Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer October 2020

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PROFESSIONAL

HOUSEBUILDER &PROPERTY DEVELOPER OCTOBER 2020

WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

OFFICE CONVERSIONS What are the advantages and challenges of converting offices into private residences?

ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION

LUXURY LIVING

Make sure your homes make use of the best materials to keep out the rain and wind

The newest additions to the world of luxury living collected in one place

LAST WORD: CAN TECHNOLOGY HELP THE INDUSTRY IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY?

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contents PHPD OCTOBER 2020 VOLUME 14 NUMBER 8

This issue Regulars 5 6 7 8 35

First Word News BMBI Monthly Update Developments Last Word

Special Reports 10 Going Pro Meet Housebuilder Pro, the new software making life easier for developers

12 No Ordinary Boys PHPD talks business with office-to-residential specialists Life Less Ordinary

Cover story

Turn to page 14 to see the stunning work recently done using Cwt-Y-Bugail Celtic-grade roof slates from Welsh Slate on Queen’s Lace, a five bedroom new build in Surrey. The building owes its aesthetic appeal to the arts and crafts movement.

ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION 14 The Welsh Way PHPD takes a look at Welsh Slate in action 17 The Full Package Marley Alutec’s aluminium roofing range provides a classic look 18 Quality on Top Klober’s Nick King explains the importance of using quality membranes

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The membrane beneath the tiles makes all the difference

LUXURY LIVING 20 Long Lasting Appeal How can cladding create more environmentally friendly homes?

Endurawood explains all 22 Going in Cold Have you considered utilising Insulation Concrete Formwork?

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Meet the developer doing extraordinary things

24 It Takes Two Dual showers offer homeowners a luxurious experience, according to Mira Showers 26 Earth Tones Keep your homes up-to-date with Dulux’s Colour of the Year 28 Cleaning Up Premium homes now require the

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highest hygiene standards. Learn more with Grohe 31 Reimagining Luxury Discover the latest trends with Edward Thomas Interiors 32 Appliances Round-up PHPD rounds up the latest luxury appliances for the kitchen 34 Product Focus PHPD takes a look at the latest sink from Reginox

Reconnect your homes with nature this year

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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 Publisher Bryan Shannon Printer Wyndeham Group Published by: Hamerville Media Group Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. Tel: 01923 237799 Email: phpd@hamerville.co.uk Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication. © 2020

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

A broken agreement?

One recent Government proposal which has largely gone unexamined in the national debate (if not within the industry itself) is the proposed abolition of Section 106 agreements from the planning process. It’s something that needs to be talked about, along with what the wider role of housebuilders and developers needs to be, as this bureaucratic amendment will surely have ramifications far beyond the developers themselves.

Since 2001, the proportion of affordable homes in the UK built using Section 106 funds has grown from near zero to near 50%, removing the financial burden from the Government itself. Of course, the Government isn’t thinking of removing the provision without first putting something in place, namely a national Infrastructure Levy that will act as a tax on total revenues earned by developers. This will replace the brick and mortar contribution with a purely financial one, which won’t necessarily make its way back into housing.

One key thing to note, among all of this, is the Government’s approach to smaller builders and their obligations. Before completely doing away with the scheme, the Government has declared it will lift the threshold of compliance from sites with 10 planned homes to sites with 50. In one fell swoop this will remove the vast majority of smaller builders from having to contribute anything in the way of affordable housing. It has been estimated that raising the threshold so high could reduce the numbers of affordable housing built under the agreement by up to 20%.

According to the Government, the threshold rise will “help smaller developers as they bounce back from the economic impact of coronavirus and help them to get more homes built.” What’s more, the same launch paper quotes the following statistics: “30 years ago small builders were responsible for 40% of new build homes compared with 12% today.”

Freeing smaller builders from their Section 106 obligations will no doubt be a huge help and will possibly mean that some companies who have suffered this year are saved from the brink. What is harder to argue, however, is that the changes will bring benefit to the country as a whole. Whilst Section 106 was not perfect, and often lurked behind the ugly news stories of poorer families being denied access to areas and amenities enjoyed by those in properties within the same estate or building, its strength lay in the fact that it asked housebuilders and developers to contribute in the best way they could – namely, building homes.

There already exists an industry devoted to freeing developers from their planning obligations and one wonders whether that industry will only grow now, given that money has always been easier to spirit away than houses. Some concerned commentators have even speculated whether larger developers will begin dividing their large sites into smaller ones in order to go below the contribution threshold.

Regardless of whether this is, indeed, a “developer’s charter” as it has been derided, what is clear is that it represents a huge vote of confidence in the power of SME builders to provide a boost to the economy and good quality housing for the country. What it fails to do, however, is remind developers that local communities and the country as a whole must benefit from your work. All good builders already know that they are not building within a vacuum, but within a community with a history and a future. Profits are fleeting, wellbuilt houses are not.

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

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

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news

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

FMB elects first Private housing sites operating female national at 80% productivity their sites in the week beginning 24th he latest Covid-19 construction president March. At the peak of the first wave of statistics suggest that sites were

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embers of the Federation of Master Builders have elected Jan Etchells as their new National President at their Annual General Meeting, held virtually in September.

Jan, of Syntonic Kitchen Technicians Limited, and a long-term member of the FMB’s London Board, is beginning her two-year term as FMB President at a challenging time for the small and medium-sized building industry.

Jan Etchells said: “I am extremely honoured to represent our membership and take on the role of FMB President at such an important time. I want to see our members thrive, and take pride in their FMB membership. I want to be a champion of quality, and would love to help the next generation to choose construction as a career regardless of gender.” www.fmb.org.uk

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operating at 80% in terms of productivity in August – according to the new Private Housebuilding report, published by AMA Research.

At the start of 2020, it looked as if it was going to be another year of growth for the private housing sector. Mortgage fixed-interest rates in Q1 were at their lowest for at least five years, while in February mortgage approvals reached 73,660, the highest level in at least a year.

However, the impact of Covid-19 and the Spring lockdown is forecast to lead to minimum 30% decline in contractor’s output in 2020 and over 40,000 fewer private homes being built. Mortgage approvals dropped to 15,865 in April and again in May. All but a relatively small number of SME builders temporarily closed

Covid-19 in the UK, around 2,600 private residential building projects with an aggregate value of £40bn were shut down.

Following the publication of new guidance for businesses in May, building sites began re-opening and after the easing of lockdown restrictions from 23rd June, all sites had re-opened. In August many leading housing developers reported that sites are generally operating at around 80% of typical productivity, although activity has mainly been on completing homes originally scheduled for March-May. This suggests that starts have been delayed by around 3 months. The value of contract awards reached in July, is approximately 45% lower than in July 2019. www.amaresearch.co.uk

Materials brand announces record-breaking summer of sales

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ureCav, makers of sustainable cavity wall backing membrane, has announced its most successful summer for sales and leads since its launch.

Although the COVID-19 shutdown resulted in a dip in enquiries in April, as the

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industry reopened in May, SureCav witnessed a significant uptick in enquiries.

The brand has registered its best ever June sales (up 10% from 2019) and July as

its best month ever. August maintained par with last year, even against the backdrop of ongoing Coronavirus disruption. www.surecav.co.uk

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BMBI

V-Shaped Recovery Builders’ Merchants sales in July confirm strong V-shaped recovery.

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ritain’s builders’ merchants sales to builders and contractors bounced back strongly in the three months May to July, with value sales surging 38.9% ahead compared with February to April, as reported in July’s Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) report.

Landscaping was significantly ahead of all

categories at +130.4% over the period.

Year-on-year Compared with the same three months of 2019 total sales were down 13.4% overall, but July sales were only 1.3% below July 2019 and some categories were ahead. Landscaping (+25.4%), Workwear & Safetywear (+21.3%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+1.5%) were up on the same month last year.

Month-on-month Total value sales was up +8.7% in July compared to June 2020, with all but one category reporting growth. Workwear & Safetywear was top (+34.1%), followed by Kitchens & Bathrooms (+27.3%). While Landscaping reported

significant year-on-year growth, sales were down -6.9% in July compared to June.

