Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer September 19

PROFESSIONAL

HOUSEBUILDER &PROPERTY DEVELOPER

WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

SEPTEMBER 2019

LUXURY LIVING ‘Must have’ kitchen appliances

HEATING

WATER MANAGEMENT SPECIAL REPORT

All the major policy changes worth keeping an eye on

Get to grips with the latest drainage guidelines

Reduce construction times with a new modular solution

DESIGN UPDATE: WORKING IN CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE AREAS

contents PHPD SEPTMEBER 2019 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 7

This issue Regulars 5 First Word 6 News 10 Developments

Special Reports 14 Mainstream move Waterstone Homes’ plans to expand into the mainstream market

18 Core values The new modular solution being trialled by North East-based Homes by Carlton

12 HBA Column 12 Ask Tobermore 57 Kitchens & Bathrooms

16 Digital delivery Technology and workflows that could help improve the housebuilding process

58 General Building

Cover story

The five-bedroom Cropredy show home at Hayfields, a development by Hayfield in Southmoor, Oxfordshire.

Discover more on page 10

59 Last Word

WATER MANAGEMENT 20 Drain academy ACO Water Management offers its top tips on specifying the correct drainage solutions 22 Building a case for Suds The 8th edition of Sewers for Adoption takes effect in April 2020 – what does it require?

24 " MJHIU UPVDI Brett Martin reviews the benefits of using a plastic rainwater system 26 Round Up

EXPERT UPDATES 30 Market Housing land values 31 Design Considerations for development in conservation and heritage areas 32 Planning The future outlook for planning

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Developments

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Sustainable Drainage

LUXURY LIVING 34 4NBSU UIJOLJOH Some ways in which technology and lighting can create stunning spaces for modern homes 38 Kitchen heroes The latest trends and must-have items in the kitchen 42 Creating aspirational bathrooms Use inspirational solutions to create truly aspirational bathrooms 44 Round Up

38|

42|

Indulgent Bathrooms

HEATING 47 Readying for change How we heat our homes could be changing – a look through the planned policy changes 50 Unlock renewable combinations Use renewable heating solutions effectively 52 Controlling Influence Consider a broad range of heating control options 54 Round Up

Kitchen Appliances

PRODUCT INSIGHT 56 Designer doors The latest garage door innovations could add substantial kerb appeal to a property

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

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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 Sam Shannon-Tinsley 01923 237799 stinsley@hamerville.co.uk Northern Area Sales Ian Duff 07810 353 525 probuilder@sky.com Digital Group Manager Stuart Duff Digital Assistant David Molloy Design Adeel Qadri Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant 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

Career path Anyone with children in their final year at school will know that this time of year can be a daunting one: academic examination results come thick and fast, and have a significant impact on the aspirations of many young people.

While long term happiness is rarely affected by the outcome of school exams – most tend to find their place over the longer term – for many, ‘results season’ does herald a period of uncertainty. Further academic study may be a great route for some; a transition into work will be the preference of others. Those facing this decision deserve coherent and comprehensive advice about all of the options available.

One such option is an apprenticeship. Once lost to the mists of time, this route is now more widely understood by school leavers. It is also a familiar one for the construction world – many of today’s senior staff in the sector started out as an apprentice.

Plus, with the construction sector offering such a wide variety of opportunities – and constituting a significant portion of the country’s economic output (around 7% of GDP) – a career in the building industry should be one with high levels of recognition throughout society.

It is therefore with some disappointment that we noticed a statistic in Redrow’s 2019 apprenticeship report, which canvassed 2,000 16 to 21 year olds, that 42% of young adults said a career in construction had never been discussed with them by a teacher or careers advisor.

If young people are unaware of the opportunities in construction not only may they miss out, but the sector will too.

Redrow is one housebuilder making strides in this area. It has recently recruited 81 new trade apprentices and the company told us that by September this year there will be almost 300 people in apprenticeship roles across its trade, administration, technical and commercial roles. (We have more on Redrow’s recent influx of apprentices on page 8.)

Much has been made of the construction skills crisis and the rising average age of the sector’s workforce. So it is encouraging to see a housebuilder putting an emphasis on the recruitment and training of young people – and, no doubt, benefitting from the skills and abilities they contribute.

But it would appear the message is still not quite cutting through. And, more worrying times could be ahead. In May this year the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) noted the number of construction apprenticeship starts had dropped by almost a half.

Clearly, more still needs to be done to both encourage construction companies to develop apprenticeship programmes, and to highlight the varied roles within the sector that are open to young people. With many young adults currently making decisions about their career path, perhaps now is the time to redouble our efforts.

if young people are unaware of the opportunities in construction not only may they miss out, but the sector will too.

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

Total Average Net Distribution 14,853 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2018

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september 5

news In Brief ■ Avant Homes has promoted Group Developments Director, Chris Coley, to the role of Managing Director for its Yorkshire operation. Chris has been with Avant Homes for 14 years, originally joining as a graduate surveyor in the Yorkshire business before progressing to commercial director in 2012, operations director in 2018 and group developments director later that year.

■ Click Properties has appointed Debbie Aplin to the role of Non-Executive Director to help the developer capitalise on growth opportunities. The company specialises in utilisation of Modern Methods of Construction and Debbie’s remit also covers its airspace development sister company, Click Above. Her appointment comes as the firm looks towards a period of aggressive growth that will see it deliver 500 homes per year within the next five years.

■ Builders and developers registered the highest number of new homes for 12 years during the three months from April – June, according to the latest figures from NHBC. 43,438 new homes were registered between April and June 2019, 12% up on the same period last year and the highest since Q4 2007 when 43,525 were registered. Overall, the private sector increased by 14% and the affordable and rental sector by 7%.

■ Solihull-headquartered Hayfield has promoted Andy Morris to Operations Director and Dan Hurst to Chief Finance Officer. The promotions have been made as the three-year-old housebuilding business gears up for a period of rapid expansion, in order to build 200 luxury homes over the next 12 months.

■ Brick supplies rose by over 2% in the first half of 2019, according to the Brick Development Association.

The organisation, whose membership account for almost 100% of all UK manufactured clay bricks and pavers, noted that brick production figures have been consistently rising over recent years and confirmed that new figures showed a modest but positive 2.2% rise for the first six months of 2019.

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

Warning of truncated northern housing supply lanning and development consultancy Turley is warning government that local authorities in northern England are paring back housing delivery because of its National Planning Policy Framework.

The framework sets out government planning policy for England. However, the consultancy says its introduction of a new standardised method for calculating ‘minimum’ housing need is inadvertently encouraging a ‘do minimum’ approach across councils. This, it believes, could have a significant economic impact across the region.

Turley cites Leeds, where 32 Green

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Belt sites have been removed from the city’s development plan, as an example of reduced ambition on new development.

Greater Manchester, it says, is another example where the planned delivery for housing has reduced in the most recent draft of its joint plan since the revised framework was published.

Antony Pollard, Head of Economics at Turley, said: “Councils need to ensure that the framework is being correctly interpreted. It’s a document and formula that is meant to provide guidance on the minimum number of homes that should be delivered – not a target.”

Mira Showers celebrates Queen’s Award he Mira Sport Max shower has helped Cheltenham-based Mira Showers scoop a second Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Edward Gillespie OBE, and Councillor Steve Jordan, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, were among the invited guests at a recent event at Mira Showers in Cheltenham, to celebrate the achievement.

This is the second occasion that Mira Showers has received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. The company’s Flight Safe anti-slip shower tray, which is manufactured at the company’s trays and enclosures factory in Hull, scooped the award in 2017.

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The Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Edward Gillespie OBE, is shown round Mira’s Cheltenham factory

Mira Showers Managing Director, Craig Baker said: "This award highlights our commitment to innovation and the hard work and level of detail we put into the research and design stages, which allows us to ensure products we bring to market are meeting the ever-changing demands from both consumers and installers.”

Lovell reports rising profits artnership housing specialist Lovell has seen an increase of around 40% in operating profit compared to the same period in 2018.

The news was announced in half year results, ending June 2019, recently released by parent company, Morgan Sindall Group plc.

The company reports that it has increased investment across the country as it embarks on a period of sustained growth. It has a combined national forward order book and regeneration and development pipeline of £1.1 billion.

Lovell Managing Director Steve Coleby said: “Our focus for the second half of the year is driving strategic growth in the

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Lovell’s £42 million development in Priorslee, Telford

business. Lovell’s ability to offer such a comprehensive range of solutions in unlocking land has led to our involvement in some of the UK’s most important homes schemes. We’re excited to deliver urgently-needed high-quality homes across all tenures and look forward to completing work on an estimated total of 3,500 homes this year.”

news Redrow to recruit 8 apprentices

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edrow has announced that its latest intake of trade apprentices will exceed 80 in number.

The new cohort means that 15% of the housebuilder’s workforce will be enrolled on a structured training programme such as an apprenticeship or graduate scheme.

By September this year there will be almost 300 people in apprenticeship roles across the company in trade, administration, technical and commercial roles.

Its latest cohort of 81 trade apprentices will be enrolled on traditional programmes such as bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing and electrical, as well as painting and decorating, groundworks, ceramic tiling, scaffolding and buildings maintenance.

Redrow saw more than 300 apprentices enrol on its tradespecific scheme between 2015 and 2018 alone.

Karen Jones, Group HR director at housebuilder Redrow, said: “Apprentices are a vital component for ensuring the success of our economy, which is why we are committed to investing in the next generation of construction industry talent.”

Bailey Holland-Knightly, an apprentice at Redrow’s Padcroft development in West Drayton, London

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

Survey reveals timber’s growing appeal

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recent industry survey, conducted by Södra Wood, has shown an increase in the specification of timber as a construction material in the UK. The survey generated insight from almost 350 architects, consultants, contractors and merchants. The results indicate that 63% of respondents believe timber is growing in popularity, while 69% of those questioned said they already

63% of respondents to Södra Wood’s survey believe timber is growing in popularity

cmostores.com reports 220% growth in three years

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nline construction materials retailer cmostores.com is continuing to see rapid expansion with 2018 sales increasing by 44%, continuing a trend of record growth.

With the firm’s e-commerce model continuing to grab market share from traditional builders’ merchants, consolidated group revenue rose 220% in just three years from £12.1m at the end of 2015 to £38.6m in the year to 31 December 2018. The business is now Andy Dunkley, CEO of cmostores.com (centre)

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worked with timber. 68% of respondents felt that timber can help meet government housebuilding and sustainability targets When asked to rank the benefits of timber in order of importance, sustainability took the lead, followed by the fact that it is a quick and efficient material to work with. Great aesthetics took third place, then versatility, costeffectiveness and offsite capabilities.

predicting further turnover growth to around £50m in the current financial year and will soon be launching two new superstores.

“Online retail has revolutionised the high street and the many benefits of internet shopping including improved product choice as well as time and cost savings are increasingly being taken into more traditional and trade sectors by forward-looking e-commerce businesses,” explained Andy Dunkley, CEO of cmostores.com.

DEVELOPMENTS Family homes released for sale at Hayfields, Southmoor Aspirational housebuilder Hayfield has announced the release of new family homes at its Hayfields development in Southmoor, Oxfordshire. The new homes include the four-bedroom detached Shotteswell, the five-bedroom detached Cropredy and the fivebedroom detached Eaton. There are fully furnished Cropredy and Eaton show homes available to view at the site, which is located off Faringdon Road.

The 1,959 sq ft five-bedroom Cropredy show home has been styled and fully equipped by Surrey-based Alexander James Interior Design. While the 2,486 sq ft double-fronted fivebedroom Eaton show home has been furnished by Warwickshire-based Open Door Interiors.

Create Homes announces new development Create Homes has acquired its fifth housing development in South Ribble.

Situated four miles from Preston, The Paddocks is a rural development of nine executive properties, providing a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom detached homes.

The Paddocks will include Create Homes’ house types the ‘Bowgreave’ and the ‘Sowerby’, as well as the newest style house to be added to the Create Homes portfolio, the ‘Brock’.

Andrew Wright, Managing Director for Create Homes commented: “Following on from the success of our first

developments in Inskip, we are delighted with our acquisition of this new exclusive development site in South Ribble.”

36 homes being delivered in Tadley Housing association Aster Group has secured planning permission to deliver a £10m development in Tadley, Hampshire.

The scheme comprises 36 two- threeand four-bed homes. Nine of the homes will be offered as rented properties and 27 as shared ownership.

E.G. Carter & Co Ltd has been appointed to build the homes as part of its place alongside Galliford Try on the housing association’s £150 million housebuilding framework. Mathew Vye, Associate Director, partnership housing at E.G Carter & Co Ltd, said: “This is our ninth development with

Aster and we are looking forward to continuing our collaborative partnership developing new homes throughout the South of England under the contractor framework agreement.” The scheme is due to complete by the end of 2019.

Stewart Milne Homes to build at Shawfair Developers behind the new town of Shawfair, an urban expansion near Edinburgh, have concluded the sale of a 16.1 acre site to housebuilder Stewart Milne Homes.

