Professional HouseBuilder & Property Developer June 2019

PROFESSIONAL

HOUSEBUILDER &PROPERTY DEVELOPER

WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

JUNE 2019

VEHICLES & PLANT JCB’s new 150X excavator – a workhorse for the building site

EXTERIORS

THE FUTURE HOME

SPECIAL REPORT

Enhance the kerb appeal of your latest development with the right garage doors

How might we heat our homes in the next decade?

The latest solutions to enrich the new build sales experience

MARKET UPDATE: BUILD-TO-RENT OPPORTUNITIES IN SCOTLAND

contents PHPD JUNE 2019 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 5

This issue Regulars 3

First Word

4

News

6

Market Monitor

6

Ask Tobermore

8

Developments

PROFILE 10 Development | St Jude’s Meadow PHPD reviews Mactaggart & Mickel’s first English development, located in the Cotswolds

44 Kitchens & Bathrooms 45 HBA Column 46 Trade Media 48 General Building

Special Reports 12 Above & beyond PHPD reports on an ‘airspace’ development in central London 14 The handover A professionally managed handover can enhance a developers’ reputation

Cover story

The new 150X excavator from JCB promises to be a workhorse for the building site. For more information turn to page 18.

49 Last Word

VEHICLES & PLANT

10|

Profile – St Jude’s Meadow, Oxfordshire

16 Drive time A look at some of the new commercial vehicles ready to hit construction sites 18 Make the grade JCB’s newly launched X-series excavators – built for housebuilding 20 Round Up

EXPERT UPDATES 21 Finance Ensure you are taxed efficiently 22 Market The growing Build to Rent Sector in Scotland 23 Planning The role of Health Impact Assessments 24 Design The renewed appetite for council housing 25 Legal The risk relationship between developer and builder

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‘Pod’ bathrooms

EXTERIORS 27 Return to render An insight into the wide choice of external systems available to housebuilders 30 Garage scene Maximise profit margins and create stand out properties with a striking garage door 32 Concrete kerb appeal Use concrete to create eye-catching exteriors 34 Round Up

THE FUTURE HOME 36 The light stuff The benefits of smart lighting and how it can be introduced to a new home 38 Pod won out Why the growth in the use of bathroom pods is set to continue into the future 40 Warm front PHPD assesses how heating systems may evolve in the near future 42 Round Up

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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 Eduart Bajraktari 01923 237799 eduart@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

Talking tech…

Homes are becoming more intelligent than ever before – and our control of them more advanced. Thanks to voice control, the Internet of Things, and mobile apps we now have near instant operation of the majority of features in our homes: from heating and hot water systems to lighting and ventilation.

And it doesn’t stop there. Entertainment systems, kitchen appliances, energy generation and even security products can also be operated through voice control and smart devices. Should you want to, you can even run a bath from another room.

Taken all together, homeowners can now interact with their home in a way that was simply not possible earlier in the decade.

Over the same time period a number of additional – and possibly less familiar – systems have also begun to regularly appear in homes: systems such as heat pumps, mechanically controlled ventilation, solar collectors, battery storage and heat recovery devices.

For those building new homes, this rapid evolution brings a number of challenges. First of all, just keeping up-to-speed with all these new solutions and their potential benefits is a headache in its own right – although hopefully PHPD is providing some assistance here!

There is also the cost implication. Putting a raft of the latest technologies in to a new home might be desirable, but it will likely break the budget of even the most aspirational builder.

And finally, when all the decisions have been made, having these systems properly installed and correctly commissioned can be a task in itself. While it is usually advisable that an expert installer, or a technical guru from the manufacturer of the system, come on-site to commissioning the equipment, simply scheduling these visits is an onerous task in itself.

To help, the NHBC Foundation, together with BSRIA, has issued some guidance. At your services – What to expect during commissioning should help builders ensure a smooth programme of delivery. It is freely available from the NHBC Foundation website.

The incorporation of new systems and technologies into a home can be challenging.

But used wisely they can not only help lift the quality of new homes, but also add considerable benefits to a homeowner and enhance the reputation of the housebuilder.

just keeping up-to-speed with all these new solutions and their potential benefits is a headache in its own right.

Talking of new systems… in this issue of PHPD you will see a number of ‘quick web codes’ within our articles and stories. They look like this: www.rdr.link/df000 Simply type the link into your web browser and you will be whisked-off to an online page, video or technical document referenced in the story, packed with additional details on the technology or solution mentioned. You can find a full explanation of the new rdr.link on page 31.

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

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

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news In Brief ■ Figures recently released show a record-breaking number of affordable homes were started in the capital with City Hall’s support last year – including the highest number of new council homes in London in 34 years. The new statistics show 14,544 affordable homes were started in the year 2018/19 – more than in any year since City Hall took control of housing investment in the capital and exceeding the target of 14,000 agreed with Government ministers.

■ Japan’s biggest housebuilder, Sekisui, has moved into the UK housing market following a multi-million pound deal that will see it work with Homes England and Urban Splash. Sekisui House have invested £22m of new equity, with £30m of equity and debt funding coming from the Government’s Home Building Fund, administered through Homes England.

Minister of State for Housing, Kit Malthouse MP, said: “Sekisui House bring with them a proven track record in harnessing the modern methods of construction that are transforming home building.”

■ Solihull-based housebuilder Hayfield has appointed Lottie Crossley as its national PR Manager. Lottie commented: “As a well-funded newcomer to the marketplace, Hayfield is actively looking for ways to stand-out, innovate and introduce green and smart home technology. Meanwhile, at its core, the business has been founded on a desire to build an outstanding luxury product with exemplary customer service.” The company has six live sites located in prime locations in Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

Labour would remove ‘office to residential’ rights ask them to do more without providing ohn Healey, MP, the Labour Party’s them with additional funding.”

Shadow Housing Secretary, has Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of called for changes to permitted the NFB, said: “Permitted development on developments rights to end what he has office to residential must be reviewed. called ‘slum’ housing.

Although it has its place, permitted The Labour Party has announced it would development isn’t delivering enough change permitted development rights in affordable family homes and it should be England to stop un-used office blocks doing more than simply increasing the becoming residential property. Permitted number of individual housing units.” development rights were introduced in 2013.

Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Housing and John Healey, MP said: “To fix the Planning Policy for the House Builders housing crisis, we need more genuinely Association (HBA), said: “The issue lies in affordable, high-quality homes. This how local authorities interpret planning Conservative housing free-for-all gives rules. Local policy can stop permitted developers a free hand to build what development and make planning easier for they want but ignore what local local companies delivering more communities need. affordable housing and high-quality “Labour will give local people control over the housing that gets built in their area homes. However, councils make planning harder for smaller builders and embrace a and ensure developers build the low-cost, high-quality homes that the country needs.” development style that attracts investors rather than builders.”

Responding to the announcement Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “If Labour is going to put more strain on the planning system by scrapping commercial to residential permitted development, it must also think carefully about how planning will be resourced. Planning departments are chronically RTImages/Adobestock underfunded and we can’t

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NHBC Foundation issues guidance on commissioning he NHBC Foundation has published new guidance to help site managers oversee the many commissioning activities that take place on a busy site.

As properties evolve it is likely that site managers will see an everexpanding family of services, from solartechnologies to whole-house ventilation systems, coming to sites. The new guide ‘At your services – What to expect during commissioning’, produced in collaboration with BSRIA, has been launched to help site managers to engage more closely with the

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commissioning process.

Neil Jefferson, NHBC’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Commissioning in general has become much more technical and exacting, with processes and language which are not easy for non-specialists to understand.

This is not good for the success of commissioning which ultimately depends on good understanding between the site manager and commissioning experts involved.”

Topics covered with in the guide include water and drainage, gas connection and

distribution, electrical installations, ventilation systems, air source (air to water) heat pumps, solar hot water systems and grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems.

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

Workwear business launches SME apprentice fund

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orkwear Express has launched a fund to support apprenticeships in SMEs, providing branded uniform for new starters in the building and construction industry this summer.

The Workwear Express Apprenticeship Fund is giving away £1,000 in free, branded workwear to small and medium sized employers from its range of uniform starter packs, put together with building trades and construction businesses in mind.

The initiative forms part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to apprenticeships and provides the

opportunity for a construction SME to be awarded one of four packages of head to toe branded clothing to the value of £250 which could clothe up to 10 new starters or existing apprentices.

Applications by employers will run until midnight on 21 June. To apply, visit www.workwearexpress.com/apprentices

In Brief ■ Trade Fabrication Systems (TFS), has expanded its pre-finishing service for doors to include pre-machining, following recent investment in a state-of-the-art door processing machine. Replacing works previously completed onsite, the machine will precision route spaces for lock mortices, hinge plates, letterboxes, viewing slots and numbers or even room names. Doors can now arrive on site precision cut, factory finished and protective wrapped, helping to streamline the site sequencing between joinery and finishing trades.

■ CALA Homes was named Home Builder of the Year at Homes for Scotland’s (HFS) annual awards in May. The HFS awards programme was set up to showcase the high-quality work that the industry produces took place this year in front of a crowd of 1100 senior industry representatives and their guests. CALA took the top award after also winning awards in the Private Development small and medium categories for Riverside at Bothwell, Lanarkshire, and for The Crescent at Donaldson’s.

Workplace cancers targeted by CCS he Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has launched new course to help construction workers spot dangers and mitigate the risks of developing occupational cancers.

It reports that 40% of all deaths from occupational cancers arise within the construction industry. The main causes of occupational cancers in construction work are exposure to silica dust, asbestos, diesel exhaust emissions and

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UV radiation. The ‘Occupational cancer’ e-learning module is made freely available to the entire construction industry via the Scheme’s Best Practice Hub. It follows the successful series of elearning courses on other cross-industry issues, including Air Pollution, Drugs and Alcohol and Mental Health.

Edward Hardy, Chief Executive of the Considerate Constructors Scheme said: “There is no doubt that the shocking

number of deaths and long-term illnesses caused by significant exposure to carcinogens in the workplace needs greater attention by everyone. We must continue to improve our standards in how we raise awareness and understanding of the risks and how to take measures to, where possible eliminate them, or at the very least minimise them.”

Visit www.ccsbestpractice.org.uk to take the module.

NHBC reports moderate growth

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tatistics from the NHBC, relating to registrations in the first quarter of 2019, indicate moderate growth in the new homes market – supported by rises in the affordable and rental sectors.

The number of new homes registered by the UK’s housebuilders and developers in the first three months of the year reached more than 37,500 – a 3% increase on the same period in 2018.

37,672 new homes were registered to be built in Q1 2019, compared to 36,508

in the same period last year. However, the growth came mainly on the back of the affordable and rental sector where the organisation reported a rise of 36% in registrations. The private sector was down by 6%.

NHBC’s statistics reflect around 80% of the new homes market.

CeeBeeStock/Adobestock

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MARKET MONITOR

A look at the latest statistics, insight and analysis from across the residential sector.

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he construction industry experienced a mixed quarter for products sales, output and new orders in the opening three months of 2019, according to a quarterly survey by the Construction Products Association. During the period, sales of construction products rose according to 54% of heavy side manufacturers and 29% of light side manufacturers. In contrast, 20% of main contractors reported a decrease in output during the quarter, whilst workloads were reported lower for 17% of civil engineering contractors and 7% of SME builders. Only product manufacturers and SME builders reported positive readings in forward-looking indicators, with a broad-based fall in new orders reported by main contractors and civil engineers.

SME builders reported positive readings in forwardlooking indicators.

Commenting on the survey, Rebecca Larkin, Senior Economist at the CPA, said: “The year opened with a mixed quarter of performance for construction. Confidence among consumers and businesses remains low and this has reduced the amount of work coming through to the two largest construction sectors, private housing and commercial, which require greater visibility over the economy’s future growth path to see projects get the go-ahead.”

Meanwhile, analysis from Barbour AMI has indicated that the residential sector had a particularly positive March with £1.8 billion contracts awarded, an increase of 8.3% on February. Residential unit numbers also increased – up by 2.1% on February at 10,066 units. Of the total contracts awarded in March, residential accounted for 31.6%.

The Economic & Construction Market Review from Barbour ABI shows that the total value of construction contracts awarded in March 2019 was £5.3 billion, a 1.2% decrease on February but 0.6% higher than March 2018.

Ask

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 sustainability.

Q. I’m building some new homes on a small site on the English/Welsh border and want to make the development as sustainable as possible. What kind of paving would be most suitable?

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ousebuilders will be aware that the government introduced new planning guidelines in 2015 in England for the use of SuDS on any new housing site with more than ten units. While in January 2019, the Welsh Government introduced new mandatory regulations for Sustainable Drainage Systems. Here, all new developments comprising more than one building or where the construction areB is 100m² or greater, will require sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).

Tobermore offers a broad range of permeable paving options within its Hydropave range - a permeable paving range that is manufactured with all the aesthetic detail and beauty of the non-permeable ranges but with valuable environmental benefits. In meeting with the growing demand for more innovation in the design of permeable paving, Tobermore have designed a range of laying patterns moving away from the traditional rectangular paving laid in a herringbone pattern.

