Through the Ibstock Product Selector, housebuilders can search for and review the company’s solutions to select the right product for the job. Users can customise their search, displaying the final product in a variety of project views and configurations.

Earlier this year, Ibstock opened the doors to its new showroom, named The I-Studio, which includes an intuitive brick slip scanner, which enables users to project their drawings onto the wall to experience the exterior and interior aesthetics with each style of brick.

Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dj019

쑼 BOATYARD DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS FROM BMI REDLAND TILES Heathland Autumn concrete plain roof tiles from BMI Redland have been used at Aquinna Homes’ Boatyard development in Yarnton.

Offering a 21st century modern material performance with the appearance of a weathered hand-made tile, the Heathland Autumn concrete plain was used on two properties at a planningsensitive canal-side housing development just outside Oxford.

The Heathland tiles offer irregular sides and varying hanging lengths, and surfaces that are subtly textured with fine sands.

The result is a tile that combines a natural weathered character with machine-made performance. Autumn is just one of the colours in the Heathland palette of period colourings that complement its handmade appearance. Wealden Red, Ember and Elizabethan share the sanded finish of Autumn while Manor House is granular.

Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dj020

product insight

Securing a garage Security is a vital concern for all, but while much is often made of window and door security, garages can be overlooked. PHPD takes a look at how Garador is helping to ensure garages remain secure.

S

ecurity is always a key concern when building or specifying for a home, but while window locks, front door security systems and electronic surveillance on entry paths are often top of the list, it is vital not to forget the garage.

It is sometimes overlooked how burglars can gain access to the main home through the garage door, without anyone noticing. Plus, burglars often target garages because of the high value goods and equipment that are often stored there.

To help combat the problem, and provide extra reassurance to any home buyer, leading garage door manufacturer Garador has developed an additional Secured by Design (SBD) accredited range of garage doors with extra security features.

Guard against entry Garador was one of the first companies to introduce Secured by Design (SBD) into its garage doors. Its SBD range of Guardian Up & Over garage doors deliver significant protection without detracting from the overall kerb appeal of the design. The Guardian range consists of three steel up & over garage door models, the Carlton, Horizon and

Salisbury, which have been engineered to offer a higher level of security.

Garador’s Marketing Manager, Paul Eddleston, commented: “The additional security features help to prevent a breakin, protecting key areas of the door a determined burglar would exploit to gain access to the garage. This wellengineered door goes well beyond the traditional garage door in helping to prevent a break in, to really provide homeowners with that little bit of extra peace of mind.”

Garador’s Guardian Range doors have a few key features which enhance their security. For example, the door panel on a Guardian Range door is reinforced with eight back braces, making it more difficult to cut through.

Further, a reinforcing plate has been fitted behind the lock body to prevent attacks against the locking mechanism and an anti-snap cylinder with a sacrificial front is used to prevent entry even after an attack. Steel plates have also been built onto each corner to protect the bottom locking points.

Garador’s Guardian range can be supplied with either canopy or retractable lifting gear and in a choice of 19 standard colours.

Added Security with GaraMatic Operators The main reason for using an electric operator is the convenience that comes with opening the garage door by simply pressing a button on a hand transmitter.

But there are security benefits too.

Garador’s GaraMatic operators and hand transmitters have 128-bit encryption that is used by many banks today for their online banking security, designed to prevent anybody from copying the signal.

Bi-directional radio signals provide improved security and range of signal, with 868MHz radio signals which make it possible to operate the door from further away. The signals also have rolling-code technology built-in, so a different frequency code is sent each time.

Also, a mechanical locking mechanism is built into the operator boom to stop potential burglars from lifting the garage door and gaining access to the garage.

This anti-lift function comes as standard on all GaraMatic operators.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To discover more about Garador’s solutions use ww.rdr.link/dj021

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Groundworks, Drainage & Utilities

Under the surface Effective surface water management can have an important role to play in value engineering, as Keith Oldham, National Technical Consultant, at ACO Water Management discusses.

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ut simply, value engineering is the practice of making cost savings during the design stage of a construction project. In recent years, the term has drawn criticism, notably from Dame Judith Hackitt in her review of building regulations and fire safety following the Grenfell Tower disaster,

arguing that it had become another term for cutting costs and quality. However, with the right service support and expertise of the overall project, savings can be made by providing the most efficient solution, without compromising quality, enabling true value engineering.