Subject to planning consent, the site will take the number of new homes with consent or currently underway to over 1,000.

Nick Waugh, Director of Shawfair LLP, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stewart Milne Homes as the sixth housebuilder at Shawfair. They have a deserved reputation for high quality, elegant homes and will be a welcome addition as we move a step closer to our planned 4,000 homes.”

Five housebuilders – Bellway, Dandara, Mactaggart & Mickel, Miller

Duchy Homes reveals Winterley house designs Designs have now been released by Duchy Homes as construction has begun in the Cheshire village of Winterley. Situated on Hassall Road, the housebuilder is constructing a collection of 29 new home – a combination of four-bedroom and fivebedroom detached homes with twobedroom and three-bedroom affordable houses and bungalows.

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Named Nursery Fields, Duchy Homes has announced buyers will be able to choose from six designs. The new homes will feature Tudor-style beams and gable detailing, stone sills and decorative chimney stacks, while each home blends country charm with modern living styles.

Work has begun on the foundations at Nursery Fields ahead of its anticipated sales launch in September.

Homes and Places for People – are also building at Shawfair. Around 200 homes are already completed.

HBA COLUMN

Ask

Curbing expansion The green belt should curtail urban sprawl, not development, says Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Housing and Planning Policy at the House Builders Association.

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he unhelpful discussion around the greenbelt confuses the development process and ignores some of the valuable changes we must make if we’re to tackle the housing crisis. From disused petrol stations and land littered with scrap metal, to scrubland and runways, the greenbelt isn’t always the green space we expect.

The greenbelt is a specific area, set up to protect some of our major cities from urban sprawl. Most of it surrounds London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham and Bristol, but many other areas see green protected status by way of open space, agricultural land, national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), to name a few.

Urban sprawl The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allows planning authorities to set their own ‘belt of green’ and curb urban expansion. Yet in practice, this subjective process repeatedly curtails development in our villages, towns and cities and has nothing to do with urban sprawl.

Defending against urban sprawl is not about opposition, it’s about good planning.

One example of this is East and West Sussex, two counties stuck between the South Downs National Park and the English Channel, where protected spaces govern supply.

In Brighton, a lack of flexibility to reclassify green spaces bordering the National Park has limited the universities building on campus. Consequently many students, who typically pay per room, have moved to the city, taking many of the larger homes more suited for families. To meet housing targets, the planning authority has turned to high rise flats.

Examples of poor ‘green belt’ classification are commonplace and remain a huge barrier in solving the housing crisis. If councils really want to build the right homes in the right places they need to be honest about what the ‘green belt’ is and what it is not.

Defending against urban sprawl is not about opposition, it’s about good planning.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information visit www.builders.org.uk 12 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Q&A

Paving and walling experts Tobermore have teamed up with PHPD to answer your questions. Here, Craig McBride, Technical and Product Training Manager, provides advice on concrete facing bricks.

Q. My local builders’ merchant recently suggested using concrete facing bricks on my upcoming build. What do you consider WR EH WKHLU NH\ EHQH²WV"

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ne of the key benefits of concrete facing bricks is that they are readily available. While many clay brick makers struggle to meet demand from previously reduced manufacturing bases, concrete facing brick makers maintained production during the downturn and have since made a significant investment to boost production to meet the growing demand for quality facing brick.

When it comes to aesthetics, even experienced specifiers have difficulty spotting the difference. The range of strong aesthetics, palette of colours and textures make concrete facing brick a fair match to clay.

At Tobermore, we produce an innovative range of concrete facing brick products, that can be used to construct homes with distinctive visual appeal. A variety of surface finishes and subtle colours are available, with practical benefits such as being cost-effective and providing an easy installation process.

Tobermore facing bricks are manufactured on a single site, with higher stock levels than the industry average, and are ready to be delivered to housebuilders in full and on time, without a long lead time.

When placing a facing bricks order Housebuilders will avail of a tailor made customer service package, ServiceSure. This customer focused service follows a project from initial enquiry to delivery and beyond, updating customers at every stage ensuring an efficient, and consistent streamlined experience.

SPECIAL REPORT

High-end Welsh housebuilder Waterstone Homes has announced plans to expand its housebuilding activities into the mainstream market.

PHPD reports.

Mainstream move W

aterstone Homes is a family firm, best known for building larger, luxury homes in soughtafter locations across Wales and the South west. As part of the company’s plans for growth it has recently announced that it will diversify its residential offering, adding more affordable homes to its housebuilding repertoire.

While the business will continue to offer premium houses under the Waterstone Homes brand, it is also introducing a new range of smaller properties through a new subsidiary company: Abode by Waterstone.

The new company will specialise in building smaller scale homes at a more competitive price, while maintaining the high quality and stylish design for which Waterstone Homes is renowned. It has plans to complete more than 100 of the new-style homes across south Wales by the end of 2020.

The shift in direction follows a highly successful year for the business, which has seen the company sell more than £19.5m worth of homes in the last 12 months. In the last few years, Waterstone Homes has created more than 500 homes across South Wales and the West of England.

Market demands The company’s expansion into mainstream housebuilding comes in

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response to market trends and a demand from prospective customers for a more competitively priced housing range.

Lee Woodfine, Managing Director at Waterstone Homes, said: “We pride ourselves on being a housebuilder that adapts to public demand and market trends to ensure that we continually offer homes that meet our customers’ changing requirements.

“Over the last few years, we have seen a significant rise in the number of requests for smaller scale properties from individuals wanting the Waterstone Homes style and quality, but in a more affordable range of homes.

“Diversifying into new markets was the obvious next step for Waterstone Homes, enabling us to grow as a business by attracting a broader range of customers, while also fulfilling our vision of being able to offer everyone – regardless of their budget or home-owning history – the ability to have a beautiful, quality home.

This move will enable us to offer customers real choice – it is a very exciting time for Waterstone Homes.”

Dual strategy The focus for Waterstone Homes will continue to be luxury four- and fivebedroom homes on small, exclusive developments of around 10 to 30 plots.

Abode by Waterstone will comprise of

larger developments of approximately 50100 homes, containing a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom properties.

The first new development, located at Coed y Darcy in Neath Port Talbot, is already under construction. The £18m scheme will consist of 93 private homes and apartments for sale, as well as 50 affordable homes.

Lee added: “With their reduced size and price compared to our other homes, Abode by Waterstone’s properties will appeal to everyone from first and secondtime buyers, looking to move up the property ladder, to home-owners looking to downsize.”

Our aim is to lead in quality and style within the mainstream property market He continued: “Our aim is to lead in quality and style within the mainstream property market. We will achieve this through smarter building approaches and by continuing to employ high quality tradesmen.

We’ve taken a great deal of care and time building our reputation, and we are confident that our move into the mainstream market will enhance this, while strengthening our position within the industry.”

SPECIAL REPORT

Digital delivery The Government target of 300,000 new homes each year is well-known – but in order to reach it does the sector need to re-think its approach to building? Simon Crowhen, Manager for Geomatics at Topcon Positioning GB, discusses the technology and workflows that could help improve the housebuilding process.

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raditional housebuilding is exactly that, traditional, but there are many technological advances that can make building a house, or hundreds, much quicker, simpler, cheaper, and still meet, if not exceed, quality standards.

Pre-fabricated housing has a chequered past in the UK. Following the Second World War, we were told prefabricated houses were the solution to our post war housing crisis. 160,000 small

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homes were rapidly built in the 1940s and 50s. They weren’t the prettiest of buildings, but they served a purpose and more than 1,000 lasted for over 50 years.

Built in factories off-site (giving the now popular term, offsite), sections of a house can be factory made ready to be slotted together on site. With the factory environment much easier to control – ensuring the space is dry, flat, safe for workers, accessible for material deliveries etc. – the speed at which we can construct a new home is dramatically increased, without compromising on quality.

Offsite is a very different world today, and it’s not just house builders that have the opportunity to take up this new way of working. The flat-pack furniture specialist, IKEA, has teamed up with Skanska business, BoKlok, to deliver its first 162 homes in the UK, ensuring a focus on highquality manufacturing and quick assembly in a ‘safe and sustainable environment’.

Scan do When manufacturing a house offsite, the precision of the parts that need to slot together must be millimetre perfect.

Scanning technology has existed for decades, but nowadays we can scan and evaluate our projects to ensure they’re within precise tolerances. Models must be checked before they’re sent to site and out of a controlled zone where fixes or adjustments are easier to make. It’s also critical that the site is ready, that the manufacturers know the grade, space and orientation of where the houses will sit so they’re built appropriately – again, scanning is critical here.

Scanning technology such as the Topcon GLS-2000 can make the life of the manufacturer much easier. In combination with modern, easy-to-use setting out instruments like the Topcon LN-100 Layout Navigator, or even the integrated scanning and stake out solution with the

Topcon GTL-1000, the contractor is an integral part of the process.

These technologies will determine that the parts are built to specification so they slot together perfectly, that they’re being positioned in exactly the right place, and also highlight anything that is missing or incorrect immediately, preventing time consuming and costly mistakes.

The ability to capture and utilise data like this has already brought significant benefits to other construction sectors, such as tall buildings, rail and road infrastructure, but housing must catch up.

Digitising housing While offsite housing is one remedy to the housing crisis, there are other solutions

that are perhaps less radical, but just as effective in improving efficiencies.

One issue the industry is facing is the reluctance to share data. On housing developments of all sizes there are always several different contractors involved in the process, and each will have their own data sets. In this situation, things can change on one set of ‘paper’ plans and not another, so clashes and issues arise because data isn’t being shared for every party to work from the same, updated designs. In the Government’s latest paper on housing, Fixing our Broken Housing Market, it suggests that, “delivery of new homes [needs] better and more transparent data and sharper tools to drive up delivery”.

Software like MAGNET from Topcon can instantly link all parties in a project to ensure everyone has the latest data.

This can be fed to any operator linked to the system, from setting out engineers and machine control systems to site foremen, to ensure all stakeholders don’t face delays in waiting for design updates, and to also ensure they’re using the latest revisions.

Then there are visualisation and verification tools, take the Topcon software, Verity, for instance. Data captured from laser scanners, mobile mapping and aerial surveys can be fed through powerful tools like this to provide a visual representation of the site or just small sections of the house, enabling easier identification of errors and planning of remedial works.

Robotics One other area of technology that hasn’t fully been explored by the construction sector is robotics. If we’re looking to create modular homes that follow a repeated design, robotics and automation can play a huge role in assisting the project delivery team and provide consistent accuracy while working around the clock.

One issue the industry is facing is the reluctance to share data.

There are clearly several areas within the housing industry where technology can help improve efficiency and productivity. Even using positioning tools like robotic total stations and laser scanners on a traditional site can have a number of benefits ensuring the set-out is accurate to avoid clashes or issues later in the project – such as Topcon’s revolutionary new GTL-1000 combined robotic total station and laser scanner.

We’re seeing things start to change in the way we build homes, but it is the technology already available to us that can fast-track this shift to quicker, betterquality construction.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh001

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SPECIAL REPORT

Core values A

ll housebuilders will be aware of the widespread coverage in the market for what are often termed ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ (MMC). Although the term covers a wide spectrum of methodologies and technical innovations, the most visible of these tend to be techniques such as modular construction, timber frame and lightweight steel frame. Reasons often stated for using these solutions include faster build times, increased accuracy and enhanced quality.

One housebuilder putting MMC into practice is County Durham-based property developer Homes by Carlton. It is currently building two ‘CoreHaus’ homes on its latest development, called Cathedral Gates, in Chilton, eight miles from Durham. In total, the Cathedral Gates site is a mix of 14 three- and four-bed detached and semi-detached homes.

These new-style designs – called CoreHaus – look to offer significantly reduce construction times, build costs and should have less impact on the

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environment than more traditional homes.

The new designs also offer the flexible combination of being part modular, with a standard, engineered core that can then be configured to different sizes.

While different in the build stage, CoreHaus looks the same as the more traditionally built homes at Cathedral Gates.

Simon Walker, Managing Director at Homes by Carlton, said: “The CoreHaus looks no different to the traditional house types once fully built. Interiors can be the same and exteriors will use the same block and brick. It’s just a more modern way of building that should be kinder to the environment and have energy benefits for the homebuyer.”

Joint venture CoreHaus is a joint-venture company between Carlton & Co Group, the parent company behind Homes by Carlton, and national social enterprise Fusion21, a specialist in public procurement for the built environment.

Simon Walker added: “It is well-known that there’s a huge shortage of high quality, and affordable homes in the North East and other areas of the UK. That’s why we recently returned to the housing market to deliver high quality homes in attractive locations around the region.

“CoreHaus homes are designed to make it easier Aerial shot of CoreHaus being built and more cost-effective for at Cathedral Gates developers to deliver

North East housebuilder Homes by Carlton is using a new modular house type on its Cathedral Gates scheme in Chilton. PHPD reports. environmentally efficient homes with a unique design and contemporary feel.