Hydropave is also available in a range of striking colours and varied textures.

When placing a Hydropave order, Housebuilders will also receive a tailor made customer service package, ServiceSure.

This customer focused service follows a project from initial enquiry to delivery and beyond, updating customers at every stage ensuring an efficient, and consistent streamlined experience. Hydropave is manufactured on a single site, with higher stock levels than the industry average, and is ready to be delivered to housebuilders in full and on time, without a long lead time. Additionally, Housing Developers using Tobermore products can avail of a free indemnified design service, for permeable paving.

Image: Grapestock/Adobestock

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DEVELOPMENTS Fifty Two unveils details of Gosforth conversion Equine heroes commemorated at new Bewley development Developer Bewley Homes’ fourth collection of homes in Berkshire has been named Equestrian Walk, paying homage to the site’s rich history. The development is on the site of the former Arborfield Garrison in Briggs Lane. For more than 100 years, the garrison was the regimental headquarters of the army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, while it also housed a hospital for injured horses.

Equestrian Walk, which is likely to be launched early next year, will be a collection of two-bedroom apartments and houses of between two- and four-bedrooms.

Developer, Fifty Two Group, has unveiled the details of its latest development in Gosforth where it is converting The Coach House at the Drive, into luxury apartments and houses. Eight properties will be created, which include two

Work starts on redevelopment of Lambton Park Building work has started on the first phase of a prestigious development in North East England, designed by Newcastle architects Pod and delivered by Miller Homes. The move sees civil and building works underway on the new Eastern Village as part of the initial phase of the redevelopment of Lambton Park, the ancestral seat of the Earls of Durham.

Leith development references Edinburgh’s ‘colonies’

Thomas Sinden to deliver 35 apartments in Clapham

CALA Homes is to reimagine ‘colony’ houses at its new development on Leith’s waterfront – Waterfront Plaza. First built in 1850 and recognised as a defining feature of Edinburgh’s architectural history, colony houses in areas such as Stockbridge and Haymarket are some of the most sought-after homes in the 4cottish capital – known for their community feel and clever use of space.

Taking inspiration from this design, the homes at Waterfront Plaza will offer a contemporary approach, with open plan living areas and large windows creating bright and inviting spaces. Due to launch in summer 2019, Waterfront Plaza is a brownfield regeneration project.

Contractor Thomas Sinden has been awarded its fourth contract from The Freshwater Group of Companies for a development in Clapham. The £3.7 million Permitted Development Scheme involves the alteration and refurbishment of existing offices on the first floor to fifth-floor level into 35, oneand two-bedroom apartments and

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houses, two bungalows, three twobedroom apartments and one threebedroom apartment. Work will begin on converting the Grade II listed building in June, with a projected completion date of spring 2020.

This Victorian character area will feature 69 luxury four- and five-bed terraced properties and the first properties will be ready in late 2019.

studios, together with associated parking, refuse storage, amenity space and landscaping.

Land deal finalised in Tongham Bellway South London has announced a new land deal that will pave the way for 127 new homes in Tongham, near Aldershot – to be known as Admiral Park. A hybrid planning application for a wider development of 254 homes was approved in January 2018, and detailed proposals are currently being considered

by Guildford Borough Council. If the reserved matters application is approved, Bellway hopes to release the first plots for sale in spring next year.

PROFILE | DEVELOPMENT

St Jude’s Meadow PHPD visits St Jude’s Meadow in Oxfordshire – Mactaggart & Mickel’s first English development in almost a century of building homes.

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ith a history in Scotland dating back to 1925, it is no surprise that luxury homebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel has a strong reputation north of the border. The company was recently awarded ‘five-star’ status for customer satisfaction by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) – for the seventh consecutive year – and, alongside a number of other accolades, it also has a collection of ‘Pride in the Job’ awards from the NHBC. However, the fourth-generation housebuilder has now set its sights on England for further opportunities and is currently developing a number of sites in Oxfordshire.

Joanne Casey, Managing Director at Mactaggart & Mickel’s Homes England

Kitchens have been designed for modern living

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division, explained: “We are always thrilled to launch a new development to the public, but St Jude’s Meadow is a unique achievement of which we are extremely proud. The whole team at Mactaggart & Mickel have outdone themselves in preparing for our first development in England and the launch of St Jude’s Meadow is the culmination of a lot of hard work.”

The first of its English sites to bring homes to the market, St Jude’s Meadow is located in the rural Cotswold village of Milton-under-Wychwood. The site has 62 new homes planned, with 50% of the allocation for affordable housing being delivered with Cottsway Housing Association.

31 three- and five-bedroom homes across four different house designs – one of which was created for the St Jude’s Meadow development – are for market sale. The two show homes, the three-bedroom ‘The Wyatt’ and the fivebedroom ‘The Ferrey’, have recently thrown their doors open to prospective buyers.

Eye-catching interiors The two show homes feature interiors by the internationally acclaimed Malcolm Duffin Design. Reputed for their distinctive designs, Malcolm Duffin is best known for its work with brands like Mulberry and Ralph Lauren.

For the show homes at St Jude’s Meadow the designer was keen to integrate modern sophistication with the traditional look of a home in the Cotswolds.

Malcolm Duffin, Head of Design at Malcolm Duffin Design explained: “We wanted to step away from the traditional show home look and reflect how people really live, so we designed a new style – ‘Cotswold Cool’. It’s a contemporary take on the traditional Cotswold look for home buyers who want to mix luxury with a smart, sophisticated style.”

Whilst the exteriors of the new homes have been designed to reflect the local architectural style, constructed using reconstituted stone and natural slate, inside each of the new homes there is a more modern feel. Malcolm continued: “We have used bespoke furniture paired with hand-made curtains to create an eclectic look, suitable for modern country living.”

The show homes feature Laufen sanitaryware in the bathrooms – including the en-suites and WCs –

Designs create a smart sophisticated look

together with ceramic Porcelanosa tiles and Hansgrohe taps to create a modern feel. Kitchens feature Blanco undermounted sinks together with Electrolux appliances and induction hobs – whilst the five-bedroom, ‘The Ferrey’ also has a Quooker boiling water tap and further utility room with additional storage space. Throughout the two show-homes, eye-catching wall coverings and colours are used to pique customer interest and provide for a memorable viewing.

Joanne Casey said: “Our customers in Scotland know that everyone at Mactaggart & Mickel takes pride in delivering each and every home that we build. We have been building luxury homes across Scotland since 1925 and are very much looking forward to sharing our vast experience with house hunters looking to settle in such a stunning English location.”

Early interest At the time of our visit one home had already been snapped up and the housebuilder is now gradually releasing further homes to the market. Mactaggart & Mickel offer an ‘Early Bird Option’ to prospective buyers – an opportunity to secure their home free of charge on a flexible, no-obligation basis while the development is under construction.

Joanne Casey noted: “Now is the moment to visit the first beautifully designed Mactaggart & Mickel homes in England. The first few plots on site are now available for Early Bird Option, which allows househunters to secure their chosen home well in advance of their anticipated move-in date, giving the flexibility to arrange finances and / or sell their current property.”

Positive feedback Joanne Casey, Managing Director at Mactaggart & Mickel Homes England,

We wanted to step away from the traditional show home look and reflect how people really live. said: “We have already received a lot of really positive feedback from prospective customers who have visited the development. People have told us they have been amazed by the quality and attention to detail of the interior design.”

At St Jude’s, Meadow Mactaggart & Mickel is beginning a new chapter in its 94year history, and moving away from its Scottish roots is clearly a significant step. If longer-term interest (and sales) reflects the early comments received by the housebuilder at its first English site, further developments across England appear likely.

Building Communities Fund In 2016, Mactaggart & Mickel launched the Building Communities Fund to help organisations and projects which enhance the lives of people within their local communities. At St Jude’s Meadow, alongside other donations, it has provided over £50,000 towards play and recreational areas, more than £6,500 towards Public art to enhance the local area and £1,000 to the Village Hall in Milton-under-Wychwood.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Eye-catching wall coverings

For more information visit www.macmic.co.uk

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SPECIAL REPORT

Above and beyond

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irspace development – where additional properties are added above existing buildings – is becoming more common in many of the UK’s urban centres. Proponents believe it provides an opportunity to bring more homes to urban areas, with minimal disruption.

One such site is in the Vauxhall, Nine Elms & Battersea (VNEB) regeneration area of London, where airspace developer, Click Above, has recently offered for sale two luxury penthouse apartments. The new homes have been built atop an existing three-story development of 16 apartments which form an exclusive gated community, known as Corben Mews, just off the Wandsworth Road.

Located on the fourth floor, the two penthouses boast views of the London skyline and have been finished to a very high standard with versatile and adaptable features – including bi-folding floor-to-ceiling glass doors to maximise the view. Fully equipped kitchens – with integrated branded appliances and stylish contemporary fixtures and fittings – as well as designer bathrooms with underfloor heating, all feature in the new apartments.

Topping out The single-storey extension was added to the existing building thanks to off-site,

modern methods of construction that allowed for most of the build to take place in Click Above’s own workshop.

The units were then lowered in to place by cranes over a single weekend.

As part of the project, a range of upgrade works, including refurbishment of the communal stairwells, has been completed to ensure that the existing tenants benefit from the enlargement of the development.

Click Above, Managing Director Aaron Emmett, commented: “An already densely-developed city such as London often struggles to meet demand for new housing, yet the solution is there in plain sight: airspace. Whilst the UK has traditionally lagged behind many other international markets in its adoption of developing the airspace above existing buildings, what we’ve achieved here at Corben Mews and the interest which has been received from international investors, demonstrates the valuable – indeed vital – contribution this approach to housing can bring to stock levels.”

Differences of approach Click Above purchased the airspace above Corben Mews with planning permission already in place, but was required to make a number of small adjustments to allow for modular construction that was used for the new penthouses.

PHPD reports on an ‘airspace’ development in central London, where Click Above added two penthouse apartments to an existing three-storey building.

Bi-fold doors help to maximise the view

special consideration needs to be paid to the logistics of any such project Aaron explained some of the nuances of this approach to housing delivery: “Developing in the airspace and utilising modern methods of off-site construction mean that special consideration needs to be paid to the logistics of any such project. Road closures, over-sailing during the crane lift, specialist structural surveys of the existing building and preparation of the roof to be developed on, are all vital steps and mean that this is a concept that requires dedicated specialists.”

An exclusive time-lapse video is available showing the process from offsite construction through to the finishing touches. To view it visit www.Sdr.link/df001 Aaron concluded: “When carried out properly it really can appear to be a straight-forward concept. Indeed, the existing tenants at Corben Mews have all been surprised at just how easily the extension was delivered.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? A penthouse apartment

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Corben Mews

To explore Corben Mews further visit www.rdr.link/df002

SPECIAL REPORT

The handover Savvy housebuilders use numerous ways to enrich the new-build sales experience. PHPD chats with Kate Pickard, Marketing Manager at Classic Folios, to discover how the handover process can be professionally managed – and a developers’ reputation enhanced.

What are the main benefits of providing a well-managed process from reservation through to completion, and beyond?

A well-managed handover process helps to set a buyer’s expectations and will establish trust during a lengthy process. It outlines what is required from both parties to ensure a smooth transaction on the purchase of the property and breaks the process down into distinct milestones, giving it a sense of magnitude and organisation that creates a productive experience for both the buyer and developer.

By providing a well-managed sales and sales progression experience, the developer is able to cultivate a positive relationship with the buyer, so if there happens to be a bump further down the road, they are likely to be more patient and confident that the issue will be rectified.

While a good home demonstration is a great way to get the new homeowner up and running, providing long-term support through a homeowner manual or portal will not only make them feel valued, but will also encourage a self-sufficient approach to maintaining their new home, removing the need for unnecessary phone calls. This will save the developer vital time and free up the aftersales and sales teams to foster new buyer relationships.

Q

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Do you have any ‘top tips’ for housebuilders looking to improve the customer journey from reservation to moving in?

Set buyer expectations right from the off.

Providing a reservation guide will answer many commonly asked queries and set out standard timings on the whole process, ensuring the buyer is confident in their knowledge of what to expect at the various stages.

Adhering to a robust process is key.

Clearly set out what information you are going to share with the buyers at each stage and communicate key milestones, so they are kept in the loop, minimising the possibility of them cancelling the reservation due to a frustration at a perceived lack of progress.

After legal completion, make sure the new homeowner understands that you are not going to disappear now the transaction is complete. Many common queries that new homeowners have can be easily resolved without needing to pick up a phone, so providing a point of reference for when certain issues arise can minimise customer care calls for developers and waiting time for homeowners. That being said, ensuring the homeowner knows exactly who to contact in certain circumstances, such as

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to report defects, is essential in reinforcing your ongoing commitment to customer care.

What is the difference between a reservation folio and a completion folio?

