Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December issue by Hamerville Media Group

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PROFESSIONAL

& PROPERTY DEVELOPER

HOUSEBUILDER WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

SPECIAL REPORTS l

The dangers of dust l What next for nutrients? l Spitfire Homes on planning

FABRIC & EXTERIORS l l

Controlling radon

What’s what in structural flooring

INTERIORS

l l

Picking the perfect paint

High-end storage for luxury bedrooms and offices

INTERIORS: SALES CENTRES – FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

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CONTENTS

PHPD NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 17 NUMBER 8

REGULARS 5

First Word

News

BMBI Market Report

Developments

47 Kitchens & Bathrooms 49 General Building 51 Last Word

SPECIAL REPORTS 12 Done and dusted A snapshot of good and bad practices of how workers’ exposure to dust is being managed and controlled on construction sites across Great Britain has been revealed.

13 What next for nutrients? The Government’s efforts to ease the rules on nutrient neutrality are in disarray. Joe Taylor, legal director, BDB Pitmans, asks where this leaves residential developers.

14 Conference corner Industry commentators give us their views on the housing element of the recent party conferences.

16 Housebuilders on housebuilding: Spitfire Homes Ben Leather, managing director, shares his thinking on the current planning system and the barriers it presents to housing delivery.

18 Conversion & restoration: Cameron Homes Cameron Homes took on the restoration of a high-status early 18thcentury farmhouse, successfully transforming the property into a village centrepiece fit for modern living.

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Cast the first stone

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Green light in Goole

FABRIC & EXTERIORS 22 Heart of stone David Barrow, managing director of Haddonstone, casts some light on the subtleties of reconstituted stone, and the potential applications for the products.

25 Sponsored feature: Cedral

INTERIORS 39 Home flair Simon Bodsworth of Daval Furniture looks at the rooms where homebuyers put indulgence and multi-functional flexibility at the top of their wish lists.

42 Colours for living When it comes to housing, selecting There are many pieces that go into the colours for each room is more than building jigsaw and structural flooring is no just an aesthetic choice – it's about different. Scott Wolters of Egger explores some of the options available. creating spaces that evoke emotions and improve wellbeing. 31 Ground control Dawn Scott of Dulux Trade sheds A Proctor explains how you can protect light on colour. 28 More to the floor

against radon, the radioactive ground gas, produced by the decay of uranium found in some soil and rock types.

45 Difference in the detail Traditionally the bathroom has been overlooked in terms of lighting and 34 Take a breather wiring accessories compared to The performance requirements of breather other rooms in the home; but that is membranes are often misunderstood or now changing. overlooked, particularly in relation to water protection. Marc van der Voort of ITP explains the considerations essential in any façade design.

36 Right first time Arron Ross at Keystone Lintels provides insight into the Future Homes Standard and how lintels can influence the fabric first approach to design.

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46 Product round up Paint it pink

More to the floor

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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Editors Johnny Dobbyn John Levick phpd@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey 07900 248102 craig@hamerville.co.uk Northern Area Sales Ian Duff 07810 353 525 probuilder@sky.com Design Adeel Qadri Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Kerri Smith Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Printer Stephens & George Ltd 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. © 2023

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Circulation: average per issue 12,609 (July 2021 – June 2022)

Stepping stone

FIRST WORD

You have to wonder if they – the Government, this one, or any of them – take it seriously. Housing that is. On November 13th, the Government made its 16th appointment to the office of Minister of State for Housing since taking power in 2010. The 16th appointment, yet the 15th minister as the new one – Lee Rowley – is an old one, having served in the same role for about 15 minutes under Liz Truss. If the brevity of his previous stint is a record, the duration of his predecessors in this office isn’t much longer – the average period of service since 2010 being around 10.5 months. Labour have been a little more committed to the position, its ministers managing to stay in post for an average of nearly 18 months between 1997 and 2010. And that’s a number boosted by Yvette Cooper, the all-time record holder since 1997, who did two years and eight months. Over the last 26 years, since the 1997 General Election, we have had 24 housing ministers averaging a time in office of just over 13 months each. Thus you have to wonder if they – the Government, this one, any of them – take it seriously. We have an existential crisis in housing: in planning, in delivery, in supply, in skills and in affordability – especially if you’re under 40. Every government pitches itself as the one to solve the problem and, following its October conference (more of which on page 14), Labour gives the impression that it sees housing as a crucial electoral battleground. Yet surely 10 months, if Conservative, or 18 months, if Labour, is no time at all to either influence policy, effect change or, better still, become a Subject Matter Expert on housing. It seems that the job is not seen as a serious one and merely a stepping stone for other offices; and that lack of commitment to the role belies any promises made at conferences or in manifestos. As has been said here before, you can’t make capitalists out of people without capital – and, traditionally, for most that means property ownership. The prospect of home ownership – or impossibility of it – may well weigh heavily on younger minds come election time and prove highly influential in its outcome. Mr Rowley has 14 months (max), possibly only six, to make his mark before the next GE. What are the odds, should he last that long?

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Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December 5

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NEWS

Construction injuries cost workers cost £5K

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

UK housing 'oldest, coldest and dearest' says HBF omes in the UK are either less affordable, older, colder or in worse condition than those in most other developed nations, a new report shows. Analysis from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) reveals the full extent of the difficulties facing people in Britain trying to find somewhere to live that is decent and affordable. Using data collated from the OECD, the European Union, and the UK Government, the report finds that England’s severe shortage of housing has made it the most difficult place in the developed world to find a home, with the lowest rate of available properties per member of the population of all OECD nations. Furthermore, England has the highest proportion of inadequate housing in Europe, with 15% of all existing homes not meeting the Decent Homes Standard and more substandard homes than Hungary, Poland and Lithuania. Similarly, the UK has some of the oldest housing stock in the developed world with only 7% of homes built after 2001, far less than other countries like Spain, with 18.5%, and Portugal, with 16% Between 2004 and 2021 the UK’s rate of home ownership fell by six percentage points from 71% to 65%. Despite manifesto commitments and repeated promises to

boost numbers, the policy environment has slowed the delivery of new homes. The UK remains a long way off delivering the Government’s target of 300,000 new homes per year by the mid-2020s, with only 233,000 new homes completed in 2021-22 and delivery in the first half of 2023 down by 10%. Analysis shows that record-breaking house building of 320,000 homes per year – nearly 100,000 more than current delivery – would be required for England to provide homes for its population in line with the benchmark for developed nations worldwide, the OECD. Stewart Basely, executive chairman of the HBF said: “This research shows just how decades of housing undersupply has produced startling consequences for people up and down the country looking for a decent home. “Home builders, want to be able to deliver new homes but are still too often hampered by a restrictive planning system, an anti-development mindset and short-term politics trumping the needs of communities “With an election looming and manifestos being considered, this research should act as a wake-up call, demonstrating the urgent need to act now.” For a copy of the HBF’s Housing Horizons, go to www.rdr.link/dar001

ine in ten Britons are so concerned by the increased possibility of flooding that it’s now affecting their purchasing decisions when buying a new home. The research, conducted by plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin, revealed a fear of flooding is now evident amongst those in the housing market with 71% deeming flood defences, including sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), as important factors when purchasing a house. A 2022 Bank of England report only

contributed to this growing fear with bankers reporting that the cost of flood risk coverage is set to skyrocket indefinitely over the next 30 years if urgent action isn’t taken on climate change. Another recent report suggested that by 2050, one in six properties in England will be hit by flooding. The alarming assessment by researchers covers 4.8 million properties sold between 2006 and 2022, with the regions most vulnerable to flooding including East Anglia, North West, and Yorkshire.