Index The monthly BMBI index for Total Builders Merchants was 131.9, with Heavy Building Materials, the largest category, at 125.6.

Landscaping was ahead of all categories with an index of 208.2.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? The BMBI report is produced and managed by MRA Marketing. The full report is on www.bmbi.co.uk

Timber industry campaign to NFB Launches reduce CO2 in construction New Training ith the industry being urged to use more timber to meet the UK’s net zero target, the Wood CO2ts less campaign aims to increase awareness of timber’s environmental credentials.

Members of the timber industry collaborating on the campaign include Wood for Good and industry bodies Swedish Wood, Confor, the Timber Trade Federation, Structural Timber Association and British Woodworking Federation.

The construction industry has already taken its own steps to creating more sustainable buildings through initiatives such as the Chartered Institute of Building’s Carbon Action 2050 toolkit. The Wood CO2ts less campaign calls on the construction industry to continue this positive movement, through using more wood.

Sarah Virgo, Wood for Good Campaign Manager, said: “The government set a target for the construction industry to achieve net zero carbon by 2050 but it’s

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not feasible for all sectors of the economy to become carbon neutral. To reach net zero, we need to compensate for these emissions by finding ways of removing carbon from the atmosphere.

The simplest way to contribute to this reduction is to consider wood first, instead of other materials.

“If we are to meet government targets and reduce climate change, we must act now. Everyone involved with the design and construction of a building, new or old, can play their part in tackling the climate emergency.” www.woodforgood.com/co2

Service ational Federation of Builders has launched its new training service that delivers the full range of construction specific training.

The new training provision brings together the very best industry-specific training in one place, with high quality training – both online and face-to-face.

The new training provision was built using a focus group of construction businesses as a soundboard and to ensure the new service is what construction both needs and wants as a training service.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “The launch of NFB’s new training provision is another example of the improvements the team continuously make to add value to members. The new training includes both practical and technical courses for members, with online courses and traditional face to face training.” www.builders.org.uk/training

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DEVELOPMENTS

WINCHESTER‌ Award-winning housebuilder Berkeley Homes has launched its Knights Quarter development in the historic cathedral city of Winchester, Hampshire. The development offers a collection of apartments, penthouses and houses set within a highly sought after elevated position in the heart of the city.

Knights Quarter comprises over 200 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, penthouses and four and five-bedroom townhouses, complete with a range of exclusive on-site amenities, including a concierge service, residents’ gym and beautiful landscaped

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gardens to relax and unwind. Parking spaces or secure underground parking come as standard with every home.

Each apartment at Knights Quarter features a contemporary layout designed to complement busy modern lifestyles. Open-plan kitchen/living/dining areas create a hub of the home and include French doors leading out onto a terrace or balcony, flooding the living room with natural light. Master bedrooms exude luxury and are complete with a sumptuous ensuite bathroom and fitted wardrobes, with some benefitting from a dressing area or walk-in wardrobe. Second

bedrooms also benefit from en-suite bathrooms, ideal for visiting guests.

Penthouses have the advantage of spacious balconies and large terrace areas, providing plenty of space for a sun lounger or dining table, with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and nearby city centre. A variety of two- and three-bedroom apartments also benefit from a separate utility room providing the perfect storage solution for laundry and essential cleaning supplies, tucked away from the main living space. www.rdr.link/ds001

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E-mail your latest developments to phpd@hamerville.co.uk Whilst the recent pandemic has changed the homebuying process, leading developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes is giving Lancashire homebuyers the chance to view its properties at Waddow Heights from the comfort of their own sofa.

In recognition of the demand for online media, videos of Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Waddow Heights development are available to ensure house hunters have as much information as possible for when they have an appointment with a Sales Adviser.

Philippa Stewart, Head of Sales at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North West, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer an online video of our developments, allowing people to take a tour of Waddow Heights in Clitheroe and tours of homes that we are building at the development without having to leave the house.” www.rdr.link/ds002

All the homes at a landmark new apartment development in Nine Elms have now been purchased and completed.

Bellway London has built 324 private one, two and three-bedroom apartments at its development off Ponton Road, known as The Residence, on the site of the former Christie’s art warehouse. The wider scheme, which includes a joint venture development between Bellway and partner developer L&Q, comprises a total of 514 new homes in Nine Elms.

The Residence is the first of Bellway London’s developments in Nine Elms bringing much-needed new homes to the local area and is part of a wider £15 billion regeneration scheme.

The regeneration will involve the creation of around 20,000 new homes, 25,000 new jobs, two new tube stations, which will shorten journey times to central London, and a linear park. www.rdr.link/ds003

LANCASHIRE…

LONDON… Woodlark Chase, the brand-new community of 86 homes in Thornton Cleveleys developed by Lovell Homes, has launched to a full weekend of viewings.

Interest in this long-awaited development proved strong from day one with four initial reservations and two Help to Buy applications submitted.

Lovell Homes has seen enquiry levels across the whole of the North West sharply increase post-lockdown due to the stamp duty holiday and has reported its busiest ever reservation levels in August.

Woodlark Chase offers a range of two, three, and four-bedroom homes with Help to Buy equity loans and it’s Helping Hands scheme to assist first time buyers, growing families, and those looking to downsize buy in the area. www.rdr.link/ds004

THORNTON-CLEVELEYS…

The transformation of the former One Thames Valley commercial office building into a luxury apartment development

has been completed four months ahead of schedule.

Leading UK property developer SevenCapital, which acquired the premises in May 2019 with permitted development rights in place, has also confirmed that a number of apartments within the development have already been pre-let to tenants ahead of its completion.

No.1 Thames Valley, as the development is now known, features a total of 130 stylish and spacious executive studio suites and one-bedroom apartments across three floors, each with expansive windows which flood the living spaces with light. The development also features a vast atrium, along with two open plan residents’ lounges – one in each ‘wing’ of the development, designed to nurture the community aspect that is increasingly a popular requirement from apartment developments. www.rdr.link/ds005

BRACKNELL…

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Special Report: Software

Going Pro PHPD’s Kieran Nee speaks to Nick Taylor, Business Development Manager at Housebuilder Pro, about the company and why housebuilders and developers should consider a third party management software package.

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i Nick, can you tell us about Housebuilder Pro? Housebuilder Pro is an exciting joint venture between software development experts Shoothill and Shropshire-based housebuilders Shingler Homes.

Leveraging Shingler Homes' 20 years as premier home builders and Shoothill's stellar 16 years’ software development pedigree, the two companies have forces on Housebuilder Pro. Jeremy Shingler, Managing Director of Shingler Homes, approached Shoothill to develop a software product to manage his own internal property sales and it is from this original requirement that Housebuilder has developed into the comprehensive product it is today

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Sounds interesting. What exactly can the software offer housebuilders and developers?

HBP offers housebuilders and developers a full, end to end, property and construction management software package that enables users to fully track the progress of their sites from a build and sales point of view. Plot build progress is logged through the system whilst sales are being made, chased and completed through the software’s comprehensive sales and customer management package. Customer reservations, legal progress, choice selection and handovers are all managed seamlessly and once sales are completed, properties are automatically moved into the aftercare section for

management of customer service for the warranty period.

The system also has a customerfacing portal which enables home buyers to log in to view all property details, track build and legal progress as well as letting them make all the choices of fixtures and fittings.

Isn’t this something housebuilders can do in-house?

We do not manage the system for the customers (that is done by them) but in a nutshell, Housebuilder pro is a complete ‘off-the-shelf’ software suite that was developed by housebuilders, for housebuilders. Hosted on the cloud, the product is used by the housebuilders themselves, and accessed via any web

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What do the builders say?

Caryl Russell, Sales Manager at Macbryde “We’ve been looking for the best software solution that could fulfil our specific needs for quite a while now and we have had time to compare many of the products on the market. When we saw Housebuilder Pro and its capabilities, we knew we had found the right software for our business.

For us, one of the biggest attractions was that it has obviously been designed from the ground up by housebuilders and the fact that it’s always evolving with new features, making this decision pretty much a no-brainer”.