A reservation manual or folio is an opportunity for the developer to set those expectations we covered earlier, with regards to what happens when and how throughout the buying process, such as appointing legal and financial advisors, when choices and options need to be selected, arranging site visits, how long the reservation period lasts and exchanging contracts, etc.

Completion manuals or folios are designed to be presented at the home demonstration or on move-in day to help the purchaser familiarise themselves with their new home and its surroundings without needing to contact aftersales or customer services.

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Is there a growing trend towards online and digital solutions?

Definitely. Many buyers expect to see some form of online interaction from the developer and prefer to act out of standard office hours via email or defect reporting forms, rather than face to face.

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Branded items are increasingly popular

Online handover solutions also allow people to interact with the information onthe-go, using smartphones or tablets, which is ideal during what is invariably a busy time. It’s all about streamlining communication for both the developer and their properties, and keeping up with consumerist trends. With the increase in PropTech (property technology), such as Hive smart products, more developers are buying a tablet to incorporate the apps in their handover process.

What is Hoozzi?

Hoozzi is Classic Folios’ customer portal – a management and communications platform that is changing the way people buy, manage, maintain and enjoy their homes. For example, the platform holds the buyers’ information bespoke to their property and developer contacts, so instead of sourcing old spreadsheets and pieces of paper for fixture and fitting information, it’s all there at the touch of their fingertips. It also contains all the details of appliances,

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including product descriptions, energy ratings and downloadable instruction manuals, meaning no more over-packed drawers of manuals. The buyer can also register their appliances through the portal.

The portal also hosts a wealth of “How to” articles from developers, featuring numerous handy hints and tips that will help the homeowner settle into their new home, as well as fantastic recipes and crafts ideas.

What technology do you think will influence the market in the future?

The market will continue to embrace new technology as we move into the future.

We are already seeing paperless mortgages from the likes of NatWest, so I would expect to see more paperless transactions as people keep looking for that shortcut and timesaving opportunity, not to mention environmental awareness.

You may expect to see buyers having the ability to make their choices online rather than having to sit in a sales office on site.

Q

With the increase in PropTech (property technology), such as Hive smart products, more developers are buying a tablet to incorporate the apps in their handover process.

With added voice control technology in the form of Alexa and Google Home, new homes will become increasingly integrated with new technology, to the point that it will start to become the industry standard. Quite a few of our clients are purchasing tablets or iPads to have their portal preloaded, along with various other home apps such as HIVE, national rail, Netflicks, Sonos and more.

The tablets double up as exciting welcome gifts, too.

What are the most popular welcome gifts and can they feature a developer’s brand?

Our most popular gift for developers to give to their new homeowners are Prosecco and Chocolates, which are presented in a bespoke box designed to the developer’s brand. We will be launching a new exclusive range of home gifts in the near future, including glass chopping boards and heavy bread boards, which can all have the developer’s logo engraved on or carved into.

Other gifts we send out frequently are our Jo Malone Range, as I mentioned before our more exclusive developers order iPads with their portal already pre-loaded, along with any home apps they have asked for, again we brand these to the developer.

We pretty much have a gift to suit any budget, including keyrings and memory sticks that have been engraved with the developer’s logo.

Q

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To read an extended version of this Q&A visit rdr.link/df003 where Kate explains more about the features of the company’s Hoozzi customer portal.

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer june

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Vehicles & Plant

Drive time PHPD takes a look at three commercial vehicles ready to hit construction sites across the UK.

VW Crafter

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he VW Crafter design is available in a diverse range of models: panel van, single/double cab dropside and tipper in three heights and three lengths – around 70 derivatives in total.

A lot of thought has gone into the configuration of the sturdy cab, with plenty of coherent and practical storage areas for a host of personal accessories needed in today’s frantic business world.

The central passenger seat can be folded down to create a desk and a 12v power outlet is useful for charging tools and devices on the move.

Cutting edge infotainment and safety technology includes air bags, driver alert system and ESP including ABS and ASR and front assist including city emergency braking – which reduces the chance of a collision by triggering emergency braking when it detects critical distances.

All of the Crafter’s engines are 2.0 litre units from VW’s EA family of commercial vehicle power trains, so they have proven pedigree for durability, low down pulling power and efficiency. All are Euro 6 compliant common rail injection engines with advanced SCR Catalytic convertor system to clean the exhaust gases.

Crafter comes with a wide range of payloads on offer, from 735kg to 2,573kg. On the Tipper, load volume

16 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

comes in at an impressive 2.71m3 with a top payload of 1065kg and around town owners can expect a very reasonable 36mpg.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more details, and to watch a video of the new VW Crafter use www.rdr.link/df004

Vauxhall Combo

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rowned International Van of the Year 2019 at the IAA Show the Combo is based on an all-new architecture and is offered in a selection of variants, including short wheelbase, long wheelbase and crew van. It can carry a load volume of up to 4.4m3 and a payload of up to a tonne.

Longer items up to 3440mm, such as pipes and ladders, can be stored safely and securely, thanks to the rear swing doors and FlexCargo load-through hatch.

The ergonomically designed interior provides the driver with a lot. All controls are instinctively located and easily accessible and the upright seating position gives the driver a commanding view. The driver and front seat passenger can also enjoy heated seats on cold days, while the optional heated steering wheel to add a touch of luxury.

Elsewhere, the dual zone climate control ensures pleasant temperatures inside the new Combo and allow the driver

and front seat passenger to enjoy separate settings. Integrated sun sensors adjust the system depending on intensity of the sun, while the humidity sensor and automatic air dispersion prevent misting. If your phone supports wireless charging, smartphones can be charged without cables, while DAB+ provides a wide range of radio stations and ensures better sound quality.

Combo customers can choose between a variety of turbocharged, directinjection petrol and diesel engines, all of which combine driving pleasure with low CO2 emissions from 109g/km and fuel economy up to 67.3mpg.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To find out more about the Vauxhall Combo, and to watch a video of the new van use www.rdr.link/df005

Iveco Daily

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he new Daily is powered by a choice of large four cylinder diesel engines, the F1A 2.3 litre option with ratings from 116 to 156hp in both light and heavy duty homologation, and the 3.0 litre heavy duty F1C engine with increased performance from 160 to 210 hp. All are available with a choice of eight speed Hi matic automatic or six speed manual gearboxes – more than enough power to cope with load volumes that start at 7.3m3 and expand to a cavernous 19m3, with the claimed added bonus of up to 10 per cent fuel savings on previous models.

A range of headline grabbing driver assistance systems have also been added as part of the latest refresh, including advanced emergency braking and City Brake PRO, Adoptive cruise control with Queue assist and Active Lane Assist and Crosswind assist. An electric parking brake is another new feature, along with a host of other useful, optional extras.

There is a smaller leather multifunctional steering wheel, designed to feel more car-like and the addition of electric power steering is

also welcome, which is precise and more reactive to the driver’s inputs, damps vibration and compensates for drift and wheel unbalances.

New Daily features a tweak to the front grille, which has been extended to increase ventilation while protecting the engine and radiator. New lightweight alloy wheels contribute to optimising payload whilst sharper beam LED lights should last the entire lifespan of the vehicle. A new bumper is divided in to three sections for the first time, so that, in a small accident, only one damaged piece needs to be replaced, reducing repair costs.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To look through more of the features on the Iveco Daily use www.rdr.link/df006

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer june

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Vehicles & Plant

Make the grade Earlier this year JCB launched its new X-series excavators in the 13-16 tonne sector. PHPD takes a closer look at the new machines that promise both enhanced operator comfort and more power and accuracy than ever before.

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xcavators are ubiquitous to building sites – grading hardcore, digging footings, laying aspahlt, pouring concrete – the job list for these workhorses in never-ending.

Last year JCB launched its all-new X series range of excavators – powerful 20 tonne machines sized to take on multiple tasks on larger construction projects.

While these machines were possibly a little large for some sites, earlier this year the Staffordshire-based plant specialist launched three more X series machines, designed specifically for house building – the 131X, 140X and 150X. At the launch JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope said: “The machine of choice for groundworks has always been the 13-16 tonne excavator.

They are quite simply the workhorse of the building site. In the UK alone this class of machine accounts for nearly 60% of all tracked excavators sold, so we are hugely excited about the introduction on three new X Series machines which cater directly for the needs of the all-important groundworks sector.”

Noise reduction Although packed with new features one of the key improvements worth shouting about is the incredible ‘in cab’ noise reduction of up to 68%, compared to the company’s previous JS130 and JS145 excavators. On the new X series machines in cab noise is now 5dB(A) lower at 67dB(A).

18 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

The new, quieter cab is also fully-sealed and comes with a choice of comfortable Grammer seats, with heating and cooling options available. The operator also benefits from seat mounted servo levers.

The controls have been designed to be 100% operator-focused, with a new command pod to the right of the seat that brings together all switches and controls in a single seat-mounted unit. A new 7” monitor with intuitive menus and functionality can be accessed through an automotive-style rotary controller.

And to get the machine into use quicker, JCB has cut the number of steps the operator needs to complete before the new machines are ready for work; in fact the operator is now up and running within a few seconds of turning the key.

Heavy hitter However, in introducing a larger – more comfortable cab, has there been any compromise elsewhere? Well, according to JCB, not one bit. It says that because there 100% operator focused controls

They are quite simply the workhorse of the building site. has been no increase in boom offset, there is no increase in stress on the slew bearing, ensuring super smooth slewing and pinpoint accuracy when digging a trench.

Plus, the new X Series excavators use JCB’s global boom and arm design, and the 140X and 150X have a larger bucket cylinder to deliver an 11% increase in bucket tearout force. The power boost duration has also been increased from three to nine seconds, giving maximum bucket and dipper tearout for longer.

The 140X and 150X also come with a larger Kawasaki hydraulic pump that can run at lower engine rpm. JCB has calculated that this means six per cent more material is moved, for every litre of fuel used.

With a more comfortable cab, greater power and enhanced accuracy it is highly likely that JCB’s new X series excavators will become an increasingly common sight on building sites across the UK in the coming years.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? You can request a brochure on the new 13-16 tonne X series excavators from JCB by using www.rdr.link/df007

VEHICLES & PLANT I ROUND UP

DOOSAN NEW MINI EXCAVATORS Doosan has enhanced the company’s range of miniexcavators with the launch of the new Stage V compliant 2.7 tonne DX27z and 3.5 tonne DX35z zero tail swing (ZTS) models. The new machines have been designed to provide a mix of stability, smooth controllability and high digging forces, complemented by low weights for easy transportation.

The DX27z combines strong performance characteristics with the largest cab for this size of machine on the market. With the optional long arm and a premium cab, the DX27z offers the digging output and operator comfort of much larger excavators, making it a good option for work in busy urban areas.

For in-depth technical details of these new machines use www.rdr.link/df008

BOBCAT 1 TONNE ELECTRIC MINI-EXCAVATOR

YANMAR SV60 MIDI-EXCAVATOR Yanmar’s SV60 midi-excavator has been designed to deliver strong performance, but with the space-saving benefits of a more compact model.

The machine has an X-shaped undercarriage and has been designed to minimise fuel consumption and reduce operational emissions. The SV-60 boasts an impressive output of 33.4kW at 2,200rpm to assure high levels of power, flexibility, productivity and precision.

Adopting the company’s VIPPS hydraulic system, the machine promises optimum speed, power, smooth operation and balance. Eco-mode and autodeceleration technology reduce engine emissions, while the ECU manages rpm according to torque and load – reducing fuel consumption.

To download further technical details of this machine use www.rdr.link/df009

Bobcat’s 1 tonne electric mini-excavator combines zero emissions, low noise and a width of just 71 cm. The E10e battery-powered, zero tail swing (ZTS) mini-excavator can easily pass through standard doors and in and out of lifts, making it ideal for indoor applications such as demolition and basement construction.

The E10e is based on the design of the successful diesel powered E10 1 tonne miniexcavator, which has achieved sales of over 10,000 units in just 10 years. The new E10e has the same ZTS profile and identical external dimensions as the standard E10/E10z machine and offers very low noise levels on site, with an LpA of only 71 dBA vs 80 dBA for the standard E10/E10z.

Power for the machine comes from a lithium-ion battery pack which has an advanced management system, and is designed to fit within the standard machine envelope to maintain the machine’s ZTS profile.

For more detailed technical details of these new machines use www.rdr.link/df010

MECALAC EXCAVATOR PORTFOLIO Now available in the UK is Mecalac Construction Equipment’s excavator portfolio. The company has announced that seven representatives from the company’s UK dealer network will be responsible for retailing these models, which are manufactured at Mecalac’s European headquarters in Annecy, France.

The Mecalac MWR (pictured) features a wheeled chassis and is available in four models – 7MWR, 9MWR, 11MWR and 15MWR. Incorporating a closed hydrostatic transmission system, each model has been designed to be fast and nimble, with both two and four-wheel steer (crab option) available. Alongside boasting direct entry into the cab, the MWR range can be refuelled from the floor.