With flooding becoming a very real fear for buyers, potential homeowners are now eager to find out what developers are doing to protect their new homes. An overwhelming 98% of those surveyed agreed that they would like to know the detail of any flood prevention measures in place before buying a home. For a copy of Wavin’s The value of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to new home buyers, go to www.rdr.link/dar002

The Red House, Twyford, Dorset and Becontree Estate, Dagenham, Essex have triumphed in the 2023 Brick Development Association Brick Awards in the Individual Housing Development and Small Housing Development categories respectively. The Red House, a contemporary new

home in rural Dorset, designed by David Kohn Architects, was named RIBA House of the Year in 2022. At Becontree, the design is the product of deep research into the characteristics of the wider estate, delivering a ‘gentle density’ of 19 residences, and a community space, across two buildings.

early 80% of people working in construction have suffered injuries resulting in them losing more than £5K in pay on average. The latest research found that the average length of time to be off work due to injury is 28 days, though 18% of people had to stay off work for more than a month. On average, those injured lost out on £5,262 of pay with one‐in‐ten losing out on more than £10,000. Despite this loss of income, only 30% of people ever make a claim and 53% didn’t think the injury was bad enough to warrant making a claim. Other reasons for not pursuing a case included fear of losing their job (27%) and the legal process being “too much work” (21%). A further 17% didn’t think they could afford employing a solicitor to take on their claim. Slater and Gordon senior associate, Nicholas Hagi Savva said: “These results show that many people working in construction are thinking twice about pursuing claims for compensation even if they have suffered a serious injury at work simply by being unaware of the claim process.”

Fear of flooding impacting new house purchases

Brick tops

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Third of developers fall foul of financial crime ore than a third of property developers admit that they have been a victim of financial crime – including money laundering, in the last six months, new data from a crosssector survey can reveal. The statistics are revealed in a survey of 500 compliance decision-makers in banks, challenger banks, crypto platforms, property developers and gaming outlets by SmartSearch, the provider of digital compliance solutions. The same survey found that just 30% of developers always complete checks to verify the identity of new individual customers. It follows the Economic Crime Survey

earlier this year, which found that the mean annual cost per business for all fraud incidents was more than £16,000. Meanwhile, 11% of businesses reported annual total costs of over £20,000, while three percent reported costs in excess of £100,000. As investment in UK property remains a lucrative vehicle for money laundering, the SmartSearch data revealed that just over a third (35%) often verify the identity of individual customers, while 21% only complete these necessary checks sometimes. On a rare occasion, just over one in 10 property developers said they would ask for proof of identity and verify it manually or electronically.

Bobcat clears the way

olunteers from the Bobcat recently donated food and maintained the facilities and the gardens at the Ronald McDonald House Charity in Oxford, while in Northampton, staff planted trees and picked up in their local area. Teams also litter picked around the perimeters at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Their efforts are part of the company’s global initiative to engage with the communities in which it works.

unning a half-marathon is tough enough but surveyor John Sutton chose to go one further and run the Great North Run in safety boots and hard hat. John was part of a team from Anwyl Homes Lancashire running to raise funds for the Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley.

It’s Miller time

ent housebuilder Clarendon Homes has won the Residential Development 10-19 Units category in the recent UK Property Awards. The award was in respect of Miller’s Meadow, a development in Sandhurst, Kent comprising fifteen, twoto-four-bedroom properties sited within a picturesque village setting.

More than 1000 employees in 12 countries participated in companyorganized projects.

Finance director braves the waves

ob Sisley, finance director at Kent-based Elivia Homes Eastern – until recently Millwood Designer Homes – has swum the Channel to raise £3,750 for The Oaks Specialist College, a not-forprofit education provider for 18 to 25 year olds with learning difficulties in Kent and East Sussex. Rob completed his swim in just 14 hours and 26 minutes, starting from Samphire Hoe, a 30-hectare nature reserve created by Eurotunnel at the foot of the White Cliffs of Dover.

Wee House wins big

yrshire modular builder, the Wee House Company, took two awards at the 2023 Herald Property Awards, having been crowned Property Team of the Year and receiving a ‘highly commended’ accolade in the Best Family Home (Large) Category for its Caldwell View build. The company was particularly pleased to be recognised in the Best

Hot feet in a hard hat

Dandara rises to challenge

eams from Dandara divisions across the UK raised more than £11,000 for the Youth Adventure Trust, after taking part in the Housebuilder Challenge 2023. They trekked 20 miles through the mountains of Snowdonia National Park to support the charity for vulnerable young people. Youth Adventure Trust helps vulnerable young people aged 11-16 unlock their potential through outdoor activities.

Family Home (Large) category as the four bedroom house in Uplawmoor, East Renfrewshire, is the largest that it has delivered to date. Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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MARKET REPORT

June to August Builders Merchant volumes up +5.3% on previous 3 months The latest figures from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), published in October, reveal that builders’ merchants’ value sales were down -3.3% in the month of August compared to the same month in 2022, with volume falling -10.5% and prices up +8.0%. But value sales in the last three months, June to August, were +3.3% higher than March to May 2023 with volume up +5.3% and prices down -2.0%. The Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) The BMBI is a brand of the BMF. The BMBI report, which is produced and managed by MRA Research, uses GfK’s Builders Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data which analyses sales out data from over 80% of generalist builders’ merchants’ sales across Great Britain. The full report is on www.bmbi.co.uk.

8 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

ight of the twelve categories sold more this August than in August 2022 with renewables and water saving (+37.6%) continuing to dominate the field. Workwear and safetywear (+11.6%); plumbing, heating and electrical (+10.8%) and decorating (+10.8%) increased more than other categories. Heavy building materials value sales dropped slightly (-1.3%) while landscaping (-7.0%) and timber and joinery products (13.2%) were weakest.

Month on month

Total merchant sales were down -1.9% in August compared to July. Volume sales were down -3.2% while prices increased +1.4%. With one additional trading day in August, like-for-like sales were -6.3% lower. Five of the twelve categories sold more, led by workwear and safetywear (+7.5%). Heavy building materials (-2.3%) was one of the seven categories to sell less. Renewables and water saving (-9.6%) was the weakest performing category.

Rolling 12-months

Total merchant sales in the twelve months from September 2022 to August 2023 were -1.1% down on the same period a year ago, with volumes falling 12.8% and prices up by +13.3%. Nine of the twelve categories sold more with renewables and water saving (+46.0%) the best performer by a considerable margin. Plumbing, heating and electrical (+13.2%); decorating (+13.0%) and workwear and safetywear (+12.5%) also recorded double digit growth. Heavy

building materials (+3.8%) grew more slowly. Landscaping (10.9%) and timber and joinery products (-14.0%) both sold less. Mathew Whitehouse, marketing director, Bostik UK, and BMBI’s expert for adhesives and sealants said: “The true extent of the slowdown in building activity was revealed when it was reported that new home registrations were down 42% in Q2 compared to the same period last year: perhaps not too surprising with interest rates hitting a 15 year high. “The Government has announced a renewed focus on unblocking the planning system in a bid to meet its manifesto commitment to build one million homes over this Parliament, but I struggle to see that there will be an improvement in the number of completions until there’s a significant fall in inflation and mortgage rates are eased. “On a more positive note, a shortage of quality housing in the UK means the longterm outlook for the adhesives and sealants sector remains positive.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos, visit www.bmbi.co.uk.

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DEVELOPMENTS Allison promotes exchanges Allison Homes Central is now selling three, four and five bedroom homes at its Kings Meadow development in Fernwood near Newark, Nottinghamshire. The company operates a part-exchange scheme that enables buyers to buy a new Allison home without the need to sell their old home themselves. Through the scheme, Allison Homes will organise the sale of the existing home from start to finish, with no estate agent fees, no chain, no delays, and zero stress.

E-mail your latest developments to phpd@hamerville.co.uk

Neater Heywood All 120 homes at Whittle Brook Park at Anwyl Homes’ development at Whittle Brook Park, Heywood, Lancs will be equipped with air source heat pumps and other energyefficient features such as wider cavities to external walls, solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, and improved air tightness and insulation. Work is already underway at the 15-acre development in Lancashire, which is part of the wider West Hopwood community that will see around 1,000 new homes built, plus the creation of 1.5 million square feet of employment space, a local centre, new primary school, extensive public open space and sports pitches. The wider scheme will see £402 million invested in the area.

