Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer July/August 2021

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PROFESSIONAL

HOUSEBUILDER & PROPERTY DEVELOPER

WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

JULY/AUGUST 2021

GRAIN OF TRUTH What’s really going on behind recent timber shortages?

BUILDING FABRIC

INTERIORS

Go traditional or modern – the choice is yours. Either way, pick a system which ensures quality

Create comfortable interiors that will please homeowners for years to come

LAST WORD: IS IT TIME TO INCENTIVISE MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION?

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CONTENTS

PHPD JULY/AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 15 NUMBER 6

REGULARS 5

First Word

6

News

10 Developments 40 General Building Products 42 Product Focus: West Fraser 43 Last Word

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BUILDING FABRIC 18 Breaking the Mould Anderton Concrete’s Tim Fields discusses what using precast concrete can do for you.

20 Stone Free Concrete masonry blocks can offer real aesthetic appeal.

Forticrete explains.

22 Q&A: Michelmersh PHPD catches up with Michelmersh’s Marketing Director Sarah Le Gresley to discuss the group’s recent acquisition of brickmaker Floren.

25 Expert Comment: Hemp Blocks 26 Product Spotlight: Bricks & Blocks 28 Advertorial: H+H

Maximising interior selling potential

INTERIORS 30 The Right Match

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Precast concrete solutions

Explore Hamilton Litestat’s customisable switch plate offering.

33 Expert Update: Edward Thomas Interiors 34 The Air that we Breathe Indoor air quality has never been higher up the agenda. How can Domus Ventilation help?

36 The Sound of Silence Bring peace and quiet with Oscar Acoustics 38 Product Spotlight: Smart Home Technology

SPECIAL REPORTS 12 Q&A: Methven’s Catherine SevilleClare talks to PHPD 14 Timber Shortages: The TTF explains all 16 Profile: Kudos Showers 29 Giveaway: Marley Roofing wants you to stay safe in the sun

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Smart home technology

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FIRST WORD

Editor Kieran Nee phpd@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey 07900 248102 craig@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager Samuel Shannon-Tinsley 01923 237799 stinsley@hamerville.co.uk Northern Area Sales Ian Duff 07810 353 525 probuilder@sky.com Digital Group Manager Stuart Duff Digital Assistant David Molloy Design Adeel Qadri Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Kerri Smith Managing Editor Terry Smith Circulation Manager Kirstie Day 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. © 2021

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

Total Average Net Distribution 13,310 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2020

Locally Sourced For the first lines of this editorial viewpoint, I’m going to flick through the pages of this very issue to the final page – our Last Word feature, this month supplied by construction expert Ian Atkinson, from the law firm Womble Bond Dickinson – the final lines of which are a call to the Government to introduce actual (financial) incentives to encourage the further uptake of Modern Methods of Construction.

This is not beyond the realm of possibility – after all, Government incentives in the form of tax breaks form a part of many aspects of life, usually intended to encourage what it sees as “good behaviour”. On paper, at least, MMC is exemplary behaviour and the list of benefits it can bring is extensive (and listed in the Last Word). However, it must be remembered that “factory conditions” under which modular and offsite houses are built aren’t the same as “laboratory conditions”, and as any guitar player well knows, two factories (or even the same, at different times) can produce two wildly different examples of what are supposed to be identical products.

Deep are the memories the public hold onto regarding the poor quality prefab housing of the postwar period. Modern proponents of MMC assure us that this time is different, that standards are higher, technologies more sophisticated and the aims are different. That may all be true, and indeed would mirror the rest of the economy, but the fact is the technology remains largely untested, at least at scale. And scale is a big issue here. What works on one-off sites, under favourable conditions, can easily come undone when rolled out over hundreds of sites, encompassing thousands of new homes.

What is tried and tested, however, is the quality workmanship of SME and regional housebuilders. Relying on a local reputation for decent homes ensures that effort and care is put into every development and every home. It’s common to hear from small housebuilders that they’re only as good as the last home they built – so each one needs to be as good as, if not better than, the last.

If the Government is serious about MMC and, by extension, reducing carbon emissions in housebuilding, then financial incentives are certainly the route to go down.

Left to its own devices, the housing market will struggle to justify making a leap into the unknown. What the Government needs to understand, however, is that for MMC to work to its fullest potential, it needs to be adopted by regional builders who will use it as one part of a whole programme designed simply to provide quality housing in desirable areas.

What works on “one-off sites can

easily come undone when rolled out over hundreds of sites, encompassing thousands of new homes.

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

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NEWS In Brief n Aggregate Industries has broken ground on its £13m Cauldon cement plant project to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30,000 tonnes annually. The project is due to complete in 2022. Pictured right n The UK’s first search engine for development finance, Brickflow, has secured £47.6 million in approved loans in its first six months, supporting the delivery of 208 homes. n According to a recent survey, outdoor space, broadband and local parks have shot up the rankings of what potential homebuyers are looking for – compared to 2019’s favourites of transport links and nearby cities. n Imperial Bricks now requires all of its manufacturing partners to meet and evidence at least four key internationally recognised standards for product quality, sustainability and ethical supply.

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

216,800 extra construction workers needed by 2025

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onstruction, and especially private housebuilding, has bounced back quicker than expected from the Covid-19 pandemic and the industry will reach 2019 levels of output in 2022. By 2025, the industry will need to recruit an additional 217,000 new workers just to meet demand. That’s the forecast of the Construction Skills Network 2021-25, published by CITB recently.

According to the CSN, most English regions will experience an increase in construction workers by 2025. The only region forecast to see a slight decline in workforce is the North East (-0.1%). Major projects such as HS2 are driving growth in some regions, however private housing (6.7%) should see the healthiest pace of expansion by 2025.

In terms of annual average recruitment requirement (ARR), the most in demand trades are forecast to be in wood trades & interior fit-out (5,500 per year), other construction professionals and technical staff (5,150), construction managers (3,600) and electrical installation trades and

(3,400). There will also be a demand for non-construction, office-based professional, technical and IT support staff (7,850).

CITB Policy Director Steve Radley said: “It’s great to see construction coming back so strongly and creating lots of job opportunities. We need to adopt new approaches to meet these growing skills needs and deliver these quickly.”

According to recent ONS figures, current vacancies within construction stand at 35,000, the highest figure since records began in 2001. This is 6,000 higher than last year.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz001

Huge recovery for merchants

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otal Builders Merchants value sales in Q1 2021 increased by 15.1% compared to Q1 2020. This growth was mainly driven by Landscaping (+41.4) and Timber & Joinery Products (30.5%). Removing the effects of Covid, results are still positive, with merchants total value sales up 6.0% on Q1 2019.

Growth has been fuelled by a bumper March, driven in part by a strong housebuilding market. March sales were up 47.4% compared to March 2020 and by a no less extraordinary 23.0% compared to the same month in 2019.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz002

Housebuilder Code of Conduct launched

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he New Homes Quality Board has recently published its draft new code of practice for housebuilders. The New Homes Quality Code, aims to address the gaps in existing protections for new build customers for which the housebuilding industry has been heavily criticised in recent years.

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The independent body will oversee a new framework aiming to drive up quality and service standards in the industry. It will oversee the introduction of the new code and appoint a New Homes Ombudsman Service to provide independent redress for customers not satisfied with their builder or new home.

The Code introduces a broad range of additional requirements for builders to fill the gaps in current protections and ensure that every aspect of a new home purchase, from when a customer walks into a sales office, through to two years after occupation of the home is covered.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz003

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Stamp duty effect greater in 2021 than any other year

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ccording to real estate experts Knight Frank, 2021 will be a case study for how differing rates of stamp duty impact the property market.

UK transaction numbers reached a record level in March, the month of the false start, taking the total annual spend in the housing market to levels not seen since before the global financial crisis.

Sales that had been lined up to complete went ahead anyway, irrespective of the announcement on 3 March that the end of the holiday had been deferred.

Transaction numbers then fell by 36% in

Biodiversity report aims to help build sustainable communities

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April, provisional HMRC data shows. It was the third largest monthly decline on record even though it followed a deadline that did not ultimately materialise. The biggest monthly drop was recorded in April 2020 as the country entered its first national lockdown. The second largest decline was in April 2016, the month a 3% stamp duty surcharge was introduced for secondhome owners and landlords. The fourth largest drop was in January 2010 following the end of a previous stamp duty holiday.

The impact of stamp duty on transaction numbers is clear. Indeed,

there are parallels between 2016 and 2021, with both years experiencing a spike in March followed by a drop in April, as the chart below shows. Ahead of the stamp duty holiday expiring on 30 June, there is every reason to believe there will be a second large spike in transactions this month.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz004

New builds too warm for climate change

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ew build homes are unsuitable for climate change, with more than 570,000 residential properties built since 2016 not able to withstand future high temperatures, according to the Climate Change Committee.

The CCC argues that current policy was inadequate to combat overheating in homes, identifying it as one the “top

risks in all UK climate risk assessments published to date”.

The committee has called for Building Regulations to be updated to embrace passive cooling measures including better shading, reflective surfaces and green cover for homes.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz006

limate change is the greatest challenge of our time, which combined with Government demands for greatly increased housing supply, is creating a balancing act which housebuilders and developers must consider in all its aspects.

The NHBC Foundation’s recent publication, ‘Biodiversity in New Housing Developments’, in partnership with the RSPB and Barratt Developments, highlights that biodiversity should be considered at the earliest stages of planning new home developments to encourage wildlife and help reverse habitat decline.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz005

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NEWS

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

Etex plans £140m UK plasterboard plant expansion

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eading lightweight construction manufacturer, Etex, has been given the green light by North Somerset Council to expand its Bristol manufacturing facility by almost double.