They’re larger than many new threebedroom homes on the market and we believe offer a higher standard of finish than many traditional house types being built elsewhere.”

CoreHaus principles CoreHaus comprises a modular core including a pre-finished kitchen, downstairs toilet, staircase, bathroom and central heating system, all manufactured offsite before being delivered to the development. This is then followed by the external walls and roof being constructed to reduce build time.

Simon Walker added: “While these first prototypes sees CoreHaus develop the modular core on site, the long term vision is that the core will be developed offsite as we progress with the product in the North East.”

Dave Neilson, Chief Executive of Fusion21, said: “Currently 340,000 new homes are needed to be built each year to meet government targets. At current development rates these shortfalls will not be met. A transformational approach is required to ensure we can support this demand – and that’s where CoreHaus can help.

“Our unique construction method delivers faster build times and makes it economically viable for developers while greatly reducing environmental impacts.”

DISCOVER MORE Find out more about CoreHaus by using www.rdr.link/dh002

WATER MANAGEMENT

With numerous options available, specifying the correct drainage solutions for a new development can be daunting. PHPD asked ACO Water Management for some top tips.

Drain academy W

hen it comes to building projects, selecting the right drainage channel can cause quite the headache. From getting the right load classes to making the drainage match the aesthetics of the surrounding area, the devil is in the detail. As there are a lot of options available, housebuilders can, and should, capitalise on the growing opportunity drainage presents to the final appearance of the design.

Here, ACO Water Management’s Oliver Collins, explains what housebuilders and developers need to know about drainage systems.

A (load) class act Understanding the different drainage load class requirements is perhaps one of the most important roles for a housebuilder

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when planning water management systems for a housing project. This is because not everyone may be aware of the different standards required.

In accordance with BS EN 1433:2002 all drainage channels are rated to one of six load classes, which are effectively different categories detailing the maximum load-bearing capacity of that product. Ranging from A 15, for pedestrian footpaths and patios, through to F 900 for airports and industrial yards, the system is a quick way of ensuring that the right channel and grating is selected.

There are pitfalls that housebuilders should be aware of when it comes to load class. For example, some channels are compatible with different gratings and some builders may be tempted to choose an A 15 grating with a B 125 channel, or vice versa. In this situation, the load class of the system will default to the lowest load class.

Another common mistake is underestimating the pressure driveways are increasingly facing.

As consumers continue to increase their online shopping habits, it means that more large vehicles are encountered on driveways. B 125 channels and gratings should therefore be considered a minimum for driveways.

External spaces A trend that continues to grow in popularity in the UK has been the blending of internal and external living spaces. Outdoor living spaces remain popular with homeowners and some figures suggest that a well-maintained garden can add up to 20 per cent to the value of the whole property.

In light of this, housebuilders tasked to deliver an aesthetically pleasing project will require support in ensuring that the drainage blends nicely into the overall design. The role of drainage in the finish of a project is growing, and housebuilders are able to select from a growing range of gratings and channels which can complement any design.

Housebuilders, therefore, have an opportunity to offer prospective clients different material choices and finishes for their drainage requirements, which could lead to better business, with extra margin.

Gratings can offer design inspiration thanks to the materials they are made from. Whether it’s contemporary stainless steel or antique cast iron, elegant and modern gratings can help complete the look of a stylish patio or driveway.

The wetrooms challenge Drainage also has an important role to play on the inside of a building project and, particularly, in the bathroom.

Integrating a wetroom continues to be a popular choice for domestic projects, replacing traditional bathrooms to add an air of luxury and practicality. They often require drainage that can also meet the individual styles and tastes of the end user, meaning housebuilders should at least be aware of a range of different gratings suitable for wetrooms.

ACO, for example, has a dedicated wetroom range of shower channels and gully systems that have the option to include designer gratings to complement the desired style. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the ShowerDrain C Line and Shower Gully systems provide a sleek yet highly functional finish to any wetroom project and are perfect for use within tiled floors.

The knowledge There is more to drainage than perhaps first meets the eye. The different load classes, combinations of channel and grating, as well as applications, show that the possibilities for housebuilders are endless.

Designing and implementing surface water management can be a very complex task, with many products available; all with different benefits and uses. It’s important that housebuilders are fully prepared, and the design is faultless. From the placement of access units for maintenance, to correctly understanding the hydraulic calculations, support should always be sought if needed.

Utilising a supplier that offers design support services can be very helpful. ACO Water Management, for example, offers free support including whole system design, from collection to the attenuation of surface water. The company also offers free hydraulic design software, which enables the efficient and accurate design of surface water management schemes using channels as means of conveyance.

Additionally, housebuilders need to keep updated with all of the latest training options available to them.

Whether it’s enhancing their understanding on specific products, or

getting to grips with legislative changes, an increase in knowledge can help ensure projects run smoothly and the end result is perfect every time.

ACO provides training, and this can be either at its training facility or online via the ACO Academy, to help keeps building professionals updated on key products and legislation.

DISCOVER MORE For more information on ACO Water Management, please visit www.rdr.link/dh046

Water Management

Building a case for Suds The 8th edition of Sewers for Adoption: A Design and Construction Guide for Developers, is set to take effect in April 2020. It will, for the first time, lay out standards regarding the adoption of sustainable drainage systems.

Martin Lambley, Product Manager for stormwater management at Wavin, explains the changes.

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rban drainage infrastructure in England is failing to cope with the increasing levels of rainfall. Using pipes to collect rainwater and then distributing it into rivers is no longer a sustainable solution to the country’s

22 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

drainage needs. To combat this the 8th edition of Sewers for Adoption: A Design and Construction Guide for Developers (more widely known as SfA8) aims to clarify what developers must do if their drainage systems are to be adopted by

Water and Sewage Companies (WaSCs) – namely, include sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in their projects.

SuDS mimic mother nature in urban environments where there tends to be less permeable ground for infiltration.

SuDS techniques improve greatly on existing assets – such as oversized pipes and tanks – and include swales, basins and geocellular systems, which are installed under green areas and are made up of modular crates that control surface water runoff either as a soakaway or a storage tank.

Although some WaSCs have been making efforts to combat increased rainfall levels and improve the efficiency of traditional drainage systems, until now there has been no formal approach or guidelines to follow. While compliance with the current version of Sewers for Adoption is voluntary, once approved by Ofwat, the new guidance will fill this gap and make SuDS more enforceable.

SuDs techniques, including the use of geocellular systems can help control water run-off

To get the wheels in motion and start discussions, the guidance was published for information in July 2018; the full version is pending approval by Ofwat and is due to be revealed later this year. For now, WaSCs have the opportunity to update their procedures and consider a wider range of sustainable drainage systems in preparation for the manual coming into force next spring.

Despite the changes indicating that SuDS are being taken more seriously, there is much debate surrounding the adequacy of the new guidelines, with arguments forming around the absence of any enforceable repercussions. Without robust legislation, it’s argued that installers, government bodies and developers alike may revert back to older, easier-to-execute guidelines.

A step in the right direction Used throughout urban developments since the 1990s for their ability to not only prevent flooding, but also improve biodiversity, water quality and amenities for communities, SuDs have long been on the agenda for surface water management.

Yet, they are still not a mainstream component of urban developments.

One of the reasons for a lack of formalised uptake is the perception that SuDS are difficult to maintain compared to more traditional products. On top of this,

pragmatism often takes priority; if they’re easy and efficient to install, SuDS will be used, but this will usually be usurped if a more cost-effective method is available.

This is where SfA8 aims to change such perceptions and set a benchmark for better levels of flood protection, ultimately leading to greater use within infrastructure design. There are many forward-thinking steps made within the guidelines and developments built according to them should be able to deal with some of the most extreme rainfall events. The abolishment of the five-metre rule for infiltration could also treble the capacity of water storage.

However, before we hail SfA8 as being an all-encompassing solution, it’s important to assess its shortfalls.

As an industry, we need to fully embrace SuDs and place them as a top priority.

Missing the (water) mark Within SfA8, the National Planning Policy Framework lays out the expectation that SuDS should be given first preference in any development plans – an effort that should be embraced. These steps forward will help push designers to consider the installation, maintenance, access and health and safety of hard and soft SuDS within their designs, regardless of predispositions.

However, despite such progressive steps, there are still concerns that the guidelines do not go far enough in their enforcement. Although the document will be mandated by Ofwat, making it the strongest edition to date, WaSCs still have the potential to deviate from the guidelines as wording in certain areas is vague and allows for interpretation.

Geocellular tanks are expected to be a particularly contentious area as some water companies have historically been against their installation, claiming they are hard to maintain. Additionally, key SuDS

A future for SuDs Milestones such as SfA8 are, no doubt, helping to secure a more sustainable future for drainage. The initiative has ensured participation across all levels, from government bodies to installers and, coupled with decisions such as the government’s 25-year surface water action plan, the chance for SuDS to be fully and universally adopted is on the horizon.

What’s now important is for these changes to keep gaining momentum. As an industry, we need to fully embrace SuDs and place them as a top priority if we are ever to achieve a sustainable level of surface water management. In the face of increased climate change and flooding, this change in mindset cannot come quick enough.

elements have been omitted from the manual altogether, such as permeable pavements and green roofs. In hope of avoiding any backlash, there has been constant engagement with water companies to gain their feedback and agree on the proposed standards.

However, a positive uptake of the guidelines cannot be guaranteed.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Discover more about Wavin’s full range of sustainable drainage systems by using www.rdr.link/dh003

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

23

Water Management

A light touch Paul Wadsworth, Specification Manager at Brett Martin reviews the benefits of using a plastic rainwater system.

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espite being an integral part of the architectural landscape for over 150 years a cast iron rainwater system can be a heavy, awkward and difficult to install building material. With this in mind, what options do builders have when it comes to costeffective rainwater drainage solutions that offer time and labour efficiencies whilst at the same time having a traditional, heritage appearance?

Modern plastic materials can replace an aluminium or cast iron rainwater specification to deliver projects under budget and ahead of schedule. Plastic rainwater systems enables contractors to create a heritage aesthetic without compromising architectural integrity and

24 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

enjoy the savings in materials, labour and time saved on site.

Heavy weight There is no escaping the fact that Cast iron drainage systems can be heavy and difficult to install. Builders must also be extra vigilant regarding health and safety and will require more time to lift and fix the system process.

Almost every job will require both gutter and pipe lengths to be cut onsite using specialist tools and, to ensure longlasting durability, they need to be fully finished on site, using a primer, undercoat and topcoat, to ward off corrosion. Even if the system used is delivered pre-painted, any cut lengths, or

site damage to the finished surface, must be protected to the same level, by the installer. It should be noted that, in some cases, if the level of protection applied on site is deemed insufficient, any guarantee offered may be, quite rightly, invalidated, leaving the installer liable.

Because the plastic ranges are so much lighter than cast iron, installation at height is less hazardous, being effortless to lift, easy to manoeuvre, simple to cut and quick to fit. The systems also benefit from external fixing lugs, enabling easy power tool access, which further speeds up installation. All gutter fitting joints have integral seals and flexible retaining clips, allowing the gutter lengths to simply click into place. No extra-cost fixing kits or nuts and bolts are required to make gutter joints, as with many traditional systems.

When a traditional aesthetic is a prerequisite, the right drainage system can be the difference between design

Some considerations to make when installing rainwater systems Planning and preparation Plan your installation carefully. Ensure you have the right tools for the job and relevant personal protection.

Fitting running outlets Fix running outlets above the drains or gulleys where the water will drain into using 25mm x 5mm corrosion resistant screws.

allow for the required fall. No more than 100mm from the end of the fascia board.

Stretch a line taut between the fixed outlet and fascia bracket to establish a straight gutter line. Fascia brackets should be fitted to the fascia board at equal intervals. A union bracket should be used where two gutter lengths are joined. Gutter supports should be spaced of no more than 900mm or less than 600mm in areas of heavy snow.

Calculating fall To allow for good steady rainwater runoff, guttering should be installed with a downward fall towards the rainwater outlet – 1mm for every 600mm. The running outlet should be at the lowest point on the gutter run.

Cutting gutter to size Cut to length using a saw and a file to remove any burrs from sawn ends. When cutting the guttering to size make allowances in length to fit the expansion lines which are marked in the fittings

Fitting fascia brackets Fix the first fascia bracket furthest from the outlet at a position on the fascia to

Fitting the gutter Lubricate the seals using silicone spray lubricant. Each length of gutter should be

placed into position with the back edge under each fitting. Rotate down and then click front edge into place over the top edge of the gutter.

Fitting downpipe If required, fit an offset between the running outlet and the downpipe. Fit the downpipe to the offset. To allow for expansion ensure each connection is retracted at least 5mm from the receiving socket before fixing to the wall. Use spirit level to check vertical alignment. Mark the walls using the holes in the lugs of the socketed downpipes as guides. Then drill, plug and fix the downpipe using fixings.