Green light in Goole Beal Homes has secured full planning permission to complete a £210m development in Goole, one of Yorkshire’s fastest-growing towns. The planning approval from East Riding of Yorkshire Council is for 600 homes, giving the green light for Beal to continue to deliver The Greenways in Goole. The Greenways is Beal’s largest-ever development, ultimately extending to 806 properties, and the biggest housing scheme in the East Yorkshire town for decades. The development is on a 73-acre site equivalent to almost 50 football pitches off Rawcliffe Road in Goole. Beal has now sold more than 180 homes at The Greenways. The Greenways is a key element of an ongoing wave of investment in Goole, including a £200m-plus rail village being developed by Siemens Mobility and a worldwide distribution hub for FTSE-100 company Croda, which is creating hundreds of highly-skilled jobs in the town.

Imminent in Immingham Hull-based Beal Homes has submitted plans for a £105m development on the south bank of the Humber. It has submitted a planning application for more than 500 homes on a 57-acre site at Immingham in North East Lincolnshire comprising a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes. Beal has submitted a “reserved matters” planning application to North East Lincolnshire Council for 525 homes, with landscaping, areas of public open space and associated works, on land off Stallingborough Road, close to the centre of Immingham. The site already has outline planning approval for 525 homes, so the new application is seeking consent for the detailed design and layout of the development.

Darlington flowers thanks to Esh Homes by Esh has been granted planning permission to build 144 homes on Hurworth Meadows, a site near to the A66 in Darlington. The show homes, which will be available for viewings from early 2024, will include two new house types: a two‐ bedroom Azalea and three‐bedroom Foxglove. The Hurworth Meadows development will include a collection of two, three and four‐bedroom homes that benefit from energy efficient features, including solar photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, an electric car charging point and smart heating controls. Block paved drives, an integrated oven hob and hood with contrasting splash back, and towel warmers, will be included as standard. The Azalea property includes an en‐suite, proving an suitable first‐time home for an individual or a couple. The larger Foxglove is designed with a spacious open‐plan kitchen and dining area, perfect for those who want a home where they can entertain. Elsewhere across the development, the Heather and Poppy house types will include three and four‐bedrooms respectively along with integral garages.

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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DEVELOPMENTS Partnering with posh polo Best known for hosting the British Open Polo Championship, the Cowdray Estate is now in partnership with Hampshire-based Metis Homes to develop three sites totalling around 12 acres in Easebourne, West Sussex. Each site will provide a selection of homes, from one- and two-bedroom apartments, through to two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. The three sites include the former Easebourne Primary School, land to the north of Egmont Road, and the Cowdray Works Yard. The former site of Easebourne Primary School will be redeveloped for 20 homes, including the listed portion of the existing school building. Cowdray Works Yard extends to approximately 2.2 acres (0.9 ha) and will incorporate 20 new homes. The third site on Egmont Road is currently paddocks, largely undeveloped but surrounded by development, and will accommodate 10 houses and 8 apartments.

E-mail your latest developments to phpd@hamerville.co.uk

SevenHomes set fair for Glos SevenHomes has exchanged contracts on a 6.9acre greenfield site in Whitminster, Gloucestershire, to develop a 60-home estate – subject to planning approval. Plans for the Paynes Meadow site include 19 affordable homes in line with local area requirements together with open space for the community and ecological enhancements to meet a minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.

Five on the farm R&A Contracts has begun work at Ledyatt Farm, a luxury fiveunit development on the outskirts of Dundee. The properties will include, air source heat pumps, electric car charging points, solar panels with battery storage units for personal usage and under floor heating on the ground floor. According to the developer, German inspired interior design with views from the living room make this a real statement development. Each house has been designed to ensure living spaces are oriented either South or Southwest facing to maximise solar gains and enhance the quality of the internal environment. Large, bi-folding doors have been incorporated to provide access to South facing ‘courtyards’ to connect with the landscape and blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors. This connection with the surrounding landscape is further enhanced with strategically placed ‘landscape’ windows, which serve as picture frames to celebrate stunning key views over farmland to the Sidlaw hills, each house named after the corresponding hill viewpoint in the Sidlaw range. All the homes will be built to the highest specification and will have an A rating for energy performance. The primary heating, the air source system, is backed up by solid fuel stoves and imported triple glazed timber framed windows provide outstanding insulation. The expected completion date for the first phase of summer 2024.

Spitfire aces three schemes In the space of one week Midlands-based Spitfire Homes has secured planning permission for 351 homes across the Midlands as three separate schemes won approval. The three developments consist of a 280-home scheme in Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, along with a further 61 properties located at a former Sandvik HQ in Halesowen, Dudley, and a collection of 30 homes in the Worcestershire village of Crowle. 10 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Sigma goes for sustainability in Sussex Horsham-based Sigma Homes has opened a show home in Cuckfield, West Sussex, that is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring ecofriendly materials. The three-bedroom house is part of the Hanlye View development of 13 energy-efficient three and four bedroom houses that range from 1,100 – 1,707ft2. All homes will benefit from electric car charging points and high levels of insulation, to achieve a high EPC-B rating. The show house has an open-plan lounge and kitchen/ diner, a principal bedroom with ensuite, two further bedrooms and family bathroom with a bespoke 10 sq m garden room designed by Bakers of Haywards Heath. The interior is furnished with furniture made from sustainable woods like birch and bamboo and decorated with water-based paint and eco-friendly wallpaper. The garden, designed by The Conscious Gardening Co., includes native UK trees and plants that match the surrounding countryside. The show home is decorated in a modern style, with a colour scheme of taupe, warm oranges, and wood. It includes a special garden room that can be used as a workspace.

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DEVELOPMENTS

Castle Green partners snagger

Castle Green Homes has become the first housebuilder to partner with an independent snagging company as part of its commitment to customer service. With offices at St Asaph and Preston Brook, Castle Green already has a five-star rating for customer satisfaction. More than 93% of its homeowners said they’d recommend the homebuilder in the NHBC’s customer satisfaction survey. From October 2021 to September 2022 more than 100 homeowners were surveyed eight weeks after moving into their new property. The company has now partnered with Warrington-based Snagsure, which will inspect every home it builds at three stages before handover and provide an independent report on any issues that need addressing. “The benefit to home buyers is that an independent snagging company will be looking at their home at critical stages during the build process,” explains Peter Lewis, head of customer care at Castle Green. “Snagsure inspectors will provide us with detailed reports from their visits so that we can action any issues identified before the home is handed over to the customer, which in turn should reduce potential for aftercare issues.” The three stages at which the Snagsure team will inspect a new Castle Green home are: the pre-paint stage; the the point at which the Council of Mortgage Lenders certificate being issued, when the warranty provider confirms the property has passed its inspection; the final inspection to ensure that snags have been rectified, before the keys are handed over. A further report on the roof will be delivered after it has been inspected by drone before completion. Snagsure director Steven Griffin said: “We’ve inspected thousands of new build homes in the last five years and up until now this has been at the homeowners’ expense. Castle Green Homes are the first homebuilders to have signed up for our key-stage inspections. They recognise the advantage to their business and their customers in having three rounds of independent inspections of their homes.” “Our reports are highly detailed and provide clear information to the developer and contractors on what improvements are required. When the home is handed over, our report will be given to the customer as part of their welcome pack, it’s important to be transparent as it gives customers reassurance that their home has been thoroughly inspected by an independent snagging company and the issues raised have been rectified.”

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SPECIAL REPORT

Done and dusted

A snapshot of good and bad practices of how workers’ exposure to dust is being managed and controlled on construction sites across Great Britain has been revealed. PHPD reports.