The £140m investment into the former brownfield site is expected to increase production capacity for Etex’s Siniat brand by over 50% and will contribute to the local economy by creating more than 50 new jobs at the site, set to open in 2023.

The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will have a core focus on sustainability, utilising a rainwater

harvesting system, solar PV, electric car charging points and eventually a fully electric forklift fleet. The extra space will also support Etex in meeting one of its core circular economy objectives of achieving 30% post-consumer gypsum in its plasterboard by 2025. While Etex is already leading post-consumer gypsum recycling in Europe, reprocessing more than 120,000 tonnes of recovered gypsum per year, the expansion will significantly increase its capabilities.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz007

Create Homes achieve second Gold RoSPA award

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orth West luxury residential housebuilders, Create Homes has achieved a prestigious Gold award for 2021 from RoSPA, in recognition of their continual outstanding Health & Safety performance. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents awards

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scheme is one of the most prestigious and well established Healthy and Safety schemes in the UK and receives thousands of entries from businesses around the world every year.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz008

Quickslide renews focus on housebuilders

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pecialist window and door manufacturer Quickslide has further increased its focus on production of windows, doors and related products for the housebuilding sector, with the creation of a distinct department to service the specific needs of the sector. This includes resources that will provide support with areas such as regulatory and statutory demands; product development and design including technology and market trends; logistics; and after-sales support.

Quickslide already enjoys significant sales of windows and doors to housebuilders, who are attracted by the company’s understanding of the particular needs of the sector, in addition to an impressive investment in manufacturing technology. Combined, these enable Quickslide to produce the widest choice of window and door designs, in various frame materials such as uPVC and aluminium, quickly and to consistently high quality, at short notice and to flexible delivery schedules in accordance with the particular demands of housebuilding. A particular aspect of Quickslide’s service-offer has been the firm’s ability to supply multiple size and design variations within a single project.

The company’s Sales Director Tom Swallow says that creation of the specialist department will consolidate the firm’s resources for housebuilder customers: “We have a long experience of serving housebuilders of various sizes, with projects ranging from small developments to large estates; our people understand the language and issues and they will now focus entirely on this sector.”

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz009

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DEVELOPMENTS

Ascot…

Silwood Park Nurseries – approval granted for four luxury homes within the Green Belt.

Approval has been granted for a luxury courtyard development on a historic site near Ascot Racecourse following a successful application from specialist urban planning consultancy, Hybrid Planning & Development.

Situated within the Green Belt, the approved development will see the creation of four single storey family homes at Silwood Park Nurseries by developer, Thornbury Group.

“Silwood Park Nurseries is an extremely sensitive site. It is not only located within the Green Belt, but also contains a Grade II listed walled garden dating back to 1817,” explains Hybrid’s senior planner, Aaron Henecke.

“Understanding the complexities for a development of this nature, we encouraged early and widespread stakeholder engagement. This involved a

successful pre-application process to identify footprint/volume parameters, heritage constraints, design approach and best use of the site in line with the NPPF, as well as an online consultation event to engage local residents during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Designed around a central courtyard within the Grade II listed walled garden, the approved new homes at Silwood Park each follow an L-shaped footprint with an open plan internal layout. Each home has a pitched tile and green roof and will be built with a combination of brickwork to match the listed walls and full height glazing for a more contemporary appearance.

Alex Oliver, managing director, Thornbury Group said: “The Silwood Park Nurseries site was acquired after the existing owners consolidated their flower

display business and released the land, which is currently occupied by lightweight greenhouse structures and a series of brick buildings in poor repair.

Through positive engagement with our potential neighbours, we realised a bespoke and sensitive residential development would be supported.

The approved development at Silwood Park Nurseries also includes large private gardens, car parking, a communal courtyard garden and substantial soft landscaping/tree planting.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz010

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E-mail your latest developments to phpd@hamerville.co.uk Eleanor Gardens – rurally located family homes.

Rippon Homes’ latest development comprises a collection of three and four-bedroom houses and bungalows in Navenby, Lincolnshire.

The rural location of the Eleanor Gardens development was key to the interior design of the recently revealed showhome. Close to the main playing fields and community hall, the development is well positioned for families to become integrated into the village.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz011

BLACKBURN… Milking Lane – preferred developer announced for JV Council project.

Cheshire-based homebuilder, Elan Homes is set to acquire 8.64 acres of land at Milking Lane from a Council Joint Venture after being named as the preferred developer. Along with 76 new homes, the scheme will also see Elan create a biodiverse area of public open space within the development for residents to enjoy. This will run alongside a sustainable urban drainage system and the River Darwen tributary, Davy Field Brook. The site in Lower Darwen will be Elan’s third development in Lancashire, following on from the recent acquisition of sites in Wrea Green and Marton Moss.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz012

LINCOLNSHIRE…

Winsmore – affordable housing for rent and shared ownership.

A new community of 49 affordable rent and shared ownership homes has finished construction in Powick. Located on Winsmore, the £7.5m housing scheme provides a mixture of housing types, including six bungalows, eight apartments, 12 semi-detached, four detached houses and 19 terraced properties. The development was delivered for local housing association, Platform Housing Group, by national contractor, Seddon.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz013

POWICK...

King’s Park - £45m development nears second phase.

After delivering 78 homes as part of the first phase, E5 Living has announced the second phase of its King’s Park development in Scartho, Grimsby, will commence in August. Phase one includes a mix of 78 two and three bedroom detached and semi detached bungalows, with and without garages, and three-bed semi-detached homes and will be completed

by Autumn next year. Phase two is scheduled to begin in August, running alongside phase one, and will involve the construction of an additional 16 bungalows and retail units to serve the new village-style community.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz014

GRIMSBY...

Old Pump House – award winning development A Newland Homes development in Bristol has won an award for high standards of construction and site management. Old Pump House in Bedminster Down has been awarded The Bricks Development of the Year South award by LABC Warranty, in the 51 to 100 homes category. The development is a collection of contemporary, urban houses and apartments, built with quality and sustainability in mind. Properties come with Solar PV panels, cycle storage and fibre broadband provision, a prerequisite for working from home.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz015

BRISTOL...

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SPECIAL REPORT

Showers for a better planet PHPD talks to Methven’s Head of Marketing, Catherine Seville-Clare about the company’s new range of products aimed at the specification market.

Could you tell us a little about Methven?

Methven is an award winning, global designer and manufacturer of premium showers and taps, which have been designed and engineered in New Zealand.

Committed to conserving energy and water for future generations, we have developed innovative technologies to deliver invigorating showers whilst using less water.

To support housebuilders and developers and help them achieve the next generation of bathrooms we have launched a dedicated specification range, which is a collection of coordinating tapware, showering solutions and accessories that have been designed to provide professionals with a portfolio of products that deliver the highest standards in water efficiency, without compromising on visual appeal or performance.

Can you tell us more about this range?

Our new range focuses solely on providing developers and specifiers with bathroom solutions that not only look visually appealing, but also can support their sustainability objectives by helping them achieve the optional Part G standard of 110 litres per person per day.

Like its consumer offering, Methven’s specification range encompasses all the water saving benefits that we are synonymous with, to help developers reduce the water consumption of each

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dwelling. This is a real benefit as consumers are now generally more environmentally savvy and aware of potential savings on both water and energy bills.

What are some of the trends in the bathroom market right now?

We’ve recognised that the housebuilding market has shifted significantly over the past decade with the emergence of smaller developers who are delivering high quality homes that are much more design led.

Traditionally the specification market has been poorly served by manufacturers, giving specifiers access to only commodity style lines. Methven wanted to take a different approach and offer products with cutting edge designs.

Brassware has always been an area of the bathroom that consumers are most adventurous with and trends are ever evolving. Currently, matte black and brushed brass are extremely popular, as well contemporary showerheads that feature innovative designs.

The Specification Range consists of three product ranges, Wai, Motu and Tasman, with Wai being the first to launch.

It features a selection of tapware and showers that have been skilfully designed in five high quality finishes, chrome, matte black, brushed brass, gunmetal and brushed nickel. These diverse metallic surfaces have been created to support professionals in achieving complete design freedom with the overall interior scheme.

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Q&A

Can you expand upon the water saving benefits you mentioned earlier?

There are genuine concerns that the UK will face severe water shortages in the next 20 years due to climate change and population growth, and as a result, the Environment Agency is urging everyone to reduce their water usage by 40 litres or more.

Statistics show that water used in the bathroom accounts for 40% of a household’s daily usage. Current Building Regulations require all new dwellings to achieve water efficiency of 125L per person per day, with an optional requirement to achieve water efficiency of 110L per person per day, under the latest version of Approved Document G. Therefore, by specifying solutions that adhere to the Government’s ‘optional’ requirement to achieve water efficiency of 110L, professionals can not only ensure the property is compliant with current regulations, but simultaneously support future homeowners in proactively reducing their long-term water and energy usage.

Methven’s Specification Range offers innovative water-saving technologies which incorporate its patented Satinjet, Aurajet and Vjet shower spray technology.

The cutting edge systems maximise each individual droplet of water to contact the skin in the most effective way and include flow regulators, which play an essential role in limiting the amount of water distributed by the shower.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Methven and we are committed to not only helping the UK reduce its water consumption by creating innovative water saving bathroom technology but to also ensure everything we do from conceptual design through to delivery to site is sustainable.

How important is it to buy from a respected brand?

When choosing what products to specify there are a few things to consider. First by working with respected brands you have

the additional assurance that you’re getting high quality products that are built to last. Methven offers a comprehensive warranty on its products and stocks a wide range of spare parts, meaning elements can easily be changed without replacing the whole product.