Surface water management systems are one example where cost savings can be made, as the positioning of drainage runs, product selection and groundworks are all variables that can be improved with intelligent scrutiny. Below we examine some practical examples of how ‘value engineering’ can be used to improve performance and reduce cost over the lifetime of a water management system.

Using channels for collection and conveyance Large capacity channels can also be utilised for the collection of excess surface water, as well as conveyance. This allows the omission of the lengths of underground pipe networks.

In projects such as communal car parks, for example, a pipe network is required for collection which allows the channels to discharge at either end. The pipework has to be fitted parallel to the channels at a much deeper level, which can take considerably longer to install and will result in increased costs and extend project completion schedules.

value engineering’ can be used to improve performance and reduce cost over the lifetime of a water management system.

If parts of the collection network can be omitted then project managers can make significant installation savings. This can be achieved by using channels to remove part of the collection pipe network, which can then connect at a higher capacity to other channels.

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By incorporating a channel layout, projects can be optimised to have a slightly shorter total channel length.

Savings will therefore be made by the pipe network length being reduced without impacting the quality and effectiveness of the system in place.

Maximising attenuation volume With increasing urbanisation and climate change, the Environment Agency has upgraded its mitigation guidance from +30% to +40% for the 1:100-year design criteria. As a result, water management systems are to be designed for increased demand. One value engineering technique to cope with 1:100-year events is to design channel systems with surface storage; temporary ponding built into the calculations and design of the site. This allows the reduction in other storage systems, such as attenuation tanks.

Some larger capacity channels can even attenuate water in the bore of the channel itself, so when combined with surface storage, can reduce the quantity of proprietary products required, keeping the costs to a minimum, without increasing the risk of flooding during periods of intense rainfall.

Attenuation systems Value engineering on attenuation systems can be made by using flexible systems that can fit into tight footprints. The greater the flexibility of a system, in addition to expert service support, can provide significant savings in groundwork reductions. For example piped attenuation systems replaced with some geocelluar systems can reduce footprint but increase attenuation capacity, with the right consultation.

Final thoughts Ultimately, with the right service support in place, cost savings are there to be made on all water management. It is important to utilise the expertise behind the products, as well as discovering whether professional development content is available. This combination will help ensure all future projects can be cost-effective, while maintaining the standard of quality that is expected in the UK.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information on how ACO can help with your build or development, please visit www.rdr.link/dj022

Groundworks, Drainage & Utilities

overmatter

Clean up With dust and mud presenting such big health and safety concerns, it is crucial that building sites keep up-to-date with the latest suppression product developments.

Dan McClure, Technical Project Manager at Garic highlights three solutions.

Confined site wheel wash units Having identified the need for a smaller more cost-effective wheel wash that could be used on confined sites we set about designing and manufacturing one. A prototype was exhibited for the first time at Plantworx this summer and the reaction was very encouraging indeed.

Many visitors said that the reduced size, affordability and clever additional features make it perfect for preventing the spread of dust and mud on sites that previously didn’t have room for a wheel wash unit.

The new City Wheel Wash (pictured above left) has been specifically engineered with small, low-volume traffic projects in mind. It is suited to urban developments where space is a premium, muck is a problem and where traditional wheel wash solutions are too large.

At 8500 by 4500 by 325mm it is the smallest powered spray wash product in our range. It is quick to deploy, no movement orders are required and it is easy to set up onsite – there is as little disruption as possible.

It has been designed for site specification vehicles such as tipper

A dust suppression bowser

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trucks and vehicles without front and rear under-run restrictions. However, ramp extensions are available for lower configurations if required.

The unit can be dug into the ground down to just 325mm for a flush-fit application but if digging is not an option, the unit can also be used 325mm above ground using a set of 3-metre rumble ramps.

As wheels pass through the unit, the rumble bars agitate the tyre treads which are then cleaned using high-pressure spray jets. This process provides a 360° clean of standard tipper lorry tyres.

Travelling very slowly through the new City Wheel Wash achieves a clean similar to our much larger units.

It has a submersible pump that can either be plugged in to an existing threephase supply or powered independently of mains power using a small 10kWA diesel-powered generator.