12 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

egularly breathing in the dust generated by many construction activities can cause diseases like lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and silicosis. Every year construction workers die from these diseases caused or made worse by their work because the necessary precautions required to protect their long-term lung health have not been taken by employers and workers themselves. As part of its Business Plan, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out more than 1,000 inspections between May and July, focusing on what businesses and workers were doing to prevent or adequately control the risks from construction dust. The inspections by Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety revealed examples of good practice on sites and within companies. These included the use of motorised water suppression alongside face fit tested FFP3 respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to reduce exposure to silicosis and lung cancer causing respirable crystalline silica (RCS); air fed hoods (or powered air respirators) being used when using high powered cutting saws during carpentry to prevent exposure to asthma causing wood dust; and the inclusion of details of HSE’s campaign within company health, safety and environmental newsletters to raise awareness of the effects of dust exposure and the importance of effective control measures to improve the long-term health of construction workers. However, the inspectors also found many examples of poor practice, including no on-tool extraction in place on highpowered cutting saws that generate silica and wood dust, along with poorly

maintained extraction equipment such as hoses and units making it ineffective; suitable RPE not being made available on site for workers to use or making it available but not ensuring it is used; and the health of workers not being considered when carrying out the simplest of tasks such as sweeping up indoors, which requires damping down to control the dust generated and the provision of suitable face-fit tested RPE. A key area of concern for the regulator is that inspectors are still finding sites where the hierarchy of controls are simply not considered at all; where no effective design or planning has taken place to eliminate risks from dust, such as considering the use of pre-cut materials, and nothing being in place to minimise the risks by use of suitable control measures, such as water suppression and on-tool extraction and the use of RPE. The law requires employers to prevent the ill health of their workers as far as reasonably practicable, which includes prevention or adequate control of workers’ exposure to construction dust. Ideally, elimination of the risk of exposure to dust for workers should be achieved by good design and planning. Where this is not possible, measures should be put in place to control dust and provide workers with appropriately fitted RPE. Employees should also play their part by taking responsibility for wearing and maintaining the RPE provided.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information on the Dust Kills campaign, go to www.rdr.link/dar003

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SPECIAL REPORT

The Government’s efforts to ease the rules on nutrient neutrality are in disarray. Joe Taylor, legal director, BDB Pitmans, asks where this leaves residential developers.

What next for nutrients?

utrient pollution is without doubt a serious issue having an oftendetrimental impact on valued habitats. Its causes are broadly attributed to residential homes, surface water run-off from development and agriculture. So serious is the problem that Natural England advised local planning authorities that development should only go ahead if it will not cause any additional pollution and that new residential development must achieve ‘nutrient neutrality’. It offers little or no advice on how that may be achieved. Whilst agriculture has largely remained unaffected, the guidance from Natural England has effectively put a brake on new residential development across vast swathes of the country. It is estimated that the development of 150,000 new homes are now on hold. Small and mid-sized residential developers have felt the brunt of this guidance. The Government – with a long desire to reinvigorate and support smaller, entrepreneurial residential developers – promised to relax the rules by amending the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Its efforts to do so were defeated in the House of Lords in September. Michael Gove, the Housing Minister, responded at the Conservative Party conference that he wanted the rules to be scrapped “at the first available opportunity”, suggesting that legislation would be brought forward in the King’s Speech that sets out the Government’s legislative programme in November. That too appears to have been quietly dropped, much to the dismay of the Home Builders Federation.

So where does this now leave developers? The one thing the residential developers need to deliver on the Government’s housing targets is certainty – and that is something that remains in short supply. Developers have seen costs increase, soaring interest rates, access to a shrinking labour market and ever-growing delays to planning. All of which create uncertainty and delay. Add to this potent brew the restrictive guidance from Natural England it is hard to see how the Government is creating an environment that supports smaller housebuilders, let alone one that will deliver ambitious housing targets. Residential developers – and those buying new homes – are of course aware of the impact development has on the environment and take steps to mitigate that. A nudge from Government and regulators is often needed and sometimes welcomed. But the flip-flopping of support and promises by Government does little to create the certainty the industry needs. In fact, it creates further cost, confusion and delays. Small and mid-sized residential developers are essential to delivering on housing targets, taking on sites that are not viable for larger developers. They create a fantastic product with unrivalled customer service, yet they are less able to weather financial, regulatory and political storms. In short, they need this – and the next – government to act and act quickly.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information on BDB Pitmans, go to www.rdr.link/dar004

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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CONFERENCE CORNER

The lines are drawn A With the Labour and Conservative party conferences taking place at the beginning of October, it became apparent where both think the electoral battle lines can be drawn come the next General Election.

t the Conservative event, Sunak opted to address the ‘war on the motorist’, outlining his views on LEZs, clean air zones, and the power of local authorities to make the motorist’s life a misery. Much of this was handwaving as that no new policies followed yet – given many Conservatives reckon they hung on to Uxbridge in the July by-election thanks London Mayor Khan’s ULEZ introduction – it seems a line he will pursue. And while Gove popped up to deliver a speech on housing (see Wavensmere’s comment opposite), there was a strong sense that the Tory heart is no longer in it. The opposite was quite the case for Labour and, to misquote a former Labour prime minister, Starmer was all about housing, housing, housing; and with a huge emphasis on brownfield and the Green Belt.

Karen Charles, executive director, Boyer

The high priority given to housebuilding at conference set the issue firmly at the top of the political agenda. The Green Belt is now over 70-year old and covers 13% of the UK, surrounding 14 of the country’s 20 largest towns and cities, mostly, but not exclusively, in the south. Few would argue for the abolition of the Green Belt, but its value would be increased if its strictures were softened. The broadbrush approach has led to land which could benefit from redevelopment being overprotected. Contrary to a belief that the Green Belt is a bucolic ring of countryside open to all, much of it is inaccessible and preserves unattractive edge-of-settlement brownfield sites which have potential for sustainable development. In declaring war on NIMBYism, Starmer has positioned himself as a YIMBY (Yes In

14 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

My Back Yard) and diametrically opposed to the opposition. This is controversial and, if Labour wins the general election by gaining seats in Tory strongholds, it will be interesting to see to what extent he can remain so staunchly pro-development. Labour has set out an ambitious programme of planning reforms yet if Starmer forms the next Government, he will have to start making changes from day one. A term of five years is a short period when it comes reforming the planning system, speeding up the preparation of Local Plans, reviewing the Green Belt, creating New Towns and more than doubling housing output.

Roger Mortlock, CEO, CPRE

There is lots to welcome in Labour’s brownfield-first approach and the densification of our towns and cities. The Labour leader is right to highlight that un-adopted Local Plans are leading to , unsustainable developments which are ‘potholing’ the Green Belt and our countryside. Brownfield land can provide room for 1.2 million new homes and before we start thinking about a new generation of New Towns, we need to make sure we’ve exhausted the un-tapped potential of it. The Green Belt will be critical to deliver solutions to the nature and climate crisis. While sustainable development on brownfield land in the Green Belt can be part of the solution, we challenge the idea that ‘grey’ belt land should include areas of scrubland that should be restored to support natural solutions to the climate crisis.

James Dickens, managing director, Wavensmere Homes

It was interesting to hear Michael Gove reiterate that delivery of one million new homes is still the aim for this Parliament. Planning and pre-construction delays are likely to result in half the targeted 300,000 new homes per year being completed during 2023, exacerbating the housing crisis. Getting housing delivery back on target is unlikely to be achieved without

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developing on the greenbelt, which is where political battlelines are being drawn, ahead of the next election. Unlocking brownfield land requires a highly experienced, specialist team. We are handing over the keys for over 500 new houses and apartments before the end of this year – on brownfield sites which have previously been vacant for decades. Subject to planning, we will be breaking ground on another five major regeneration schemes next year to deliver much-needed city living and community amenities. While Wavensmere Homes’ ethos is in-line with the current Government’s stated aims, it is not the full solution to tackling the UK’s housing crisis.

Claire Petricca-Riding, head of planning and environment, Irwin Mitchell

What the country needs is a vision, a strategy showing a new direction after the cancelling of HS2 or what some have described as ‘cancelling the future’. What Labour says it will provide is the framework to build a new Britain and at the heart of it will be the increase in housing - providing a safe home for all generations – to get Britain building over the next decade: a decade of national renewal. The plan? To create 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament – to buy or rent – with communities having a say on how these homes should be delivered. This will mean a new generation of New Towns near cities and the release of land in the not so green – all the shades of grey – green belt as well as providing additional powers to local authorities and establishing a new presumption in favour of development or a ‘planning passport’ on brownfield if design principles are met. It is certainly a bold statement from the opposition – selling a vision and strategy – ‘Together we fix tomorrow’s challenges today’.