Even though house sales are booming at the moment, there may be uncertain economic times ahead and it is vital that housebuilders prepare browser. Not only that, but new features are being continually developed for the product and these updates are shared amongst all HBP customers. The package can be set up for customers in 24 hours.

Going forward, how different do you think the industry will be in 2021 compared to 2019? Will there be particular challenges for Housebuilder Pro Even though house sales are booming at the moment, there may be uncertain economic times ahead and it is vital that housebuilders prepare. The success of any business is almost entirely dependent on the people it employs and the systems and procedures it uses to manage

production. The housebuilding industry is no different to any other in this respect and the implementation of HBP within your business will ensure that, no matter what the economic climate, you can be confident that you (and your buyers) will have accurate, efficient data to enable you to continue to professionally manage builds, sales and aftercare.

So the software is easy to use and streamlines the processes between customers and developers, but how easy is it to implement in the first place? Is there any help for companies struggling with it?

The team at Housebuilder Pro are very hands on with the implementation,

Richard Shackleton MD at Shropshire homes “We are always on the lookout for new ways to further improve our business, both for our employees and customers alike. Housebuilder Pro is an excellent tool to help ensure we are working as efficiently as possible, enabling us to enhance our sales process for customers and to be able to provide them with an online portal for all documentation and guarantees associated with their property for 10 years after the sale. We’re also excited to be working with a local software developer like Shoothill as we bring this digital transformation to life inside our business.” offering unparalleled customer support and service throughout. Onboarding is made very simple for the end user and the client can be up and running within 24 hours. The system can be made bespoke or adapted to their individual business needs. We understand the industry works in many ways from small, medium to larger companies and we understand we need to adapt according to their wants and needs. The whole team at Housebuilder Pro wants the end user to have an exceptional experience ultimately becoming their loyal, trusted one-stop provider and collaborative partner for years to come. They certainly will not be left alone in their journey, building strong business relationships is key to our success.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds006

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Special Report: Developer Profile

No Ordinary Boys PHPD’s Kieran Nee catches up with Hinesh Chawda, co-founder of property developer Life Less Ordinary to find out more about the company and some of the challenges and opportunities presented by office to residential conversions.

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ife Less Ordinary is a boutique property developer which aims to provide first time buyers with high quality, yet affordable, homes.

The company is owned by me and my brother, who both have professional backgrounds. Our combination of legal and financial backgrounds allowed us to establish a business which is dynamic, professional and customer focused without being stuffy or too formal in its approach.

We provide high quality, well-specified and considered homes for first-time buyers in and around London looking to move onto the property ladder without making compromise. We do this by utilising space more efficiently through open plan layouts, maximising natural light and selecting quality materials. We have recently brought construction in-house to further develop these core principles.

The business has evolved to specialise in office-to-residential conversions based in desirable locations close to local amenities and good transport links.

This niche developed when we acquired an office building in Romford several years ago where we were intending to build a new build scheme but realised we could instead utilise the new prior approval rules to convert the property and utilise the roof space with a new build scheme. This was a no-brainer for us as it would result in a less wasteful, more costefficient transformation of a tired, vacant building into a collection of modern apartments for first-time buyers.

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Since then we have created over 250 homes by converting buildings and have, as such, developed a reputation for building considered and quality homes by investing in our product. We have learnt how to convert buildings efficiently and, over time, how to best meet ever-increasing demand for property and considered design.

One of the advantages of commercialto-residential development is that it compels us to be creative within our own parameters.

Starting with a defined floorspace, we pay close attention to the individual layouts as well as the communal spaces. This allows us to employ intelligent design that delivers homes covering a range of sizes and, therefore, price points. Utilisation of open-plan living areas and the removal of unnecessary hallways in individual units enables us to reduce overall unit size without compromising other aspects.

This effectively means that purchasers can afford a one- or two-bedroom home in that location, that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford, thanks to our design-led approach.

The challenge, however, is that the creation of the units is sometimes restricted by the façade of the building in terms of window location and floorplans.

We also take on significant risk with the structural integrity, drainage and thermal/acoustic insulation of the building which we cannot always assess prior to acquisition. These items can present both benefits and challenges.

Of course, many commercial buildings offer little, if anything, by way of outside space. With this in mind, we always look to include communal outdoor space to make up for this and often achieve this through the delivery of communal roof terraces or balconies to apartments.

We deliver about three developments each year, but we are driven more by location and architectural design of the property rather than corporate unit targets.

That said, our project numbers and in turn the number of homes we develop is currently exponentially increasing due to now having developed a sustainable business infrastructure which is able to accommodate further projects. We currently have over 100 new homes in our pipeline.

The implications of the coronavirus were initially challenging on the business as construction was significantly slowed, material supply was difficult, and sales were entirely on hold. Since then, however, things have reverted quickly with pent-up demand and changes in the SDLT rules generating a rise in demand from buyers, especially at the price points we are selling at.

Having the highest specification on the market within the vicinity is critical to us as we endeavour to create aspirational living.

On our most recent developments we have fitted bespoke handleless German Hacker kitchens with matt door finishes and stone worktops and splashbacks. We have found

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Utilisation of open-plan living areas and the removal of unnecessary hallways in individual units enables us to reduce overall unit size without compromising other aspects that even though the lead time is longer on these European products, the quality and finish has been excellent and a worthwhile investment. All of our recent developments have fitted Bosch or Siemens appliances – both of which are contemporary in their aesthetics, built well and supported by strong aftersales.

In the bathrooms we have used Crosswater and Vitra sanitaryware and brassware products, both of which design items that meet our modern living designs, quality finish and durability.

Our construction process is inherently more carbon efficient than a new build.

At our current project in Eastcote, the structure was previously earmarked for demolition by the vendor but upon purchasing the site we took the decision to reuse the existing building and

therefore save a considerable amount of material from going to landfill.

We always replace the glazing on our conversions with new double-glazed composite units and upgrade the previous insulation levels to match or exceed that stipulated by building standards. Our new build apartments also have full MVHR systems providing the best and most efficient ventilation possible.

We look to embrace modern construction methods where possible and continue to explore this at our design stage but otherwise our methods are relatively traditional.

The exception, however, is most evident where we construct in the airspace. At our Malt Works project, our penthouse flats constructed in the airspace above the existing building are utilising a full

timber frame which is a first for us. We are always looking at ways to introduce new methods and materials into our new developments and will continue to do so as we grow the business.

Legislative changes around Permitted Development Rights should never be solely focused on going further or building higher.

The key is that any changes to Permitted Development Rights should only ever exist to deliver a positive outcome, all within the confines of meeting a need and delivering a quality end product.

I believe that by being able to utilise existing buildings but working within an extended list of planning criteria (including external appearance of building, natural light and impact on amenity of existing and neighbouring buildings), the quality of housing concerns should be addressed whilst also meeting the critical demand for new properties.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds007

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

The Welsh Way PHPD finds out more about a home grown slate which has recently proved the perfect roof for a luxury new build.

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hen professional landscaper Claire Merriman commissioned an architect to design her latest development, they immediately proposed Welsh Slate for the roof. She was happy to acquiesce but wanted to compare the product with its rivals before capping the new five-bedroom, five-bathroom private house in five acres of stunning countryside in Surrey.

So, samples of Welsh Slate’s 500mm x 250mm Cwt-Y-Bugail Celtic-grade roof slates were laid on a 3m2 panel while rival slates were laid on a second. To quote Claire herself, after a direct comparison, “the choice was obvious”.

Some 14,000, or 500m2, Welsh slates have now been used on Queen’s Lace, which finds itself on the edge of a Conservation Area in the village of Shamley Green, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as an Area of Great Landscape Value.

Claire was familiar with the Welsh Slate name but had never used the manufacturer’s roof slates, or any of its architectural products such as cladding, flooring, paving, aggregate and interior 14 october Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

surfaces such as worktops, before in any form. Now it is likely to feature inside as well as outside her future projects.