Also, by specifying well known-brands that are known for their enhanced product benefits it allows the developer to provide a unique product offering to set themselves apart in a crowded market.

Every year Methven reinvests a proportion of its revenue back into R&D, and innovation and technology are the backbone of our business. We are continually looking at ways to improve the end user experience, whilst conserving water and maintaining our high quality standards.

With three of the six global showering technology patents we’re always working on the next soon-to-be-patented technology.

Bathrooms are a main focal point for relaxation at home.

Can Methven’s new range provide higher well-being among end users?

Over the past 18 months, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the mental wellbeing of individuals and we recognise that bathrooms are no longer solely functional spaces.

By installing first class bath and showering solutions, developers can replicate a spa-like environment, while the visual appeal of products can also emulate the high quality, polished aesthetic that individuals expect of a wellness centre.

Methven’s range of showering solutions transform everyday showering into a spa like experience as its technology has been designed to provide an invigorating and immersive shower.

With soft spray functions and patterns to provide a full bodied experience the Specification Range offers Methven’s most advanced range to date to provide homeowners with total relaxation.

INFO Methven was founded in New Zealand in 1886 and was brought to the UK market in 2011. All its products and technologies are designed at its head office in Auckland and manufactured in New Zealand and China.

Traditionally the “specification market has been poorly served by manufacturers, giving specifiers access to only commodity style lines. Methven wanted to take a different approach and offer products with cutting edge designs.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz016

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SPECIAL REPORT

Foremost among materials in short supply this year is timber, the one material whose source is all around us. Much has been said about the shortages, but here, the Timber Trade Federation takes an indepth look at what’s really going on with the timber market and explores the options available to housebuilders.

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Growth Area

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nce regarded as a commodity product in construction, timber is now a means of mitigating climate change, as it locks CO2 away in its fibre for the useful lifetime of the wood. It’s no wonder, then, that global demand for timber is at an all-time high, never before experienced by the trade. Factors beyond the shores of the UK are putting a strain on UK supply chains, including the uptick in demand in Europe and the USA, areas where timber-frame house building has ramped up on an unimaginable scale. Some European countries have implemented log export bans, adding to problems, and in the USA forward pricing of timber is higher than spot pricing, which suggests the general direction of travel on price in their markets and potentially beyond.

Add to this the knock-on effects from the pandemic, which have temporarily shut sawmills from time to time over the past year and more, the sudden huge rise in demand for timber for DIY projects and home-working offices during the past three lockdowns, plus the effects of Brexit on obtaining haulage to transport

deliveries of timber, and it’s easy to see why shortages of some building-critical products have occurred.

Timber is coming into the UK – in fact, the volume of timber arriving during pandemic-hit 2020 was only a little short of the total imported in 2019. Yet timber product stocks, normally replenished over the winter months – when less building trade activity occurs – have not been rebuilt to their usual levels. Construction continued apace through the winter months as builders rushed to catch up in between lockdowns, further compounding supply issues. This means less availability of extra stock for builders’ merchants to spot purchase, in order to keep their shelves filled to formerly plentiful levels.

Timber products, such as OSB, P5 chipboard, and structural plywoods, are also in globally tight supply and likely to remain so, as there is little extra manufacturing capacity that can quickly open up the supply pipeline. I-joists and metal web joists are both made using structural timber and panel products, so supplies there too may remain

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constrained. Yet there is some light at the end of the timber tunnel. Whilst during this catch-up year we may all have to adapt to more advanced thinking and working methods, the strength of demand for building and retrofitting with timber means there’s likely to be plenty of work for the foreseeable future.

Branching out Housebuilders who can demonstrate superior understanding of timber species and their uses, alongside their natural carpentry and joinery skills, will reap rewards from their wealth of knowledge.

Hardwoods for the kitchens market are an illustration. Hardwood worktops now come in a range of different species from lightershade timbers like Beech to FSC-certified tropical hardwoods. If Oak supplies are difficult, can another species take its place, depending on the application?

Sustainably grown hardwoods, such as Red Grandis from Uruguay, offer options when it comes to skirtings and architraves, for example. Laminated hardwoods are available for applications like stair newels and windows. Expanding your choices beyond familiar species will make life on site infinitely easier.

Another area of advice through which builders can underline their credentials to homeowners is through the correct use of both products and language when it comes to ‘treated timber’. This summer a new Code for Construction Product Information will start rolling out from suppliers to merchants and into the building sector. This means that old, nonspecific terms such as ‘green treated’ will disappear. Factually correct terminology will take their place.

Timber treated to Use Class 2 is only suitable for internal use, or where the only likelihood of the timber getting wet is, say, through an occasional leaking pipe.

Timber treated to Use Class 3 is for use outside but above ground e.g., as shed cladding or decking boards. Anything which either sits on or is used in the ground, such as the sub-frame of a timber deck, must have received a Use Class 4 level of timber treatment.

Although it may look the same, not all ‘treated timber’ at the builders’ merchant has had the same level of preservative treatment loaded into the wood. If you want the timber to last for your homeowner, then ask the merchant for timber treated to the correct Use Class.

is coming “intoTimber the UK – in fact, the volume of timber arriving during pandemic-hit 2020 was only a little short of the total imported in 2019.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? The Timber Trade Federation has produced a free leaflet which provides more details on the timber options open to the building industry and it can be downloaded here www.rdr.link/dz017

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SPECIAL REPORT

PHPD gets the lowdown on UK manufacturer Kudos Showers.

Please find enclosed

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ritish shower products manufacturer, Kudos, has been manufacturing shower enclosures, shower trays, over bath screens and wet room solutions on its 75,000 sq. ft. site in Holme, Cumbria since 1999.

Their products, designed and engineered specifically to suit a UK bathroom, can be found in independent retail and merchant showrooms across the UK. The team at Kudos is justifiably proud of their heritage and the firm one of the few remaining bathroom manufacturers still committed to producing products in the UK. The Kudos business objectives have stayed firm: to create precisionengineered luxury showering products that represent excellent value for money, packed with innovative and functional features and produced to a quality finish.

Product innovations have undoubtedly

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remained the key driver for this successful business over the years.

Committed to UK manufacturing and, where feasible, UK sourcing, Kudos helped accelerate its growth when it acquired Coleraine, Northern Irelandbased business Spa-Jet in 2016 after previously acquiring its main component supplier that manufactures its industry leading crystal clear seals.

Last year, despite the pandemic, Kudos made another substantial £650,000 investment in its business to expand it UK manufacturing capability further. Early in 2020, Kudos moved its finished goods stock from its manufacturing site in Cumbria to a new 60,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility in Sandbach, Cheshire.

The move not only places the company’s finished goods stock in a more central location with easier access to the motorway network, it also released around

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COMPANY PROFILE

25,000 sq. ft. of space in the Cumbria facility. This has enabled expansion of its manufacturing capability which in addition to increasing its enclosure output, has seen the installation of a new shower tray production facility to supplement their existing tray manufacturing unit in Coleraine, which has seen growth by over 50% in the last three years and was rapidly approaching full capacity.

The Cumbrian factory is now largely producing their new SR premium shower tray collection. These trays, available in both their KStone and Connect2 designs, feature a new surface material which is slip, scratch and stain resistant. The slip resistant properties are embedded in the material, rather than a coating on the surface, which means it cannot be removed and, unlike many other anti-slip surfaces, is comfortable underfoot. The requirement for anti-slip products has been growing over the past decade, initially due to our ageing population and more specifically today, the growth in multi-generational living. The SR collection successfully provides a solution allowing users to feel they have a more secure footing in the shower, but also due to its low height access.

The slimline 35mm high Connect2 Shower tray has been designed by Kudos not only for its low profile access but to avoid floor joists when plumbing in the product thanks to the precise positioning

of a unique offset dual waste outlet, allowing the installer to choose the waste that is clear from obstruction to connect. If both waste holes are free, then both wastes can be connected for even faster water removal. A reinforced, magnetically secure waste cover, that’s easily removed for cleaning, then sits over the plug holes to complete the installation.

Kudos has been designing clever showering solutions in-house for many years and aside from their established standard sized enclosure range, they also offer a bepoke service they brand “Signature” for tailored products to meet a growing demand for personlisation in the bathroom. So when a standard sized product doesn’t suit, their Signature service takes over whether it’s a one-off special sized shower door, enclosure or bath screen or a shaped panel to accommodate a sloping ceiling for the consumer, housing development or hotel. Kudos offer a measuring service to support this offer, by their Retail Support Team, who can then be booked in to fit it too.

The Design and Development team at Kudos has a stack of innovative product ideas still coming through the pipeline. It’s a business not afraid to invest in a continual programme of improvement to deliver its showering solutions.

requirement “forTheanti-slip products has been growing over the past decade, initially due to our ageing population and more specifically today, the growth in multi-generational living.

”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz018

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BUILDING FABRIC

Breaking the Mould T

Tim Fields, Technical and Development Manager at Anderton Concrete, explores the benefits of using precast concrete shuttering systems to construct resilient retaining walls and basements for high value developments.

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Retaining walls can be used to create unique high quality terraces and attractive landscaping, particularly for prestigious developments targeting more affluent individuals where it’s imperative the property stands apart from competitors.

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he latest research from Glenigan indicates that the volume of private housing project-starts rose 61% between February and April 2021, when compared to the same period in 2020.

With the market currently experiencing such prosperity, particularly when compared to the stagnation experienced last year, it is essential that housebuilders are not only fulfilling this new and increased level of demand, but are simultaneously overcoming any potential backlog in developments due to Covid-19.

To successfully achieve this amplified rate of building and expand potential profit margins, without compromising on the overall quality or resilience of the build, developers should begin by taking an alternative approach to the building fabric itself.