Other models available include the Mecalac MCR and the MTX – a combined excavator, loader, forklift and tool carrier in a single machine.

To watch a video of the Mecalac 9MWR in action use www.rdr.link/df011 20 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

EXPERT Update | FINANCE

Tax efficient profit extraction ©Inkstop/Adobestock

Sam Jones, Kreston Reeves, explores how to ensure your profits are efficiently taxed.

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re you paying more tax and national insurance than you should be? Could your take home cash be increased by considering alternative remuneration?

Could you increase your total household income by utilising allowances?

As a director and shareholder in a property and construction business there are a few ways to extract profit from your company efficiently and by utilising your allowances more effectively.

submit a P11D(b) return. In addition, employer’s Class 1A NICs at 13.8% of the value of the benefit is payable by the company to the extent the value of the benefit is not made good by the employee. Instead of paying for the full cost of the benefit, you are just paying the tax.

The company is entitled to Corporation Tax relief on the value of the benefit and the NICs.

“ there are a few ways to extract profit from your company efficiently and by utilising your allowances more effectively ” Salary Directors can generally be paid any level of salary, although this is usually at a nominal amount to benefit from state pension credits but without National Insurance Contributions (NIC) being payable.

The company will benefit from a Corporation Tax deduction for the cost of the gross salary and any Employers NIC suffered.

Where family members work in the business, you could consider utilising their tax-free personal allowances by formally paying the individuals as employees of the company.

Benefits in Kind The company can provide you with a taxable benefit, for example private medical or a company car. Company cars are dealt with under the capital allowances regime in the company and the tax relief will differ dependant on the type of car.

Where benefits are provided the company must report these on a form P11D for each employee/director and

Pension contributions Pension contributions can be made by an employer on behalf of an employee.

Company pension contributions are not restricted to the net relevant earnings of the employee and the company will generally obtain a tax deduction for pension contributions when paid if the contributions are wholly and exclusively for the benefit of the trade.

There is a £40,000 tax free annual allowance of pension contributions that can be made as well as a lifetime limit of £1,055,000 to consider. The annual allowance is tapered for higher earners and advice should be sought where your income is above £110,000.

If the allowances are exceeded this creates a personal tax charge.

Dividends Shareholders can extract profits by way of dividends providing there are sufficient distributable reserves in the company.

Dividends are subject to a lower rate of

Income Tax when compared to salary or self-employment income and do not currently attract NICs. Dividends are taxed at the rates of 7.5%, 32.5%, and 38.1% depending on the level of your other income.

In addition to the personal allowance (currently £12,500), individuals are entitled to the first £2,000 of dividend income taxfree. It may be worth considering utilising spouses £2,000 dividend allowance and making them a shareholder.

Dividends are paid from post-taxed profits and therefore no Corporation Tax relief is available on the distributions.

It is worth obtaining professional advice and considering your individual circumstances, as other sources of income play a part in utilising your allowances and tax rate bands.

Each year should be looked at in isolation and dividend/salary levels could decrease and increase each year.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Sam Jones is a Senior Tax Manager in the Property team at Kreston Reeves, accountants and business advisers.

She can be reached by email: sam.jones@krestonreeves.com. Visit www.krestonreeves.com

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer june

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EXPERT Update | MARKET

©Kenishirotie/AdobeStock

The Build to Rent revival

George Hepburne-Scott, Savills Development Director (Scotland), examines the potential of the Build to Rent market in Scotland.

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uild to Rent (BtR) has become an established strand of the UK property sector after hitting headlines with the conversion of the Olympic Village in East London in 2012. Yet the wave of BtR investment, which started in London and spread outwards across England’s regional centres, more or less stopped at the Scottish Border – until recently.

Undersupply of new housing However, seven years on the Scottish housing market is now outperforming the rest of the UK and a growing number of investors are now targeting Scottish BtR projects. This is against a systemic undersupply of new housing across all and a trebling of 16- to 34-year-olds in the Private Rented Sector over the past 20 Savills advised Legal & General on the first forward funding deal in Scotland at Buchanan Wharf in Glasgow (Image credit: Stallan-Brand architects)

A distinct asset class within the private rented sector, BtR refers to properties built for the private rental market.

Typically owned by an institutional landlord and managed by a single entity, often with an onsite presence, they are being looked upon favourably by investors seeking a relatively secure, longer-term investment right across the UK. But why the relatively slow take up of BtR in Scotland?

While Scottish cities offered many of the factors attracting investors to other regional cities, such as the availability of sites located near transport links and employment hubs, some key financial fundamentals meant that they could not rival locations like Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.

Indeed the uncertainty surrounding the Scottish independence vote was an additional factor deterring those looking for safe investments.

22 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

years. Indeed 40 per cent of this age group is now renting.

Rents in Edinburgh have grown by 33 per cent over the last five years and 25 per cent over the same period in Glasgow. Added to a compression of investors target yields, this is helping BtR compete against other land uses.

A total of 479 BtR units have been built in Scotland so far, with a further 6,300 BtR at varying stages of planning. But this figure only represents 1.7 per cent of the total number of Scottish households in the private rented sector and less than half the figure for the UK as a whole, which illustrates the growth potential in Scotland.

However, Savills is currently advising on transactions set to deliver more than 1,500 BtR units across Scotland. While these largely relate to the urban flatted BtR market, we are starting to see the emergence of a market for suburban houses for rent which is typically aimed at young families.

Looking first at the Scottish capital, the Lochrin Quay development, acquired by Aberdeen Standard in 2018, was a positive demonstration of interest.

Meanwhile Kingsford Residences, a conversion of a former school, is now more than 65 per cent let and development of 800 units to the west of the city centre in Fountainbridge is anticipated to begin this year.

Glasgow now accounts for over half the BtR pipeline in Scotland. Savills advised Legal & General on the first forward funding deal in Scotland at Buchanan Wharf in the city: 324 apartments which will be developed by Drum Property Group adjacent to Barclays' new European Hub.

“ A total of 479 BtR units have been built in Scotland so far, with a further 6,300 BtR at varying stages of planning.”

As BtR becomes further established in Scotland, we anticipate more transactions being structured on this basis, just as they increasingly are south of the Border.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

George Hepburne-Scott is Savills Development Director (Scotland).

For more information visit www.savills.com

EXPERT Update | PLANNING Juliet Clark from Bidwells considers the effect of Health Impact Assessments? ŠVladimir Gerasimov/AdobeStock

Making an impact?

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ealth Impact Assessments (HIA) are not widely required by Local Planning Authorities, but there is growing uptake of the process. HIA deliver the health and wellbeing objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework and reflect wider government commitment to developing healthy, successful places for people to live and work in.

case, the whole process can be reduced to a tick- box compliance exercise.

More needs to be done to define how health benefits are assessed and weight the assessment process towards the demonstrable health impact rather than the reporting process. This said, we can never be too healthy and HIAs, in whatever form, raise awareness of the health agenda and ensure the

“ Small schemes have less ability to deliver opportunities for physical activity, green spaces, and social interaction �

HIA are a means of increasing the health benefits generated by a development and reducing negative health impacts, with a particular requirement to consider impacts to vulnerable groups. The overall objective is desirable: we would all rather live in a healthy environment than a life threatening one.

However, the HIA process has a number of uncertainties and inefficiencies.

There are no national guidelines on what an HIA should cover, nor how an assessment should be carried out, leading to widespread variation in HIA requirements by Local Planning Authorities. Some authorities set low housing thresholds for when an HIA is required: 20 dwellings in South Cambridgeshire, 25 in South Worcestershire, while in Bristol 100 dwellings is the starting point.

Evolving methodology HIA methodology is evolving. There is currently no national or industry standard guidance on what level of health improvements are desirable or acceptable.

There is a lack of standards or benchmarks for how much benefit a scheme should bring or what level of negative impact is acceptable. In the worst

development process contributes to improving the health of the nation.

Small schemes However, HIA is not appropriate for all developments. Small schemes have less ability to deliver opportunities for physical activity, green spaces, and social interaction. HIA for such developments is often limited to analysis of general levels of accessibility by active modes or public transport or a review of housing mix and tenure along with wider environmental issues such as re-use of resources and impact on climate change.

Where open space is included there may be higher health benefits but the acceptability of these determinants of health are typically already covered by other policies in Local Plans. HIA in these cases is in danger of repeating the planning process, with limited added value.

Where policies with low thresholds persist, developers will do well to seek advice to screen out the need for HIA and scope out unnecessary aspects of the HIA so that it is focussed on real benefits and less costly to produce.

Conversely, large schemes that provide community infrastructure, influence

accessibility to services and facilities, provide open space and affect a greater number of people can greatly influence health and wellbeing. HIA in this instance provides a valuable tool for bringing together the wide-ranging health impacts into a simple format for evaluation of the scheme in its entirety.

Ensuring delivery A third area for consideration by Local Authorities when formulating their HIA policies is the mechanism for ensuring that the HIA recommendations are incorporated into the current processes that control development. Collaboration between developers, health officers, environmental heath, planning policy, planning control and enforcement is required to ensure the effort gone into considering health is delivered on.

Making HIA meaningful also requires monitoring of the mitigation and recommendations to ascertain if actions deliver the intended health consequences.

All parties have a vested interest in engaging: local communities interested in a healthy environment, developers to deliver the highest quality scheme and avoiding unproductive conditions, and local authorities to know how best their policy objectives can be met.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Juliet Clark is a Principal Planner at Bidwells. www.bidwells.co.uk

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer june

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EXPERT Update | DESIGN

©Red Pixel/Adobestock

Think local

Rob Woolston, Director at multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p, discusses the next generation of council housing and a renewed appetite to evolve this brand of housing.

Ashton Green, Leicester is a major sustainable urban extension scheme identified

by Leicester City Council

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ince the borrowing cap was lifted last October, delivering development and regeneration on publicly owned land has been unlocked and local authorities are now in a position to take longer term views on what’s viable and, more importantly, beneficial for their communities.

In our experience, this has been quite a liberating process. Not only are local authorities able to look at their land holdings and unlock a more diverse portfolio of sites e.g. former industrial land, highly constrained urban sites, etc… but they are also able to consider typologies, renewable technologies, modern methods of construction and flexible tenures. As architects and masterplanners, this obviously gives us increased scope for design.

We’re now working with local authorities that have a greater willingness to explore; and it is becoming more commonplace for redundant land to be capitalised on rather than disposed of.

For instance, in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, Dacorum Borough Council held a design competition to regenerate brownfield land in the town’s industrial district. This innovative step resulted in a mixed use development of 79 affordable homes and eight ground floor business units with an ambitious architectural design including a distinctive corten steel façade. By making this statement of design, quality and commitment, this bred confidence and has acted as a catalyst for wider regeneration in this area.

being realised but also large regeneration schemes that will actively address local housing need.

An example of this is a project we’re delivering for Leicester City Council.

Ashton Green is a landmark sustainable urban extension scheme set to provide up to 3,000 new homes together with community and health facilities, employment land, retail space and approximately 13 acres of green space.

Further benefits to this approach have included greater collaboration across the industry and new partnerships established between authorities, developers, housing associations and consultants. This next generation of housing has evolved quite organically but is gathering at a pace as more authorities begin to use their own assets in new ways.

With the government targeting delivery of 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s, it can only be good news that we are collectively discovering more routes to achieve this.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Kylna Court, Hemel Hempstead is a mixed-use development designed by rg+p for Dacorum Borough Council.

Leading role By taking more of a leading role in development and embracing techniques like off-site manufacturing, local authorities can accelerate development, vary street scenes and enhance communities. Better still, this is all scalable so it is not just smaller developments

24 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

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

EXPERT Update | LEGAL

A stitch in time saves nine

©zimmytws/AdobeStock

Paul Brampton, a partner and the head of the Construction and Engineering Team at IBB Solicitors, defines the risk relationship between developer and builder. am often asked to unravel the mess and uncertainty generated when parties find themselves in dispute without a properly drafted contract in place, or worse still, no written contract at all. It can be a time consuming and costly exercise.

thereby reducing the scope for interpretation and dispute.

In addition, a good building contract can serve as a useful management tool, which can prevent issues from growing into full blown disputes.

“ The allocation of risk and responsibility is always a matter best worked out between the parties and properly committed to writing”

Standard Forms A formalised approach to contract management and risk allocation has arisen through the widespread adoption of standard form building contracts such as those drafted by the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT). An advantage is that there is greater consensus on their interpretation, aided by a body of case law. Many of the publishing bodies issue guidance notes, and text books have been written which devote pages to the interpretation of the more common standard forms. Standard form contracts typically tackle:

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The allocation of risk and responsibility is always a matter best worked out between the parties and properly committed to writing. It should never be left to chance.

Common Law The common law will come to the rescue and plug some gaps to make a poorly drafted contract work, but the law will only imply essential terms. Examples include: ● Materials are of good and proper quality ● Design and/or workmanship are fit for purpose ● To exercise reasonable skill and care ● Not to hinder the performance of the other party ● To complete the works in a reasonable time Moreover, implied terms are, by their nature, more open to interpretation and so are a rich source of dispute.