Queen’s Lace is almost half as big again as the 1950s five-bedroomed house it replaces. Her brief to winning Surrey architects Mitchell Evans, who were one of six architectural firms she approached, was for a modern take on the arts and crafts architecture typical of the area.

This is reflected in the Welsh Slate roof which has mostly been laid to a 47° pitch apart from the lowest four courses of slates which are at a shallower pitch, with the change in pitch eased by a band of lead. The Cwt-Y-Bugail slates feature not only on the main house but also the granny annexe and a three-car drivethrough courtyard building.

Claire said: “The rival slates look quite similar, especially on the internet, but once we saw all of them on the panels, the choice was obvious. You just get more depth and character with the Welsh Slate. It doesn’t look as flat. It has a lovely softness about it.”

Sustainability also played a part in Claire ratifying Mitchell Evans’ specification of Welsh Slate.

“Everything we have done on the project has been with sustainability in mind,” she said. “We wanted to make it as environmentally friendly as possible, so we have always tried to source locally.

We wanted to use the local sandstone for the façade, but stocks were running low, so we had to opt in the end for Blaxter, which is very similar looking.”

The Welsh slates were installed double-nailed with aluminium nails on a cut timber roof with open eaves over a total of eight weeks for main contractor KM Grant by specialist roofing contractor MJM Roofing.

MJM’s managing director Malcolm Marshall said: “The roof had a change in

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More on Welsh Slate The Cwt-Y-Bugail slate used on Queen’s Lace is one of two colours available from Welsh Slate and each comes with its own unique visual characteristics.

Cwt-Y-Bugail slate, from the quarry of the same name, features natural blue grey banding, while Penrhyn Heather Blue, from Welsh Slate’s main Penrhyn quarry, is a natural heather blue and may include natural green marking.

The slate is so durable it is guaranteed for 100 years, although many Welsh slate roofs around the world last well in excess of this. It is usually the roof battens that wear out first! Non-combustible as a roofing and cladding material, it is unaffected by normal extremes of temperature, retains its colour (even in UV light) and is impermeable to water.

Welsh Slate roofing is crafted using traditional skills and techniques developed over centuries, combined with modern production processes to ensure all the roofing slates are of the highest standard. Slates are dressed to their final size with traditional chamfered edges, graded for thickness and packed for despatch.

From its source in North Wales, Welsh slate has been used and crafted by many generations of people from all walks of life since early Roman times. Penrhyn Quarry has been at the centre and the focal point for UK natural stone and its heritage since the 13th Century and a major operation for over 400 years.

pitch at the eaves which created a sprocket detail where the slates had to be broken with lead flashing. This created different angles for the first part of the valleys.

“The project was quite challenging as we had stone gables to contend with, not timber. We had to ensure they were perfectly flat before we installed our roofing battens and slates. As the roof was carried out in phases, much of the protruding roof elevations were constructed from steel which arrived at a later date to the main area of roof. This meant we could only cut one side of a valley to which there were many. We would normally work on a completed roof structure and work our way round completing elevations as we went.”

He added: “My team and I were impressed with the Welsh Slate. Not much grading was required. Due to the thickness and very rivened edges the slates do sit well. We have used Welsh Slate on several occasions, mainly on large, new-build houses around the South East, and have never had an issue with quality.”

Claire, a mother of three, was quick to mark her landscaping expertise on the plot. As soon as the first stage of planning approval was through, late in 2017, she planted some trees in an area which was slightly overlooked, and these are now 6-7m tall.

We wanted to make it as environmentally friendly as possible, so we have always tried to source locally.

Claire Merriman They complement the lake and natural springs that already existed on the land as well as a new wildlife lake and meadow that have been created and a small stream through the site that has been regenerated. It is all a far cry from the completely overgrown site that it was.

Their plans for the site garnered 26 letters of support, with no objections.

“We had been concerned that at some point the site would be split up into individual elements and even though it’s on the edge of the village we were keen to see it retained as one property,” said Claire who is a proponent of integrated design, where all aspects of a build – the structure, landscaping and interior design – should be considered holistically from the start.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds008 Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer october

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

A recent North London development has benefitted from Marley Alutec’s aluminium roofing range.

The full package H

ill Partnerships and Hanover Housing’s Woodside Square development in North London has put on fully display the versatility of aluminium as a building material, using Marley Alutec’s aluminium eaves to great effect.

Woodside Square is a redevelopment of St. Luke’s Hospital, located in the Muswell Hill area of North London since 1930. The new six-acre development comprises 159 one, two, three and four bedroom homes created specifically for over 55s, with options intended to allow downsizing from family homes while staying within the area.

Architect Pollard Thomas Edwards’ design captured the contemporary arts and crafts style typical of the post-Edwardian area in this gentrified location by using high-quality materials and incorporating beautiful design details. Aluminium was chosen as the ideal material for juxtaposing careful restoration against modern styling.

Marley Alutec’s snapfit boltless rainwater gutters were included on the specification for the contemporary flats following a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session on aluminium systems at the architects’ practice. Sustainability was a key part of the concept for Woodside Square not only in terms of ensuring energy efficiency but also in the building materials chosen. The low environmental impact and infinite recyclability of aluminium further justified its use for the scheme.

The site management team at Hill Partnerships was keen to retain its trusted trades. Marley Alutec produced material schedules for procurement of fascia, soffit, and rainwater goods for the contemporary flats. On-site installer training was then trialled on the first block, where the manufacturer demonstrated how the composite fascia could be installed using standard carpentry tools.

The quality and cost effectiveness of the installation proved enough for Hill Partnerships to repeat this model for the rest of the blocks. This included the careful restoration of the three existing hospital buildings.

The Admin block used moulded Ogee gutters to BS8530 as an authentic replacement for the existing cast iron, modified for rear outlet discharge into insitu pipework. The Roseneath and Norton Leas blocks were one of the first orders for the new Tudor 102mm pipe range. The design and production of bespoke gutter and pipe fittings enabled the unobtrusive installation of the systems to meet the design brief, including outlets for the balconies. Following this, further applications for the fascia product were soon identified, for example the entrance canopies and sunrooms. Marley Alutec became a familiar attendant on site, offering advice on design and application to the construction team.

Travis Perkins was a valued partner in the supply process as the firm has a strict merchant only policy. The team’s help was invaluable in the exchange of detail prior to orders on a fast moving construction site, in particular as installation by the resident team was a first for housebuilder Hill.

Chris O’Dowd, Project Manager at Hill Partnerships said: “Having our resident

Sustainability was a key part of the concept for Woodside Square in the building materials chosen team carry out the fitting allowed us to work more flexibly and efficiently. It was important to us that the exterior building components not only be of high quality and suit the character of the properties but also be easy to install.

“With modern new builds being constructed alongside the renovation of heritage buildings, establishing a degree of continuity across the site was important. Marley Alutec was able to supply products that would suit each application, providing a single source of supply with efficiency and expertise.”

Kevin Wallis, Category Manager at Marley Alutec explained: “This project demonstrates the true diversity and easy installation of our product ranges as well as our value added services such as bespoke manufacturing. Further, it provides an illustration of how manufacturers, merchants and contractors can collaborate to achieve the best possible results. I’d like to thank the site team at Hill’s for their commitment to our product, humour and professionalism which has made this such an enjoyable scheme to be involved with.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds009

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer october

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Quality on top For housebuilders and developers working on premium housing projects, the opportunity to raise the roofing standard should not be missed. Nick King, Area Account Manager at Klober, explains some of the key roofing product considerations to improve performance and add kerb appeal.

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hen it comes to premium housing projects, the roofing element of the project can still often be treated as an afterthought. It is a missed opportunity to not invest in the roof, however, as there is a huge difference in quality across the market.

The longevity and protection that a secure, weatherproofed, and wellventilated roofing system provides cannot be undervalued. Additionally, when choosing to go premium, housebuilders will have a much greater choice of materials and aesthetic possibilities in order to boost kerb appeal.

The following product considerations provide a number of different solutions for an array of roofing applications, and demonstrate how housebuilders can benefit from specifying added-value products.