Modular Modular retaining walls are a useful way to extend the area of level ground available for building, particularly where there is limited ground for development.

This method of construction can also successfully support the building of basements as an effective method of adding additional square meterage to a property, particularly where horizontal land may be limited.

By choosing a direct alternative to formwork and installing concrete shuttering blocks that are dry laid, housebuilders can significantly increase onsite efficiency, whilst simultaneously reducing overall expenditure.

This is due to concrete shuttering blocks facilitating the construction of single skin retaining walls up to 3.5 metres high, combining the ease of blockwork with the versatility of in-situ concrete. This sets the standards for longevity and quality, whilst

also minimising the time spent on building each property.

As the unique construction of each block readily accepts vertical and horizontal reinforcement, the concrete is pumped directly into the inter-connected cavities. The end result is unrivalled strength and resistance to water infiltration, when combined with an appropriate waterproofing system.

This also makes it the ideal solution for swimming pools. In addition, retaining walls can be used to create unique high quality terraces and attractive landscaping, particularly for prestigious developments targeting more affluent individuals where it’s imperative the property stands apart from competitors.

This year, developers have a real opportunity to utilise retaining wall systems, such as Anderton Concrete’s unique Stepoc 325 Concrete Shuttering System, which has been proven to be one of the most costeffective methods of construction, to capitalise on the current housing boom.

Following independent analysis, the Stepoc system has been found to offer a substantial cost saving of over 30% when compared with in-situ concrete and an approximate saving of 20% against cavity block construction, all without compromising on quality or performance and enhancing the speed and quality of building. Systems such as this provide developers with a real opportunity to transform the construction of high-end developments and set the standard for efficiency and quality of build.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz019

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BUILDING FABRIC

As the current popularity for Architectural Masonry shows no signs of slowing down, Sean Welch, Area Sales Manager at Forticrete, explores why these cost-effective building materials are supporting developers in achieving a new generation of residential properties that offer real kerb appeal, without compromising on durability or performance.

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Stone Free

W

hilst concrete masonry blocks have been around for decades, they have traditionally been specified more for commercial projects based on their superior strength, minimal drying shrinkage and low maintenance properties. However, in more recent years, concrete masonry blocks have been rising in popularity with developers, facilitating a real step-change within the industry in regards to the building fabric of residential developments, particularly throughout London and the surrounding areas of South England.

Offering housebuilders the opportunity to replicate the high quality appearance of natural stone, combined with the associated performance and resilience benefits of commercial developments, concrete masonry blocks are an economical and effective construction method that supports unlimited design freedom and delivers uncompromising quality.

Providing a comprehensive range of finishes, profiles and shades, concrete masonry blocks are enabling developers to construct a new generation of residential properties that create outstanding aesthetics, without causing

additional strain on budgets or resources.

These diverse finishes include rugged, tactile textures such as Splitface, Shot-blasted and Fairface, which emulate the natural appearance of stone to deliver an affordable alternative that provides a high quality and robust surface finish for the entire lifespan of the property. It also enables new build developments to seamlessly blend into their surrounding environments as soon as they are constructed.

Available in an assortment of colours, from Bathstone, Straw and Terracotta, to Damson, Pewter and Flint, the exterior character of each property can be further customised to create a visually striking home that captures the immediate attention of prospective buyers.

For more contemporary developments, smooth concrete masonry blocks that feature delicate, tactile finishes are a popular choice for creating sleek exteriors that combine rich blends of selected natural aggregates. This includes Polished Florentine® and Trentino finishes, which are also available in a suite of colour variations.

The use of concrete masonry blocks can also produce a unified aesthetic across the entire exterior of a property as the blocks

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Forticrete is aiding “housebuilders in

All photographs taken by Ståle Eriksen for Al-Jawad Pike Architects have a higher resistance to moisture due to their low dry shrinkage, which enables them to be installed across the whole building fabric, including below DPC level.

The low dry shrinkage properties also helps to minimise the frequency of movement joints installed throughout the masonry wall, with joints required every nine metres externally and every 12.2 metres internally, in ideal conditions. This means the overall design of the exterior isn’t restricted to a certain visual design or specific use of multiple building products to ensure the suitability and water tightness of the house.

The addition of complementary concrete masonry solutions, including arches, lintels, radius blocks and square or circular column surrounds, can also support developers in customising each house, whilst still achieving a cohesive identify across the whole development.

The combination of functionality, performance and aesthetics is further bolstered through the proportion of the blocks, which provide increased dimensional stability. This significantly aids ease of installation when on site, whilst simultaneously reducing the quantities of mortar required.

Concrete masonry blocks also offer impressive environmental credentials, supporting housebuilders in specifying products that are recognised within the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Green Guide to Specification as an A or A+ rating.

Forticrete is aiding housebuilders in taking their commitment to sustainability one step further through its comprehensive range of concrete masonry products that feature recycled content of up to 20%. This includes the revolutionary Hi-Light® block, which has been designed to provide all of the benefits associated with dense masonry, yet is up to 25% lighter than an equivalent solid masonry unit. This is due to its unique construction, which features a cellular underside, combined with a solid top surface that creates a full bed for mortar.

As developers across the UK continue to set the pace for a new standard of housing that revolutionises the visual and performance capabilities of the building fabric, the specification of concrete masonry blocks can support professionals in achieving the most effective, economical and ecological building exteriors possible.

taking their commitment to sustainability one step further through its comprehensive range of concrete masonry products that feature recycled content of up to 20%

”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz020

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BUILDING FABRIC

Q&A

Bricks Ahoy PHPD catches up with Michelmersh’s Marketing Director, Sarah Le Gresley to discuss the group’s renewed offering to UK developers, having just acquired Belgian brickmaker Floren.

Can you tell us about Floren, Michelmersh’s latest acquisition?

Floren.be is a well-known brand of 125 years built upon strong ethical family values. Located in Sint-Lenaarts, Belgium, Floren has been producing high-quality extruded bricks since 1896.

Throughout the years, it has been modernised extensively, meeting the most stringent environmental and production requirements.

What can the Belgian company offer to the UK? With a highly efficient plant such as Floren, boasting renewable energy production from its solar installation and sole water use from rainwater harvesting methods coupled with its land preservation and biodiversity focus, Floren shares the Group’s sustainability focused ethos, making a perfect match.

Floren specialises in beautiful, bespoke, contemporary products in demand from both the Benelux and UK market. Its access and position also mean it is in a fantastic location for efficient distribution.

Thriving on the “specification market and adored by architects across the UK and Europe it is clear to see housebuilders have recognised the product quality offered by our Floren brand.

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As a large corporation, does Michelmersh plan to retain the family-run structure and values of Floren?

As the last remaining brick plant in Brecht, Michelmersh made it an immediate priority to retain Floren’s underlying brand characteristics whilst upgrading its profile to sit comfortably within our Group offering. Learning from the family who have created a profile that is recognised by architects, housebuilders, and customers across Europe, has always been an important goal for the acquisition transition and has enabled the Group to retain these core values whilst elevating its status to now have a voice amongst our wider audience.

What do you see in the future of bricks in Britain?

Clay bricks boast longevity with a typical lifespan of over 150 years. With brilliant versatility and adaptability, it is a product that will benefit many generations whilst being recyclable to reuse at the end of the building life. Because of its resilience, non-toxic raw materials, high thermal performance, non-combustible and durable characteristics, it is clear to see why the market for brick will continue to grow in the UK. With advancements in hydrogen and other renewable technologies enabling the reduction in embodied carbon and little to no operational carbon of clay brick, the industry can boast excellent data and control over the provenance of its raw materials, with minimal distribution.

It is important for sustainability that we encourage local products for local markets, and it is therefore clear to see that clay brick will continue to be a truly sustainable choice for specifiers in both the UK and Europe.

What is the main advantage to Michelmersh of acquiring Floren?

Floren benefits from both the core markets of Belgium and the UK, offering a beautiful product range in demand for its bespoke high-quality finishes. With 120 acres of land boasting vast pure Campine clay reserves and its already established drive in Sustainability and stringent European standards, it was a clear decision for the board of the Michelmersh Group.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz021

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EXPERT COMMENT

BUILDING FABRIC

Investing in plant Will Stanwix from the Hemp Block Company puts forward the case for hemp as a material for building houses with.

For us to move “towards a more toxin-free, planetfriendly mode of construction, we need support from government and new legislation and it all starts with education.

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any ‘green’ potential housebuyers may be unaware that buildings are responsible for around half of total greenhouse gas emissions. Harmful emissions are produced during the production of building materials, construction process and throughout the ongoing maintenance, heating and cooling of our buildings, once occupied.

The most effective sustainable remedy to this growing environmental threat would be to swap the standard highenergy, petrochemical-based insulation with an eco-friendly, non-flammable, natural alternative. Ideally, this material would be highly insulating too; as well as durable, sound absorbing and energysaving. Even better, it would be toxin-free, impervious to mould and pests, highly fireresistant and carbon negative (able to lock up more carbon than it emits).

This is no green dream. The good news is that this building material already exists. The bad news is that despite being around for almost 40 years, hempcrete is still not used as standard in construction.

So, why not?

Climate change and sustainability are increasingly becoming a key consideration.

32% of UK consumers are now highly engaged with adopting a more sustainable lifestyle and 28% have stopped buying certain products due to ethical or environmental concerns. Hempcrete reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it a truly sustainable building material.

Architects and construction companies are aware of the significant health and environmental benefits of hempcrete, but we are competing with huge, longestablished building material manufacturers with immense marketing power.