Water test system to ensure no adjustments to the fall are necessary and all connections to the fall are fitted correctly. success and failure. As budgets are increasingly stretched and tight deadlines dictate product specification, builders must be aware of every product’s cost – in both materials and labour. With a price tag in line with modern construction, and an appearance that blends the past with the present, we believe our own Cascade offering is a plastic rainwater system which fits the bill.

DISCOVER MORE You can find out more about Cascade or to watch the Cascade installation video by using www.rdr.link/dh004

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

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Water Management I Round Up

NEW HERITAGE COLOUR ADDED TO BRETT MARTIN’S RAINWATER RANGE

MARLEY PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE EXTENDS RAINWATER OPTIONS Rainwater systems from Marley Plumbing and Drainage in the popular anthracite grey now match Pantone colour 7016, allowing specifiers to create a sleek and uniform finish and ensure a colour match with other external fixtures and fittings.

Samantha Park, Marketing Manager at Marley Plumbing and Drainage, said: “Anthracite grey has been in high demand from our customers, so we have recently extended the range to include more profiles. Gone are the days when rainwater systems were only available in black, white or murky shades. Thanks to the extensive choice of colour we are now supplying, rainwater systems should not be an afterthought, but instead can play a fundamental role in creating the character of a building’s exterior.”

The anthracite shade is available in the company’s Deepflow, Clipmaster, Flowline and Regency profiles.

Discover the full range of residential applications by using www.rdr.link/dh005

26 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage has launched a new colour option to the Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater and Soil Systems range, adding Chartwell Green to the mix of eight heritage colours. The move will enable developers to capitalise on this increasingly popular and harmonious colour on windows and doors on both new build and renovation projects.

“The popular Chartwell Green colour takes its name from the family home of Sir Winston Churchill who chose this colour for his garden furniture,” said Chris Dawson, Sales Director of Brett Martin Plumbing and Drainage. “There is an increasing demand for this classic and versatile green shade and we are confident our merchants will generate improved margins through this strong new addition to our range.”

Other heritage colours include Classic Black, Anthracite Grey, Oxford Blue, Olive Green, Graphite Grey, Sandstone and Porcelain White

Find out more by using www.rdr.link/dh006

UPDATE TO SAINT-GOBAIN PAM’S TIMESAVER HERITAGE RANGE Ductile-iron drainage solutions manufacturer, SaintGobain PAM UK, has launched a new gasket for its Timesaver Heritage range designed to ease installation without losing performance.

Timesaver Soil is a range of cast iron plain ended pipes and fittings, mechanically jointed by cast iron couplings, and is Kitemark-approved to BS416 Part 2. The range also features push-fit Heritage sockets that give the appearance of traditional socket and spigot soil stacks.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager for Saint-Gobain PAM UK commented: “The new gaskets are designed to be much more flexible; this not only reduces the physical effort required, but it also saves installers significant time when comparing with traditional socketed fittings using a cold caulking compound.”

Heritage couplings are available in 50, 75, 100 and 150mm sizes, in standard eared, non-eared versions, and an eared slip joint model.

Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh007

Water Management I Round Up

PLASSON COMPLETES RANGE OF WATER METER CONNECTION POINTS

Surestop i-watercontrol is a new solution that provides homeowners with the ability to control water away from the property. The technology, which has been developed to protect property from severe water damage, is delivered through an integrated smart technology app which allows the water to be turned on and off remotely, well suited for properties left unoccupied for prolonged periods or for the occasions when a water leak is detected and the property owner is not at home.

“Surestop i-watercontrol will bring a whole new dimension to water control, minimising damage from leaking water and giving flexibility for turning water on and off in unoccupied properties,” said Mark Earnshaw, Managing Director Surestop. “The technology is ideally suited to single or multi-occupancy dwellings and brings a new degree of adaptability to both on-site and off-site water control.”

Water fittings specialist Plasson UK is now offering a full range of water meter connection points for single and multidwelling buildings. The company’s mcp range has been designed to make connection of water meters straightforward and reliable, no matter how many connections are needed.

For multi-occupancy buildings, which can pose additional challenges for water meter installation, the Plasson 3535/6 mcp is supplied in kit form with all of parts needed to complete a compliant job. A stop valve is also included to turn the flow of water on and off plus a water meter mount with full flow cap. A Double Check Valve prevents back flow and protects the water supply from contamination.

The mcp range also includes Multiport Manifolds and a dead leg kit for separating the incoming mains supply into individual supply pipes for isolation and connection, plus a WRAS-approved mains stop valve to isolate the incoming supply and allow for maintenance and repair.

Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh008

Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh009

SURESTOP I-WATERCONTROL HELPS PREVENT WATER DAMAGE

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

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EXPERT Update | MARKET UK housing land values have remained stable against an uncertain economic and political backdrop, says Patrick Eve, Savills head of Regional Development.

Stable land values ©Kenishirotie/AdobeStock

H

ousing land values remained stable during the second quarter of 2019 against a backdrop of rising Brexit-fuelled political and economic uncertainty and a lack of clarity over future housing policy, according to the latest analysis from international real estate adviser Savills.

Risk mitigation and margin discipline continue to be the guiding principles for housebuilders when buying land, but smaller, uncomplicated sites in attractive locations are commanding strong interest, particularly in markets still seeing strong house price growth.

UK greenfield and urban residential development land values saw no change in the second quarter, leaving annual growth at 0.8% and 0.6% respectively. In contrast to the rest of the UK, where values remained virtually unchanged, land values in Scotland and the East saw price growth in the second quarter.

In Scotland, values were driven by a shortage of land opportunities in key Scottish cities, while values across the broader eastern region (East Midlands and East of England) where pushed up by a combination of strong rates of new home sales in the East Midlands, and competition for sites for around 100 homes on the edge of relatively affordable, wellconnected urban locations such as Peterborough and Derby.

“ The industry has benefitted from the significant increase in planning consents over the last six years ” 30 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Caution has dictated the pace of the housing land market across much of the UK for the past two years and that won’t change until there is greater political and economic certainty.

This is an inevitable industry response not only to Brexit, but also the announced restrictions and eventual withdrawal of Help to Buy, as well as the cyclical slowing of the housing market, which is particularly pronounced in London and the south of England.

There are signs that this is feeding into a wider slowdown in housebuilding.

Latest available MHCLG figures point to a slowdown in total new build starts across England, which were down 9.0% in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. Private new build starts were down 11%. At the same time, housebuilders are looking to alternative sources of delivery, such as build to rent, with Telford Homes the most prominent mover into this sector.

A more selective approach to land buying by housebuilders is clear. The industry has benefitted from the significant increase in planning consents over the last six years, but new consents peaked in 2018 as housebuilders began to draw from their permissioned pipeline.

Survey (May 2019) pointed to an appetite for land acquisition – citing land availability as the biggest constraint to development – uncertainty over future policy support for the sector is increasing risk aversion.

Local authorities also have ambitions to develop at scale following the lifting of the HRA debt cap. According to the Savills survey, 70% of respondents aim to increase delivery, a quarter planning a ‘significant’ increase. Again, clarity over housing policy is needed to unlock this potential demand for development land.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Housing associations and local authorities Housing associations are increasingly important players in the land market, with the potential – and in many cases, the stated ambition – to deliver significantly more new homes both on their own or through joint ventures and partnerships. However, while 78% of respondents in the Savills Housing Sector

Patrick Eve is Savills Head of Regional Development. For more information visit www.savills.com

EXPERT Update | DESIGN

Heritage hurdles

©Red Pixel/Adobestock

Rob Woolston, Director at multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p outlines the design considerations for development in conservation and heritage areas.

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ccording to Historic England, there are now over 10,000 designated conservation areas in England, with every county having at least one. Enabling development in these areas, or in the vicinity of any historic buildings/sites included on the National Heritage List for England, requires a considered and collaborative approach.

Firstly you need to understand what you’re looking at, why is an asset listed?

Why is it a designated conservation area?

Setting gives context and immediately defines the parameters for development; whether conversion, extension or new build.

It’s also worth remembering, particularly where heritage assets or listed buildings are concerned, that the listing applies to everything within its curtilage. For instance, on a scheme we completed in Lutterworth, the site featured a Grade II listed Georgian rectory with the listing encompassing the 200 year old lawn. This meant extensions to the property had to respect and respond to the lawn just as much as the house.

Vested interests Once the surroundings have been assessed, it’s also imperative you research who, apart from the developer/client, might have a vested interest and is therefore worth

“ do your research, seek professional advice as early as possible and collaborate” A sympathetic extension to a Grade II listed Georgian rectory enable the construction of a state-of-the-art residential care facility

engaging with. It goes without saying the local authority’s conservation team is a priority, and we recommend you take the time to understand their aspirations and interpretations for the site from the outset and throughout the project’s lifespan.

However, there are other consultees to consider. If your project is on a national scale, organisations like the National Trust and English Heritage will be involved.

There are also quangos like the Twentieth Century Society or Victorian Society, that whilst not technically statutory consultees, are worth approaching as their support can prove very useful.

Next, make sure you understand the correct designation of the asset or area, for example it’s not uncommon to come across ‘non-designated’ heritage assets, buildings that are locally admired, have a significant story behind them or appear on a locally held register.

An example of this is a development we completed on the site of the former Wolsey knitwear company factory. The factory featured an ornamental bust of Cardinal Wolsey above its entrance and whilst not listed, the building was registered as a nondesignated heritage asset. To enable redevelopment to proceed, a compromise was agreed by retaining the ornamental bust as part of the design.

Design considerations Once all this research has been undertaken, you can think about design; contemporary or sympathetic? We’ve seen both achieved successfully. With sympathetic design, it’s important it doesn’t become a pastiche so make sure the design is accurate to the period(s) and respects the status of the building.

Also make sure you agree materials and find contractors who are qualified to undertake works as these will be scrutinised.

Remember that individual fixtures and fittings within an asset are all listed too so there may be limitations as to who and how these can be restored, converted, etc. as well as where replacements may be sourced.

The ornamental bust of Cardinal Wolsey meant the building was a non-designated heritage asset and had to be retained as part of the redesign

In contrast, contemporary design can revitalise an asset, so long as there is a clear distinction between old and new. By differentiating any new elements you should still be able to read the original design of the building or area.

Whilst much of the above advice has focused on development within a conservation or heritage area, it’s worth mentioning that the same applies to any potential development sites that are opposite or in close proximity. In any case, our recommendation is do your research, seek professional advice as early as possible and collaborate; this way we can ensure a rich architectural tapestry for future generations.

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

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

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EXPERT Update | PLANNING David Bainbridge, a Partner at Bidwells, outlines how the recent changes in key government personnel could alter the outlook for planning. ©Vladimir Gerasimov/AdobeStock

Planning for the future W

ith the dust settled on the local elections and new leaders installed in various local authorities, it seems right to take stock and reflect on what might be.

At the national level, Boris Johnson’s new team includes Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Esther McVey MP, Minister of State in the same Department.

Both will be busy mastering their briefs which range from a review of building regulations and governance in local authorities through to a myriad of announcements on housing and the planning system.

rarely votes in planning for housing development on green fields and yet this is needed to take the next-step towards delivery of 300,000 new homes a year.

Fast track system The Planning Inspectorate has announced that all planning appeal inquiries will follow the new fast-track system where most are being heard within 16 weeks from start.

This should positively affect the planning for housing as housing development comprises some 80% of appeals. However, one must guard against the down-grading of appeals to reduce the resource-take.

The Secretary of State determines called-

“ the risk involved with plan-making and decision-making can be reduced through firm and clear guidance ” One of the most pressing will be work on the promised new green paper intended to accelerate the planning system. This is expected in the autumn but it remains to be seen whether there is any bandwidth for this following the 3rd September return of Parliament and prior to the 31th October deadline for exiting of the EU. Many would call on the Secretary of State to consider preparation of a coherent strategy for housing development. A robust but understandable approach to calculating housing requirements, especially across local authority boundaries, would be close to the top of most wish-lists.

The local elections resulted in the usual dumping of sites and now that the politics should have largely settled-down, it is time to plan for housing through local plans and decisions on planning applications and planning appeals. These can be tough political and environmental decisions which those politicians used to campaigning and not used to holding power might shy away from. There are

32 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

in planning applications and recovered planning appeals. Whilst there is policy to guide the decision whether to call-in or recover for his own determination, it is the case that reasoning for this does not have to be published.

Decisions at this level can be the sharp-end of politics and planning, with decisions eagerly awaited and poured-over when released. It is unsurprising that some decisions are legally challenged through the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Appellants awaiting a determination or re-determination following a successful legal challenge to a dismissed decision might take some encouragement from a new Secretary of State. A fresh and open mind can open parts of evidence which might otherwise have been given less weight.

Firm guidance The planning system is all about planning for the future and with this comes

uncertainty and risk. Ideally the risk involved with plan-making and decisionmaking can be reduced through firm and clear guidance to local authorities to plan for their housing requirement and any from adjoining authorities. A return to pre-2010 strategic planning seems unlikely, but this would be welcome if it makes an appearance in the future green paper.