18 october Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Breathable membranes, especially ones that are both vapour and air permeable, are the best type of underlay for developments that want to benefit from reduced risk of condensation.

Because new homes tend to be more airtight and at a greater risk of condensation, this is a particular concern.

Approved air open and vapour permeable options allow water vapour to exit freely without the need for separate ventilation above the roofing insulation.

When no additional ventilation is required, more design freedom is made possible as the roof does not need to factor in additional ventilation. For complex housebuilding projects, such as apartment buildings, this is advantageous. Having a superior breathable membrane product also particularly helps during the drying out period of a building.

It should be remembered that approval is required to prove that breathable membrane products do not require additional forms of ventilation.

The National House Building Council, for instance, recognises Klober’s Permo Air membrane as being air open as well as vapour permeable because of having relevant British Board of AgrÊment approval.

For membranes that are required for low-pitch roofing applications, it is important to choose products that have been specifically developed to precisely deliver solutions where other membranes can’t. This needs careful product selection, in order to solve the challenges represented by low pitch roofing, such as water collecting and the increased likelihood of water ingress.

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Diverting from traditional lead-based flashing roofing products is another option for housebuilders who want to prioritise safety and decrease the risk of theft and associated damage

Premium products such as Klober’s Permo Extreme, caters for pitches as low as 12.5º for profile tiles, 15º for slates and 22.5º for plain tiles. Permo Extreme is also much stronger than the average underlay on the market, in order to greatly reduce the risk of ripping and tearing whilst installation takes place. This added strength helps to save time on-site by reducing the amount of remedial work required to patch tears.

Enhancing airflow and efficiency For projects with additional ventilation requirements, housebuilders can consider opting for colour matching services of tile vents for a seamless finish, in fact this is a service Klober offers. There are many different colours and styles depending on the roofing application, including those which follow the contour of the roofing tiles to provide an uninterrupted roofing-line.

When considering premium roofing properties, it is also important to ensure compatibility with energy efficiency technologies, such as Solar PV panels. This is where solar compatible roofing tile

accessories come to the fore. They allow cables and water pipes for solar panels to pass through the roof without compromising the water tightness or the aesthetics.

The traditional usage of mortar to seal vulnerable areas of the roof, such as around the verge, will more than likely lead to cracking in the future, so it is worth investigating dry fix techniques instead. A dry verge unit is very low maintenance, and while mortar can degrade over time dry ridge systems retain their quality for years to come.

Diverting from traditional lead-based flashing roofing products is another option for housebuilders who want to prioritise safety and decrease the risk of theft and associated damage. This is in addition to reducing installation time when protecting junctions between the wall and the roof from weathering.

Klober’s Wakaflex product is one example of how materials innovation is improving the selection of roofing products available to housebuilders. Wakaflex offers a non-toxic and flexible solution, which can easily be stretched and moulded to use on abutments and chimneys. It is lighter than traditional lead flashing and is able to selfweld without the use of adhesive, so it very easy and neat to install. Wakaflex is also a more cost-effective option when compared to lead-based flashing products, which demonstrates how

specifying superior products doesn’t always have to come at a premium.

Why premium?

While keeping to budget will always be a primary objective during the building process, it is important to realise that value-engineering of products to make initial savings, will not necessarily provide greater value in the long run. If a roof does degrade prematurely, housebuilders will generally be contractually responsible to make repairs in the first year, so it is important to get it right first time.

Choosing roofing products that have added-value qualities, will help to ensure that this happens.

To continue to raise the roofing standard, it is important to carefully consider the roof and remember that the true cost is relative not only to the price, but also to the performance and how long it will last. Housebuilders should consider the breadth of options when it comes to the roof and explore the different products available to them, such as those discussed in this article, with the help of manufacturers like Klober.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds010

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer october

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Long Lasting Appeal Nick Cowley, Managing Director at aluminium building product supplier, Endurawood, explores how developers can construct sustainable and durable new build properties.

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n a survey by Home Quality Mark, over two thirds of respondents said sustainable features are important in a prospective property. For a home to be sustainable, it must have elements that lower environmental impact, but must also be built to last.

Government research has found that the UK needs to build up to 345,000 new homes per year to fulfil demand.

However, with the construction and running of new homes impacting the environment, it’s important that these new homes are built with sustainability in mind.

While these homes must be produced quickly and sustainably, housebuilders must not compromise quality. Therefore, property developers must examine new build features that both lower the environmental impact of a home and increase its lifespan.

It's important to build with high energy efficiency in mind to lower the home’s future energy requirements. Any appliance installed into the home should have at least an A energy rating. Energy efficiency can be further increased by ensuring all bulbs used are light emitting diode. LED bulbs can save up to 90 per cent of energy compared to traditional bulbs, as well as lasting ten times longer.

Another way to boost home energy efficiency is to install energy efficient windows and doors. Double glazed windows and doors that are well sealed trap heat inside and keep rain and wind out. This weatherproofing increases the

20 october Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

durability of the house by protecting it from damage. In particular, composite doors have extra thickness, which provides even more durability.

Cladding Exterior cladding adds an extra protective layer to the home to shield it from the weather elements. This layer can provide additional insulation to the building, while also improving its appearance by adding a unique, high quality look.

In this area, and when considering all types of building material, it can be harder to strike a balance between environmentally friendly and long lasting.

For example, wood is a natural material choice but can have durability issues, as it is susceptible to rotting, warping and insect infestation.

A more durable material choice is aluminium, which also has environmental benefits. Aluminium’s ability to be melted and reformed without any loss in quality means it has a high recycling rate, and the process only requires 5% of the initial energy consumed to create it.

Fortunately, the exceptional properties of aluminium can be combined with the traditional aesthetics of wood. Endurawood is an aluminium building material with a woodgrain finish, which is100% recyclable and uses volatile organic compound free coatings and lead-free finishes.

Furthermore, the material is nonwarping, corrosion resistant, non-porous, and frost resistant, proving a

Developers must examine features that both lower the environmental impact of a home and increase its lifespan weatherproof material. It’s also insect proof and stain and scratch resistant, displaying ultimate durability.

Endurawood cladding is a tongue and groove system with extra components included to easily manoeuvre around windows, corners and joints. Cladding extrusions come in lengths up to seven meters to ensure large areas can be covered. The cladding is available in a range of woodgrain colours, as well as many solid colours, to ensure you can find the perfect complementary look to your new build style.

While many house buyers are looking for environmentally friendly features, they also want homes that are built to last. To satisfy both sustainability and durability requirements, property developers should carefully consider the home’s surroundings, energy efficiency and building materials. By building with the future of both the property and environment in mind, homes can be created that are beneficial for all.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds011

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Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Going in Cold Could Insulating Concrete Formwork hold the key for your next development?

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any agree that the current Covid19 pandemic will have a longlasting impact on the UK’s economy and construction industry.

However, out of the disruption should come the opportunity to evaluate and reassess the ‘usual’ and with Boris Johnson announcing plans to “build back greener”, now is the time for developers to consider how Modern Methods of Construction can benefit their project. ICFA chairman Christopher Stride discusses how Insulating Concrete Formwork could provide one solution for the UK in meeting “build back greener” targets.

Climate change is an important issue which everyone must address, and the

Images used with kind permission by Beco

22 october Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

construction industry has also had to consider new and alternative options.

With recent global events changing every aspect of life the focus has now turned sharply towards sustainable development with the Government asking to “build back better, build back greener, build back faster.”

So are there alternative building materials which developers can use to meet this challenge?

Meeting Environmental Challenges It has been estimated that 90% of a traditional building's environmental impact occurs not during construction, but during its lifetime. A recent report by the

Committee on Climate Change found that energy usage in UK homes accounts for about 14% of UK climate-altering emissions and this figure is rising.

With homes significantly contributing to emissions, the Whole Life Carbon focus is now shifting to minimise the carbon emissions associated over the entire life cycle of a building. This is the area where an MMC system like Insulating Concrete Formwork really comes into its own.