As things stand, smaller hempcrete companies can’t compete and current building controls don’t make it easy for the

hemp block housebuilder. For us to move towards a more toxin-free, planet-friendly mode of construction, we need support from government and new legislation and it all starts with education. Developers need to be informed about the negative health and environmental implications of an outdated construction model and demand sustainable, healthier materials as standard.

What are hempcrete blocks?

Hempcrete is a natural, breathable building material with many advantages, unfortunately there have traditionally been several issues which have restricted its wider use, namely, requiring specialist knowledge, inconsistent supply and ultimately higher cost.

Hemp Block Company has resolved these issues by making hempcrete blocks, which require no specialist skills or equipment to use. They can be used in a variety of ways, from roof insulation to wall construction and flooring and are completely biodegradable after use.

Unlike conventional insulation materials, hempcrete does not contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which “offgas” toxic chemicals into our homes.

The blocks help regulate internal humidity, which stops condensation gathering on wall surfaces. This prevents the formation of damp and mould spores, both of which can be harmful to human health. Optimum indoor humidity (between 40-60%) also helps to stop the spread of viral and bacterial infections.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz022

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BUILDING FABRIC

The alternative options PHPD takes a glance at some of the interesting bricks and blocks available on the market today.

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n the last issue of PHPD, we gave the final word to the Brick Development Association – no doubt a familiar name to readers. The BDA extolled the ongoing virtues of clay as a building material. This issue, we have devoted our final page to the challenges facing MMC adoption within the housebuilding industry.

It may seem on first glance that we will simply lend our pages to anyone willing to fill them, but the truth is that the issues at the heart of each article (and, indeed, the majority we publish) are ones that affect SME housebuilders daily: the need to build amid a skills shortage, the desire for better quality and better looking homes and the ever increasing role sustainability plays in materials choices.

For a number of reasons, bricks and blocks remain the go to for housebuilders across the UK. Indeed, for an industry which has lasted as long as it has, it’s surprising to find that innovations are constantly being made in the quarries and factories where soft clay becomes sturdy bricks. With that in mind, we thought the time ripe to take a deeper look at some of the brick offerings you might be interested in for your next project.

The heritage route Historically, availability of local clay gave different regions of the UK their variations in brick colours. London clay had a high lime content, giving the bricks their distinctive yellow colour, which is why so many buildings in the capital are built from ‘Yellow Stock’, as it’s commonly known.

This handmade brick was traditionally produced in a 68mm imperial size, with some shade variations and black flecks (coal-spotting) due to waste materials being added to the clay.

In recent times, original or ‘reclaimed’ Yellow Stocks have frequently been the subject of thefts from projects or demolition sites due to the high demand for genuine, authentic bricks. Reclaimed bricks can be difficult and expensive to source. In

26 july/august Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

addition to scarcity, often they don’t meet modern standards for compressive strength or frost resistance, and incur additional costs from unseen wastage.

Now, handmade Yellow Stock bricks are manufactured following the traditional manner and are available in imperial, metric, and even linear sizes. Imperial Bricks were the first to launch this ‘new handmade’ option, and recently introduced a Weathered Original London Yellow Stock brick which features genuine coal-spotting.

Imperial’s traditional manufacturing process involves hand throwing clay into moulds, which produces genuinely handmade bricks that exactly replicate the reclaimed, handmade yellow stock bricks so commonly found in London and the surrounding counties.

For more information go to

www.rdr.link/dz023 Cement free blocks

A new sustainable concrete block, Greenbloc is a high-density load bearing concrete block made from class 1 aggregates and Cemfree – a totally cementfree alternative to conventional concrete.

Manufactured to BS EN 771 – 3: (2011) and complying with Part E of the Building Regulations for Walls and Floors, the blocks are manufactured, stored and placed in the same way as conventional concrete blocks. With no compromise on strength compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) blocks, it is suitable for all applications, including foundations, load bearing walls, internal leaves of cavity walls and partition walls.

The blocks are designed to help reduce the construction industry’s dependency upon cement, which is the world’s third highest source of man-made CO2.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: BRICKS & BLOCKS

Debates around sustainability have tended to focus on operating carbon emissions post-build, but the conversation is beginning to shift towards the carbon generated during the build schedule and in the manufacture of building materials.

Technology such as that used by Greenbloc could aid the greening of both construction projects and the wider supply chain, as it has the capability to reduce CO2 by up to 73% on a project compared to OPC. For more information go to

www.rdr.link/dz024 Protected bricks Over time bricks can discolour and lose their lustre because of the impact of wet weather, air pollution or efflorescence.

The result can have a detrimental effect on a building’s visual aesthetic, compromising the architect’s design vision and reducing the value of the property for the owner.

Brick manufacturer, Vandersanden is the first company to develop a viable, large scale coating solution to provide superior protection against efflorescence as well as secondary protection against the effects of pollution.

Vandersanden’s automated coating formulation makes facing bricks waterrepellent and resistant to the effects of air pollution and efflorescence, ensuring façades remain untarnished throughout their lifetime. This environmentally sustainable process also makes it easier to clean the brick, if dirt or damage does occur, and has now been rolled out across the firm’s lentire hand-formed brick range available to UK specifiers.

The process penetrates to a depth from 5mm to 15mm whilst retaining the original colour of the brick. The liquids contain no harmful substances or chemicals that can damage the brick or the environment and is automatically applied at Vandersanden’s

manufacturing facilities in Belgium and The Netherlands.

A coated brick has exactly the same pore structure as a non-coated brick and the number of pores and their size remain the same. However, as the walls of the pores are covered with a water-repellent layer, the water droplets are no longer attracted to the walls and will not be absorbed. As the pores remain open, the bricks also retain their resistance to frost.

For more information go to

www.rdr.link/dz025

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ADVERTORIAL

H+H

Jenny Smith-Andrews, Head of Marketing at aircrete specialist H+H UK Ltd outlines where masonry build fits within the MMC agenda.

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The i-House System provides a system-build solution for volume housebuilders, allowing for the entire weathertight fabric of a standard house design to be completed within one week on site.

TM

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Meeting the MMC Challenge with Masonry In all the rhetoric surrounding the term Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) it is all too easy to focus on specific materials or methods and ignore the overall intention that the term describes.

Doing so can lead to some housebuilders, and particularly the SME regional housebuilders, to conclude that MMC or “offsite” is not for them.

The intention of MMC is to improve speed and quality of build, not to be prescriptive. The MHCLG definition of MMC considers a number of approaches, ensuring that any development – even a single house – can benefit from innovations defined as MMC. Two MMC options With the benefit of providing system solutions for housebuilders across Europe, H+H has two options for developers looking to tick the MMC box.

Both were developed some years ago, are proven through extensive use in European markets and have struggled to gain a foothold in the notoriously conservative UK housebuilding sector.

First is our Thin-Joint system.

Comprising large-format blocks with a 23mm adhesive mortar joint, Thin-Joint combines a fast and accurate build with the highest airtightness performance.

Celfix Mortar sets extremely fast, allowing for full-height walls to be constructed in one day. It also cures in rainy and cold conditions, making it particularly suitable for the UK climate.

The system is popular with SME housebuilders looking for increased speed but not wanting to commit to the fixed timetable or volume associated with modular systems. It is also becoming the go-to answer for Passivhaus designs because of its reliable airtightness.

For the volume builder More radical is the i-House System . This provides a system-build solution for volume housebuilders, allowing for the entire weathertight fabric of a standard house design to be completed within one week on site. i-House is the result of a unique collaboration between H+H UK and Roofspace Solutions. It is based on Celcon Elements – storey-high panels of aircrete which are craned into place on site and fixed with Thin-Joint mortar. These are combined with pre-fabricated timber floor cassettes and a pre-assembled roof structure. The entire package is delivered to site and assembled by a dedicated contractor team.

Both of these MMC solutions from H+H allow housebuilders to capitalise on the proven and familiar characteristics of aircrete while fully supporting the MMC objective of improved speed and quality of build.

TM

An emerging market For any new build method to gain widespread acceptance there needs to be both proof of performance and a clear market demand.

H+H has had MMC solutions available to UK housebuilders for years and has delivered over 8,000 MMC homes in the UK so far. With growing government encouragement for housebuilders to increase volume and demonstrate their commitment to the MMC agenda that total is accelerating rapidly.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To find out more about our MMC solutions, go to our website and contact our technical team: www.hhcelcon.co.uk

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SPECIAL REPORT

Make sure as much skin as possible is covered up, especially areas that burn easily, such as the shoulders.

Whilst a hard hat is essential on site, those incorporating a brim and flap to shade the face, ears and neck are best.

Save our skins Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at Marley wants to ensure you and your workers remain safe this summer.

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s temperatures rise and the dangers of over-exposure to the sun’s powerful and damaging UV rays increases, Marley, the UK’s leading roof system manufacturer, has launched its ‘Safe in the Sun’ campaign to inform construction workers about the risks they face whilst working outdoors – and what they can do to protect themselves.

With contractors working for long periods of time outdoors, often in direct sunshine and intense heat, we aim to provide useful, no-nonsense advice to make sure our customers are aware of the potential risks, and are properly protected.

This year’s campaign focusses on three important lines of defence in the fight against sun-induced illness – Cover Up, Use Sunscreen and Hydrate – to make sure everyone working on site this summer stays safe in the sun.

1. Cover Up The first line of defence against sun damage should be clothing, ideally made using high rated UPF fabrics, as it provides one of the most effective barriers against the sun’s harmful rays.

2. Use Sunscreen Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and a star rating of 4 or 5 on all exposed skin. Ideally apply 20 minutes before going outside, both evenly and regularly throughout the day. Consider using a water-resistant formula as it is more able to cope with the effects of sweating.