Ian Barnett, national land director, Leaders Romans Group

If you were to ask a typical person whether they wanted to see more Green Belt, and whether they wanted more homes to be available for younger and homeless people, they’d answer ‘yes’ to both. And this is not impossible – the Green Belt can be extended, and more land released from it for housing if suitable land was released. A review of the Green Belt is long over‐due. But a review does not necessarily mean a reduction in the Green Belt. It means that areas worthy of protection are included, and some are potentially repurposed, and quite possibly in such a way that increases their aesthetic value. As a result of changes in approaches to development today, new communities have the potential to be attractive, primarily ‘green’ spaces which significantly boost both the aesthetic and biodiverse qualities of the land.

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HOUSEBUILDERS ON HOUSEBUILDING

Plan for change

Ben Leather, managing director of Spitfire Homes, shares his thinking on the current planning system and the barriers it presents to housing delivery.

16 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

complete overhaul of the planning system is clearly overdue. As a regional housebuilder we experience issues daily – something that is felt throughout the industry – and even though we have just secured planning at three separate sites, the process of securing permission has been an extremely difficult and drawn-out process. In particular, the planning consent for our Radcliffe-on-Trent development took nearly 12 months to secure despite having no objections from statutory consultees. The delays incurred included a debate over garden sizes and numerous revisions to appease officers' own design and landscape comments, which included a visit to our Bishop’s Cleeve development earlier this year. Our development in Halesowen is on a brownfield site which should be an easier process for planning but was challenged by unjustified design and highways requests, a change in the planning officer in March and a drawn-out Section 106 process. Our new Crowle site was also deferred from the June committee due to a last-minute objection from the LEA who later withdrew their comments fully and reverted to their original request for a financial contribution. These are just a handful of examples of how the system is broken and prevents housebuilders from delivering homes that are needed in strategic locations within acceptable time frames. Housebuilders must continue to work proactively with LPAs and stakeholders given the pressures they are under so that unnecessary planning delays are avoided because as things stand, they are having

a significant impact on new developments up and down the country. We support the principle of paying higher planning fees if it means LPAs spend those additional fees on increasing the resources within their teams and it isn’t diverted to other council departments. The intention is increased planning fees will result in a more efficient, fair and better resourced system. With increases in interest rates, the cost for SME housebuilders to put sites on hold whilst waiting for planning approvals can be crippling for small businesses, so this change is essential to promote the future success of these businesses and ensure their continued contribution to the economy. The recent Save Our SMEs campaign championed by the House Builders Federation further demonstrated the sentiment from housebuilders like Spitfire Homes, with 166 businesses signing the open letter to Government in response to recent policy amendments which remove the requirement for mandatory local housing targets, further throttling the amount of planning permissions granted for new homes. Its vital housing targets are reinstated and are not reliant on conversion of commercial and agricultural buildings to provide more homes. Increasing the quality and level of resources within the planning system is a significant step forward in the delivery of much-needed new homes.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more about Spitfire Homes, go to www.rdr.link/dar005

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CONVERSION & RESTORATION

Following the guidance of an assigned conservation officer, Cameron Homes took on the restoration of a high-status early 18thcentury farmhouse, successfully transforming the property into a village centrepiece fit for modern living. PHPD reports.

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Newton’s law

very year, hundreds of historic buildings are added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Although many of the listed properties hold historical value, they are at risk of being lost forever, often as a result of neglect, decay or deteriorating condition. For developers, these renovations require a high level of expertise and significant financial investment, which ultimately is enough to put many off. Visiting the village of Newton Regis, Cameron Homes was captivated by the Newton Manor estate, centred around a farmhouse which dates back to 1718. This property carried all the charm of a prestigious Georgian home but having not undergone any renovations since the late sixties, it was due significant repair. In an effort to restore the historic landmark and prevent the high carbon emissions associated with demolishing existing structures and rebuilding, Cameron acquired the historic building in 2021 – securing planning permission after presenting a detailed heritage proposal. Working closely with conservation officers, Cameron Homes has been able

to fully renovate the Grade I listed property into a five-bedroom home fit for luxurious 21st-century living, without infringing on its long heritage. Since its inception, the farmhouse has been a pillar of the local community. In 1728 the original property owner executed a will which charged the Newton Manor estate with a yearly payment of 10 shillings, split equally between the local church and members of the parish. After which, generosity from the estate continued with Manor Farm serving as a functioning mixed-use farm up until 2018, providing dairy, beef, cattle, sheep, pigs, potatoes, and cereals. From the beginning of the project, the development team at Cameron Homes sought to only reconstruct where necessary while protecting existing features and ensuring that they are equipped for the future. This led the team to peel back the surface of the structure and discover features of the home that even the historians hadn’t spotted. Historic restorations included the preservation of existing ceiling joints and structural pillars, as well as exposing wooden beams throughout the farmhouse,

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Got an eye-catching restoration or conversion project you'd like to share? E-mail it to phpd@hamerville.co.uk

some of which date back to 1718. Notably, in one of the first floor bedrooms, the wooden truss that hangs from the ceiling and stretches over to the windowpane has been reinforced and left in situ, complementing the decorative vertical beams displayed across the adjoining landing. All exposed beams have been protected by sandblasting and sealed with finishing oil to restore their natural beauty and preserve them for future generations. Other original features, such as the oak staircase, were deemed ‘well-preserved’ by conservation officials. Therefore, the team was able to keep the lathe-turned balusters and handrails and replace the stairs with an exact replica of the originals with increased strength and longevity. Additionally, the ceiling structure where concrete had been laced with reeds in a traditional process from the 1700s had significant historical importance to conservation officials. These were left in place and strengthened where appropriate.

While respecting and preserving history throughout the renovation, all three floors of the farmhouse have been transported to the 21st century and given all the amenities one would expect from a modern home. The farmhouse has been fully rewired and includes new finishings and heated flooring across the ground floor. All windows have been upgraded to double glazing to enhance energy efficiency, whilst preserving the original look and feel of the historic home. Local residents were pleased to see the successful renovation and gave positive responses showing support for the property’s conversion from a working farm into residential housing. The frontage of the property, including the stone-built wall, has been carefully reconstructed to reflect the home as it was originally, behind which several other new homes at the development have been built. This care and precision has been appreciated by the village as the picturesque landscape hasn’t been affected or disturbed by construction. With the renovation complete, it is clear that the Newton Manor farmhouse stands out as a prime example of 18thcentury architecture brought back to life. Sitting front and centre in the Newton Regis development, the farmhouse remains a wonderful centrepiece against the background of the Warwickshire countryside.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information on Cameron Homes and Newton Manor, go to www.rdr.link/dar006

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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FABRIC & EXTERIORS

David Barrow, managing director of Haddonstone, casts some light on the subtleties of reconstituted stone, and the potential applications for the products.

22 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Heart of stone T

raditional stonework may be viewed by many as the optimum choice of exterior finish for many period and contemporary style properties, but the quarried material inevitably features many inconsistencies, while the additional hours required for skilled masons to complete its installation make the overall cost prohibitive for most developments. It is, therefore, the consistency, comparative strength and all-round buildability of the factory-manufactured alternative which keeps the members of the UK Cast Stone Association in business, and very much in demand. To get the best from the various types available, however, it is important to understand how they are produced: and therefore, why they will be suited to different applications across the built environment. Furthermore, it is a technology which continues to be refined in response to both practical and environmental challenges. Starting with the raw materials which are employed by all the manufacturers in varying proportions,

limestone is a type of sedimentary rock which occurs worldwide, though the UK’s geological history provides us with some unique deposits such as Cotswold Limestone with its distinctively coarse ‘oolites.’ Cast stone companies prefer the smaller finer grained varieties like Bath Stone, crushed to different grades. These are mixed with silica sand which aids compaction and densification, while sufficient Portland Cement is required for the mixes to attain the minimum strengths set out by the UKCSA’s guidelines. The mix is normally hydrated with water and with additives also being incorporated to improve plasticity without diminishing the compressive strength.