For a long time, ICF construction has been seen in the UK as the preserve of self-builders but now the construction industry is starting to recognise the benefits it can offer. ICF is an in-situ concrete building method using, hollow block components that fit together without intermediate bedding materials such as mortar. The blocks connect to provide a formwork system into which concrete is poured. They are formed of an insulating material, either expanded polystyrene (EPS) tied together with ties or a mixture of mineralised recycled wood chips with cement known as woodcrete blocks. Once the concrete has cured the whole system becomes a high-strength monolithic structure with the formwork remaining in place to give exceptional insulating performance.

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It is this high-density structure which give ICF forms an advantage over traditional building systems. When comparing different building materials modern cavity walls attain U values of around 0.4, whilst the most up to date timber framed builds claim U values of 0.27. ICF can achieve values as low as 0.10 representing a significant saving in energy use for heating, typically saving 70% on heating costs, with some homeowners reporting that they spend almost nothing on heating throughout the year.

Not only does ICF have high thermal insulation properties, but the structure of the building is monolithic, ensuring excellent levels of airtightness. ACH can be as low as 0.33m³/hr.m², giving an even temperature throughout without draughts or cold spots. ICF designs typically have very low levels of thermal bridging, improving the performance of the ICF home further. The technology out-performs the current Building Regulations and meets

the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes Star Level 3. Of course when used with other green technologies, such as ground source heat pumps, wind turbines, and solar panels, an ICF home can be completely carbon neutral.

Construction without Disruption ICF has grown in popularity and the system is now used in a range of applications including commercial, multistorey, educational and medical facilities.

The inherent flexibility of ICF unlocks huge creative potential and allows designers to introduce innovative and unusual designs with complex and curved structures. ICF is able to accommodate 90- and 45-degree corners, brick corbel forms, brick corbel extensions, T-form units, double-taper top forms and factorycut radius forms. With the strength and versatility of ICF the build possibilities are endless and the system is ideal for above and below grade walls.

With homes significantly contributing to emissions, the Whole Life Carbon focus is now shifting to minimise the carbon emissions associated over the entire life cycle of a building. This is the area where an MMC system like Insulating Concrete Formwork really comes into its own Construction of an ICF property is quick, clean and very low waste. This technique provides a safer working environment and creates an ideal platform to train apprentices new to the industry.

The forms are easily carried and movements of heavy plant on site are dramatically reduced. The preformed blocks fit together far more quickly than courses of bricks or concrete blocks without the need for specialised contractors. With the insulating formwork blocks custom made offsite and transported to site for assembly, the inefficiencies and delays that can affect onsite construction are minimised.

Although quick and easy to build there are stages which are critical to the success of the build, including the concrete pour. Each ICF system varies slightly and we recommend developers and housebuilders discuss the build with their ICF supplier.

As the country starts to get back building, adopting greener options should become a key consideration for the construction industry and with alternative systems such as ICF we can help meet these targets.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds012 Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer october

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Luxury Living

Juliet Ramsdale, Product Manager Electric Showers at Kohler Mira, explores the luxurious experience that a dual electric shower can offer, with models such as the Mira Azora Dual adding a touch of style and luxury to any bathroom.

It takes two A

rguably the bathroom and the escapism and relaxation it offers has been a key factor in maintaining many people’s emotional wellbeing during the unprecedented times of late; a place to shut out the world and relax during uncertain and stressful times.

Coupled with the increased amount of time many people have been spending at home, noticing everything that needs doing, and even wishing to upgrade certain aspects to make their homes more comfortable and enjoyable to spend time in, it’s no wonder many have opted to upgrade their bathrooms recently.

Furthermore, with the recent news of the UK stamp duty holiday, many have taken the decision to move to a new home, complete with luxury bathroom.

If it’s opulence and adding a touch of luxury to the home that people are looking for at the moment, shower manufacturers like Mira have been gearing up towards this for some time.

Predictably, smart technology and digital showers continue to be the big driver for growth in the market, however the value of electric shower sales should not be underestimated – in 2018, it was worth an estimated £129m, with 1.15m units sold, accounting for a 48% share of the overall UK shower market.

It’s a very competitive market and we’re constantly striving to innovate and 24 october Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

improve our range. And whilst overhead deluge showers are no new concept, designing a solution like this for electric showers is a different challenge.

Market research has shown that a third of consumers underspend on their budget for a new shower, presenting an opportunity for not only manufacturers but property developers and specifiers, to recommend a better quality of shower.

Sales of ERD (dual outlet) mixer showers are hot on the heels of EV (exposed valve) mixer shower sales, highlighting this switch in popularity and the overwhelming desire for indulgence as well as function. It’s our job as manufacturers to respond to market trends and meet ever-changing customer requirements.

Mira’s dual electrics range highlights our response to this increased demand for a more opulent showering experience.

The showers are designed with flexibility in mind, making them more simple to fit, and there are more dual electric lines on the horizon.

The range currently includes the firmly established Decor Dual, the multi-fit electric Sprint Dual, and the high-end thermostatic electric Azora Dual.

The Mira Azora Dual adds a touch of style and luxury. It features thermostatic temperature control and, as with all of our electric showers, Sensi-flo technology, which helps prevent the risk

of scalding, ensuring safer showering for the whole family.

Its eco setting means customers can save both power and water, it’s also simple to operate, with an easy on/off button, plus separate power and temperature controls and easy-to-clean heads and hoses. And from an installer’s perspective, the deluge overhead can be positioned wherever it suits.

The first and perhaps most popular in the range, the Mira Decor Dual features stylish design options for the discerning customer including three finishes, all with premium chrome detailing; easy diversion between the handset and deluge; a clever diverter ensuring a stable temperature is maintained when switching; separate flow and temperature controls enabling users to select their preferred shower setting; and a simple on /off push button. It’s easy to clean and has rub-clean nozzles.

The latest addition to our growing dual electric range, the Sprint Dual shower, is designed with flexibility in mind and is

Mira’s dual electrics range highlights our response to this increased demand for a more opulent showering experience

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multifit, making the ideal replacement upgrade option. It features generous 200mm deluge showerheads and Clearscale technology, helping to reduce limescale by up to 50% to keep the shower working better and for longer.

The Sprint Dual is easy to install and use, as well as elegant. The dual outlet diverter can be installed to the left or right of the shower and the overhead deluge features a swivel feature, to concentrate the spray in the centre of the showering area.

Users can switch between the handset and the indulgent deluge head, and because it’s so easy to fit, with multiple cable and water entry points, it’s ideal for new bathrooms too.

For the user, it’s simple to use, with an easy on/off button, separate power and temperature controls and, as well as offering comfort, its eco settings offer savings in both power and water, making it kinder to the planet and allowing a relaxing guilt-free shower.

All showers in the range offer generous 200mm deluge heads and Clearscale technology, reducing the build-up of limescale up to 50%, meaning a longer-lasting and better performing shower.

Mira’s electric dual range offers the ultimate in convenience and indulgence; when it comes to showering in the 21st century, two heads really are better than one.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds013

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Luxury Living

Earth Tones Dulux has revealed its ColourFutures 2021 palettes including the Colour of the Year for 2021 – Brave Ground.

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he recognition of the strength we can draw from nature, our growing desire to align more with the planet and looking towards the future, inspired a panel of experts to select Brave Ground as the Dulux Colour of the Year.

Brave Ground is a strong, elemental colour that speaks of generation, vitality, growth and potential, providing architects, specifiers and designers with a neutral canvas that allows the four ColourFutures palettes to shine.

The palettes – Earth, Trust, Timeless and Expressive – complement the warm and neutral shade of Brave Ground, providing inspiration for professionals to colour scheme for different spaces within buildings.

Adapting to its surroundings, it flexes in tone depending on the time of day and setting, creating a subtly responsive environment. It’s also versatile, letting other colours shine, and therefore sits comfortably within each of its supporting palettes:

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EARTH Echoing the tones of the sea, the sky and the soil, these earth shades provide a connection to the natural world around us. Bringing the outside in, they are authentic and grounding colours that work naturally together.

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TRUST Earth tones from across the globe, these unifying shades reflect everyone.