3. Hydrate Working hard on site in high temperatures means that the body loses fluid via sweat. To avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and in extreme cases, heat stroke, drink regularly – ideally water - throughout the day.

Get your Safe in the Sun kit Providing sun protection when it’s needed most, Marley is offering a Safe in the Sun kit, featuring a Marley-branded T shirt, sunscreen and water bottle – everything you need to Cover Up, Use Sunscreen and Hydrate whilst on site.

All you have to do to receive your essential kit is visit the Marley website – www.marley.co.uk/safeinthesun and register your details.

Stock is limited, so early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.

For further details on Marley’s Safe in the Sun campaign or any of the company’s products, please visit www.marley.co.uk or call 01283 722222.

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INTERIORS

The right match

Hamilton makes personalised, colourmatched wiring accessories simple with expanded Paintables service.

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onsumer demand for personalisation continues to grow in all aspects of our lives. Today, there is an expectation that products and services will meet our exact needs – if an available solution doesn’t tick all of our boxes, we want to customise it simply and cost-effectively and make it our own. If that’s not possible, we’ll find another supplier that can make it happen.

Hamilton Litestat provides bespoke solutions to fulfil these customer demands, including its popular Paintables colour-matching service.

Accessories can be painted to blend in with a colour taken from a wallpaper, or to contrast it with a hue from the room’s soft furnishings. Popular colours are heavily influenced by the paint manufacturers, so Dulux’s Colour for 2021, Brave Ground, for instance, is set to have a major impact on the finish of wiring accessories in current interior design schemes. The company is giving the designer the ability to make

every flick of a switch feel unique while ensuring ease-of-ordering and minimal hassle for specifiers and installers.

“We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to ensure a client’s vision can be executed, and our Paintables service is helping deliver that with accurate colour matching to interior design schemes,” explains Gavin Williams, Sales & Marketing Director at Hamilton. “Today, people expect options to be tailored to them rather than selecting off-the-shelf solutions, and Paintables delivers that experience in a simple and cost-effective solution. We’ve seen demand double in the past 18 months, and to keep ahead of the market have increased our capacity for this service at our Bristol facilities.”

Hamilton has long offered colourmatched switch plates and sockets from its factory at Mere but with this rapidly rising demand it has relocated and doubled the size of its Paintables Department, which now sits at its

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headquarters in Bristol, delivering a 40% reduction in current lead times.

The Paintables service is a powder coating process and is available on Hamilton’s popular and versatile Hartland CFX and Sheer CFX designer plate collections, which offer a wide range of functionality and configuration options.

So, whether a customer wants a USB switched socket in BS 114 Rail Blue, so it blends seamlessly with a deep on-trend wall colour, or a Wide Rocker Switch in RAL 6000, a leafy green to complement a jungle mural feature wall, it’s possible quickly, simply, and cost-effectively.

Wide selection For accurate colour matching Hamilton recommends using colour reference systems RAL, British Standards or the Natural Colour System. While Pantone is often a go-to system, its accuracy is limited in metal powder coating applications, so all Pantone colourmatching requests need to be individually accessed to avoid disappointment.

Yet with RAL having 1,625 options and the Natural Colour System having 1,950, customers will not be short on colour choices. In addition to the vast colour possibilities, Hamilton’s Paintables solution is available in gloss, matt, and even a metallic finish.

“Colour influences our emotions and behaviours, so getting the right colour scheme and coordinating accessories and soft furnishings is really important. After the difficult times we’ve faced lately, there’s a great craving for change and to get away from our daily routines. Colour

can help us reset, recharge and refocus, and Paintables wiring accessories can ensure that these schemes are cohesive and personalised to the customer’s exact colour requirements.”

All of Hamilton’s wiring accessories receive a decorative coating of some kind – whether that’s to achieve a standard Matt Black option or a metallic finish such as Antique Brass. For bespoke, colourmatched Paintables finishes, the cost of the spray coating process is already considered, so Hamilton only charges for the dry powder coating required.

Purchased in bulk, this means that on-trend colour requests may be very competitively priced due to market demand.

“Many orders we receive from wholesalers are bespoke, so thanks to our expanded Paintables capacity we can provide colour-matched finishes with minimal impact on anticipated lead times,” explains Gavin. “Moreover, as we already take into account the spray coating process in the unit price, the cost implications are minimised. Although niche colours may have a minimum purchase quantity, we can offer more popular colours cost effectively.”

addition to the “vastIn colour possibilities, Hamilton’s Paintables solution is available in gloss, matt, and even a metallic finish.

”

Flawless finish The Paintables powder coating results in a high-quality finish, ensuring the paint adheres evenly and the colour is consistent. It is resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading, which is particularly important for these high-wear wiring accessories.

Powder coating makes use of pigment and resin that are statically charged and sprayed onto the electrically grounded surfaces of the wiring solutions. The paint coating is then cured in an oven, resulting in a finish that is far more durable than other paint options.

Should it not be possible to select a colour ahead of time, Hamilton also supplies primed plates for painting on site. While not as durable as they haven’t been cured, they provide a flexible alternative for achieving the colour-matched aesthetic.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz026

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EXPERT COMMENT

First Time Around O As the new Help to Buy scheme gets underway alongside the newly introduced starter homes, specifically targeting the first-time buyer market, Andy Richardson, managing director at Edward Thomas Interiors talks about creating show homes to inspire those making their first steps on the property ladder.

is another “bigUpcycling interior trend and a very cost-effective way to make original and eye-catching pieces.

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ne of our first considerations when styling new homes at the moment is highlighting any flexible or versatile space. The last year has seen a substantial change in how we use our homes, and creating multi-purpose living/working/schooling/entertaining areas has become a major interior trend. People want to be “space-smart”. But how do you achieve this in smaller properties and with a first-time buyer budget?

Using the logical flow of the property is a great place to start, you want to avoid creating pinch points with bulky objects or pieces of furniture. Consider using temporary screens or partitions to create a distinguishable dining or home working area. Also, try to remember not to overlook spaces and think imaginatively, those hidden or transitional areas like landings, eaves, top of the stairs could make a great home office, walk-in closet, hobby room or library. One of the most innovative designs we’ve come across recently is what I’ve call a lootility, a very functional area that doubles as both a downstairs cloakroom and utility room/laundry!

In terms of styling, we still want to create a sense of aspiration. There was a tendency for first-time buyer homes to look very sterile and minimalist, but this has shifted and we’re now seeing a more deliberately eclectic mix, combining Scandi, industrial and bohemian styles along with obviously sustainable fabrics such as rattan, cane, wicker and bamboo. This is perhaps indicative of the fact the average first-time buyer is 34, probably well-travelled and has amassed a mismatched collection of furniture and personal items.

Upcycling is another big interior trend and a very cost-effective way to make original and eye-catching pieces. Lately, we’ve seen old ladders re-purposed as freestanding shelves, window frames as chalk boards or wooden pallets into storage. On one of our recent schemes, we even made a headboard from old cricket bats. I suppose the message here

INTERIORS

is that not everything in a new home has to be new. Second-hand, vintage or antique purchases can be transformed with colour and accessories, so don’t dismiss the local car boot sale or flea market. There are also some great apps to show how a piece of furniture could be upcycled if you need extra inspiration.

From the buyer’s perspective, it’s important to remember not everyone wants to live in a show home. Styling should express personality and individual taste so fill homes with things you like, that are meaningful and have a story. Both the high street and online have great homeware options, try H&M, Matalan, Zara Home, Wayfair or Made and don’t forget supermarkets as they often have good one-off pieces.

When decorating, panelling and painting are both very easy ways to transform the look of a room and you can consider feature walls, half height walls, and even ceilings to begin with, any of these would make a statement. Layering and texturing is another good way to add a personal touch as are photo galleries or decorative picture rails. Also think about your lighting, table lamps, floor lamps and side lights offer a great alternative to the main lights that can instantly make a room feel more inviting.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz027

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INTERIORS

The air that we breathe Paul Williams, Domus Ventilation Product Manager, investigates the role mechanical ventilation has to play in improving indoor air quality.

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V

entilation has become a key concern in our buildings. It has progressed from concerns around condensation and mould prevention to reducing overheating in our more airtight new homes. In recent years the issue of indoor air pollution has also entered the debate and Covid-19 has only accelerated the need for healthy, wellventilated interior spaces.

Ventilation can reduce the risk of infection from Coronavirus indoors by over 70%. Whilst extract fans in bathrooms and kitchens provide a basic level of ventilation, a far more effective solution in new build homes is whole house mechanical ventilation.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery is top of this list as these systems combine supply and extract ventilation in one system. They efficiently pre-warm fresh air drawn into the building with waste stale air from ‘wet’ rooms (kitchens, bathrooms, utility spaces) using a heat exchanger. The filtered, prewarmed air is distributed around the home, effectively meeting part of the heating load in energy efficient dwellings. Domus Ventilation’s new HRXE-HERA and HRXEAURA MVHR units both feature advanced heat exchange proficiency enabling up to 95% of waste heat to be recovered.

MVHR systems provide effective ventilation, are energy efficient and extremely effective at reducing the risk of virus transmission, condensation and cold air draughts.

A lower cost alternative to MVHR, Mechanical Extract Ventilation systems actively extract air from wet rooms via ducting to a central ventilation unit which exhausts to the atmosphere. Replacement fresh air is drawn into the property via background ventilators located in the habitable rooms and through air leakage.

Both types of system have been recognised by the World Health Organisation as providing a line of defence against the spread of coronavirus.

Fighting air pollution In light of Coronavirus, ventilation has never been more important, but it would be a mistake to focus solely on this aspect. Air pollution – in the form of PM2.5 and NOx generated by domestic fossil fuel burning and transport respectively – is the long term health crisis we are currently in the midst of. It is particularly prevalent in our cities.