Semi-dry cast

Although some producers utilise basic sand/cement mixes, the product ranges incorporate 60% of well-graded crushed limestone, with the particle size reducing from 3mm down to flour-like grains for the best outcomes. The mix is dry packed into moulds, normally with mechanical rammers, and left to cure overnight before being turned out. The units then spend a second night in in vapour curing chambers to speed the process. With good quality control, the 35N minimum strength required for semi-dry cast should be easily exceeded, while water-proofing admixtures help protect against frost to ensure the appearance and weathering characteristics are close

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to those of cut stone. As a result, semi-dry cast is favoured for a very wide range of applications from garden ornaments through to window dressings such as cills, quoins, heads and surrounds, wall dressings including copings, pier caps and finials, entablatures, columns and grand porticos.

Wet cast

Wet cast products have a mix design that incorporates a slightly higher percentage of limestone, which in turn features a particle size peaking at some 10mm diameter. The biggest contrast to semi-dry cast is the use of super-plasticisers which give the mix a consistency, or slump, close to that of the structural concrete normally delivered to site. This consistency means the material is self-compacting when poured into timber, fibreglass or rubber moulds and can therefore produce more complex and even undercut or concave profiles. The moulds, meanwhile, are filled on tables which gently rock to release air which could otherwise create an inconsistent surface. Wet cast products are released from the moulds after a similar 12-hour period but do not require vapour curing and are expected to achieve a compressive strength of 45N. They are, though, finished in sharply contrasting ways, with some manufacturers preferring to lightly sandblast the surface, while others apply a dilute hydrochloric acid. This is then rinsed off before the process water is treated to protect the environment. The higher strength and production methods offer wet cast some significant

performance benefits compared to semidry cast: including improved durability while the ability to insert steel reinforcement greatly enhances spanning capabilities as well as overall load carrying strength. Offering greater strength than cut stone, wet cast can be used for decorative lintels and beams spanning significant openings in façades, as well as for eaves details, cornices, fountains, finely detailed statues and ultra hardwearing floors or steps.

Fibre-reinforced cast

The final category of architectural reconstituted stone encompasses fibrereinforced cast stone, such as TecLite, combining sand, cement, water and plasticisers to achieve a mix which can be poured into moulds, creating shell thickness from 20mm. While the costs are comparable to wet cast products, their lightness often sees fibre-reinforced products chosen to overclad and enrich the façades of buildings where limitations on total weight or handling restrictions exist. Produced using moulds, they are also popular because of the contemporary designs which can be produced. It should be realised then that whether you are involved in refurbishing a heritage building or building an estate of Edwardian or Georgian style homes with Greco-Roman statuary around the landscaped gardens, reconstituted stone in its various forms present a versatile and affordable design solution.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information on reconstituted stone products, go to www.rdr.link/dar007

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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FABRIC & EXTERIORS

Radon is a naturally occurring, colourless and odourless radioactive ground gas, produced by the radioactive decay of trace amounts of uranium found in specific soil and rock types. A Proctor Group explains how you can protect against it.

Ground control R

adon is harmful to humans as the radioactive elements formed by its decay can be inhaled into the lungs, where they continue to emit harmful alpha particles. These alpha particles cause localised damage to the lung tissue, leading to the development of lung cancer. Site geology determines the level of radon present as opposed to historical usage or pollution. This type of geology is most common in areas with granite bedrock, such as Devon, Cornwall, the Peak District, Northamptonshire, south Wales and northeast Scotland.

Radon in buildings

The average UK household radon level is 20 Bq/m³. The current ‘action level’ for residential buildings is 200Bq/m³. If the radon level is at or above the action level, protective measures must be taken to reduce the ingress of the radon. There are several main routes of ingress for radon or any other ground gas. These include cracked or porous solid floors, junctions and joints between components, cracked or porous belowground walls such as in basements, gaps in suspended floors, porous walls and foundations, gaps at service penetrations

and pipes and through cavity walls. Due to the geological origins of radon gas, there is generally no scope to remove or neutralise the source of the gas, so barrier and venting solutions are most commonly employed. However, limiting the extent of the ingress paths here can help by reducing the long-term reliance on a barrier and providing additional protection. Low-risk areas with less than a 1% chance of exceeding action levels do not require any special measures to be taken. Sites between 3 and 10% are classed as medium risk and require a basic level of protection, with sites over 10% being high risk and requiring full protective measures. Basic protection typically comprises a radon barrier membrane within the floor or solum of the building, linked to a damp proof course in the wall. This barrier system should extend across the entire footprint of the building, including the cavity, and all overlaps and service penetrations should be fully sealed. Full protection requires a radon barrier membrane but supplements this with additional ventilation to increase the rate of gas exfiltration. The ventilation can be a ventilated void. If there is no void, then a radon sump should be installed.

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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FABRIC & EXTERIORS

Ventilation systems are usually passive, with the option to convert to active by adding mechanical extraction fans. Active ventilation is only necessary if radon levels are above the action level, even with a barrier membrane and passive ventilation.

Selecting and installing

Ensuring a barrier membrane system works effectively requires the material used to be suitably robust and the system to be well installed. Like other ground gas protection measures, the system is only as good as its installation, and if joints are not properly sealed or the membrane is punctured, then adequate performance cannot be guaranteed. However, a properly designed and fitted barrier will also function as a damp-proofing membrane. The BBA requires radon barrier membranes to be at least 0.4mm, or 400 microns in thickness. It’s important to remember, though, that membranes, if stretched, will become thinner, so ensuring that the material has good tensile strength and elongation characteristics will ensure that the membrane retains its properties. When installed under a slab, for example, concrete poured on top can exert forces on the material, causing it to stretch, and become thinner, creating a zone where the permeation of gas becomes more likely, even if the membrane is still intact and unbroken. This is the risk of using unreinforced DPM-style membranes for radon protection. Membranes made from 100% virgin polymer with a polyester reinforcing scrim typically have the best mechanical strength properties thickness for thickness and provide excellent robustness and minimal elongation under load. Once the membrane is installed, it should be thoroughly inspected prior to covering, as fixing any issues after the membrane is covered is often effectively impossible. This inspection should look for continuity issues such as unsealed joints, unsealed penetrations such as waste pipes, and punctures. Finally, although it may seem obvious, it’s also essential that the protective membrane

32 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

and any associated accessories, such as DPCs, extend across the entire footprint of the building, from external to external, closing off any potential gas ingress points. This includes closing off any cavity walls with a suitably sealed and gasresistant DPC.

Protection of basements

It’s crucial that any basements or occupied underground spaces are protected, particularly as radon can permeate not only through the floor but also through the retaining walls. For a typical domestic house, the areas in contact with the ground could be several times higher than for a similar house without a basement. This risk is further compounded by the lack of natural ventilation in spaces below ground level. Alongside this, it’s also important to consider waterproofing when creating a new basement or converting an existing cellar. Guidance and recommendations for basement waterproofing are given in BS 8102, which also advises on the importance of considering radon mitigation when designing basements. In these situations, it’s usually best to appoint a specialist to design and install the combined system, as radon and waterproofing requirements can sometimes conflict.

Radon protection for extensions

While providing protection to an extension when there’s none in the existing building may seem pointless, a subfloor depressurisation system can help provide some degree of protection to the existing structure. Space for a sump under the existing structure can be created by locating the new sump and extraction pipework adjacent to the existing structure and knocking through the existing wall. The new depressurisation system can therefore extract from the fully protected extension and the existing unprotected structure via the two linked sumps.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For further guidance on radon from the UK Health Security Agency, go to www.rdr.link/dar010 For further information on the A Proctor Group’s radon protection systems visit www.rdr.link/dar011

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FABRIC & EXTERIORS

Take a breather The performance requirements of a breather membrane are often misunderstood or overlooked, particularly in relation to water protection. Marc van der Voort, managing director at ITP, explains the combination of considerations which are essential in any façade design.

reather membranes play a key role within the building envelope. They facilitate the release of excess moisture vapour into the exterior, helping to keep internal wall roofing structures dry and protect the condition of insulation layers. They can also serve a valuable purpose as a line of defence against water penetration during the construction stage and the lifetime of the completed building. However, the importance of this function – and the level of performance required to fulfil it – can depend on a variety of factors. A lack of knowledge surrounding the nuances of water protection from membranes is a common problem within the construction industry. More clarity on the subject would extend the lifespan of many future buildings, avoiding the need for expensive remediation work further down the line.