Building Contracts By contrast a well drafted building contract clearly allocates risk and reward between the developer and the builder,

● the allocation of design risk, and the risk of unintended design discrepancies ● the risk of specified events causing delay, loss or expense ● the risk of defects appearing in a specified period after practical completion of the works ● the risk of market fluctuations in the price of materials ● Insurance of risks ● The risk of insolvency of one of the parties, and ● The risk of dispute between the parties Bespoke Forms Equally, it is commonplace for parties to instruct solicitors to draft bespoke forms of ‘development agreement’ especially where there is a need to address site specific considerations.

Drafting will commonly address: ● The risk associated with securing a satisfactory planning permission,

●

● ● ● ●

●

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environmental survey, or financial viability report The risk associated with site assembly i.e. acquiring the necessary parcels of land to facilitate a development Problematic site conditions Responsibility for the Community Infrastructure Levy Sharing of proceeds and expenses Managing the risks associated with the purchase of the development (for example a forward purchase agreement or a golden brick agreement) Managing the risk associated with the letting of development on completion of the building works (for example a pre-let agreement or an agreement for lease) The risk that the development might never get off the ground or achieve completion.

Failure to properly manage these types of risk, especially on large scale project, can represent an existential risk to developer or builder, and a one-way trip to Carey Street.

So get stitching early and put your contracts in place.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Paul Brampton is a Partner and the Head of the Construction and Engineering Team at IBB Solicitors.

Visit www.ibblaw.co.uk

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer june

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Exteriors

Dale Telling, Commercial Manager at Fassa Bortolo, one of the Italian leaders in render solutions, shares his insight into the wide choice of external systems available to housebuilders.

Return to render Q

Many new housing schemes often feature homes that are either fully or partly rendered. What do you see as the main advantage of using a rendered finish on a new home?

Unless complying to regulations, the choice is vast, but can be complicated as all systems have varying benefits. We tend to find the key factors are costs, maintenance and aesthetics.

Many newbuild homes are built using medium dense blockwork, as this can help to keep costs of building the structural shell to a minimum. However, we are seeing

A crisp white render can be a sought after look

many new and alternative methods of construction. Rendering provides one of the best solutions for delivering a striking design and seamless, professional finish to a house.

Our Fassarend and Fassatherm systems, in particular, are designed to adhere well to masonry and can easily be applied in a matter of days. Single application products such as Fassacouche however, only require one coat, helping to keep both material and labour costs down as they are quick to apply. The integrated board systems like our new Timber Frame System require expert knowledge and more time to mechanically fix to the shell and apply all its components.

From a maintenance perspective, a housebuilder can rest assured that a quality render, which has been installed correctly, will stand the test of time against weathering and any other factors that could damage or discolour the finish. Some render systems are more hard-wearing than others, but homeowners will be able to keep the surface looking its best for a

number of years with very little upkeep if the correct render system is used.

A crisp white render can be a soughtafter look and is used universally within modern construction. This alone is strong enough to deliver on aesthetics, but often the colour of the render is dependent upon the area in which the building is, so the desired finish may be subject to planning. If you’re building in an area where the surrounding neighbourhood is mostly stone, chances are you will have to choose a more natural colour.

Q

Have you witnessed growth in this area over the past year or so?

We have been selling to our customers and distributors in the UK now for five years, building up our network of valued clients.

Fassa UK accounts for a small percentage of the overall revenue the company turns over each year, however, in terms of scale and growth we are doing exceptionally well and our journey is only just beginning.

In 2018, our UK profits escalated by over

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer june

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Exteriors

50%. For the future we predict a similar increase and are on target for an even more successful 2019.

Our exceptional quality products and first class service is part of the reason for our success. Our customer service extends from reliable delivery, through to pre and post-sale care including specification writing, site visits, demonstrating and clarity with our solutions. We always try to offer the most economical solution without infringing on the integrity of the system.

Q

Can render be applied to any substrate?

Providing the specification is correct, we will try our best to find a solution for every substrate; timber or steel frame, masonry, brick or stone, newbuild or existing. We have a team of specialists at Fassa who are able to specify the correct render system based on substrate, requirements and location.

Q

What range of colours is available and which are the most popular?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to coloured renders. We’re proud to offer our Fassatherm and Fassarend systems in 365 colours as standard, but we have also invested heavily in our distributors, purchasing a number of tinting machines, so they are able to colour match renders to existing RAL shades in store. This innovative technology allows suppliers to offer a solution to any project where colour is particular to customers. In most cases, the chosen colours tend to be more natural.

Q

Do you also offer an insulated solution that can help to increase levels of thermal comfort?

Although more expensive and complex to install, External Wall Insulation (EWI) Render Systems can impact the cost of living, reducing fuel bills by up to 40%. Made up of an insulating panel, most commonly mineral wool or expanded polystyrene (EPS), reinforcing mesh coats and a finishing render, the Fassatherm system is attractive to potential homeowners, effective at reducing carbon emissions and can be used to build passive houses.

A lot of heat escapes through thermal bridges, a weakness in buildings whereby 28 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

the levels of heat loss are higher. To name a few problem areas, these include windows (approx. 15%) and the roof (approx 25%), but by far the biggest problem for heat transfer is the walls, with around 35% of lost heat coming through them.

With the application of an EWI render system, the majority of this escaping heat is retained within the walls. The thickness of the insulation depends upon the uvalue requirements. For example, building regulations currently stipulate that for a new build, the elements must have maximum u-values of 0.3, but this drops dramatically to 0.1 for a passive house. In most regeneration cases, EWI would be installed onto a solid wall construction because there is a continuous cold bridge and the insulation acts like a blanket to lock heat in. However, EWI is now commonly used on new build substrates such as steel and concrete frames.

Q

If a housebuilder was to need some training what would you recommend?

We offer a number of training days at our HQ in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

Delivered over a number of days, we open our facility to housebuilders, renderers, architects and specifiers to help them understand our portfolio of systems. The days are made up of workshops with our on-site demonstrator, seminars and an introduction to our core systems and latest products. Our team of experts will be on hand to answer any questions and you can give our products go for yourself to see how they handle. These events are completely free to attend.

Our next training days are the 12th and 13th June, where the focus will be on our new Polished Plaster range, Sfide D’Arte.

A stunning collection of internal plaster systems, these are a new, modern Fassacouche through coloured render is available in a variety of options

Greencore Construction used the Fassarend timber frame system on a recent project

alternative to traditional wall coverings. To register your interest, email info.fassauk@fassabortolo.com We also run roadshows across the year up and down the UK where we will be showcasing the core Fassa render systems and running live demos. Visit the website for more info on the upcoming venue dates.

Q

For those developers and builders unaware of the Fassa Bortolo brand, can you tell us a little about the business and its history?

Fassa Bortolo is one of the leading Italian manufacturers of renders and integrated building systems. Succeeding over 300 years of manufacturing, the company has grown to open a number of distribution units across Europe including the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland. With a firm set of values, Fassa prides itself on unrivalled product quality, its commitment to research and ethical quarrying.

To download a catalogue about the range of solutions from Fassa Bortolo use www.rdr.link/df048

EXTERIORS

Garage scene

A garage door can make a big difference to the overall style and kerb appeal of a property. David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK, shares some insight into how housebuilders can maximise profit margins and create stand out properties by thinking more carefully about the features and benefits of garage doors.

W

hilst the original up-and-over garage door has remained a classic addition for traditional style properties, there’s a raft of innovations, technologies and designs now available to housebuilders. For example, sectional garage doors are the ideal choice for housebuilders looking to create an internal garage that may be used for functional purposes, such as a workshop or gym studio.

By offering homeowners the option of increasing their potential living space, housebuilders can present a more attractive prospect to buyers that offers greater value for money.

Double-skinned sectional doors are the unsung hero of the industry, offering superior thermal insulation, ideal for garages that will be in constant use.

Hörmann UK’s double-skinned sectional garage doors feature either 42mm or 67mm thick sections with thermal breaks for outstanding thermal performance,

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achieving an impressive U-value of 1.0 W/(m².K) for the 67mm model. This can be improved by a further 15% with the installation of Hörmann’s ThermoFrame, which provides a thermal break between the frame and brickwork to prevent any potential heat transfer.

The additional benefit of sectional garage doors is the creative freedom they offer housebuilders, with a wide range of finishes, designs and styles readily available, supported by the added benefit of customisable extras, such as glazed panels and house numbers.

Latest innovations, such as Hörmann’s new ART 42 range, features an aluminium frame that can be personalised with a range of infill options to not only maximise on the available natural light, but add a personal touch to each individual property. Housebuilders can select from a range of 11 finishes, from synthetic double pane grey tinted glazing, to perforated stainless steel.

This is also supported by Hörmann’s new 24 Duragrain finishes, which again enables professionals to move away from the ‘one size fits all’ approach of traditional garage doors, providing the flexibility to create a unique exterior to their property that won’t be replicated on any other on the development. This is extremely important in the age of personalisation, where prospective buyers want a home constructed from the highest quality building materials, but a home that doesn’t look identical to the property next door.

Duragrain is a printed finish that contains a protective exterior coating to provide an ultra scratch-resistant surface finish, whilst also offering a wide range of visual styles, from concrete to Walnut.

Larger homes For larger scale plots that have the scope for a separate double garage, housebuilders should consider all options at the initial design stages to not only

sectional garage doors are the ideal choice for housebuilders looking to create an internal garage that may be used for functional purposes increase the value of the property, but ensure the doors chosen are fit for purpose. Today, the average car size has increased significantly, requiring garages to become wider and taller. For separate garages, this can be achieved easier than with integral garages, but security should also play an important factor in the decision process to offer homeowners additional peace of mind.

Here roller garage doors and overhead garage doors should be considered as they open vertically, requiring minimum space inside the garage, which is ideal for homeowners that have 4X4 vehicles such as Range Rovers and Land Rovers.

For larger-scale garages, complementary side doors should also be considered, providing homeowners with the freedom to access the garage quickly and easily through a smaller-scale door that has a matching exterior for enhanced visual appeal. Hörmann’s side door NT 60 Garage doors can help provide an ‘individual’ look to each property

Automatic operators provide added convenience

is available in the same surface finishes and colours of its garage door offering, for greater kerb appeal and ease of use.

Security upgrade For additional security and enhanced usability, all of Hörmann’s roller garage doors are supplied with an automatic operator as standard, providing homeowners with the convenience of opening and closing the door via a hand transmitter that cannot be intercepted by a potential thief. The operator also ensures smoother door travel for greater service life, eliminating the costly requirement of frequent maintenance and replacement of parts.

With the single push of a button, homeowners can also check whether the garage door has been accidentally left open, instantly shutting it to prevent potential access for criminals. Homeowners can do this from the comfort of their own home, eliminating the need to physically go outside to the garage to check.

Overhead space For more specialised requirements, a HST side sliding sectional door is the most efficient choice, maximising all internal space. As the garage door opens to the

side, rather than vertically, this is particularly effective for housebuilders who cannot get the door leaf flush to the garage ceiling due to a sloped roof, low lintel or the presence of drain pipes.

As the garage door can also be operated via handheld control, it offers homeowners enhanced ease of use, whilst the movement is controlled by twin rollers constructed of wear-resistant plastic for smooth door operation. The bottom aluminium floor rail also provides added structure and prevents sections from swivelling out during operation.

Whilst garage doors must be considered with as much importance as entrance doors and windows during the initial design stages, housebuilders should consider using manufacturers that offer complementary ranges to enable a cohesive and effective exterior style.

Housebuilders should also work closely with the manufacturer from the very start to ensure the most suitable and efficient solutions are chosen for each individual plot and available space.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To find out more about Hörmann UK’s garage doors use www.rdr.ink/df012

rdr.link rdr.link AIntroducing new digital service for our readers With a wide array of online resources supporting the latest solutions – from videos to technical guides, PDFs to Podcasts – it can be a challenge to locate what you need.

To ensure you don’t miss out on these valuable resources, we are introducing rdr.link – a new, rapid service to transport you immediately to the online resources mentioned in our stories. So, on certain pages, you may see things like: “For more new products & solutions use rdr.link/AB101”

Just type rdr.link/AB101 into your browser and be transported to the products section on our website, packed full of new solutions.

Designed to help busy professionals rapidly locate more information – look out for & use rdr.link

Exteriors

Gareth Davies, Technical Advisor at Tarmac’s Cement Business, highlights how concrete can be used to create eye-catching exteriors on new homes.

A

n ever-popular material for construction, concrete is seeing a new wave of usage and innovation, thanks to its aesthetic values and its inherent qualities of strength, durability and affordability. In fact, a recent 2018 report by WGSN highlighted that concrete is trending across the latest trade shows and particularly with emerging designers.

Innovation in moulding and curing techniques have boosted its versatility, with many using the material in unexpected and unusual ways. Moving on from being just an architectural industrial material, concrete is now entering our outdoor spaces, adding vital kerb appeal and inevitably raising the perceived value of the property.