Warm neutral greys and browns, these colours complement each other and

encourage connection, collaboration and a sense of harmony in spaces. ●

TIMELESS Inspiring shades of yellows and ochres, alongside soft neutrals, these are tones that can help create a backdrop that embraces old and new. Energizing without being overpowering, they bring positivity and balance to a space.

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EXPRESSIVE Stand-out shades of reds and pinks, balanced with soft neutrals, these are colours that can add verve and vitality, allowing professionals to create spaces that energize, and surprise.

Expert Panel The ColourFutures 2021 palettes were selected by an expert panel of colour designers, trend forecasters, design specialists, architects and editors from around the world, chaired by Heleen van Gen, Head of the AkzoNobel Global Aesthetic Centre.

She explains: “The past year has seen how we live and work utterly transformed.

We have gone through the most uncertain of times, so it’s understandable that we see reassuring, natural tones returning, which can be used to create the calm and sanctuary people require.

“As the boundaries between work and home blur further, the ColourFutures 2021 palettes provide a ready-made means of demarcating these environments in a

Brave Ground is a colour that speaks of generation, vitality, growth and potential 26 october Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

complementary manner.”

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director, Dulux UK, continues: “The look and function of our public and commercial spaces are going through unprecedented changes at the moment.

“As a result of the global pandemic many people’s priorities are shifting significantly, to focus much more on their well-being. Colour can play a significant role in this - and with the calming, restorative and natural tones of our ColourFutures 2021 palettes we hope to empower professionals to create spaces where occupants can reflect, recharge and recalibrate.”

The Global Aesthetic Centre has been responsible for the ColourFutures trend analysis, colour research, colour design and art direction at AkzoNobel for the past 18 years. Led by Heleen, the unit continuously monitors social, cultural and design trends as they emerge all over the globe. By connecting these unique insights to everyday life, the team provides informed trend direction.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds014

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Luxury Living

Cleaning Up With the country focussed on a global pandemic, hygiene has shot to the top of luxury housebuilders’ priorities. Here, Elina Enqvist-Twomey, Category Manager at Grohe, takes a look at how you can improve home hygiene in style.

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hile products that optimise hygiene have been commonplace in the commercial sector for some time, leading global kitchen and bathroom supplier Grohe has reported an unprecedented consumer demand for these products in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. At a time when the pandemic has pushed the everyday necessity of hand washing into the spotlight and an ongoing level of uncertainty as to how long Covid-19 will pose a threat remains, it is not surprising that homeowners are seeking to invest in solutions to optimise hygiene and gain some reassurance in their everyday lives.

While hygiene has jumped the ranks in terms of priority for buyers over recent

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months, it is likely to have longevity and a long-lasting impact on the residential property market. Housebuilders that can offer and advise on standard or upsell options that optimise hygiene in the home will therefore build trust with prospective buyers.

Infra-red taps In recent years, the property market has seen a shift to include more alternative housing set ups such as grandparents living with their children and families, or groups of young professionals cohabiting together. This is when infra-red technology first began to be demanded in the residential sector and its benefits have continued to strengthen demand ever since. Infra-red taps require minimal, if any, human contact with the tap itself unlike standard taps where germs from unclean hands could linger on tap handles, unless continual and thorough cleaning was carried out after each use. These products are therefore the perfect option for a residential project designed, built and specified with hygiene as a priority.

Other benefits of some more innovative infra-red taps include pre-set programmes that ensure temperature is optimised for

both safety and hygiene, ease-of-use for older generations and those with limited mobility thanks to touch-free operation, and reduced water consumption, which is another rising trend amongst prospective buyers. Products like the Bau Cosmopolitan E infrared-tap from Grohe ensure water only flows when it is being used and even have an additional water saving aerator that limits water consumption to 5.7l/min, reducing water consumption by up to 70% without compromising on convenience or design.

Shower toilets Shower toilets are beginning to be more understood by the mass market and homeowners are starting to understand their multi-faceted nature and the value of the benefits they can offer. Cleaning with water after using the toilet is an age-old tradition that is still favoured in many parts of the world, however shower toilets brings this natural form of cleansing into the technology, and more recently, hygiene-focused 21st century – using automation and app-connectivity to create a hands-free experience.

Product innovations at the forefront of this category are equipped with automatic flush functionality and precise motion sensors which prompt the lid to automatically open upon approaching and close when you leave. A personalised cleansing experience can also be made

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possible via a smartphone app or remote control. Users can select their preferred temperature, spray pattern, pressure and much more, and even save their preferred settings as a profile. All members of the household and guests are therefore able to experience a spa-like toilet experience without ever having to touch anything with their hands – significantly helping to reduce the potential spread of germs and viruses around the home.

Hands-free kitchen taps The kitchen is arguably the most frequented area of the home and incorporating hygiene into this space is a

The kitchen is arguably the most frequented area of the home and incorporating hygiene into this space is a great way to draw in prospective buyers great way to draw in prospective buyers.

Standard kitchen mixer taps are evolving – many models are doing away with the kitchen lever and opting for alternative modes of operation that reduce the need for direct contact with the tap’s surface.

One of the latest ways of thinking is to replace the tap lever with a button at the end of the spout that can easily be pushed with the wrist, forearm or elbow to activate water flow. Our SmartControl kitchen tap features this new mechanism, a concept lent from similar technology used in our shower systems. Not only

does this method prevent the risk of cross-contamination from daily touch and usage but also when preparing food, especially raw produce. Whilst the temperature of the water can be regulated using a mixing valve on the body of the tap, smart technology has been employed enabling the tap to remember and automatically save the preferred settings, meaning that the volume and temperature levels will stay as desired until it is changed again, and furthers the hygienic principles of the tap’s design.

Health and hygiene are set to play a key role in defining the way homes are designed in the coming years and product designs that use advanced technologies to meet this demand will likely continue to skyrocket in popularity and eventually become a staple of the modern build.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds015

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Luxury Living

Reimagining luxury Andy Richardson, managing director of interior design specialists, Edward Thomas Interiors discusses the current priorities and trends for new homes as well as what luxury living actually means in today’s market…

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here’s no denying the pandemic has forced us all to re-evaluate our homes; whether that’s undertaking small DIY tasks to adding extensions or making the decision to move. Our space has become paramount, an argument supported by data from Rightmove’s analysts which suggests houses and bungalows are now the most desirable property types, with apartments and flats on the decline due to lack of gardens, home offices and overall space. So, how does this translate in interior design and what should the definition of luxury look like today?

When designing a show home, we’re always looking at how best to showcase the space and versatility of a property to

invoke feelings of aspiration and inspiration. Whilst these core principles haven’t disappeared, what’s of equal importance now is demonstrating how the home would actually be lived in. By highlighting storage space or placing key pieces of furniture like televisions in their natural position it helps homeowners understand. For instance, on a recent scheme we completed for Abbey Homes in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire each four-bedroom home was deliberately designed to be indicative of the style of well-known department stores or online retailers so potential purchasers could better imagine how their home might be furnished.

It’s essential a show home is both memorable and photographs strikingly for online and social media There’s also been a shift in which rooms are considered luxurious. Whilst kitchen/diners and master bedrooms will always provide sanctuary, rooms that were perhaps previously overlooked e.g. lounges, dens and studies must now be emphasised. At Littleover in Derbyshire, one of the schemes we’ve just finished for William Davis Homes, the fourbedroom home has a substantial study which we’ve been able to install with built-in cupboards, shelving, a large desk area and overhead storage – all priorities for the new way of working.

Of course, all of the above doesn’t mean we overlook the more traditional expectations of luxury, it’s about striking the right balance between style and

substance. Textures, fabrics, colours and even the occasional statement piece such as a 6ft bed or home bar, enable us to achieve a sense of glamour. Actually at Littleover, our brief was to reflect the 1920s so we created a Gatsby, art deco inspired design full of decadence, velvet fabrics, vibrant banquette-style orange sofas and an antique gold and black colour palette.