According to NHS England, 30% of preventable deaths in England are due to non-communicable diseases specifically attributed to air pollution. This has been

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sadly brought to the fore by the recent recognition of air pollution as a cause of a person's death for the very first time in the UK, and possibly the world.

Whole house mechanical ventilation systems are effective in distributing fresh air throughout the home, but if that air is polluted – especially if the property is located near a busy road – then it’s important to add filtration to the system.

The Domus Ventilation NOX-FILT, for example, works on the supply leg of the ducting system of a mechanical

ventilation system and prevents up to 99.5% of NO2 pollution from entering a home. There are two units in the range with the second one having the added benefit of a PM2.5 pre-filter.

We may have to live with Covid-19 in future years, but we are witnessing one of the biggest vaccination programmes in the history of the world which will have a major impact on the spread of this virus.

However, when it comes to air pollution, we still have a long way to go.

Experts agree that both source removal and ventilation are key to reducing indoor air pollutants. Reducing PM2.5 and NOx to within safe limits is the long term goal but, in the meantime, we have to rely on ventilation and filtration to make our indoor environment safe and comfortable.

Mechanical ventilation is a valuable and relatively low cost means of achieving this.

PM2.5 and “NOxReducing to within safe limits is the long term goal but, in the meantime, we have to rely on ventilation and filtration to make our indoor environment safe and comfortable.

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz028

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INTERIORS

The Sound of Silence Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics, offers some advice on how to rid preexisting buildings of unwanted noise in order to ensure the interiors of your redevelopment sound as good as they look.

For added “flexibility, a heightadjustable acoustic hanger will allow for a flat ceiling even across uneven joints and once complete will appear no different to a standard plastered ceiling.

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S

ince the start of the pandemic, our working and living environments have become more important than ever. Many of us have switched our office space for a life working from home. But despite the initial comfort and convenience, we’ve seen that many properties simply aren’t up to the task when it comes soundproofing – and it’s negatively impacting occupant concentration, health and happiness.

Building Regulations Document E sets minimum standards for soundproofing residential buildings in England and Wales. However, while these are great for ensuring new builds and conversions comply, the standards don’t apply to existing dwellings, leaving hundreds of thousands of previously built properties with inadequate sound insulation.

Soundproofing is a crucial part of making spaces more comfortable, but some of the methods used to tackle noise transfer between floors can be too expensive, too complicated, too bulky, or worse – just plain ineffective.

For space-saving and cost-effective soundproofing between floors, consider acoustic ceiling hangers. Fast and simple to install from the room below, they tackle the problem of noise transfer between floors in any space by creating an isolated ceiling that significantly reduces the vibrations and sound pressure waves caused by noise in the rooms above.

A quality acoustic hanger should come with an approved BRE fire rating of over

90 minutes and be compliant with British Building Regulations ‘Approved Document E’, which deals with airborne and impact sound.

For added flexibility, a height-adjustable acoustic hanger will allow for a flat ceiling even across uneven joints and once complete will appear no different to a standard plastered ceiling. A major bonus is that it can be installed with only the minimal amount of ceiling height lost (as little as 6mm if you choose the right one).

It’s also possible to combine a cavity filler with an acoustic ceiling hanger for even more protection against unwelcome sounds.

A wall and ceiling cavity filler will help reduce noise transfer between properties.

Typically, this can be sprayed into a cavity before the void is closed, or blown through carefully drilled holes on existing structures, to improve the acoustic insulation of walls and ceilings. This also seals any gaps and cracks in the wallboard, around electrical outlets, plumbing and other irregularities so there are no compressed areas or voids to allow sound leaks or air infiltration. Look out for recycled products on the market for an environmentally friendly option and always make sure that the product you choose is fire rated.

Increasingly, interior acoustics is becoming an important conversation in the world of property development. Occupant welfare is now a number one priority and those considering the building acoustics with care will help provide a better quality of life in the long term, creating spaces that people will want to use for generations.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz029

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INTERIORS

Working Smart Smart technology can not only help your homes sell, but they can lower bills and increase well-being among homeowners.

PHPD takes a look at what’s around.

Blinds and lights Increasing comfort is at the heart of any smart home, with multi-functional technology making life easier for today’s modern lifestyle. The latest additions to the modular Gira System 3000 range ensures that lighting, blinds and heating can now be controlled in one unit so you can very easily cater the environment to your needs and design ideas.

Bristan’s Wallmount 12 fixing kit is now included as standard with Buzz and Craze bar showers and has been engineered to enable front of wall isolation, meaning the connectors can be installed first, and the bar shower itself doesn’t have to be fitted until a later stage, protecting it from potential damage during full bathroom installation.

When ready, the shower valve simply attaches to the connectors. The innovative fixing kit also makes maintenance a breeze, allowing for front of wall servicing if required – saving time and money.

Buzz and Craze are thermostatic and also include Safe Touch technology, which shrouds the hot water feed inside the valve with a layer of cold water, to keep the bar itself safe to touch.

Wider than the original designs, the new and improved Buzz and Craze shower heads have a ball joint connection for adjusting the angle of spray. With dual outlets engineered to deliver maximum performance: a large, drenching rain head and a separate three-mode handset, the new and improved showers also boast an integrated two-way 180-degree diverter valve. New homeowners can rotate the flow control one way for the handset and the other way for the deluge head to create their perfect showering experience.

For more information go to

www.rdr.link/dz030 Roof Windows

Keylite’s new keyliteConnect product range aims to transform the way we experience natural light and ventilation in our homes by utilising smart home technology integrated within roof windows.

With the keyliteConnect app and keyliteConnect hub, homeowners are able to monitor and engage with their smart app-enabled Electric and Solar Roof Windows and Blinds from anywhere in the

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world. This allows users to operate one or multiple applications at once, set pretimed actions such as airing the building for a certain duration, or automatically lower blinds in the evening.

To provide peace of mind for those days where you just can’t predict the weather, the smart rain sensor will automatically close windows in the event of a downpour, even when homeowners are away. If a homeowner leave home and forgets to close the windows, they can all be closed with one tap of a button on the keyliteConnect app.

Installation of the technology is made as easy as possible for developers. The straightforward set-up procedure within the app allows homeowners to pair windows and create personalised settings for each room or individual person’s operational needs.

For more information go to

www.rdr.link/dz031 Light and audio

Aiming to create an immersive experience combining audio and light, a new unit has been launched by Zuma which features a compact, high performance loudspeaker and a low energy LED light. The simple to install ceiling light fixture is virtually invisible and wireless. It provides homeowners with a clutter free audio experience that combines circadian rhythm and mood lighting.

Built into the Zuma app are a series of wellbeing features that enable users to play atmospheric soundscapes in harmony with sympathetic lighting tones. This allows users to introduce spa-like atmospheres to the bathroom, connect a Peloton via Bluetooth to create the feel of a spin class studio in the living room or even to listen to a favourite story or the sound of rain as they sleep under a canopy of Zuma speakers.

As the sound projects vertically from the ceiling, consequently not being 'bounced around’ or blocked by furniture or people, the brain is able to absorb the sound and process it in a more relaxed state, delivering a far more enjoyable atmospheric experience.

Drawing on its industrial design pedigree, the Zuma team developed its patented spring blade mechanism which enables quick and easy installation and removal.

For more information go to

www.rdr.link/dz032

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SMART TECHNOLOGY

Outdoor Camera The BSI IoT (British Standards Institute Internet of Things) accredited ERA Protect Outdoor Camera features high resolution 1080P HD for excellent picture quality along with PIR sensors for motion to help reduce false motion alerts and ondemand recording when in live view for instant recordings.

The camera works seamlessly with other products from the line, including the Alarm and the Floodlight Camera, via the simple, easy to use smartphone app, which allows easy management of all components of the security system at any time from any location.

Reassuringly, if the internet has failed and the Alarm has been triggered, thanks to the in-built Alarm SIM, data collected by the Camera will still be recorded and stored directly to ERA’s GDPR-compliant UK-based Cloud.

More Outdoor Cameras, which are installed in such a way that protects cabling to avoid vandalism by intruders, can be added easily at any time. In addition, and unique for an affordable alarm system, a professional monitoring subscription is available. With the flexibility to opt in and out, this feature brings real peace of mind to homeowners.

For more information go to

www.rdr.link/dz033 Heating Compatible with Legrand’s smart radiator valves, Smarther with Netatmo is a thermostat which can be flush or wall mounted. Flush mounting the system, using a backbox, allows the thermostat to protrude by just 12.6mm from the surface of the wall.

Offering complete control through Legrand’s Home + Control app, it is compatible with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Alexa, allowing homeowners to have complete control of the heating through voice activation.

Unlike many other smart thermostats available, Smarther with Netatmo is a wired device meaning batteries are not required.

Crucially, the smart thermostat is programmed to understand both how the home heats and the efficiency of the boiler. In essence, this means that it gathers an understanding as to how long the boiler requires before reaching optimum temperatures and, therefore, knows when to switch on to achieve the required levels of heating in a room.

The results are presented in graphs, thanks to the energy consumption monitoring function of the app, to easily explain the impact of the heating system in the home.

For more information go to

www.rdr.link/dz034

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GENERAL BUILDING

WOHR – BIKE STORAGE required in london · secure Wohr has launched two new storage systems for bicycles, Bikesafe and Parklift, specifically developed to meet the planning requirements for new developments by maximising storage capacity and optimising spatial efficiency.

The systems provide the perfect solution to comply with planning requirements, which are increasingly requiring additional cycle storage to be provided in residential developments. This can be seen in the Mayor of London’s recent “London Plan”.