Hard-wearing, and with the option of a rough-hewn texture or a refined look, concrete is becoming a cornerstone of outdoor design. In particular, Tarmac Blue Circle bagged cement and concrete is being used increasingly for a range of applications, such as statement outdoor countertops, modern board-formed concrete walls, curved open gutters, and luxury stone terrazzo floors.

Patio ideas Concrete offers permanence, durability and is also relatively inexpensive, but more than that, it’s a material that can set

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Concrete kerb appeal apart an exterior space from the mundane to an attractive and contemporary space.

Of all the materials available to build patios, concrete is the most traditional yet versatile choice. It can be smooth, clean, can be cast and formed into curved or complex geometric shapes – and, with the addition of colour, tints and finishes can become anything other than the classic light grey.

Of course, you can just pour a simple concrete slab, but if you want to create a patio which boasts a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and textures, without creating a set of moulds or concrete stamps it might be a good idea to use paving slabs.

Big or small, an area of paving – stone, concrete, brick, geometric or even modern irregular layouts – can look great and provide an excellent centrepiece for an outdoor area.

For many housebuilders a pre-packed ready to use product, such as Tarmac Blue Circle Slablayer, is a suitable choice for bedding slabs, since it overcomes many problems relating to site mixing.

These include correctly gauging the mix; the use of excess water and the addition of other inappropriate materials that can result in reduced strength, increased permeability, and reduced durability of the hardened mortar bed.

With improved quality and consistency, high quality products, such as Tarmac Blue Circle Slablayer, contain specially selected sand and cement for use under patio paving slabs. It also comes in 20kg weather proof, tear resistant packaging to reduce wastage on site. (Download the product data sheet for Tarmac Blue Circle Slablayer by using www.rdr.link/EG )

Of course, no patio is complete without pointing in between the paving slabs.

Often, these joints can be the first casualty of ground movement and external pressure, so it’s crucial to use a weather resistant and durable mortar if you don’t wish to gauge and mix your own mortar products, such as Tarmac Blue Circle Quality Assured Mortar.

It also comes in 20kg weather proof bags, and importantly for smaller projects, the product is also available in conveniently sized 5kg and 10kg resealable tubs. (Download the product data sheet for Tarmac Blue Circle Quality Assured Mortar by using www.rdr.link/df013) Board marked concrete Board formed concrete is a method of construction that is being used more frequently because concrete is extremely well-suited as a finished material in modern design. By imprinting the wood grain on the surface, it visually softens and warms concrete’s cooler appearance while still allowing concrete to express the construction technique.

For example, if the concrete has been formed with horizontal, rough-board forms, the concrete’s surface is imprinted with

wood grain texture and the two materials work well to create a stylish looking wall for any outdoor area.

By using poured high strength concrete, such as Tarmac Blue Circle High Strength Concrete (40N) which can be used in sections as thin as 30mm whilst its high strength formulation makes it ideal for exterior walls, can give your customers one of the most enduring, fire-resistant, thermally retentive and maintenance-free solutions. A concrete wall can last without decay for many years, protecting both the reputation and standards of your work.

(Download the product data sheet for Tarmac Blue Circle High Strength Concrete (40N) by using www.rdr.link/df014) Outdoor furniture As the trend for outdoor entertaining at home gains traction, housebuilders should

begin to explore the different and exciting ways they can add value to their customer’s alfresco ambitions.

Installing concrete furniture such as a table or worktop is a sure-fire way to infuse a stylish and alternative aesthetic into a new build property’s garden. The worktop doesn’t need to appear cold or industrial, concrete can complement almost any style of outdoor area, the key is to suggest adding other warmer, natural textures like fabric or wood to keep it from feeling too austere.

Adding inserts or inlays is a great way to personalise a concrete workstation.

Whether its small stones, pieces of glass or other materials that are mixed throughout the concrete, these can all contribute to a stylish and liveable outdoor landscape.

However, for furniture such as concrete tables which are generally long, slender, thin beams, it’s critical to use a product with adequate workability and flexural strength such as Tarmac Blue Circle High Strength concrete (40N) to prevent cracking, chipping and shrinkage.

The creative possibilities of concrete are expanding, and housebuilders have the opportunity to use concrete in original and inventive ways. Yet, whether it’s a glamourous alfresco job or routine garden maintenance, using the right cement and concrete products can be crucial to maintaining a functional outdoor space.

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EXTERIORS I Round Up

HAMILTON EXPANDS ELEMENTO RANGE AND LAUNCHES A RETRACTIVE SWITCH Hamilton Litestat has extended and made improvements to its range of Elemento weatherproof wiring accessories for external use. The expanded range now includes an uprated IP66 certified RCD Unit. Its new casing delivers protection against dust ensuring the safe operation of the outdoor equipment such as hedge trimmers and lawnmowers.

It has also introduced a Retractive Switch to the Elemento range – a power-safe way for controlling garage doors and entrance gates. When fitted, the switch will automatically sit in the OFF position and must be pressed and held down to switch ON and restore power to the circuit, illustrated by a red neon power indicator. This is particularly suited to garage door applications, where the switch is pressed until the doors are fully open.

Jump straight to further online information using www.rdr.link/df015

PORCELAIN PAVERS INTRODUCED

BY CTD ARCHITECTURAL TILES New for 2019, CTD Architectural Tiles has introduced its Porcelain Pavers collection, a range of 20mmthick porcelain tiles suited to outdoor environments.

Comprised of 22 different tile ranges, the Porcelain Pavers collection can be used for numerous exterior applications: from terraces and patios to parking areas, swimming pool surrounds, recreation areas and inside / outside combinations.

Thanks to the 20mm thickness, every collection is durable and resistant to breaks and scratches, as well as being fade and frost resistant. The paving tiles boast a +36PTV (wet) slip-resistant structured surface and have low porosity.

ROOF MAKER LAUNCHES NEW CONSERVATION LUXLITE ROOFLIGHT Designer, manufacturer and supplier of rooflights, Roof Maker, has launched a new rooflight, the Conservation Luxlite.

The conservation area friendly rooflight has been designed to replicate the original Victorian cast iron skylight featured in many traditional properties.

The rooflight is available in either fixed or electric hinged opening options, including a free rain sensor if a remote control option is specified.

The new rooflight offers U-values as low as 0.5W/m2K, by featuring triple glazing as standard and features a slim shaped split bar that is constructed of high quality aluminium for better weathering and aesthetics. Each rooflight is handcrafted to order, so can be built according to individual custom sizes to ensure a perfect fit.

For more details on the conservation window use www.rdr.link/df017

Discover more about CTD’s Porcelain Pavers at www.rdr.link/df016

CUPA PIZARRAS SLATE USED ON AWARD WINNING SCOTTISH HOME 900m2 of Cupa Pizarras’ Heavy 3 roofing slate has been used on an award winning house in Stirlingshire. The roof plays a dominant role in the design of this contemporary Scottish home, which won the Individual New Build or Small Development category at The Herald Property Awards for Scotland.

Featuring a simple continuous ridge along the house, the large roof expanse is punctuated by four tall chimneys, which, together with the Alpine-inspired oversized roof overhangs, add real visual interest to the property.

A blue black slate with a slightly gritty texture, Cupa Pizarras’ Heavy 3 is produced in two thicknesses, 3.5mm and 7-8mm; the thicker variant being the preferred choice in Scotland where the extra thickness and weight gives it additional strength to withstand high wind speeds and driving rain.

Download a brochure on Heavy 3 roofing slate by using www.rdr.link/df018

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To discover more on the latest product solutions type www.rdr.link/df120 into your browser

EUROCELL INTRODUCES NEW SKYPOD BLACK EDITION PVC-U glazing and roofing systems specialist Eurocell has extended its range of lantern roofs with a new Skypod Black Edition.

As the name suggests, the latest Skypod features a premium all-matt black external frame, adding to the range of six architectural colours already available. The result is a sleek, modern rooflight design that the company predicts will be popular with style-conscious customers looking to bring more natural light into a new home.

The Black Edition is available in square, two-bar and three-bar configurations, all with 20 degree pitch, and five self-cleaning glass colour options. It is also available with a matt black internal finish to add to the architectural appearance.

For peace of mind, the Black Edition carries the standard Eurocell 10-year guarantee to cover any defects in materials or manufacture.

Discover more about the Skypod Black Edition by using www.rdr.link/df019

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FUTURE HOME

The light stuff Thomas Lane, Smart Home Product Manager at Aurora Lighting, speaks to PHPD about the benefits of smart lighting and the ways in which it can be introduced to a new home.

How would you define ‘smart’ lighting for a new home?

Smart lighting enables homes to become more efficient and personal to your lifestyle using automated controls. This is achieved using smart lamps that can provide millions of colours, change from cool to warm white, or be dimmable and configured to create your morning mood, your homecoming schedule and your cinema ambiance.

Q

What are the benefits of a smart lighting system?

The biggest impact is on energy savings. Scheduling lighting to only be on when you need it will obviously reduce electricity bills. Aurora’s Smart lighting can be turned on and off via the AOne app, meaning that you have control and the convenience of adjusting it even when not in the home.

Simulating your

Q

36 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

presence using schedules also offers peace of mind while you are away.

An additional benefit when using Aurora’s AOne range is that you don't even need to change your lights. All that is required is an inline dimmer or relay and a hub. To create a smart space or room link the room’s circuits into the dimmer, which just needs to be wired in between the first fitting and switch. The dimmers can be installed in-line between the switch and first light, or individually, in a matter of minutes and there’s no extra wiring required.

This means that housebuilders can include Aurora AOne products both in

the original design stage as well as add smart lighting into a proposal when looking to add value to a project. Other advantages are: Schedule Lighting Pre-set your lighting to turn on or off and dim at certain times of the day. Gradually brighten your lights with a cooler colour temperature to wake you up in the morning, and schedule your lights to a warmer colour temperature when you wind down in the evenings.

Set your Scenes Group your home and garden lighting into different scenes, allowing on or off control, dimming and colour changing functionality. Pre-set the AOne App with a range of moods for different occasions and control with the touch of a button or your voice*. (*Voice control available with suitable hardware.)

children’s bedroom to ensure they are not playing games late at night.

Take Control - Home Comfort and Convenience Wire the AOne Rotary Dimmer into your existing circuit for full smart control over all your dimmable light fixtures.

Create your Mood Bring your garden to life by installing colour changing smart lamps in your outdoor fixtures. Set scenes to control the colour and brightness, depending on your mood, occasion or the season.

Smart Sensors Configure your devices on the App to control lighting by movement detection, occupancy sensing, lux levels and doors opening. Set your bathroom lighting to come on automatically at reduced brightness during the night, so you don’t wake up the family.

Automate your Scene Install an AOne Smart Door Sensor on the back door, and connect it to your garden lights to automatically come on when you go outdoors in the evenings.

Smart Power Control your household appliances from your phone by installing the AOne Smart Socket or Plug In Adaptor, whilst also benefiting from live energy monitoring.

Schedule your heaters to come on at a certain time, or lock the socket in the

What levels of interest are you currently seeing for the Aurora AOne product range?

Aurora’s AOne is reaching housebuilders, specifiers, contractors and consumers through social media and our brand new website and shows no sign of slowing down. Contractors are finding the system easy to install, is affordable for their Smart conscious homeowners and are keen to learn more through the free Smart Installer Training Programme.

The Smart Installer Training Programme is going around the UK and training contractors in how to create a new design and how to retrofit smart lighting for their customers. All free of charge.

Q

In order to include the system, would a developer need to incorporate additional wiring during the electrical first fix?

No, this is one of the great things about Aurora’s AOne range. Because it is all retrofit it can be installed without additional wiring. Of course, the range can be part of the original design and we have trained sales people ready to discuss small and large scale estates.

Q

Including smart features in showhomes and new builds is the way that smart thinking housebuilders are going

Is AONE solely for lighting, or can it be incorporated into other areas, such as power and security?

The AOne range includes a Smart Double Socket allowing you to control your household appliances and also Door/Window sensors that offer peace of mind.

Q

Can the system be added to over time?

Absolutely. A hub can operate with up to 40 devices and so a first install may be specific to a living room or a garden and can then be added to when the homeowner chooses.

Q

Do you offer a design service – to help housebuilders achieve desirable lighting solutions throughout a new home?

Our fully trained AOne Installers are proficient in helping customers to design their lighting spaces, scenes and schedules.

Q

How soon in the future do you predict that all new homes would feature ‘smart’ options for lighting and home control?

Including smart features in showhomes and new builds is the way that smart thinking housebuilders are going.

Everyone is looking for that USP and Aurora’s full product range gives that edge to the market.

Q

WANT TO KNOW MORE? You can review the entire Smart Inside range of lighting solutions from Aurora by using www.rdr.link/df021

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Future Home

Richard Tonkinson, Executive Director of Offsite Solutions, outlines why the growth in the use of bathroom pods is set to continue into the future.