In the main the demand for housing across much of the country remains strong with good mortgage availability and confidence in the employment market. This is especially prevalent in the south east and east of England where there is simply not enough housing, and especially insufficient housing which is affordable for the average household incomes in most locations.

A new broom in the Ministry, well ahead of the Halloween deadline, should deliver some short-term positive results for planning applications and planning appeals and hopefully a renewed focus on more strategic planning without the distraction of electioneering; well until May 2020 that is.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

David Bainbridge, MRTPI, Partner, Planning at Bidwells, has 20 years’ planning experience. He has successfully delivered planning permission and land allocations for residential, industrial, leisure and mixed-use developments.

David is a former Chair of the East Midlands Royal Town Planning Institute, having qualified in 1999.

For more information visit www.bidwells.co.uk

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Thomas Lane, Smart Home Product Manager, Aurora Lighting Group, examines how technology and lighting can create stunning spaces for modern homes.

Smart thinking F

or a number of years lighting technology has developed faster than ever, and with the digital age it has capabilities that go far beyond what people had imagined possible. Today technology and contemporary design are closer than even before and, when it comes to the term ‘modern home’, they are now synonymous with one another.

With the right blend of products, design techniques and innovation you can create some truly stunning residential lighting but, more importantly, a lighting design that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye that also streamlines the lives of the occupants.

But how do you go about this, what products can be used, which lighting design techniques are essential and what are the benefits?

We’ve put together a guide to give you a head start:

34 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Know your space It’s important that you know how the space is going to be utilised, this will affect the lighting you want to implement and where it is placed. Decide whether the room will be used for comfort, functionality or whether a stylish design is the essential factor. Is there a particular painting or feature you want to highlight?

Do you have a certain theme in mind for the room or the entire property?

It helps to consider the direction of any windows throughout the building. South facing spaces typically benefit from direct light all day long, whilst North facing ones get very little to no direct light. An East and West facing property will get direct light for a proportion of the day (either morning or evening depending on the direction).

Ultimately, the more natural light a space has, the less artificial light you will need.

With a good smart home system however, you can be more versatile and automate lights to fit around natural light levels of each room.

Aurora’s AOne™ is a Smart Home Lighting system with a substantial range. It offers 30 smart inside devices and can make over 1,000 Aurora products smart.

The majority of Aurora’s AOne Smart Bulbs are dimmable and either RGBW (colour tuneable) or Tuneable White (warm to cool white) so a room’s lighting can be adapted for the circumstances e.g. night, day, party, work or relaxation.

Aurora offers multiple downlight ranges, including the new A series and the AOne mProZX™, which are fire rated, compliant and are either smart inside or can be made smart.

Lighting can be used in a number of ways within a home to create luxurious spaces: System selection The right smart home lighting system should be chosen to accommodate the needs of homeowners. This means flexibility, safety and simplicity are essential. Furthermore, if being considered for installation throughout multiple properties it is essential to ensure it delivers excellent value for money.

The AOne system is versatile and offers a full smart home solution, with an easy to use app and other products, including: Smart Sockets, Smart Wall Dimmers & Switches, Smart Downlights, Smart GU10’s and Smart Candles, as well as Smart Sensors for security and automation, all with their own innovative design that makes them unique.

Interior and exterior lighting, as well as appliances around the home can all be controlled on one system from anywhere

With the right blend of products, design techniques and innovation you can create some truly stunning residential lighting

in the world via a handheld device.

Additionally, it can be easily integrated with Amazon’s Echo and will soon be compatible with Google Assistant. Most products can also be used directly with the Samsung SmartThings hub.

The AOne, whilst being perfect for new builds, is also designed as the go-to retrofit solution as there is no additional wiring required, it is just as straightforward to install later down the line or even after a project has been completed.

Safety & legislation Fire rated products are essential for all residential properties. The National House Building Council (NHBC), the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for UK house-building for new homes, recently stated that steps should be taken to ensure that fire rated downlights are suitable for use with i-Joists being used in new build homes.

Aurora Lighting & partner Staircraft Group, the UK’s leading supplier of iJoists, are the first to have a downlight range successfully assessed to demonstrate that i-Joists and downlight combination will satisfy fire safety Building Regulations. (Read more about this development using www.rdr.link/dh010)

Ambient Lighting: General lighting that provides uniform and comfortable LUX levels across an entire room. This is usually some form of downlight, pendant lamp or chandelier. Within a residential space adjusting brightness and colour temperature would be essential to set the feel of the room. Also look at how light sources complement each other in the overall space but also what they bring to their individual areas of a room.

Accent Lighting: If ambient lighting is the canvas, then accent lighting can be described as the brush strokes across it, a technique that makes a feature pop. It is used to highlight architectural or interior design elements, creating the right atmosphere. In an art gallery for example, accent lighting would be used to draw focus to the pieces on display, and likewise in a store to display or feature products. It could be used similarly in a home to highlight a painting, ornate displays or furniture. This ‘directional lighting’ is achieved with spotlights and wall lights.

Task Lighting: This is lighting for areas where occupants need to see what they are doing. Task lighting is key in environments where productivity and concentration are essential such as offices, workshops and garages.

Flexibility and adjustability are also needed so the user can alter positioning and lux levels for their comfort – this provision helps to prevent user eye strain and has been known to increase efficiency in working environments.

DISCOVER MORE MORE INFORMATION? Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh011

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

35

Luxury Living

Kitchen heroes Neff’s built-in dishwasher

For many, kitchens are the most important room in a new home. But how do you bring a touch of luxury to this key space? PHPD caught up with a variety of appliance manufacturers to discover the latest trends and must-have items in the kitchen.

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he way in which we use our kitchen has changed considerably over the years. Once a space almost exclusively used for food preparation and cooking, now kitchens are primarily considered places in which to relax, entertain and socialise – with cooking just an element of each activity.

So, when creating a kitchen for a new home, housebuilders must consider a huge number of varied influences.

However, top of the list of considerations remain the major appliances to be specified – perhaps primarily because of the strong consumer brand awareness

these items retain. Many housebuilders also take advantage of brand appreciation, listing the items they have specified in a home’s sales brochure. It is clear that the kitchen appliances specified by a housebuilder play a vital role in a property’s sales potential – adding that important ‘wow factor’ and even making, or breaking, a sale.

While budgets can constrain some kitchen appliance selections, when the focus is on delivering luxury, housebuilders can push the specification farther. But what are consumers really after? For example, is functionality or style of more importance in Black appliances are rising in popularity – pictured here a range of solutions from Fisher & Paykel

Smeg UK’s wine cooler – which can be controlled from an App

38 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

the kitchen? Helen Haider, Head of Marketing, Fisher & Paykel UK and Ireland, believes each element is vital. She told us: “The technology and appearance of kitchen appliances are of equal importance. On one hand, it is important that we have beautiful kitchens, a place where we can invite guests so that we can entertain and impress. On the other hand, the performance of your appliances must be exceptional.”

Gordon Dawson, Head of Kitchen Retail at AEG has a similar view. He explained: “Consumers in 2019 do not look at technological features and visual aesthetics

Ovens, such as this unit from AEG, remain a key item in any kitchen

separately. Fully-functional and aesthetically appealing appliances which help build a stylish kitchen that is energy efficient is all important to today’s consumer.”

Built in In new-build kitchens appliances will often be built-in. This offers a clean look and helps to create space – a vital commodity in the kitchen. Lucy King, Product Manager at Smeg UK, explained: “Built-in appliances are the ideal solution for the majority of styles as it creates a sleek and streamlined environment, while freeing up plenty of space to enjoy family meals and entertaining. Large, open-plan kitchens are currently a growing trend, where builtin is the best solution.”

A similar view is shared by Gordon Dawson, Head of Kitchen Retail at AEG. He noted: “we’ve seen a shift in how consumers inhabit the spaces they live in, with open plan living becoming a growing trend and inhome entertaining has contributed to the demand for built-in appliances.”

Full steam ahead When it comes to the appliances themselves it would appear that the oven remains top dog – and steam is the technology that is increasingly soughtafter. Max McCormack, Head of Sales – Projects & Marine at Miele GB, told us: “It is almost always the steam oven that customers never realise they want until they see it demonstrated. Once, they have seen it in action and experienced the healthy and nutritious food that can be created, a steam combination oven is always put at the top of the appliance list.”

Steam ovens vaporise water as part of

KitchenAid’s latest induction hob features integrated extraction

the cooking process which helps to keep both moisture and nutrients in the food being prepared.

Lee Collett, Channel Controller, KitchenAid, explained: “A dedicated steam oven is perfect for preparing dishes that require a combination of cooking methods, such as roasted fish with steamed vegetables. The steam oven is greatly appreciated for the advantages it deliveries to the modern consumer, in particular the health benefits that it brings, as cooking with steam requires no additional oils or fat.”

Lucy King, Product Manager at Smeg UK, also highlighted a growing interest in steam ovens. She noted: “Oven capabilities such as steaming, and the option of Pyrolytic cleaning are both on the rise and are becoming standard appliance features that many customers now expect.”

The pyrolytic cleaning function reduces the amount of time required to clean an oven by increasing the temperature within the oven to around 400°C which reduces grease and food residue to ash.

Hob won out Another of the key items in any kitchen is the hob, and the trend appears to be towards induction models. Combined with downdraft extraction – which removes the need for an over hob extraction hood – it is an option which could be of particular interest to housebuilders looking to de-clutter a kitchen and provide a minimalist layout.

Lee Collett, Channel Controller, KitchenAid, highlighted the brand’s latest model: “KitchenAid has taken the trend of induction hobs and downdraft hoods and

put them together with the sleek and stylish 900 mm KitchenAid ventilated induction hob. The dynamic glass induction surface of the hob features four cooking zones, complete with bridge zones to link two adjoining zones, which frame an integrated and innovative downdraft extraction system.”

Game, set and match One common trend in the luxury kitchen is to ensure all appliances come from a single manufacturer – and often a single range. This continuity of design adds to the overall visual style of a kitchen, which in an open plan layout is vital. Helen Haider, Head of Marketing, Fisher & Paykel UK and Ireland noted: “According to global market research firm IPSOS, 67% of people want stylish appliances that match. This is partly down to our move to an open plan layout and also because when you are investing in a premium product looks really do matter.”

Connect more As the world around us becomes ‘smarter’ it should be of little surprise that kitchen appliances are also becoming more connected. For some house buyers ‘smart’ appliances could be a particularly appealing feature.

Lucy King, Product Manager at Smeg UK explained: “A key growing trend within the home appliance market that is driving sales is smart home integration. Many of our built-in products work with SmegConnect. This smart app allows customers to connect their Smeg household appliances and control them via a smartphone or tablet. For example, if Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

39

Luxury Living

Mielle’s Generation 7000 coffee machine

Fisher & Paykel’s DishDrawer

you want your wine to be chilled when you get home after a long day at work, you can control the temperate of your wine cooler from the app and come home to a perfectly chilled beverage.”

Peter Wadsworth, Innovations Manager, BSH Home Appliances Ltd – the company behind brands such as Siemens, Neff and Bosch – told us: “The majority of our premium appliances offer connectivity. At the moment it’s the refurbishment market rather than the newbuild that is driving connected appliance sales. We expect this to balance out when the technology rolls out across the entire range, making it available at all price points.” He continued: “Ovens, laundry and dishwashers are the most popular connected appliances.”

As part of its solution the company has a Home Connect app, which provides a recipe feature that allows a user to transfer the recipe settings at key stages Smeg UK’s Dolce Stil Novo collection

during the cooking process. It also gives remote control, for example, preheating the oven on the way home from work, which can be done directly from an app or when you reach a predetermined distance from your home.

Peter outlined the potential in this market: “The most recent research suggests that there are as many as 15 million smart homes in the UK and that number will continue to grow.”

Speak up Another growing trend could be voice activation. Max McCormack, Head of Sales – Projects & Marine at Miele GB told us: “Key trends coming through include appliances with intuitive touch screen controls that can also be voice activated by Alexa or from an app on a mobile phone.”

As voice control is increasingly available in other areas of the home, it is logical that it would become more widely used in the kitchen too.

Peter Wadsworth, Innovations Manager, BSH Home Appliances Ltd noted: “Voice control seems to be an extremely popular feature, almost certainly because consumers already understand the benefits from other devices. Think about how many times you’ve needed to make an adjustment to your oven while your hands are covered in whatever it is that you’re preparing in the kitchen — voice control is a simple solution to that problem.”

And there’s more…

Other appliances that could pique a buyer’s interest include wine chillers, vacuum drawers, blast chillers, waste disposal units and boiling water taps. Not to mention dish washers, fridge freezers and coffee makers.

Getting the specification of the kitchen appliances right will go a long way towards the creation of an aspirational home which is alluring to potential buyers. The choices available in this area are numerous, but perhaps one thing, above all others, is clear: both design and technology must be integrated to create a luxury kitchen.