Water resistance assessment

The current code for measuring water tightness in breather membranes is BS EN 13859-2 which has superseded code BS 4016 :1997. BS EN 13859-2 lists three classifications in descending order of

34 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

watertightness: W1, W2 and W3. Although the BS 4016 has been withdrawn, the maximum water vapour resistance of 0.6 MNs/g is still very much used for façade breather membranes. To comply with BS 13859-2 a membrane should carry either a Class W1 or W2 resistance to water penetration. The Structural Timber Association (STA) issued an Advice Note which states that a membrane with a W2 classification is suitable for use in most façades where continuous rainscreen cladding is used without gaps such as masonry or render board. The manufacturer should confirm that a Class W2 membrane achieves a minimum of zero leakage in the aged condition to BS 13859-2. However, the level of acceptance for W2 under BS EN 13859-2 is often subject to confusion as the test and water leakage acceptance rates differ from the testing used for the superseded BS 4016. Having reviewed the differing EN and BS test methods, the STA recommends that breather membranes achieve zero leakage under the EN test as a minimum value. During the service life of the building wall, STA recommends Class W1 to BS EN 13859-2 for projects with openjointed façade cladding or leaky cladding and Class W2 to BS EN 13859-2 for projects with continuous rainscreen cladding types. With its higher test credentials, a W1 membrane provides better protection during the construction process than a W2 membrane. For any

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membrane requiring W1 or W2 water tightness, the performance of the membrane in aged condition is a vital part of the test criteria: if the membrane is not durable, then its performance in new condition is irrelevant.

W1 resistance where?

When determining a suitable membrane classification for a building, one of the most commonly overlooked factors is the local conditions. To conform with BS 13859-2, a membrane that achieves W1 water tightness in aged condition is recommended to be used with full rainscreen cladding in locations that are known to be exposed to high winds and driving, persistent rain. These locations are typically found on high-altitude exposed sites and westerly coastal sites. BS 8104 recommends the use of the local spell index method to determine the necessary level of resistance to rain penetration. This includes four categories of exposure based on a calculated quantity of wind driven rain, from Zone 1 (sheltered) to Zone 4 (very severe). They should not be regarded as exact as local conditions or experience may require adjustments. When an assessment produces an intermediate index, the designer should utilise local knowledge, topography and experience to establish the most appropriate exposure index. NHBC Standards Section 6.1.16: Exposure includes a map showing the concentration of the four zones across the UK. Any area within 30 miles of a west-facing coastline is usually considered to be in a severe exposure area. The height of the building should also be considered. NHBC Standards Section 6.1.6 references how site-specific calculations can be made using BS 8104 Code of practice for assessing exposure of walls to wind-driven rain which takes into account wall heights.

Standards for other key functions

Water resistance is important, but designers should never lose sight of other key functions such as breathability, fire safety and UV resistance. Although BS 4016 has been withdrawn and replaced, there are some aspects of its specification that remain useful for breathability. The new standard references test standards but does not contain performance requirements for breathability. Condensation risk calculations should be modelled using the exact materials being used in the external wall, utilising the manufacturer’s test data. The Timber Research and Development Association recommends that “designers follow BS 4016 regarding moisture vapour resistivity of breather membranes for walls. Deviation for this moisture vapour resistance performance is permitted only if interstitial condensation risks are assessed using specific material properties and the results are favourable.” UV resistance (or lack of) can determine a membrane’s long-term ability to perform other functions such as water resistance and fire protection. Most breather membranes are manufactured from polyolefins which can be affected by long-term exposure to UV. Open jointed façade cladding, with gaps that expose the membrane and the passage of ultraviolet light and weather, require Class W1 resistance to water penetration and confirmation that the membrane has been tested to a minimum of 5000 hours of accelerated UV ageing with an energy minimum of 812MJ/m2 to BS 13859-2. All these attributes form an essential part of the breather membrane concept. Navigating the complexities can be challenging, but reference to the relevant standards and local conditions is the most reliable route to the correct specification.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information, go to www.rdr.link/dar012

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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FABRIC & EXTERIORS

Right first time Arron Ross, specification executive at Keystone Lintels provides insight into the Future Homes Standard (FHS) and the fabric first approach to design, and why a one piece thermally-efficient lintel can significantly improve SAP ratings and eliminate the need for costly renewable technologies.

36 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

hilst some net zero policies have been watered down by government in recent months, the FHS will become mandatory in 2025 and remains an excellent opportunity to deliver the energy efficient housing the UK so desperately needs if we are to remain on track with our climate ambitions. A critical first step is ensuring the fabric of our homes is well designed and by paying careful attention to detailing and thermal bridging, we can get thermal efficiency right first time and eliminate some of the issues that create poorly performing homes. The updates to Part L requirements of the Building Regulations mark noticeable progress towards the FHS coming in 2025. However realising the goals requires an upfront focus on the design of a building’s envelope without the need for further retrofitting work. The June 2022 interim Part L uplift to energy efficiency requirements demands 31% lower carbon emissions from all new homes through a combination of fabric improvements, low carbon heating technologies and PV panels. But 2025 will bring an even bigger transformation for new housing, with emissions reductions of 75-80% mandated. To achieve such dramatic cuts will require the housebuilding sector to prioritise thermally efficient building fabrics from day one.

Fabric first

To meet these elevated benchmarks for new homes, a fabric-first mentality is essential. Optimising the thermal performance of the building envelope through intelligent design must come first. Constructing an airtight, well-insulated building fabric that minimises heat loss will be key to hitting energy and emissions targets and will go a long way towards achieving compliance, whether for large developments or individual houses. But the benefits extend beyond reducing carbon emissions. Enhancing the building’s envelope efficiency also provides occupants with superior thermal comfort and air quality.

Building as designed

A critical element of the fabric first approach will be addressing the issue of thermal bridging, which can be responsible for up to 30% of a home’s heat loss. Eliminating thermal bridging through smart design and correct product specification

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will be essential if we are to ensure we meet these ambitious new regulations. While there are some design, measurement and calculation issues, the other concern in terms of thermal bridging is that we are not building consistently what we design, or we are not detailing the right products in the right places. There are also issues with site skills and workmanship; when you fail to build correctly it undermines the good work carried out in the first place. This can lead to a performance gap between as- designed and as-built building performance. It’s why these weak spots can have a significant impact on a building’s heat loss and have a detrimental effect on the overall fabric efficiency of the dwelling. All materials specified in the Building Regulations Part L report (BREL) must be installed with no substitutions allowed unless the report is recreated or amended by an energy assessor. Building control can use this report as a checklist and may ask for thermal elements to be recalculated if you swap brands or material types of different thermal values. Part L now also states that we use the actual thermal transmittance values for building products within the envelope of a dwelling; whereas in the past, generic ACD (accredited construction detail) values were accepted within the SAP assessment. These values could vary rather substantially from the actual value of a specific product. By making this change, the Y value obtained is now accurately represented within the BREL report.

Photographic evidence

One of the stand out changes from Part L to help bridge the performance gap is the requirement of photographic evidencing of key junctions at the relevant construction stage for every new dwelling. This will need to have geo-location technology activated, and the report will be provided to building control and the building owner. Essentially, there will need to be proof that the dwelling has been constructed from the same materials that it was designed from; ensuring the property runs as efficiently as it should.