From the housebuilder’s perspective, it’s essential a show home is both memorable and photographs strikingly for online and social media. You want it to capture the spirit of imagination, so we try to be playful with our designs too. At Stoke Mandeville, one of the children’s bedrooms has a flamingo slide from the top of the bed into a ball pond, the height of luxury for a young child!

Looking ahead, 2021 seems to follow a natural, sustainable theme; colours like ecru and clay, a material palette of bamboo, cane and rattan and perhaps more widespread use of upcycled furniture will all be popular. Our challenge will be making these punchy, dramatic and luxurious in their own right. By definition luxury might mean wealth and lavishness, but these times have shown that the little details and home comforts might just be the most luxurious after all.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds016

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer october

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Luxury Living I Appliances SAMSUNG FRIDGE FREEZER Thanks to Samsung’s SpaceMax Technology, the new RB7300 refrigerator maximises fridge space without needing wider exterior dimensions that may clash with modern kitchen cabinets.

SpaceMax allows the interior walls of the fridge to be much thinner due to its high-efficiency insulation that provides a greater internal capacity of 386L – 18 litres larger than the previous model.

The new refrigerator is also designed to preserve the freshness of food items twice as long.

www.rdr.link/ds017

KITCHENAID INDUCTION HOB Bringing together advanced performance, intuitive sensor technology and sleek design, the KitchenAid gourmet induction hob (KHIAF 10900) allows home cooks to emulate professional chefs. Behind the sleek, minimal look of the hob is a wealth of advanced technology and smart solutions, giving the user the power and space needed to create outstanding dishes. The hob features a ‘Dynamic Surface’, giving the user space and freedom to express their culinary creativity, as the entire surface of the hob can be used as a single cooking area. Pots and pans can be freely moved across the surface, and with the temperature evenly distributed, it offers an extremely efficient way of cooking.

www.rdr.link/ds018

SMEG WI-FI OVEN Adding to Smeg’s diverse range of state-of-the-art kitchen tech, the VIVOscreen connected ovens boast the perfect combination of aesthetic and functionality. The bigger, full-colour display with all-new graphics, exciting new functions and greater ease of use make for one seriously stylish and intuitive model.

The new extra wide screen means more information and functions can be shown at once, which will also be easier to read and simpler to use. Navigating through the new display offers greater intuitiveness thanks to full touch vertical and horizontal scrolling. In addition, by holding down any item on the display for 3 seconds, a pop up will appear to explain its function.

www.rdr.link/ds019

FISCHER & PAYKEL WINE CABINET Working alongside prominent master sommeliers, Fisher & Paykel has created luxury wine cabinets that store wine of every variety with the perfect conditions for both aging and serving.

Thoughtfully designed, Fisher & Paykel’s wine cabinet has been engineered to ensure that wine is perfectly cared for. It deploys innovative technology with two independently controlled compartments that feature four specially developed variable temperature settings: Sparkling (6-8°C), White (6-12°C), Red (12-18°C) and Cellar (11-13°C). All temperature settings are easily adjustable in 0.5°C increments, providing optimal temperatures for cellaring and serving.

www.rdr.link/ds020

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Interiors

Steel Got It! Meet the latest addition to Reginox UK’s range of stainless steel sinks.

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eginox UK – the leading sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer – has unveiled its latest addition to its stainless-steel sink range, the New York.

The New York has been crafted from premium quality stainless steel with a matt inox finish. It’s available in a wide range of different bowl sizes, all of which include an integral strainer and

comfort waste as standard.

Featuring an easy to clean design with tight corners with 10mm radius, the New York is easier and quicker than standard sinks to fit and is visually minimalist in style.

The New York can be fitted in three different ways – undermounted, flush with the work top or simply inset (surface

the New York is easier and quicker than standard sinks to fit and is visually minimalist in style

mounted) installation – making it an incredibly versatile product and suitable for any modern kitchen.

What sets the New York apart from everything else in this category is its incorporated flush waste outlet which is molded directly into the sink meaning there is no join, which reduces leaks as well as being more hygienic.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds021

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Brett Martin Plumbing & Drainage ............................page 29

Marley Ltd ........................................................................page 21

Brookson 5097 Ltd ......................................................page 32

Norbord Europe Ltd ......................................................page 30

EcoTherm Insulation Ltd ................................................page 4

Reginox UK Ltd ..............................................................page 33

ERA Home Security Ltd ..............................inside front cover

Superglass Insulation Ltd ............................................page 16

Hamilton Litestat ............................................................page 25

Takeuchi ......................................................outside back cover

Housebuilder Pro Ltd ....................................................page 13

Tissino ..............................................................................page 27

34 october Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

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last word Human Recognition Systems’ CEO Neil Horman thinks it’s time the industry turns the tide on productivity losses with the help of digital solutions.

Gaining Ground D

espite never being formally required to halt operations, housebuilders across Britain have clearly been affected by the lockdown period. In fact, some experts believe that the number of new homes completed during the last quarter was only half the rate of what it was the year before.

Additionally, as restrictions are lifted and some sense of normalcy returns, housebuilders now face intense pressure to ensure that pre-arranged project delivery dates are upheld. As such, there’s now a real incentive for the sector to adopt more digitalised working practices, which can be used to foster new efficiencies and workforce productivity gains. Fortunately, solutions like this do exist, but must become more widely adopted to have the impact the industry needs.

The term “workforce productivity gains” relates to the amount of goods and services that a worker or workforce can produce in a given amount of time. Within the housebuilding sector, the concept refers to total delivered homes.

Unfortunately, unlike other industries, the construction sector, including housebuilding, has been slow in adopting new solutions, which could be used to help improve workforce productivity. Instead, many in the sector have been reluctant to adopt new working practices. At times this may have held the industry back.

The construction sector has lagged behind other industries in terms of

According to a recent McKinsey research report, productivity in the construction sector has stagnated in the past 40 years

workforce productivity gains for many decades. According to a recent McKinsey research report, productivity in the construction sector has stagnated in the past 40 years. During the same period, other industries, such as manufacturing, have experienced an almost doubling of productivity rates.

Whilst there are structural differences between the sectors, which can explain some of this gap, it’s also clear that some businesses in the construction sector aren’t doing enough to drive through innovation. This industry ‘blind-spot’ is arguably best summed up when analysing the sector’s complicated relationship with digital solutions.

Whilst not alone in the sector, housebuilders have been notoriously slow in embracing the ‘digital revolution’, which has engulfed many other industries during the last decade. As such, the idea of ‘digitalisation’, which denotes the combination of technologies, people and processes in a way that delivers productivity benefits remains somewhat stifled in the sector. At MSite, we believe this is down to some lasting institutionalised objections, which the sector must now work to overcome. Most notably, we believe that housebuilders often find it difficult to apply existing procurement methods to long-term investments, such as digital solutions.

Additionally, there are also issues around standardisation and worker buy-in, but these concerns should be easier to fix.

Currently, procurement within the housebuilding sector is often a cost-based process, which looks to deliver the greatest short-term return for the lowest financial output. Conversely, other forms of investments, such as the adoption of an innovative digital-based software can only be judged in the long-term. Unlike shortterm purchases, long-term investments

can end up deriving results and adding value further down the line, such as workforce productivity gains. As such, these investments are best understood through the prism of a value-based purchase model. Therefore, it’s important that purchasing managers within housebuilding businesses become more open to prioritising long-term results. By making this switch, the sector may be able to protect itself from the fates faced by other change-adverse industries, such as travel, retail and banking, which all now face serious competition from innovative, outside disruptors.

Exciting solutions, such as our new MSite Workforce App, are allowing housebuilders to evolve their operations and meet project demands like never before. The multi-purpose digital solution allows businesses to operate contactless workforce access control and sign-in, not only making it easier for companies to manage the ‘new normal’ on sites, but also allowing more ‘joined-up’ thinking onsite and at a company-wide level.

These solutions are finally enabling the ‘digitalisation’ of people and processes within the housebuilding sector, and those who embrace the new tech may gain an advantage over those who are slower to adopt new methods. Leading companies in the industry will finally be able to establish reliable digital ecosystems within their operations, which will pave the way to productivity gains.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/ds022

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