As Gordon Dawson, Head of Kitchen Retail at AEG noted: “Consumers are demanding appliances that are bolstered with technology, are easy to use and look good situated within their kitchen.

Rarely is a consumer satisfied with an appliance that is technological adept but is visually unpleasing.”

DISCOVER MORE With thanks to the following companies for their help in preparing this article. To discover more about any, or all, use the PHPD ‘RDR.LINK’ service: AEG | www.rdr.link/dh012 BOSCH | www.rdr.link/dh013 FISHER & PAYKEL UK | www.rdr.link/dh014 KITCHENAID | www.rdr.link/dh015 MIELE GB | www.rdr.link/dh016 NEFF | www.rdr.link/dh017 SIEMENS | www.rdr.link/dh018 SMEG UK | www.rdr.link/dh019

40 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

LUXURy LIVING

Ashley Smith, Sector Marketing Executive, Sottini, outlines how housebuilders can use inspirational solutions to create truly aspirational bathrooms.

Creating aspirational bathrooms L

uxury can mean very different things to different people, especially when applying the term to a home. For some, the idea of a luxury space is an expensive one, full of lavish touches, decadence and grand designs. However, others perceive luxury houses as being modern, minimalist, sleek and understated.

Regardless of an individual’s subjective preferences, the universal definition of luxury living is to be ‘in a state of great comfort’. Today’s homeowners prioritise comfort and well-being more than ever, as our ‘always on’ work cultures increasingly blur the boundaries between our professional and personal lives. Finding those spaces where we can truly disconnect from the outside world can sometimes feel impossible, which is why it’s important for housebuilders to create them where possible.

More and more the bathroom has become a sanctuary area of a home; a place where people can be alone with their thoughts, feel cleansed and refreshed. At Sottini, we have a passion and international reputation for crafting

42 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

timeless products which actively help homeowners feel truly at peace in their bathrooms.

The story of our brand is born from the legacy of two entrepreneurial and highly creative brothers Antonio and Giuseppe. In 1939, they started a manufacturing company which soon flourished and quickly became renowned for handmade quality, classic design and innovation in technology. These values Diamatec technology is used to create the Ellero range have always stayed with the timeless look and feel. Imagination runs brand, and our latest bathroom products are testament to this heritage. We achieve deep in Sottini products, resulting in better looking, better quality products, our difference in the market through our extraordinary design talent and core focus which make for aspirational, welcoming bathroom environments. on craftmanship and creativity.

One of our latest ranges, Fusaro, builds on the growing trend away from harder, Good design is at our core squarer basins. In this collection, soft Our design partners are some of the most corners and thin edges result in gentle successful in the industry, helping us curves that bring a quiet elegance and create fresh products which still have a

in association with

Strong aesthetics combined with hard wearing technology is ideal for high-end residential settings

At Sottini, we have a passion and international reputation for crafting timeless products which actively help homeowners feel truly at peace in their bathrooms. sense of peace to bathroom interiors. Our design teams made use of clean lines and soft contours to inspire comfortable aesthetics which provoke feelings of openness and space.

With our extensive Fusaro range, we’ve also been able to set new standards for versatility, design, ease of installation and maintenance. The inspirational basins come in a variety of organic forms including redefined circles, ovals, softened squares and smooth cornered rectangles for every possible installation. Fusaro's versatility extends to Sottini furniture as the collection integrates seamlessly with Ippari, Mavone and Turano ranges and comes in a range of different sizes including smaller cloakroom solutions. At Sottini, we believe that the possibilities for luxury bathroom design are endless and limited only by imagination.

Of course, design is fundamental when it comes to creating luxury spaces, but timeless solutions need to stand the test of time as well. Chips and breakages in ceramic solutions can quickly spoil any feelings of comfort and wellbeing in a

The company’s new London showroom

bathroom. It was this thinking which led to the creation of Sottini’s unique Diamatec technology, which is used in our beautiful Ellero range.

Ellero is a collection of elegant, lightdesign basins with 3mm edges which achieve unmatched levels of durability. By using our pioneering Diametec technology, we have been able to create products which have fine, ultra-thin, straight ceramic walls that still are extremely strong and appropriate for a wide range of demanding environments, such as family bathrooms.

In order to develop Diamatec, we looked to other industry where ceramics need to be thin, strong and yet beautifully designed, such as hotel tableware. We chose the best and latest technologies from this and other sectors, and blended ingredients such as alumina, known for its rigidity and strength, and chamotte, which prevents cracking and adds structural strength. The result is a new material that is particularly suitable for high-end residential settings, where the need to The Ellero range features ultra-thin straight ceramic walls

combine strong aesthetics with hardwearing durability is paramount. The quality of Diamatec products has been robustly verified, using stress and chip testing methods, giving peace of mind and confidence to housebuilders and homeowners alike.

Luxury trends, aspirational living At Sottini, we know that housebuilders need bathroom ranges that meet the always-evolving aesthetic needs of consumers, which is why we offer a huge breadth of elegant solutions to help them in creating infinite possibilities for their developments.

Homeowners will find luxury in spaces where they feel most relaxed and comfortable, surrounded by beautiful, elegant design that stands the test of time.

Each Sottini product is born of an inspired concept, and we consider each piece a work of art and a design statement. By making use of these solutions, housebuilders can guarantee ‘luxury’ appeal within any bathroom space.

DISCOVER MORE Ashley Smith is Sector Marketing Executive at Sottini.

For more information regarding Sottini’s extensive range of products, visit www.specifysottini.co.uk

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

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LUXURY Living I Round Up

ROTPUNKT INTRODUCES NEW FURNITURE German Kitchen furniture specialist, Rotpunkt, has satisfied the latest trend for biodesign with a trinity of new furniture solutions. Black Steel is a new colour option with a burnished metallic steel surface, City Brown Oak is a new midtone wood décor with matt surface texture and Black Frame Glass is a new door with glass front & 20mm black frame.

“Maximising performance and user experience, property developers, architects and designers and premium manufacturers like Rotpunkt, are now considering the lifecycle of a product – showing preference for ethically sourced, more resilient materials in the home and kitchen,” said Matt Philips, Head of UK Operations, Rotpunkt.

For more details on Rotpunk’s kitchens use www.rdr.link/dh020 photo: www.gira.com

ON TREND ‘BLACK MATT’ ADDED TO GIRA SYSTEM 55 Gira has announced that its System 55 – a modular system for intelligent building technology – is now available in Black Matt. This new colour variant reflects the sleek Gira E2 Design Line, a comprehensive range of complementary sockets, switches, outlets and accessories.

Mark Booth, Managing Director, Gira UK said: “Gira Black Matt is perfect for answering the industry’s growing desire for monochromatic interior schemes which embrace black hardware, fixtures and fittings and our Gira System 55 ensures our components compete on a technological level too.’’

For more details on the Gira System 55 use www.rdr.link/dh021

KWC’S ZOE RANGE OF SINKS AND TAPS

Reginox has launched Zen, a new range of granite sinks, available in a choice of three neutral colours: Light Grey, Black and White. Visually striking and featuring a deep 200mm bowl, complemented by an understated rectangular overflow and integrated waste cover, Zen is set to make a style statement in the kitchens of luxury developments.

Zen sinks are manufactured using Keratek Plus technology, which provides high definition, non-fade colours, as well as an impact-resistant finish and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.

Luxury Swiss brand KWC prides itself in the design and manufacture of what it calls ‘products of perfection’, such as the company’s contemporary styled Zoe sink and tap range, pictured here with sistercompany Franke’s bespoke made stainless steel worksurfaces and splashback in 4mm PureSteel.

Zoe sinks are available in four sizes and combine minimalist design with ergonomic details including ghost overflow and discreet square waste operated by an elegantly polished pushbutton. They can be undermounted into a range of worksurface materials or achieve a pure, streamlined aesthetic in stainless steel.

For more information on Reginox’s sinks use www.rdr.link/dh022

For more details on KWC’s sinks and taps use www.rdr.link/dh023

FIND YOUR ZEN WITH REGINOX

44 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

VASCO’S TULIPA STEEL RADIATOR COLLECTION Suitable for all rooms, Tulipa is a designer steel radiator which has been created to work in both modern and period living spaces. It is available in horizontal and vertical models, and in two model types; either flat oval tubes at the front only (single) or double row of vertical tubes, front and back.

The Tulipa radiator is available in white as standard, but can also be purchased in a spectrum of over 50 optional colours.

Sizes range from 270mm width up to an impressive 3000mm high, depending on model chosen.

For more information on Vasco radiators use www.rdr.link/dh024

SHOWERWALL’S NEW DÉCORS CREATE A CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY LOOK Four new décors have been added to Showerwall’s Custom Collection, bringing a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic to the bathroom. The new decors are Navy Herringbone (pictured), Scallop Blush, Scallop Coral Reef and Geo Cube.

Ideal for use in shower enclosures, around baths, behind basins and to create statement feature walls, the lightweight Acrylic Showerwall panels are available in two sizes of 900 by 2440mm and 1220 by 2440mm. Large areas of elegant decorative surface can be created as the panels are supplied with co-ordinating sealant that makes any joins inconspicuous, creating a 100% waterproof glass-like finish.

Showerwall’s Custom Collection offers a library of 18 designs plus the option of creating bespoke digitally printed panels to create a luxury aesthetic.

For more information on Showerwall visit www.rdr.link/dh025

HEATING

Readying for change Jeff House, Head of External Affairs at Baxi Heating, explains what existing and planned legislation and policy changes mean for new build property developers.

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ccording to figures released by the National House Building Council (NHBC) in May 2019, between February 2019 and April 2019, the number of NHBC new home registrations was 38,496, up from 36,042 in the same period in 2018. In April 2019 alone, 13,500 new homes were registered to be built, a 21% increase compared to a year ago. With the number of homes rising the construction industry has an opportunity to benefit from this continued growth. However, with this opportunity comes a need to understand and prepare for planned legislative and policy changes, especially in light of the recent UK Government commitment to a ‘net zero’ carbon target for 2050.

Headed for electric?

July 2018 saw the Building Research Establishment (BRE) publish Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) 10, the national calculation methodology for new build emissions compliance. The revised SAP 10 calculation methodology will replace the outdated SAP 2012 version

that has been in use since 2013. However, this will only take effect once Approved Document L of the Building Regulations is updated (expected to happen in England in 2020).

Under the revisions, the favourability of electricity for space heating and hot water production will improve. This is because SAP 2012 is based upon an outdated grid carbon intensity value, which means 2.4 times the amount of carbon is created when electricity is used in a property as opposed to gas. The preliminary version of SAP 10 published last year proposes the average annual CO2 emission factor for grid electricity reduces from 0.519 kgCO2/kWh to 0.233 kgCO2/kWh (a 55% reduction). This is an important shift and places electricity closely behind gas, which has a CO2 emission factor of 0.210 kgCO2/kWh. When employing a heat pump the difference will become starker, with a good performing product able to offer a considerable reduction in carbon emissions in comparison to modelling under SAP 2012. However, the situation is

not that straightforward. It is expected that the next iteration of Approved Document L of the Building Regulations will move from a headline carbon compliance metric to a primary energy metric.

This will require further analysis once the long-awaited government consultation is launched, which will clarify proposals in this regard. Of course, the upcoming Approved Document Part L proposals will include tighter compliance targets than today’s regime, therefore building fabric will be tighter and designers will need to do more to mitigate energy use and emissions.

For those developers in London, the changes to SAP will impact them earlier

2050 The UK government has committed to achieving a ‘net zero’ carbon target in 2050

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

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HEATING In the future, hydrogen boilers could replace gas systems

than others within the UK. This is because the Greater London Assembly (GLA) recently made the decision to encourage property developers to use the revised SAP 10 carbon emission factors when submitting a detailed energy assessment, which is a requirement under Policy 5.2 of the London Plan. The policy change took effect in January 2019 and looks likely to remain in place until central government adopts changes to the Building Regulations.

The future of heat Then Chancellor, Philip Hammond, provided food for thought for the heating and housebuilding industries during his Spring Statement speech (13th March 2019) with the announcement that the government would look to introduce a Future Homes Standard from 2025. He said that the government would seek to mandate “the end of fossil fuel heating systems in all new houses from 2025.”

This would form part of the government’s commitment to halve the energy use of new build properties by 2030, although the written ministerial statement is not as explicit and mentions ‘low carbon heat.’

As part of his statement, the Chancellor set out plans to rely more on the use of ‘green gas’ in the UK’s heating systems.

This is a welcome move by the government and demonstrates evident support for the use of gases such as hydrogen and biomethane to decarbonise the UK’s housing stock. With 24 million homes and businesses currently reliant on gas to provide heat, hydrogen conversion in appropriate locations could provide a near-zero carbon alternative that causes minimal disruption to consumers alongside alternative measures in other areas.