A 25mm water supply is required to give the unit its initial fill. This also maintains the water level within the unit.

Waste water is minimised as it is automatically recirculated from the containing sump beneath.

Boot Washes To eradicate dirty footprints and help keep your sites clean, safe and in good condition Garic offers three and five bay boot washes. Both sizes of boot wash have a new quick release trigger brush which can be operated with one hand, making it easier for staff or site visitors to clean their shoes and boots before entering any clean-zones and therefore

The new City Wheel Wash has been specifically engineered with small, low-volume traffic projects in mind. saving wear and tear of carpets or flooring. The updated wash also has a removable grid for easy cleaning.

The three bay unit measures 1.6 by 0.6m and the five bay version is 2.7 by 0.5m.

Dust bowsers For larger scale dust problems Garic has a range of bowsers. Our powerful dust suppression bowsers are available in three sizes – 500, 1,000 and 2,000 gallon – and include additional options such as fan tail and irrigation spraying, and sprinkler systems. These are designed to spray water across large distances and are therefore ideal for bigger construction sites.

We also stock a number of additional complementary plant and equipment to tackle dust and mud and can source many more through our Garic Connect service.

There are new products being developed all the time – more compact, more powerful and more cost-efficient – so there really is no excuse for not keeping dust and mud under control.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dj023

GROUNDWORKS, DRAINAGE & UTILITIES

Charge ahead Site preparation takes many forms, especially if urban brownfield locations are being developed and low emission machinery is required. Construction equipment journalist, Dan Gilkes, puts JCB’s new 1.9 tonne mini electric digger through its paces.

CB has been at the forefront of the development of increasingly low emission diesel technology, with its growing range of Dieselmax and Ecomax engines. While diesel will remain essential for powering machines, the drive towards clean construction sites is seeing electric technology beginning to play a part.

The company is no stranger to electric drive of course, it has had electric access platforms for some years and currently offers both traditional lead acid and lighter lithium-ion battery packs in a number of models. However, the 19C-1E mini excavator really is something new, offering a full electric, battery only 1.9tonne mini excavator, with all of the performance and productivity of its diesel counterpart.

J

battery packs at the end of the day. JCB’s own research, taking data from hundreds of machines using its LiveLink telematics system, also shows that most customers with a 1.9-tonne mini excavator don’t work the machine hard for eight hours a day.

JCB’s testing and analysis has shown that the battery will not need to be replaced during the lifetime of the machine.

The machine can be supplied with either a 230V or a 110V industrial charge lead, to suit construction use. Using the 110V input, from a completely flat battery, the mini excavator can be recharged in under 12 hours. That can be reduced to an eight-hour charge time using 230V. An optional off-board fast-charging system will also be offered, delivering a full charge in less than two hours.

Range anxiety The 19C-1E is based on the firm’s high specification 1.9-tonne diesel model. The machine can be supplied with a choice three or four lithium-ion batteries, using the latest Nissan automotive technology.

These provide either 15kWh for three batteries or 20kWh of storage capacity with four batteries, which JCB claims is enough to work all day for the majority of mini excavator customers.

Indeed, in trials prior to the launch, customers who expected to experience ‘range anxiety’ were surprised by how much spare capacity was left in the

High specification The standard 19C-1 is a high specification mini and the electric model is equally well equipped. It comes with a ROPS/TOPS and FOGS certified canopy and a membrane switch pad to the right of the operator for lighting and other controls.

The servo levers also get proportional rocker switches for auxiliary functions and for boom offset swing, keeping the cab floor clear for the operator.

Once in the operator’s seat, starting the machine is achieved by turning the key as normal, with a light on the dash showing that the motor is active. As with all JCB

excavators the machine has the firm’s 2Go safety system, so the operator has to be seated with the seatbelt connected. They then have to press the 2Go button to make the servo levers active.

Then it’s simply a case of operating the machine like any other mini excavator.

There is some hydraulic noise from beneath the bodywork, but the 19C-1E is said to be five times quieter than a diesel model and of course, it is zero emissions at the point of use. This should make it a popular choice with urban contractors, particularly those working overnight.