Pod won out T

he use of bathroom pods in the residential sector has increased hugely in recent years. Commonly used in student accommodation and hotel projects, increasingly, pods are now being adopted across all market sectors and price points.

Volumes in higher specification residential applications are also increasing.

What is a pod?

A pod is only pod for the purpose of manufacturing and transportation to site.

Once it is installed it is simply a bathroom and is little different from an in-situ built bathroom. The principal function of the pod carcase is to allow fitting out and delivery to site. The carcase is typically either steel-framed or GRP composite, depending on the end use and budget.

Steel-framed pods allow traditional tiled interior finishes and a higher level of design flexibility. GRP pods have lower capital expenditure and are robust and easy to maintain and clean.

Innovations in pod technology include hybrid concrete/steel pods for high specification wet rooms and luxury bathrooms; demountable GRP pods for projects with restricted access; and hybrid GRP pods which offer an enhanced finish with options such as recesses and tiled

feature walls. Floorless pods can be supplied for projects where a continuous level floor finish is required.

The benefits to housebuilders Pods offer significant benefits for projects on constrained urban sites where the space for material storage is a particular challenge. We can supply fully completed bathrooms, delivered to a carefully planned programme for installation in just a few hours – removing the need for additional storage on site and reducing the number of vehicle movements.

One of the key drivers for bathroom pod procurement is to reduce programme. By moving bathroom construction into a controlled factory environment, the programme saving on a large residential project can be as much as 20 weeks. This means a faster return on investment for the developer or earlier occupation for the client – and much greater certainty of completion on time and to budget.

Site-based bathroom construction typically requires around seven different trades and 10-15 operations plus the required drying times. With offsite manufacture, this is reduced to a single pod supplier, which means less risk of delays and simplified procurement. Bathroom

Pre-delivery testing

A pod production line

pods also reduce the requirement for skilled labour, site supervision and the associated health and safety obligations.

The production line environment of pod manufacture offers consistently higher quality, and improved productivity. The repetitive nature of bathroom pod production means that the units can be completed to higher quality standards than on site.

Pre-delivery testing should be rigorous and quality assurance procedures stringent for ready-to-use installation, mitigating defects and remedial works.

How to procure pods The most critical consideration for bathroom pod procurement is to engage early. Pods should be designed into the first stages of a construction project and installation must be allowed for in the build-up of walls and floors to reduce the likelihood of access issues.

To optimise efficiency, specifiers should rationalise the number of design types in size and shape, and variations, such as left and right-hand versions, as far as possible. This is key to achieving the economies of scale required for efficient offsite manufacture.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Craning units into place

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For further insight into bathroom pods use www.rdr.link/df022 where you can also find a check list on how to procure bathroom pods for your next project.

FUTURE HOME

Warm front Heating and hot water provision to new homes in the UK has changed little in decades. But are we now on the cusp of a transformation?

PHPD assesses the current situation and looks at what might be on the horizon.

B

oilers are a familiar sight in homes across the UK, and have been for decades, turning natural gas into heating and hot water to meet homeowners’ needs. In fact, four in every five homes use natural gas for heating and hot water.

Whilst units have evolved over time, gradually shrinking in size and becoming increasingly efficient, in the main, they have remained a functional, but largely uninspiring white box on a wall. But there are growing signs that the future might hold a different path for heating and hot water.

Near future In the short time it is unlikely that the market will move too far away from what

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housebuilders and homeowners alike view as a familiar and understood technology. But, with boilers often positioned in the kitchen – a well acknowledged ‘key space’ for a new home – it may be that design-led solutions will now come to the fore. At least, this is the thinking behind the recent launch of Worcester Bosch’s new Greenstar 8000 Life and Style boilers.

Although also packed full of technological enhancements, and many installation and commissioning benefits likely to be welcomed by heating engineers, it is the bold design which could transform the ignored box in the corner of a kitchen into its focal point.

Top of the range is the Underfloor heating Greenstar 8000 Style, which comes in two distinctive high gloss colour options: black and white. At the launch event for the product in April, CEO Carl Arntzen described it as a “new dawn in boiler design”. It is available in combi, system and regular, from 30kW up to 50kW. Amongst the new features is an improved

Worcester’s new Greenstar 8000 boiler

push-button LCD display through which users can access a host of advanced features including ways to actively monitor household energy use. “We have no doubt that this will transform the industry,” noted Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch.

Heat pumps Away from boilers, other technologies are witnessing wider uptake; most notably, heat pumps. A technology widely used across Europe, penetration into the UK is increasing and recently a number of new models have been launched.

Most now incorporate R32 refrigerant, increasing their efficiency, and with each round of product development heat pumps are also getting quieter in operation. The latest Therma V R32 Monobloc from LG has a 5 to 6db lower sound level than its previous model and comes with an Energy Rating of A+++.

At the launch of the product in December 2018 Andrew Hooper, LG’s UK & Ireland Heating Manager, said: “This new range of LG Therma V R32 Monobloc units puts us in a very good place, able to provide a high quality solution to the

The Viessmann Vitovalor fuel cell

developers and end users in the UK looking for an energy efficient, cost efficient, eco-friendly source of heating and hot water, that is ready and able to challenge the stranglehold of the traditional boilers that we have a love affair with here in the UK.” Heat Pumps are often combined with Underfloor Heating (UFH) systems, which not only provide a constant background heat, but also remove the need for radiators in rooms, broadening design options and increasing useable space.

Grant UK has recently unveiled two UFH ranges – Uflex and Uflex MINI – which work in tandem with its Aerona3 R32 Air Source Heat Pump range to deliver heat throughout a property.

One housebuilder we spoke with recently told us they were looking closely at the heating options on all new developments and were very near to using heat pumps and UFH on all new developments, irrespective of whether mains gas is available.

Another technology to keep watching is combined heat and power. Heating systems manufacturer, Viessmann, recently announced the launch of its new Vitovalor PT2 fuel cell micro combined heat and power (mCHP) boiler which it believes can generate enough electricity to cover the basic demands of an average household, whilst saving up to 40% of household energy consumption.

Longer term Looking farther ahead it would be worth noting the year 2025. This is when the Government’s ‘Future Homes Standard’ could take effect. Announced in this year’s Spring Statement the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, indicated that new homes would not be able to use heating systems reliant on fossil fuels from this date. Were it to come into effect, this policy could move the market towards a wider array of electric options, including direct electric heating and heat pumps.

However, it should be noted that the

After using natural gas for decades, it is likely that the way we heat and provide hot water to our homes is beginning to change.

Standard is by no means set in stone. It must be consulted upon and may well be delayed, altered, or scrapped altogether.

Even if the Future Homes Standard is enacted, it may not be the end of the boiler. There are a number of projects underway to assess the feasibility of incorporating higher levels of hydrogen into the gas grid, and the possibility of switching to hydrogen altogether.

Worcester Bosch is one company exploring this opportunity, publishing a ‘Future of Fuel’ report in December 2018.

To view the full report enter www.rdr.link/df023 into your browser According to the report, decarbonising the supply running through the mains gas network would cost three times less than the government’s current aim of electrification. Worcester Bosch’s Martyn Bridges noted: “The UK’s established gas infrastructure has worked incredibly well for many years, which presents us with a massive opportunity. We can leave it untouched, replacing only the chemical make-up of matter running through it to a carbon-free alternative. As ever, however, political will is vital if we are to use hydrogen as a means to achieving our goal of carbon reduction.”

After using natural gas for decades, it is likely that the way we heat and provide hot water to our homes will begin to change. Whilst in the shorter term boilers could become more design orientated, looking farther ahead it is likely that the market will gradually shift towards a broader array of alternative solutions.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Grant’s Aerona3 ASHP

www.grantuk.com www.lg.com/uk/heating www.viessmann.co.uk www.worcester-bosch.co.uk Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer june

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Future Home I ROUND UP

RENEWABLES TO POWER FUTURE HOMES PROJECT Solar specialists, Eco2Solar, has announced a new partnership with heat battery specialist Sunamp. The two companies are working together to install renewable power solutions on homes within Taylor Wimpey’s development in Dargavel, Bishopton.

The homes will have Eco2Solar’s photovoltaic solar panels connected to Sunamp’s UniQ range of heat batteries, allowing homeowners to capture and store energy from the sun, into the heat battery for later generation of hot water. The system greatly reduces the use of the gas boiler, saving money and significantly reducing carbon emissions.

You can watch a video on how Eco2Solar works with housebuilders by using www.rdr.link/df024

TECHNOLOGY COULD BE EMBEDDED IN THE BUILDING FABRIC

RADIANT HEATING PANELS – THE FUTURE OF INDOOR HEATING? Tansun radiant heating panels provide even heat distribution to gently warm people and objects before targeting the surrounding air.

The panels boast advanced heating technology which is designed to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The company says energy conversion rates are around 98%.

Many rooms around the home could benefit from radiant panel heating including living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, garages and conservatories. Designed at IP55, the heating panels can also be used in bathrooms. There is no pipework and the heaters can be wall or ceiling mounted to save floor space.

You can find out more about radiant heating panels by using www.rdr.link/df025

GIRA INTRODUCES DOOR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM Gira, a supplier of intelligent solutions for buildings, has introduced a new surfacemounted video and door communication system.

Featuring a 7-inch TFT touch display, the unit display automatically switches on when someone rings the doorbell, ready to conveniently operate. Users can define ‘favourite’ functions from the start screen, as well as ‘one-touch’ buttons that allow for quick light control and door entry – even when the display is set to off-mode.

‘One-touch’ also provides access to communication records, allowing users to review missed visitors, deactivate set ringtones, manage image memory, make internal calls between installed systems and check the status of the system.

For more information on Gira’s door communication systems, including PDF downloads, use www.rdr.link/df026

42 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

53% of consumers are interested in having technology-enabled products in the build of their home, according to research conducted by Eurocell.

While more than half would like future homes to have smart technology embedded in them, only 20% of those would be willing to pay more for a home that had this as a feature. When asked further about technology within the home, 24% of respondents said they plan to invest in smart technology in their existing property in the near future.

Chris Coxon, Head of Marketing at Eurocell, commented: “The general consensus from the discussion and from the survey was that whilst technology is desirable, it’s not a key priority at the moment. It will be interesting to see where technology takes us next, and how housebuilders will work with it.”

The research is part of Eurocell’s ‘The Future Home Report’, and can be downloaded using www.rdr.link/df027

KITCHENS & Bathrooms round up

To discover more on the latest solutions type www.rdr.link/df036 into your browser

SANIFLO KINEDO KINESPACE SHOWER ENCLOSURES

FISHER & PAYKEL BLACK BUILT-IN OVENS Fisher & Paykel has introduced a black colourway to their 60cm/24” built-in oven series.

Featuring a full glass front in pure black, and a black anodised aluminium dial, handle and trim, the oven has been designed to mix cutting-edge contemporary style with high performance.

Amongst its features, the oven incorporates the CoolTouch door, which features triple glazing and a cooling system, to ensure that it is safe to touch from the outside.

It also incorporates a soft open and close feature, which has been tested 300,000 times to ensure durability.

With eleven functions, users can choose from a variety of preset temperatures including Roast, Pastry Bake and Fan grill, introducing a sense of ease into the kitchen.

| To find out more about Fisher & Paykel’s ovens use www.rdr.link/df028

The new Kinedo Kinepsace range of elegant and discrete shower cubicles from Saniflo UK has been designed to make fitting shower enclosures swift and easy, while delivering a highquality product with a 10-year warranty. Available in four sizes, chrome profiles feature across the range with some versions also available in statement black or ‘on trend’ copper.

Numerous configurations are possible including quadrant, recessed and corner options with pivot or sliding doors whilst fixed panels enable customisation for extra flexibility.

| A brand new Kinedo Shower Enclosure brochure is now available for download – use www.rdr.link/df029 AQATA CURVED SHOWER SCREEN Aqata has introduced distinct curves into the bathroom with the launch of its DS506 shower screen – the latest addition to the company’s range of shower screens, trays and accessories. The Curved Quintet Walk-In shower screen is created from a single sheet of 8mm glass, with ClearShield ECO-GLASS protection as standard.

Designed for use with either a shower tray or in a wet room, the curvature of the glass extends for 1200mm with no seals and is 2000mm high.

| To find out more use www.rdr.link/df030 BRISTAN 4-IN-1 BOILING WATER TAP Bristan has grown its boiling water tap portfolio with the addition of the Rapid 4-in-1, which delivers hot, cold, boiling and filtered water from a single unit. The Rapid 4-in-1 boiling water tap is packaged with everything required for installation, tap, pressure reducing valve, flexi tails, filter cartridge and a 3L capacity tank with four temperature settings, delivering water up to 98°c.