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Around 24million homes use gas to provide heat

Current government thinking, outlined in the ‘Clean Growth – Transforming Heating’ paper published in December 2018, shows that hydrogen is now a major consideration amongst other potential choices. Indeed, it has become evident that a single technology or fuel source is not a practical consideration for the decarbonisation of heat in homes, with a whole range of solutions needed to suit the UK’s existing building stock.

With the potential for pure hydrogen conversion seemingly earmarked for localised areas, it is worthwhile for property developers to be aware of the trials and of advances in hydrogen technology. They can rest assured however, knowing that manufacturers are already working on developing firstgeneration hydrogen appliances and will be on hand to provide answers to any queries that may arise during the rollout of any hydrogen-ready appliances.

Off-grid homes In the UK there are around four million homes not connected to the gas grid.

The increasing number of off-grid property developments is set to push this figure even higher, leaving some questioning how to heat these homes while working towards meeting our decarbonisation goals. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to heating system specification.

For developers in off-grid areas, BioLPG, chemically indistinct to LPG, is a ‘clean’ fuel that can be used to heat our homes while lowering carbon emissions. It is made from renewable crops and waste feedstocks, and offers a viable renewable energy solution for off-grid premises alongside other alternatives such as heat pumps.

manufacturers are already working on developing first-generation hydrogen appliances Looking ahead With every change in legislation, policy and government targets, the property development market must undergo significant revisions to ensure that it can adequately respond. Change will not happen overnight, but with the introduction of SAP 10 and the changes to Approved Document L of the Building Regulations looming, developers must be ready and prepare themselves for the impact that these might have on new build developments.

Engaging with and understanding the implications of the forthcoming Approved Document Part L consultation will be essential to determine the specification changes that designers will need to adopt when new regulations come into effect.

The same is true for the future of fuel.

Readying themselves for the inevitable shift to near-zero carbon fuels could help developers to ensure that the homes they build are fit for the future.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? You can discover more about heating requirements for new build homes by using www.rdr.link/dh026

HEATING

Grant’s Aerona³ heat pumps are straightforward to install with flexi hoses and isolation valves supplied as standard with each unit

All of the Aerona³ heat pumps are compact in size with small footprints

Unlock renewable combinations Paul Wakefield, Managing Director of Grant UK, explains how some housebuilders in off gas developments are using renewable heating solutions effectively.

T

hanks to legislation, heat pumps are becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly than ever before. The 2014 EU Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas (F-Gas) Regulations is legislation designed to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons, with the introduction of a series of targets which are designed to limit the use of gases which have the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP).

The Grant MonoWave pre-plumbed 300ltr cylinder with integrated 50ltr buffer which in this case is being used as a volumiser

50 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Grant’s latest ASHPs, the Aerona³ R32 models use R32 refrigerant which has a GWP which is considerably lower than other typical heat pump refrigerants such as R410.

In addition to having a lower GWP figure of 675, R32 is a single-component refrigerant which means it has no temperature glide.

Refrigerant blends that have two or more components exhibit temperature glide but as R32 only has one molecule in its formation, its saturated liquid and vapor temperatures are the same. By removing the risk for the refrigerant to suffer from glide, the system can recharge and recycle with greater ease, making it more efficient.

The Aerona³ R32 heat pump is a single phase, DC inverter driven ASHP incorporating in-built weather compensation and a base tray heating element to prevent ice formation. Monoblock in design, the Aerona³ R32 has a simple S-plan configuration which makes for a straightforward electrical set up, helping to significantly reduce the installation time. Each model is also available in a pack format whereby the heat pump is supplied with its key accessories which delivers cost savings while also simplifying the order processing.

The Aerona³ R32 range consists of four models – 6kW, 10kW, 13kW and 17kW. The new units are exceptionally efficient, have compact footprints and operate with low noise levels; both the 13kW and 17kW models have been awarded the Quiet Mark. Grant’s heat pumps therefore have minimal impact on their surroundings both aesthetically and acoustically – a great benefit to end-users. The range is also available with a guarantee of up to seven years (subject to full T&Cs and status) which reflects our confidence in this latest generation of air source heat pumps.

Combining heat pumps and UFH Underfloor heating provides a pleasant heat throughout the room, leaves walls free for furniture and can add value to a property. It is also easy to install whether you are building a new living space or completely redeveloping a house.

Grant’s Uflex and Uflex MINI underfloor heating systems, for instance, work incredibly well alongside the new Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump range, helping to further improve the overall efficiency of the complete heating system. Both of Grant’s underfloor heating systems are

Case Study | Four bedroom detached redevelopment near Bradford Upon Avon The new heat pump replaced an old Grant Vortex oil boiler with the homeowner wanting to be greener, more efficient and remove the boiler from within the property to free up space.

“The installation of the heat pump cylinder was straightforward. The cylinder was a pre-plumbed model so installers who specify this unit just need to bear in mind that the model is slightly larger (to allow for the integrated 50ltr buffer tank),” explained Simon Laidlaw, whose company S. Laidlaw Plumbing & Heating

carried out the installation.

“We completed this job through Grant UK’s G-CERT Scheme, whereby a Grant engineer completes the MCS certification and commissioning. This made our life as the installing engineer so much easier as we did not have to handle the MCS paperwork – Grant UK coordinated all of this including the handover folder and various notifications. The homeowners want to apply for the RHI so completing this install with MCS certification was really important and the G-CERT Scheme

provides a cost-effective solution to meet this demand, without the installer having to undergo MCS accreditation themselves.”

Discover more about G-CERT using www.rdr.link/dh027

straightforward to work with and are supplied as packs which are specifically suited to meet a property’s requirements.

The Uflex MINI system in particular is suitable for a wide range of developments, including new builds. It utilises selfadhesive panels into which the pipework is clipped in place. The system has a very low profile, being just 15mm in finished floor height, and the design of the panels means

that the drying time is incredibly quick – using a self-leveling screed, the floor can typically be walked on in less than six hours and heat can be introduced to the system in just three days thus reducing any disruption to the progress of a build.

Alongside the supply of the underfloor pipework, components and controls, Grant UK can also provide design assistance – including initial system heat loss

calculations used for quotation purposes through to full working drawings. From design and quotation through to supply, Grant UK can deliver a complete package offering being a ‘one-stop-shop’ for developers and their installers.

Products installed: ● Grant Aerona³ R32 17kW air source heat pump ● MonoWave High Performance preplumbed 300ltr cylinder including a 50ltr buffer ● UFH downstairs and radiators upstairs

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more details, please visit www.rdr.link/dh028

HEATING

Controlling influence From sophisticated users who want the latest wifi controlled options, to elderly or vulnerable people who need simpler controls – it is vital that there’s a full range of options available in today’s heating controls marketplace, says Tristan James, Sales Director UK, ESi.

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t a time when getting even more energy efficiency out of a heating system is proving more and more difficult, there is one place to look ever more closely for savings. Boilers are about as efficient as they can get, as are the pumps. So, with ever fewer things left to step up to the plate and deliver increased energy savings, heating controls are one of the few areas worth spending a bit of time on, looking for a little bit more in the way of energy and cost savings.

The decision as to which controls to include in a new build heating installation, or a retrofit, is not straightforward, with a wealth of options available and a range of combinations of components that can enable the homeowner to be in control of the heating in their home.

OpenTherm As well as offering Boiler Plus compliant units, ESi is one of the leading members of the OpenTherm Association here in the UK, offering access to the OpenTherm protocol. OpenTherm is a non-

52 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

manufacturer dependent system of communication between modulating HVAC appliances and room thermostats. Quite simply, it consists of a communication protocol and an interface specification.

More and more appliance manufacturers are bringing modulating central heating systems onto the market.

These appliances offer better efficiency and reduced environmental effects.

However, to operate these appliances, a communication protocol between the appliance and the controller is required. It involves the addition of a small bit of software only available to OpenTherm Association members.

OpenTherm has been widely embraced in mainland Europe but less so in the UK, although there are a large number of UK companies – many of them UK organisations for European manufacturers – in membership. A concerted marketing campaign in the UK over the next three years will see the vast majority of installers and manufacturers understanding the importance of OpenTherm compatibility for

their controls and appliances. It is expected that the majority of appliances and controllers sold in the UK will be OpenTherm compatible by 2022.

Range of options The selection of programmers and timers available today are many and varied – and range from the simple to the far more complex. It is important to choose the controls you install based on the homeowners who will need to use them. But using the latest wifi controlled, touch screen controls – to many a huge plus if they are internet savvy – to perhaps older people or vulnerable individuals who need simplicity in their controls, the modern screens and flashing lights may well be a step too far.

Clever use of controls can help minimise energy consumption by ensuring each room is at the right temperature for comfort, while avoiding overheating. This will keep a customer’s home cosy and cut their energy bills which is, at the end of the day, what they want.

ESi is typical of the major heating control manufacturers in that it offers a range of programmers, from a simple one Channel version to a three channel Multi-Purpose Programmer which complies with Part L of the Building Regulations by providing separate timed heating control for living and sleeping zones in a home, whilst also providing timed control of hot water.

A programmable room thermostat lets the homeowner choose what times they want the heating to be on and what temperature it should reach while it's operating. A seven-day timer makes it possible to set a different heating pattern for each day while 5/2 programming offers different options for weekdays and weekends. ESi’s ESRTP4 model provides 7 day, 5/2 day or 24-hour programming options, with up to six time and temperature events being available each day. Because these are also available in wireless versions, they can be installed anywhere in the home.

With a large, easy to read LCD display and being extremely simple to use, the ESRTP4 provides genuine saving, as these models have Delayed Start and Optimum Start / Stop and also offer a landlord facility to facilitate annual maintenance. ESi’s new RTP5 and RTP5 Wifi units along with the very latest RTP6 ‘Touch’ units are worth a closer look for those looking for the top end technology options.

But for people who prefer a control dial to push button controls to control changes to heat in a room – and there are still a lot that do – the ESi Electronic Room Thermostats offer a simple answer.

Available with or without an LCD display, the homeowner simply has to turn the dial to the desired temperature.

DISCOVER MORE ESi has a number of instructional videos along with a full range of technical guidance available – use www.rdr.link/dh029

HEATING I round up

NEW RADIANT HEATING PANELS FROM TANSUN Tansun has launched a new range of radiant panels designed to be stylish and unobtrusive – and to blend into any environment. With an emphasis at Government level to reduce CO2 emissions, the company believes radiant heating panels could be part of the solution.

Tansun’s radiant heating panels are designed to provide even heat distribution to gently warm people and objects before targeting the surrounding air. Each panel promises energy conversion rates of around 98%.

The company believes that its panels can save approximately 30-70% in heating costs. They come with a full five-year warranty.

For more information visit www.rdr.link/dh030

SYSTEM CARE STANDARD WELCOMED BY ALTECNIC Altecnic has welcomed the latest revision of the British standard for heating and cooling systems, BS 7593:2019, which came into effect on 31st May this year.

It includes a number of key changes for those installing, specifying and maintaining domestic heating and cooling systems. For the first time, the fitting of a permanent in-line filter is mandatory in addition to a fresh water flush and extensive chemical clean before the inhibitor is added. Also, an in-line filter must now be fitted to all systems.

Gary Perry, Managing Director of Altecnic, said: “Altecnic has advocated this approach for some time and has aligned it’s water treatment range to include a range of triple filtration (magnetic, non-magnetic and air) in line filters and water treatment chemicals accordingly.”

For more information visit www.rdr.link/dh031

SALUS UNVEILS FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY FOR UFH CONTROLS In addition to offering an expanded range of underfloor heating controls, many of which can be linked to a smart home, controls specialist SALUS has unveiled a five-year warranty across all of its UFH controls.

Encompassing the company’s hard wired, wireless RF, smart home, dial and digital UFH control options for both wet and electric heating systems, the new warranty covers the performance of each product at no extra cost.

For more information visit www.rdr.link/dh032

54 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

GRANT HEAT PUMPS AWARDED QUIET MARK

GLOW-WORM REVAMPS EASICOM BOILER

Two of Grant’s latest models, the Aerona³ R32 13kW and 17kW heat pumps have achieved the Quiet Mark, an accolade which recognises some of the quietest, high performing products in the market. Associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation, Quiet Mark encourages companies across the globe to prioritise noise reduction within the design of their products.

Paul Wakefield, Grant UK’s Managing Director said: “The awarding of the Quiet Mark to the 13kW and 17kW models is something we are very proud of as it reflects how quiet these heat pumps are, something which is important to householders.”

Glow-worm has revamped its Easicom boiler. The new range, which includes combi, system and regular models, features a low maintenance automotive grade aluminium silicate heat exchanger, and a patented foursided cooling system to reduce the stress on the heat exchanger to deliver long-term reliability.

The range also comes with a choice of bespoke accessories, including a large aesthetic pipe cover panel and universal upward piping kit. There is also a bright and easy to read LCD display, and the range can also be used alongside a choice of controls, including the company’s Climastat smart thermostat.