The lack of exhaust fumes will of course be the main point for many customers though. JCB admits that the machine will carry a premium over the equivalent diesel model. Running on electricity will invariably be cheaper than diesel, while service work is almost non-existent, limited to the normal hydraulic filter change and regular greasing. JCB is estimating service costs some 60-70% lower than for a comparative diesel model, while the estimated running cost for operators using an industrial electricity supply, will be around 50% lower than for diesel. That drops to 60% lower for a domestic user versus running on white diesel.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more details on JCB’s new electric digger use www.rdr.link/dj024

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KITCHENS & Bathrooms round up KUDOS CONNECT2 SHOWER TRAY COLLECTION British manufacturer, Kudos, has extended its Connect2 Shower tray collection to include two new quadrants and a curved corner shower tray. Connect2 is a slimline shower tray, 35mm in height, that has been designed specifically to avoid floor joists, ensuring it retains its super-low profile when installed.

Launched last year in 12 sizes, from 800mm square to 1700 by 800mm, the new models include a 900mm and a 1200 by 900mm offset quadrant. In addition there is a new 910mm and a 1000 by 810 offset full curved corner tray to suit the shape of Kudos Original curved corner enclosures.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dj025

SANIFLO MID-MARKET SHOWER TRAY Designed to be lightweight, Saniflo’s Kinesurf Pietra shower tray has a simple, classic design and features a mineral textured surface. It is available in four colours – white, black, anthracite and grey – and, at 40cm thick, it has been designed to be easy to cut.

The Kinesurf Pietra can be teamed up with matching wall panels if required.

The grainy Biocryl surface is reinforced with Biotec, a high density polymer that is also used to reinforce the ultra-flat stainless steel waste to match the tray colour.

Multiple sizes in square and rectangular shapes can be specified from the compact 800mm to the walk-in 1800mm.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dj026

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METHVEN RADIANT METALLIC FINISHES Designed to bring a touch of glamor to any bathroom, the new Türoa metallic collection is available in gunmetal black, graphite and rich gold. The collection has been designed to combine long-lasting materials, eco-friendly finishes and water saving benefits.

The water saving benefits stem from its V-Jet spray technology.

Delivering a flow rate of nine litres per minute with wide-spray coverage, Türoa conserves water without compromising on performance and features a control which allows the user to seamlessly transition from a firm, invigorating spray to a gentle, enveloping warmth.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dj027

ASQUITHS LUXURY HEATING Asquiths, the premium bathroom brand from Roxor Group, has added a range of heating products to its luxurious Collection, which are exclusive to the brand and designed to blend seamlessly across all its bathroom categories. The range includes a selection of both focal point radiators and ladder-style models in either Mineral White or Mineral Anthracite finish. The Single Tube design stands at 180cm in height and just 10cm in width. For a slightly larger bathroom, the Round Tube radiator range offers more tubes for maximum heat output and it comes in two sizes, including a tall model at 180cm in height.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dj028

FISHER & PAYKEL QUAD DOOR FRIDGE FREEZER COLLECTION Fisher & Paykel has incorporated Variable Temperature Mode technology as a core design feature on its Quad Door collection. The technology provides multiple temperature choices so that users always have the very best care for fresh and frozen food. Temperatures can be adjusted at the touch of a button from the easily accessible control panel. There are four separate food modes available: Fridge, Chill, Soft freeze and Freeze modes.

The quad door fridge freezer offers four separate compartments, one of which provides modular flexibility with its Variable Temperature Zone. This compartment can transform from a fridge to a freezer one day to the next to suit any lifestyle.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dj029

HEDLEY PLANNING SERVICES PLANNING BROCHURE

Rooflights & Skylights has launched a new online rooflight and skylight product selector. The online tool breaks down the product selection process into simple stages, helping developers find the most suitable glass or polycarbonate solution for a project.

The tool walks the user through a variety of stages including roof type, rooflight/skylight type, kerb and opening requirements, along with sizing allowing users to discover recommended products.

It also highlights any special monthly promotions.

Tailor made solutions designed around imaginative approaches and techniques, is the theme of a new brochure from planning specialist, Hedley Planning Services. Designed for private and public sector planning decision makers, property developers and landowners, the full colour brochure showcases the company's experience in managing innovative schemes that generate legacy and deliver long-term conservation and regeneration benefits.