The tap includes a number of clever features, including a safe touchsensor control button that must be pressed whilst dispensing boiling water, to help make kitchens safer.

| To discover more use www.rdr.link/df031 BATHROOMS TO LOVE FROM PJH MATT BLACK WETROOM PANELS New from PJH’s Bathrooms to Love Collection is a range of matt black wetroom panels that have been added to complement its RefleXion 8 shower enclosure category. Styled to achieve the monochrome look, the new range includes glass with either a matt black profile or fully framed matt black panelled exterior. Part of the top-of-the-range RefleXion 8 category, the panels are constructed from 8mm toughened safety glass with concealed fixings and Easy Clean glass treatment.

| To find out more about Bathrooms to Love’s enclosure options use www.rdr.link/df032

44 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

HBA COLUMN

Modern world Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Planning and Policy at the House Builders Association, says that defining Modern Methods of Construction was a vital step.

T

SMEG FOUR-DOOR FRIDGE FREEZER Further extending its range of 4-door refrigerators, the FQ60X2PEAI is a new powerful cooling unit from Smeg that it believes is ‘ideal’ for larger families or those who love to entertain. The fridge has a 626 litre total gross capacity, and features an 83 litre Multizone compartment which can be used as either a fridge or freezer depending on storage needs.

The unit is rated A++ for energy efficiency and has a noise level of 43 dB(A).

| To find out more about Smeg’s new Four-door fridge freezer use www.rdr.link/df033 ABACUS BATHROOMS ‘M1 SERIES’ PANELS The M1 Series is a new portfolio of panelling solutions from Abacus Bathrooms.

Launched as an alternative to tiles, the range has been designed to be equally at ease in both modern and classic schemes.

The lightweight, ‘fit and forget’ panels are 100% waterproof and the surfaces eliminate the need for grouting so there is no chance of mould or discolouration. The panels feature a waterproof honeycomb core and are suitable for all walls and ceilings in showers, bathrooms, kitchens, conservatories, extensions and utility rooms.

| To see the full range of M1 panels use www.rdr.link/df034 VOGUE UK DÉCOR HARMONIQUE Vogue (UK) has introduced a new design for 2019, Décor Harmonique. The new design is a combination rail with integrated flat panel radiator. Featuring flat crossbars the new product has been designed to help developers achieve a modern and sleek vibe in a home, while bringing an air of sophistication and classic deco principles.

Suitable for central heating systems, dual fuel and electric options, Décor Harmonique is 1200mm (high) by 500mm (wide) by 159mm (deep) and is designed with four towel rails for hanging space, and an integrated contemporary radiator.

| To explore Décor Harmonique further use www.rdr.link/df035

he Government has finally released its definition framework for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), which was put together by the joint industry working group on MMC at the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (MHCLG).

Encompassing seven categories, the document includes pre-manufacturing, site based materials and process innovation. Within the framework, there is also a list of building typologies and material genres.

Vital to help advance MMC opportunities, as well as driving uptake, the document finally gives a direction of travel for the industry.

many will already find themselves delivering MMC on their projects such as basic frames, floor slabs and pre-assembled roof structures.

For smaller builders, the framework should encourage modernisation of practice but many will already find themselves delivering MMC on their projects such as basic frames, floor slabs and pre-assembled roof structures.

Others will be encouraged to see that site process and productivity will also be defined as MMC. These decisions show that the Government prefers to let the industry choose how and where to invest in modernising itself, rather than mandating MMC, relying on off-site and modular building and then wait for the industry to catch up.

Planning changes?

Moving forward, the Government may wish to encourage more MMC through the planning process, although it needs to be careful about how it does this. Rather than speeding up planning for MMC projects, it should build a picture of how widely MMC are being used by asking developers to voluntarily submit their MMC involvement.

Once established as a practice, the Government could consider mandating MMC reports to help promote innovative new technologies and drive the direction of change. However, MMC reporting should not be a chargeable planning condition and deemed discharge should apply.

By defining MMC, the Government has taken the right steps to encourage industry adoption and create a platform for a new industry. It must now build on that, in partnership with existing players, so that today’s MMC becomes tomorrow’s traditional approach.

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

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer june

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To find out more type www.rdr.link/ followed by the appropriate 5-digit quick code into your browser

TRADE MEDIA

June 2019

Premier Bathroom Collection

The quality, the choice, and the price to make everyone happy.

premierbathroomcollection.co.uk

WOODPECKER FLOORING 2019 CATALOGUE

NUIE RE-BRAND & NEW BROCHURE

The 2019 Woodpecker Flooring catalogue features a volley of new products, inspiring images and a refreshed design.

As the trend for contemporary parquet flooring continues to thrive, two new chevron designs join the Goodrich collection. In white and natural shades, Cashmere and Manor Oak bolster the choice of unique patterned looks from the range. Also featured are Woodpecker’s new distressed herringbone floors which recreate the feel of antique timber.

The range is responsibly sourced, with FSC or PEFC certification.

Ultra Finishing has re-branded its Premier Bathroom Collection to ‘nuie’. Highlighting the change is a new brochure.

The launch of nuie builds on Ultra Finishing’s brassware heritage and sees six new brassware ranges join the collection. The new ranges add to an already wide choice of on-trend designs that span sleek modern minimalism through to more classic styles.

Adam Chinn, Marketing Director, Ultra Finishing said: “The re-brand to nuie brings a more attractive status to the range, as well as consolidating the entire product portfolio under a single brand.”

to download the new brochure? Use the new brochure from | Want | Download www.rdr.link/df037 www.rdr.link/df038

MIRA SHOWERS COST OF CARE CALCULATOR

STUART TURNER NEW BROCHURE

TITON NEW WEBSITE

A new calculator from Mira Showers reveals the cost of living in a residential care home set against ‘ageproofing’ a home. According to the company’s analysis it is 65% cheaper to ‘age-proof’ a home than it is to move into a residential care home.

The calculator has been developed to help users discover what options are best suited to the needs of the older generation and find a cost-effective option.

Matt Herbert, spokesperson for Mira Showers, said: “For many, growing old at home seems like a pipe dream, but in terms of costs, it could actually work out better for them in the long run.”

Following the recent extension to its product offering, Stuart Turner has updated its latest brochure. The new brochure uses simple icons to indicate which application each product is most suitable for – making it easier than ever for installers and specifiers to find out what solution best suits their requirements.

David Roome, Marketing Manager at Stuart Turner said: “Specifying the most appropriate solution can be quite complex, so we’ve really paid attention to how the layout and configuration of the brochure can guide you to the correct product; the end goal being that no matter where readers jump in, they will be provided relevant information.”

Titon has launched a new website, showcasing its full range of products, across both the company’s Ventilation Systems and Window & Door Hardware divisions. The new site boasts an in-depth ‘resources’ section and is supplemented by a ‘knowledgebase’ containing up to date details of the UK Building Regulations, as well as the company’s latest BIM and CPD information.

Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon, said: “The website is the result of lots of research and workshops, as well as in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and customers. Titon now has a good looking, functional website that will benefit all our customers.”

download the brochure visit view the Cost of Care calculator type | Towww.rdr.link/df040 | Towww.rdr.link/df039 into a browser.

46 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

www.titon.com or use | Visit www.rdr.link/df041

general building I round up To discover more on the latest product solutions type www.rdr.link/df0 into your browser

ARISTON NEW BOILERS Ariston has added to its ONE Series range of gas condensing boilers with the introduction of two new models: Alteas ONE Net and Genus ONE Net. Both boilers feature built-in Wi-Fi and digital timer programming, while they are also supplied with a 12-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard.

The premium model is the Alteas ONE Net, which boasts a black finish and Ultrasafe glass panel, while the new line-up is completed by the Genus ONE Net. Both boilers are supplied with Ariston’s Cube RF control, ready for connection to the Ariston Net smartphone app.

To view a PDF with full details use www.rdr.link/df042

VORTICE VORT PLATT HCS The new Vort Platt HCS, a compact centralised mechanical ventilation unit, has been added to the company’s range. Suitable for a kitchen and two additional wet rooms, this ERP compliant unit is of slimline profile, fitting easily into many void spaces.

The Vort Platt HCS also has adjustable humidity sensors which will boost when the relative humidity in the room exceeds a certain level, maintaining a comfortable and healthy internal environment for occupants.

For more information on the Vort Platt HCS including technical data and performance curves use www.rdr.link/df043

VASCO CARRÉ HALF-ROUND RADIATORS The curved Carré range of radiators from Vasco is a versatile steel radiator with straight, square tubes and rhythmical interplay of lines.

Designed to make stylish statement in any room, and available as a half or quarterround, the curved Carré provides versatility for awkward spaces and is available in over 55 contemporary shades.

The range is also available with an optional towel rail and robe hook, making it an option for bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms.

Both the quarter round and half round come in two different widths and four different heights from 1400mm to 2200mm.

To view Vasco’s ‘Inspiration Book’ which includes detail of the Carre range use www.rdr.link/df045

KLOBER PERMO EXTREME RS SK2 WEATHERPROOF UNDERLAY Permo extreme RS SK2 from Klober is a waterproof, tearresistant underlay, designed for use on low pitched roofs.

Suitable for profile tiles pitched at 12.5˚ or more, 15˚ for slates and 22.5˚ for plain tiles; it is manufactured from a bondable twolayered underlay with a shrink-resistant TPU coating on a robust PES (polyethersulphone) fleece which allows vapour to escape, while keeping rain water out.

Double self-adhesive edge strips provide a permanent seal and weatherproofing against wind, rain and snow; while the PES fleece also incorporates a capillary stop to control the formation of condensation.

Jump straight to further online information using www.rdr.link/df044

VENT-AXIA COOKER HOOD WITH MVHR Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood combines a cooker hood with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) unit in one. A solution for smaller properties, the unit works as an MVHR unit supplying energy efficient ventilation to the home and, when the cooker hood is needed, it is simply pulled out to provide a purge of cooker fumes.

The Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood is designed to fit in a 600mm wide aperture above a hob and so fits inside a kitchen unit for a seamless finish. The telescopic hood incorporates removable metal grease filters, low energy lamps to illuminate the hob top and is available with a white or brushed aluminium front trim.

For more information on the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic Cooker Hood, including PDF downloads and technical data use www.rdr.link/df046

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX A Proctor Group Ltd ..........................................................................(IFC)

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48 june Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

last word With much in the press about biodiversity net gain, Sally Hayns, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), looks at the impact on housebuilders and the important role they can play in preserving the natural environment.

Human nature F

rom an ecologist’s perspective, the increasing visibility and emphasis given to the natural environment in national planning policy is a good thing.

But how good is it for housebuilders and other developers?

I am not suggesting that housebuilders don’t value the environment – far from it, but it is yet another potential constraint to be aware of and make decisions about in a fast-changing planning policy world.

Biodiversity Net Gain, new licensing policies for protected species, blue and green infrastructure plans – these are all relatively new concepts that housebuilders and their agents need to get their heads around. Ecological consultants should be there to help you, but do you use them, and do you trust them?

In the bad old days, ecological consultants were seen as ‘the enemy’ by pretty much everyone involved in the development business. Viewed with suspicion by developers who expected that they were; a) going to cause problems by finding protected habitats and species on sites that would then be time-consuming and costly to deal with, and; b) going to create a lot more work for themselves by recommending more

We need to understand each other better and we need to find ways to work together for a common goal.

survey and mitigation work that may or may not be necessary.

Helping the process Hopefully time and attitudes have changed, or at least are on the way to changing. There is now wider recognition that good ecological consultants help the development process, both at the design stage and at the planning decision stage.

Good ecological consultants can show stakeholders how the natural environment is being protected (and possibly even enhanced) as part of development. They can also give sound professional advice in a clear, timely and consistent way. But it is also true that not all ecological consultants are good at what they do.

Why is that? Well firstly, it is an unregulated profession. You don’t need to have any qualifications to set up as an ecological consultant and give advice to developers and planning authorities.

Those that join CIEEM voluntarily submit to having their knowledge, experience and competence tested and to being bound by a Code of Professional Conduct, so that if things go wrong, their clients can do something about it. Those that are prepared to commit to corporately doing things in the right way are then included in our Directory of Registered Practices (see www.rdr.link/df047).

Secondly, not all ecological consultants understand the planning, development and construction processes. It is not formally taught, so ecologists ‘acquire’ knowledge along the way. That’s not good enough. CIEEM has recently

embarked on a project to train ecological consultants who are at an early stage in their careers in how development works, the significance of the decisions and recommendations they make, and how to do it in an objective, evidence-based, timely and constructive way.

Thirdly, many local authorities do not have access to in-house ecological expertise. This can make local planning authorities risk averse when it comes to planning decisions or lead them to make poor development decisions which then lead to challenges from other parties. With savage spending cuts impacting heavily on planning departments, this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Which is why CIEEM is investing in supporting local planning authorities, by helping to train planners in biodiversity issues.

But what about help for housebuilders and other developers? We need to find ways to help you get to grips with the implications of emerging planning policy and manage your project impacts on nature in time and cost-efficient ways. To do that we need to have honest conversations with you and your representative bodies. We need to understand each other better and we need to find ways to work together for a common goal – good development in the right places.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Sally Hayns CEcol MCIEEM, is the CEO of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. Visit www.cieem.net