Bikesafe is a safe and secure solution for cycle storage, with the automatic system providing storage either above or below ground, on four, six or eight levels. Each system can safely and securely house up to 240 bikes, all within a footprint of just 8.9m diameter.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz035

SIEGER SLIM – SLIDING DOOR looks like steel · maximises light · low maintenance

REHAU – WINDOW FURNITURE aesthetically focussed · high qality · zinc

A development in Surrey recently featured a Sieger Slim Sliding Door with casement and gable end windows.

The developer wanted a glazing system that would look like steel but with minimal sightlines that would not obstruct the view and would maximise natural light within the home.

The Sieger Slim Sliding Door and Slim Casement Windows with glazing bars were used to achieve this. Aluminium framed steel look glazing has all the advantages of steel glazing but has slimmer framing and requires less maintenance.

The bi-parting doors can be slid aside to allow the internal living space and garden to be merged, weather permitting.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz036

Rehau has enhanced its Rio flush fit window with a range of Monkey Tail and Tear Drop Handles, along with complementary stays and pegs. These are particularly suited to housebuilders seeking a traditional timber window aesthetic.

The new range features key-locking handles that are designed to fit the firm’s Total70C and Total70S profiles.

Available in black, chrome, satin silver and antique black, the handles can be designed in full zinc casting for high quality finish and longevity. The product also comes with a 10year guarantee and is 240-hour salt spraytested, exceeding BS EN 1670:2007.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz037

ISO-CHEMIE – CONSTRUCTION BOARDS 20-100mm thickness · versatile · cut to size Foam sealant tape specialist ISO Chemie has introduced its new Iso-Top Construction Sheets WF3 to the UK development sector to provide improved design and installation for windows and doors. The sheets can be used either as adapter boards as part of a system profile, or as individual components to support profiles, packing strips or shaped window cill parts.

Manufactured from high density Thermapor, the boards offer excellent load bearing capacity – in excess of 650kPA – and can be quickly and easily sawn or cut to shape and size onsite, to provide an effective installation and sealing solution as part of the company’s window thermal insulating and load bearing bracket system.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz038

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NEW PRODUCTS SIKA – BEAM AND BLOCK SOLUTION replaces steel mesh · durable · pumpable In a bid to provide a cost-effective, ‘no fuss’ alternative to steel meshreinforced structural topping installations, Sika has launched a new steel fibre solution.

SikaFiber-1050 B&BA HF enhances concrete topping durability, reduces shrinkage cracking and is suitable for block and beam floors.

According to the company, the system is safe and easier to use than traditional reinforcement, whilst reducing construction time because it can be pumped into place with concrete; removing the need for costly and laborious mesh installation.

Capable of increasing concrete durability, the system also improves impact, abrasion and shatter resistance. In addition, it requires no minimum amount of concrete cover, potentially reducing the volume of concrete versus traditional mesh reinforcement.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz039

BRADSTONE – LOW CARBON PATIOS lower carbon footprint · wide range Domestic hard landscaping brand Bradstone, part of the Aggregate Industries group, has launched a range of low carbon products for patios and driveways that offers a 20% reduction in carbon footprint compared to the previous versions of the products.

Whilst the new Bradstone ECO collection offers a comprehensive selection of products, the company announces its commitment to review the entire concrete products range with a view to lowering its carbon footprint.

This has been achieved through improvements in manufacturing and design mix to help reduce the carbon footprint of each of the products. The change in design mix means a typical patio measuring 30m2 will now produce up to 66kg less carbon during manufacture compared with the old mix design.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz040

DOMUS VENTILATION – AIR BRICK meets building regs · range of colours Domus Ventilation has launched the new Solis Air Brick range of low resistance, non-combustible metal air bricks that are fully compliant with the revised Building Regulations Fire Safety Approved Document B. The air brick comes in three options: 204x60 single metal air brick, and 220x90 and 220x126 double metal air bricks. They are suitable for use with all external wall types and come with a wide range of stylish architectural grilles in a choice of colours for internal and external use. They are fully compatible with Domus rigid ducting ranges and Domus Thermal duct insulation, a patented system that significantly improves the thermal insulation of round and rectangular ventilation ducting, thus reducing heat loss and preventing the formation of condensation.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz041

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PRODUCT FOCUS: WEST FRASER

CaberWood MDF West Fraser discuss some of the frequent questions they receive regarding its CaberWood MDF range.

W

est Fraser’s CaberWood MDF range is not only the original, having been initiated in 1966, it is also the one that covers the widest range of applications in today’s housebuilding industry. Known for clean finishing, strong holding and impressive routing properties, there is a variant for every possible application while the support material and training ensure that the specifier is armed with all the information required to make the best decision.

What’s the difference between CaberWood MDF Pro and CaberWood MDF Trade?

CaberWood MDF Pro is a premium grade MDF, denser and ideal for intricate routing and high quality, detailed finishing.

CaberWood MDF Trade is a lighter MDF board with an enhanced surface for painting, paper foils and veneers, and it’s suitable for situations where lighter weight is a requirement.

recommended. For furniture intended to be routed and shaped, CaberWood MDF Pro is recommended.

For how long should MDF Pro be conditioned before installing?

Approximately 48 hours.

Do the boards need sealing or priming before painting?

Yes, we recommend an undercoat is used when painting.

Why is the moisture resistant MDF green?

A green dye is used as a means of quickly distinguishing moisture resistant MDF from non-MR variants.

Why are the CaberWood MDF MR (Moisture Resistant) boards considered better for cutting?

What applications is the Trade option suitable for?

The physical properties of CaberWood MDF Pro MR are higher than other grades.

This makes it best for cutting and machining while the board is made for wet or humid environments.

MDF Trade is suitable for applications that require a lighter board – such as furniture, shopfitting, caravans and exhibitions.

When would you use CaberWood MDF Industrial?

Is the Pro choice suitable for routing?

MDF Pro is ideal for routing thanks to its consistent density, high quality fibres and internal bond strength. This also makes for excellent screw and fastening holding.

What grade should be used for making furniture?

Both can be used depending on requirements. For a basic, lightweight furniture CaberWood MDF Trade is

The denser design means this range is perfect for deep, angular profiles and advanced finishing. It’s the strongest member of the family and suitable for use with all woodworking machines and hand tools for a superior routed finish.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz042

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX A. Proctor Group Ltd ....................................................page 24

Methven Ltd ..................................................inside front cover

Beauxfort ........................................................................page 35

Quickslide Ltd ................................................................page 37

Dynamis Associates Ltd ..............................................page 39

RWC (UK) Ltd ..............................................outside back cover

H+H UK Ltd ............................................................pages 19, 28

Scotts of Thrapston Ltd ..................................................page 4

Heights (UK) Ltd ............................................................page 27

West Fraser ..............................................................pages 9, 23

Keylite Roof Windows ..................................................page 32

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LAST WORD

Money Talks

Ian Atkinson, partner at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, asks whether it’s time to incentivise MMC.

what looks “likeDespite a compelling case, MMC is struggling to achieve the scale and volume needed to really have an effect.

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I

t sometimes seems that Modern Methods of Construction are held up as being the answer to every major issue that the construction industry faces in the short and long term.

MMC improves quality, using processes and materials that provide consistency from start to finish. Errors, should they occur, are eradicated quickly and then not repeated. MMC also makes for safer sites, where buildings are erected more quickly and more sustainability. Home designs can also be flexible and adaptable to individual needs.

Despite what looks like a compelling case, MMC is struggling to achieve the scale and volume needed to really have an effect. According to the RICS, only 8% of homes built in the UK rely on MMC. While that figure could rise to 20% over the next 10 years, it still indicates that MMC is struggling to gain a foothold among housebuilders. So, what are the limiting factors preventing widespread adoption of MMC? Cost – The main factor is cost, of course.

It’s boom time for housebuilders right now, but margins can be incredibly tight – the effects of the pandemic and Brexit are taking their toll, as we see a continued rise in the cost of building materials and a shortage of labour.

Also there is a Catch-22 situation: until MMC is adopted more widely, the costs involved are unlikely to come down. But until the costs come down, it’s very difficult for it to be adopted more widely.

Mortgages – It has, for some time, been difficult to find a high street lender prepared to offer a mortgage on a home built using MMC/off-site construction methods. While perceptions of MMC homes are improving, many lenders still have concerns over long-term build quality.

There is hope that this will become easier: a number of leading industry bodies, including the NHBC, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding after the Government agreed to create a

minimum standard for MMC-built homes in the UK. Logistics – The scope for MMC is strictly limited by the size of parts that can be moved across the country. There’s no point assembling a building off-site if you then can’t move it to its intended location easily. The width of UK carriageways – either on motorways or on local roads is severely limiting.

Skills – Although the time required to train people to design and operate MMC manufacturing and assembly processes is considerably less than the time taken to train for traditional skills, there is, due to the relative newness of the industry, a shortage of sufficiently skilled people. As we are short on traditional construction skills at the moment, developing MMC skills may not feel like the top priority for many housebuilders.

Certainly, any skills drive, led by Government or the industry, should consider the development of factorybased MMC skills as a vital part of the training mix to aid long term goals.

A consultation launched by the Government in February 2021 (now closed) on the future of the New Homes Bonus has raised the possibility of MMCbuilt homes being incentivised as part of the Bonus scheme.

We would strongly encourage such incentivisation. Government policy and social housing will help to bring about the wider adoption of MMC in the public sector, and with time this will pave the way for the private sector to follow.

However, with the Government’s own 2025 deadline for all new-build homes to be ‘zero carbon ready’, the clock is ticking and we feel incentivising MMC for the private sector will help to tackle to issue from both ends.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/dz043

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