Applications, appeals, strategic land promotion, Section 17 and CPO, project management, rural development and planning strategy are detailed among the services highlighted through a series of case studies.

| Use www.rdr.link/dj030

Trade media

ROOFLIGHTS & SKYLIGHTS ‘PRODUCT SELECTOR’ TOOL

| Use www.rdr.link/dj031

PROMAT UK SPECIFIERS GUIDE

FAITH FURNITURE COMPANY 2019/2020 EVO BROCHURE

GROHE SENSE APP

The SYSTEMGLAS fire resistant, buttjointed glazing system range from Promat UK has been expanded with a host of new configurations and additional performance capabilities to meet the growing demand from architects and specifiers for assured fire protection across different glazing applications.

The options are detailed in the new 2019 SYSTEMGLAS Specifiers Guide, alongside the company’s expansive product range of integrity and insulation (EI) fire-resistant glazing screens. The range’s four systems provide framing options in steel, timber and two which utilise the fire-resistant calcium silicate PROMATECT H to allow for over-cladding, painting or concealment for a virtually ‘frameless’ effect.

The new 2019/2020 Evo brochure, which showcases a collection of six kitchen designs with 12 door choices, is now available from Faith Furniture Company (FFC). The Evo Kitchen Collection by FFC is an affordable range designed to complement its mid-level LochAnna Kitchens range by offering an entry level price point without compromising quality.

A highlight of the Evo collection is the Vallo Gloss J Pull range (pictured). This 19mm MDF door available in three painted finishes to create a fresh feel and streamlined. It is available in three contemporary colours: White, Cashmere and Dove Grey.

Grohe’s new Sense App sits at the heart of the company’s water management system which lets users monitor and control their home water system from anywhere.

In case of an emergency such as a detected leak or burst pipe in the home, a notification is sent to the user’s smartphone. When using the company’s water controller ‘Sense Guard’ – which is installed on the mains water pipe of the home – the water supply can be automatically turned off with just one tap of a button using the app. The system also offers transparency on water consumption providing an overview of water costs. The app is available for iOS and Android.

| Use www.rdr.link/dj033

| Use www.rdr.link/dj034

| Use www.rdr.link/dj032

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general building I round up CLADDING SPECIALIST LAUNCHES ‘PRO’ SCHEME Cedral has introduced a Professional Installer Scheme, with membership including a listing on an online installer locator, which enables housebuilders to locate nearby installers competent in installing Cedral Lap and Cedral Click fibre cement cladding on residential projects.

Members of the scheme have access to a range of training courses for both Cedral Lap and Cedral Click, along with a technical support team.

Additional support is also available through the use of the Cedral app, which includes a free estimation tool, case study gallery and a wide range of ‘how to’ guides and videos.

Discover more by using wwww.rdr.link/dj035

CRL INTRODUCE SPIG-LITE PRO With the trend for minimalistic architecture going strong, many designs involve a frameless glass balustrade system that doesn’t require a handrail to meet the legal loading requirements, and that is easy to adjust. To help achieve this, architectural hardware specialist CRL has launched a new adjustable glass balustrade system.

CRL Spig-Lite Pro is a fully adjustable glass balustrade system with a clamping design that removes the need to hold the glass with locking pins. The elongated holes allow for easy adjustment of the glass panels, ensuring the top edge of the glass is equal when a handrail is not required. The system achieves 0.74Kn loading and features individual spigots that raise the glass to 32mm above floor level creating a natural drainage solution that ensures no water can get trapped inside the balcony area.

Discover more by using wwww.rdr.link/dj036

VORTICE LAUNCHES SINGLE ROOM HEAT RECOVERY UNIT The new single room heat recovery unit is described as ‘quiet, efficient, energy saving and anti-allergic. It includes built-in filters to prevent the release of pollutants and allergens into the surrounding air. Suitable for recessed installation in outside walls of thickness between 285 and 700 mm, it has a low voltage EC motor-driven fan and five speeds. There are two versions of the Vort HRW Mono, manual or RC (remote control), allowing the unit to be turned off and on and the mode of operation to be selected. The device includes LEDs for filter monitoring and diagnostics. The Vort HRW Mono has three operating modes; ventilation with heat recovery, ventilation with air extraction only and ventilation with air intake only and there is also the option to install temperature and relative humidity sensors.