For more information visit www.rdr.link/dh033

VOGUE (UK) INTRODUCES MANTTRA V TOWEL WARMER The new Manttra V by Vogue (UK) is a simple yet sophisticated towel warmer, chromed to a mirror finish.

The large diameter vertical tubes and cross bars have been designed to work well in a busy contemporary or a classic bathroom.

Crafted from Mild Steel, the Manttra V has 14 large rails and features a wallmounted design. It is suitable for central heating systems, dual fuel and electric options, and measures 1240 by 500 by 125mm. Manttra V comes with a 15 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

For more information visit www.rdr.link/dh034

For more information visit www.rdr.link/dh035

PRODUCT INSIGHT

Designer doors F

or many, garage doors are largely viewed as a necessity. Add to this the fact that white is the most specified colour and it is should be little surprise that they are often overlooked during design discussions. Which is odd: with such a large surface area, a garage door can constitute significant portion of the exterior of a new home, significantly affecting the kerb appeal of a property.

But there is the potential for this functional product to jump towards the top of the list of exterior design considerations, thanks to the new Duragrain range from Garador.

An entirely new collection of sectional garage doors, the company’s Duragrain range feature realistic timber, natural stone or metal illustrations printed onto the outside surface of the garage door. These new designs offer customers an graphical alternative to the paint and timber effect finishes currently available on the market.

The range is comprised of 24 decorative colour finishes which include

The intricacies of the natural stone and timber prints are quite astonishing.

56 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

five natural stone printed decors, 18 timber printed decors and one metal printed décor. The development of this new printing technology opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for garage door panel design, with unusual and unique surface finishes now possible.

Under development The new Duragrain surface finish has been in development for some time, as Garador’s Managing Director Neil Discombe explained: “Duragrain has been in development for a number of years, but we think it has been well worth the wait and the results really do speak for themselves.”

Neil continued: “We don’t think homeowners will be disappointed with their new Duragrain sectional garage doors. The intricacies of the natural stone and timber prints are quite astonishing.”

Robust finish Duragrain has also been engineered to last, with the inclusion of a special protective coating on the outside of the door. This protective coating is scratchresistant, defending the underlying print from the effects of weathering and any little knocks life throws at it.

Furthermore, the inks used to print the decors are UV-resistant and colourfast, meaning that they won’t fade or wash out over time.

The new range is based on the company’s tried-and-trusted sectional garage doors which have excellent thermal insulation properties with 42mm insulated door sections, sturdy rubber seals on the base, sides and fascia of the

The latest garage door innovations could add substantial kerb appeal to a property. door, as well as the black plastic frame leg plate to protect against corrosion.

The new Duragrain decors offer many alternatives when designing the garage and surrounding property, adding another dimension to overall design aspirations as specifiers are no longer bound by the limitations of colour ranges.

Open season Garador’s new Duragrain sectional garage doors can be fitted with the company’s latest Garador 10 automatic garage door operator. An advanced wireless controlled operator, it features bi-directional radio technology to provide a reliable signal that can be used over longer distances.

The unit also has a built-in remote status query feature, allowing a user to open or check on the status of their garage door remotely. Other features include a semi-opening function for ventilation and an automatic safety reversal system. It has an opening speed of up to 22cm per second.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Duragrain is now available on Garador Premium Linear Large door styles. To discover more use www.rdr.link/Eh036

KITCHENS & Bathrooms round up AKW EXTENDS INCLUSIVE ONYX RANGE CABUCHON LAUNCHES SPACE-SAVING BATH British bath manufacturer Cabuchon Bathforms has launched its new Studio bath, the latest addition to its range of baths which can be built into the fabric of a bathroom. A spacesaving tub, it is designed for modern en-suites and bathrooms where space is at a premium. Measuring 1,522mm by 837mm, the Studio has a noticeably smaller footprint than conventionally designed baths. It also has a flat base, so it may be used with an overhead shower.

AKW, a leading providers of accessibility solutions, has extended its Onyx wet room and shower range to include a new ergonomic wash basin and matte black fixed and deflector shower screens. The Onyx range has been designed to offer retirement home developers, installers and end users an integrated bathroom solution for inclusive living.

The new Onyx ergonomic wash basin features a curved, concave front for closer access for wheelchair users and oval shaped hand grip holes in the sides for maximum user support. The new Onyx aluminium framed, matte black fixed and deflector shower screens have been included in the range due to the trend for this profile finish in contemporary bathroom design.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh038

BRUSHED BRASS ADDED TO ABODE’S TAP RANGE With the market for brushed brass in tap design continuing to grow, Abode has added the finish to a number of its most popular ranges.

There are now two brass finishes available from Abode; brushed brass, which is tailored for more contemporary settings, and antique brass for the traditional tap collection. The Althia Single Lever (pictured) is one option which highlights brushed brass as a stand-out finish that can be used to inject a level of luxury into kitchen design.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh039

At 505mm deep, Studio enables bathers to adopt a more upright, semi-seated posture This alleviates strain on the shoulders and neck, while the extra depth of water helps to create a feeling of weightlessness.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh037

NEW ECLIPSE SHOWER ENCLOSURE FROM SANIFLO It’s been a busy year of product launches for Saniflo. And now, hot on the heels of numerous Kinedo enclosure and shower tray launches, another range, the versatile Eclipse, has been added to the growing portfolio.

The Eclipse range is available in multiple sizes and configurations, including corner and recessed, and can be specified with either pivot or sliding doors to suit a wide range of installations. Each door and panel is manufactured from toughened 6mm glass and all pivot doors open 180° for maximum entry space.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh040

TWYFORD LAUNCHES GEO SHOWER ENCLOSURES Twyford has launched the new GEO series of shower enclosures, which the company believes will offer an enhanced solution for developers, combining quality with space-saving practicality.

Reversible GEO shower enclosures can be used in left-hand and right-hand configurations which eliminates the need to order and store separate products. By only carrying one SKU, developers can avoid incorrect ordering and reduce stock holding requirements to save space in storage and on site.

The new-look series has no outstanding handle to ensure easy cleaning and also promises increased stability as the profile handle design on sliding partitions adds additional support. There are 20 SKUs in total in the range from 760mm to 1,700mm, including sliding door, pivot door and side panel options.

| Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh041

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer september

57

general building I round up

UBBINK INTRODUCES NEW DRY VERGE SYSTEM Ubbink’s new BS8612 compliant Dry Verge system includes a batten bracket which eliminates the need to replace or extend existing battens when retrofitting. Ubbink Technical Manager Keith Plummer said: “This simple design gives our Dry Verge System a unique advantage. We’re getting great feedback from users and stockists. With the increasing popularity of dry-fix systems for refurbishment, this little innovation will be important for the industry.”

When installing some dry verge systems, the battens need to extend past the barge board by 30mm, to allow the verge units to be correctly fixed in place. This means either the existing battens must be completely replaced with longer ones, or a new section must be fixed to the ends of the original battens.

Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh042

SUPERGLASS UNVEILS NEW PACKAGING

HILTON BANKS MOVES TO CUT SINGLE USE PLASTICS Hilton Banks has launched its bestselling HB42 All-in-One Sealant and Adhesive in 400ml Eco-Foils, removing the environmental problem of disposing of the single use plastic cartridge, normally associated with these type of products.

The company says its new HB42 All-inOne 400ml Eco-Foils produce 95% less waste than the single use tubes and users get 38% more sealant than in the 290ml plastic tube. HB42 All-in-One has been designed to seal, stick and fill, is flexible up to 230%, can be over-painted and works in the wet

Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh043

Insulation manufacturer Superglass has revealed vibrant new packaging for its range of glass wool products. Based in Stirling, Scotland, Superglass’ insulation is made from up to 84% recycled glass. Bob Dalrymple, Head of Marketing at Superglass, said: “Our bright, new, colour-coded packaging is designed to make it easier to pair a product to its application. The design employs simple graphics to show each product’s features and benefits while the strong colours make sure they’re easy to find and identify.”

Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh044

WIENERBERGER INTRODUCES NEW RED MULTIS Wienerberger is expanding its brick product offering by launching two new clay facing bricks.

Both the Lingmoor Heather and Capelwick Multi Stock bricks are vibrant red multi, sanded products, featuring flashing in buff, blue and black tones to add character and create an attractive blend of colours.

Lee Pauls, Category Product Manager for Brick products, commented: “We believe that our Lingmoor Heather and Capelwick Multi Stock bricks bring something new to our product offering and will be popular amongst merchants and developers who are looking for a versatile and classic red multi design. Although these new bricks share a similar colour palette, they give our customers more choice when it comes to creating a contemporary or traditional look using facing bricks, thanks to their contrasting finishes.”

Discover more by using www.rdr.link/dh045

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX 9 Stone Buildings ....................................................................(page 29) ACO Technologies Plc ..........................................................(page 28) ACO Technologies Plc ..................................................(loose inserts) Construction Materials Online ................................................(page 4) ESI Controls ..............................................................................(page 55) Grant Engineering (UK) Ltd ..................................................(page 46) Ibstock Building Products Ltd ................................................(page 11) Ideal Standard (UK) Limited ..................................................(page 19) Ideal Standard (UK) Limited (Sottini) ..............................(page 36,37) Ideal Standard (UK) Limited (Sottini) ............................................(IFC) Kingspan Insulation Limited ....................................................(page 9) 58 september Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Marmox UK Ltd ........................................................................(page 53) Norbord Europe Ltd ................................................................(page 13) Premier Tech Aqua Ltd ..........................................................(page 51) R. Hamilton & Co. Ltd ..............................................................(page 45) Sapphire Balconies Ltd ..........................................................(page 41) Stelrad Radiators ....................................................................(page 49) Superglass Insulation Ltd ........................................................(page 7) Tobermore ..........................................................................................(IFC) Ultimate Opportunities Ltd ....................................................(page 15) Wavin ..........................................................................................(page 27)

last word

SuDS and permeable paving Chris Hodson, Architect and Consultant to the trade association Interpave, looks at the varied benefits of using SuDS.

A

nother year of summer flooding in the UK provides a timely reminder of the importance of sustainable drainage – or SuDS – on developments.

But there is more to SuDS than flood prevention, with a wide range of other benefits, highlighted by recent regulations, guidelines and case studies.

It’s over three years since the Government chose to abandon dedicated requirements for SuDS on new developments in England using the 2010 Flood and Water Management Act, relying instead on national and local planning policies, implemented at local planning authority level. But a recent Landscape Institute and CIC Report highlights that this approach has been far from successful and merits rethinking.

New regulations In contrast, earlier this year the Welsh Government implemented Schedule 3 of the Act as intended, with measures including establishment of a SuDS Approving Body (SAB) within each local/unitary authority. SAB approval will be needed for all but the smallest

The Monitoring Report noted capital cost savings of £314 per home using SuDS, with further potential savings available through more holistic design.

developments and the SAB will be required to adopt and maintain approved SuDS that serve more than one property.

The Welsh National Standards point out that: “The SuDS approach mimics natural drainage, managing surface runoff at or close to the surface and as close to its source as practicable. Surface based sustainable drainage components are visible in their operation and performance and are generally simpler and easier to operate, monitor and maintain.”

By its very nature, concrete block permeable paving (CBPP) is uniquely placed to satisfy these requirements as an attractive, surface-based, multifunctional SuDS technique.

Multi-functional SuDS Of course, hard surfaces are necessary for developments anyway, whether for roads, parking, drives or play areas. But CBPP also provides an inherent drainage system that requires no additional land take or separate constructions for water storage, treatment or conveyance. In fact, CBPP can also accept runoff from other impermeable paving and roofs, giving further savings. It is therefore well-suited to higher-density urban schemes, as well as other developments.

And it addresses both flooding and pollution issues by storing and cleaning water runoff at source, avoiding drains surcharging and downstream flooding.

CBPP removes water-borne pollution and provides a gradual flow of clean water at the head of the ‘SuDS management train’

enabling safe, open SuDS features on the surface and enhancing landscape design and biodiversity. This technology also eliminates the cost of pipework, gulleys and manholes.

Cost savings These savings are demonstrated by the Lamb Drove SuDS Monitoring project in Cambridgeshire, which assesses various SuDS techniques, including CBPP, in a management train, compared with a conventional piped drainage system nearby.

Overall, whole-life-costs were much lower than those for the conventional piped drainage system. The Monitoring Report noted capital cost savings of £314 per home using SuDS, with further potential savings available through more holistic design.

A new Interpave case study on this project will be launched at Flood Expo on September 11th and 12th at the Birmingham NEC, and free tickets are available at www.thefloodexpo.co.uk. Here, Interpave’s presentation by Dr Nick Gorst, in Theatre 25 on Thursday 12th September at 14.00, will demonstrate permeable paving’s successful long-term performance, minimal maintenance and cost-benefits over conventional paving and drainage. It will also explore new regulatory requirements, technical innovations and permeable paving applications for SuDS.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Interpave’s guide documents and case studies are freely available to download at www.paving.org.uk