Discover more by using wwww.rdr.link/dj037

NEW DURAGRAIN SECTIONAL DOORS FROM GARADOR Garador has introduced a new range of sectional garage doors – Duragrain. The range is a fresh concept based around new printing technology where a realistic timber, natural stone or metal illustration is printed onto the outside steel surface of the garage door.

Garador’s Duragrain range includes five realistic natural stone decors, 18 authentic treated timber decors and one metal decor. The range will be available on Garador Premium Linear Large door styles.

Discover more by using wwww.rdr.link/dj038

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX ACO Technologies Plc ..........................................................................(page 46) Aurora Ltd ..................................................................................................(page 23) Building Adhesives Ltd............................................................................(page 19) Concrete Block Association..................................................................(page 39) Electrorad ..................................................................................................(page 45) Grass Concrete Ltd ................................................................................(Page 43) Ibstock Building Products Ltd................................................................ (page 11) Ideal Standard (UK) Ltd ........................................................(inside front cover) Ideal Standard (UK) Ltd/Sottini ............................................................(page 27) Imperial Brick ............................................................................................(Page 36) 50 november Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Keystone Lintels Ltd..........................................................................(loose insert) Kingspan Insulation Ltd ............................................................................(page 9) Marmox UK Ltd..........................................................................................(page 15) Premier Tech Aqua Ltd ..........................................................................(page 45) Pro Builder Live ........................................................................................(page 24) Screwfix Direct .................................................................... (outside back cover) Sig Distribution Ltd ..................................................................................(page 40) Velux Co. Ltd ............................................................................................(page 29) Wavin ............................................................................................................(page 4)

last word The Government’s consultation on the Future Home Standard will move our homes towards being more energy efficient. Stuart Fairlie, Technical Director at Elmhurst Energy, sheds more light on the details.

The Future Home Standard T he UK target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 is an ambitious one – and one in which housing will play a large part. With homes, both new and existing, accounting for 20% of emissions, the Government has committed to introducing the Future Homes Standard by 2025. This standard will require new build homes to be futureproofed with low carbon heating and worldleading levels of energy efficiency. The Government expects that a home built to the new standard will have 75 to 80% less carbon emissions than one built to the current Part L (2013) standards.

In order to encourage implementation and help the industry deliver the new standards, the Government has now launched a Future Home Standard consultation, which looks, among others, at options to uplift standards in England for Part L of the Building Regulations in 2020 changes to Part F (Ventilation), its associated Approved Document guidance, airtightness and clarifying the role of planning authorities in setting energy efficiency standards. It is expected that the non-domestic standard consultation (Part L2) will be released in the near future, alongside some additional details for changing the standards for building work in existing homes and non-domestic buildings.

Two options The consultation will look at two options to uplift Part L standards in terms of carbon emissions: a 20% reduction in carbon emissions, achieved through better fabric

It is essential that we move our homes towards higher energy efficiency standards

Stuart Fairlie, Elmhurst Energy

only; a 31% reduction in carbon emissions, which could be achieved with carbon saving technology and fabric improvements.

Proposed changes to Part F looks at the simplification of determining the ventilation rate and system design required for new build homes, simplifying the structure and guidance relating to Part F and providing information to building owners. Focus is also given to the prevention of overheating in buildings within the consultation documents, with new research papers provided for ‘overheating’ and ‘ventilation and air quality’.

The consultation sets out the Government’s proposal to change transitional arrangements to encourage quicker implementation of the new energy efficiency requirements so builders cannot build to older energy standards for longer than is appropriate. This would mean that builders working on larger developments would not be able to lock in earlier standards for long periods but would instead need to build to the latest standard. The focus would be on compliance by individual dwellings rather than the whole development. This may be fairer to smaller businesses, which tend to

work on smaller developments and so would be affected sooner by the changes.

At Elmhurst Energy, we very much welcome the announcement of this vital consultation. It is essential that we move our homes towards higher energy efficiency standards and Part L and F are long overdue an update. There is a lot of detail provided within the consultation and we plan to undertake a full analysis of it, with our findings and observations included. But with this consultation, we are moving in the right direction and, we look forward to the debate that this consultation will no doubt create.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Elmhurst will soon be launching a series of regional events for house builders and other new build professionals, to highlight the potential changes presented by this consultation and its impact on the new build industry. Event dates and locations will be released on to the Elmhurst training calendar shortly. Use www.rdr.link/dj039