High performance lintel

Traditional steel lintels can create a significant thermal bridge in homes due to the high thermal conductivity of steel and because they span over long lengths in a typical build. However, solutions, such as Hi-therm+, can address this, setting a new standard for thermal efficiency in steel lintels. By incorporating a thermal break, it is up to five times more thermally efficient than a standard lintel. Such lintels have made a significant impact on the thermal efficiency of homes and are specified on many housebuilder projects around the UK due to its low cost and improved performance in lowering carbon emissions within the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). When you consider the BRE has found that thermal bridging can account for up to 30% of heat loss from buildings, then paying close attention to the details and structural elements such as lintels can have a huge impact on the overall thermal performance of a building.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information, go to www.rdr.link/dar013

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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INTERIORS

Home f lair Simon Bodsworth, managing director at Daval Furniture, looks at the rooms where homebuyers put indulgence and multi-functional flexibility at the top of their wish lists.

ack in the spring, we predicted – and have seen – that luxury dressing rooms and versatile hybrid home offices would be in demand to deliver a more flexible and luxurious lifestyle experience. Creating beautiful spaces for rest, relaxation, studying, hobbies and working remotely is fundamental to enhancing quality of life and wellbeing in the future. In fact, research from the Mayo Clinic confirms ‘organising space’ can enhance mental health, so delivering bespoke storage solutions is beneficial for buyers’ minds as well as their homes.

aesthetic. In addition, highlighting decorative accessories with integrated display shelving is the latest way to add a personal touch in keeping with a harmonious linear look.

Floor-to-ceiling

Tall units which maximise storage potential are in demand to maximise every inch of space in the bedroom. Installing wardrobes and cupboards which extend up to the ceiling ensure the perfect fit and bring a streamlined feel. Must-have textures like linen and metallic effects cater to a desire for luxurious, feelgood finishes as buyers seek tactile effects to match a calming

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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INTERIORS

The latest smoked glass shelving, sturdy pull-out, soft-close drawers for shoes, pull-down hanging rails, integrated mirrors and industrial inspired lighting options personalise space as well as promoting better organisation.

Deep and rich colours

Navy blue bedrooms and home offices are in vogue as Google confirms a 180% rise in searches for this relaxing, genderneutral hue. This go-to calming colour is the perfect partner for in-demand wood details and luxurious metallic mineral effects which will elevate and transform fitted furniture.

Hybrid hero solutions

Deluxe dressing islands

New deluxe central storage island units are top of the charts, making getting ready even easier. Zoned storage is big news, so not only are homebuyers able to see favourite items at a glance, designers also free up valuable space at the dressing table for them, helping streamline their daily rituals. Selecting eyewear, watches and jewellery to enhance outfits greatly appeals to high end buyers, thanks to a range of storage solutions such as specially designed leather trays.

Size matters

Furniture which is precisely tailored to buyers’ needs are at the heart of a calm and organized dressing area and bedroom, with a range of drawer sizes varying from slimline to deep to take care of non-hanging items. In fact, drawer storage is being reinvented in state-ofthe-art island units as well as inside traditional wardrobes making it simpler than ever to manage clothes and travel goods as well as storing essentials like lingerie and nightwear.

40 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

With hybrid working patterns here to stay in the UK, there is soaring demand for customised home office solutions. A mixture of open and closed storage is in demand to cater for hanging files, office stationery, lever arch folders and media devices. For the ultimate in ease and practicality, premium home office suites should have hanging storage for workwear so workers can grab a jacket for a polished look ahead of video conferences and Teams meetings. As flexibility is key to professional and family life, giving spare bedrooms over to home offices with versatile furniture which can be flipped as required is increasingly popular. Selecting desks that can double as dressing tables and choosing dual zone cabinetry to accommodate office supplies or guests’ belongings make all the difference in a functional and comfortable multipurpose room.

Sustainable choices

Furniture which is ethically made and environmentally friendly is in demand reflecting the global movement to use resources more efficiently and creatively. With this in mind, custom British-made fitted furniture which comes from renewable sources is an on-trend choice to reduce carbon footprints while catering to the unique nature of a home and lifestyle, helping maintain and protect clothes and accessories.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For further information on Daval Furniture, go to www.rdr.link/dar014

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INTERIORS

When it comes to housing design, selecting colours for each room is more than just an aesthetic choice – it's about creating spaces that evoke the right emotions and improve wellbeing. Dawn Scott, senior colour designer at Dulux Trade, sheds light on the significance of colour and design in making living spaces welcoming and homely.

Colours for living

t has been said that people can spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, and with the growth of remote working more and more time is being spent at home. To make people feel relaxed, comfortable and at ease within their own four walls, housing developers need to carefully consider the design and colour of their properties. The way people engage with and feel in a space is hugely influenced by colour and design. Whilst everyone has their own individual taste, there are some rules of thumb that should be adopted when selecting paints and coatings.

Entrance ways and hallways

The moment residents step into a property, they should feel welcomed and at ease. To achieve this with colour, consider warmer, more

42 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

saturated hues like copper or taupe like shades. Alternatively, bright, and cheerful tones like ochre or lilac, can infuse a sense of joy and friendliness into these spaces.

Kitchen and dining areas

Kitchens are often bustling with activity throughout the day. To reflect this energy, opt for modern tones like pale

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For 21 years, the Dulux Colour of the Year has been decided based on extensive trends research conducted by in-house experts and international design professionals. The colour for 2024 is Sweet Embrace, a delicate, welcoming and soothing colour. In addition, designers can also draw inspiration from the Warm, Calm and Uplifting supporting palettes. Each palette can be employed to evoke emotions in residents, promoting their well-being and creating homes that people will cherish.

blue or creamy off whites to bring a sense of happiness. For those who perceive the kitchen as a peaceful and comforting place to gather, shades like pumpkin or bronze are an excellent choice.

Bedrooms and living spaces

In the bedroom and living areas, residents should instantly feel relaxed, warm, and cosy. Colours that draw inspiration from nature like soft blues, calming greens and neutral biscuit hues can be used to create a sense of belonging and help residents to unwind.

Bathrooms

While bathrooms are a place of relaxation for some, they are also the space where many people start their day. To bring bright energy into the bathroom for early risers consider colours like ochre or lilac. For a more relaxing

bathroom choose tones like deep blues or pale slate.

Paint type

As well as colour, it is also important to carefully think about the type of paint used and the benefits it offers. Opting for a durable product is ideal for areas such as hallways, kitchens and dining rooms. It is also important to consider the sustainable credentials of the paint, such as whether it’s essentially 99.9% VOC free and compliant with BREEAM and LEED certifications.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information, go to www.rdr.link/dar015

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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WANT TO KNOW MORE? TO HELP YOU FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ANYTHING YOU’VE SEEN IN THIS ISSUE, WE’VE INTRODUCED A NEW DIGITAL INFORMATION SERVICE. RDR.LINK IS DESIGNED TO GET YOU FASTER ACCESS STRAIGHT TO THE EXACT ONLINE PLATFORM THAT HAS THE SPECIFIC INFORMATION YOU WANT. FROM VIDEOS TO TECHNICAL GUIDES, PDF’S TO PODCASTS – RDR.LINK WILL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT THERE.

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INTERIORS

Traditionally the bathroom has been overlooked in terms of lighting and wiring accessories compared to other rooms in the home; but that is now changing thanks to new collections that add design details. Knightsbridge’s Hannah Liscombe reports.

Difference in the detail

inally, homebuyers are able to see the same attention to design details in the bathroom as in the wider home, where electrical accessories have been available in a wide variety of materials and finishes – brass, bronze, chrome, black – for years. We are also seeing the incorporation of technologies such as smart and USB into bathroom products. When it comes to electrical items in the bathroom, great consideration has been given – in design terms – to lighting. The bathroom lighting sector is particularly well developed, yet accessories and ‘wiring devices’ – such as switches, shaving sockets, shaving lights, extract fans and mirrors – have been something of an afterthought, with many items being little more than white plastic boxes. All of these ‘added value’ items, whether in design, finishes or technology, present the developer with an opportunity not available when opting for white boxes or leaving the purchasing decision to the installer. One super-hot trend in the bathroom (and kitchen) is LED strip lighting. There is now a much greater appreciation of how versatile it can be – from subtle lighting to feature pieces, from indoor and even outdoor use, from budget to specialist – as the options increase, so does demand. Single-colour LED strips have always been very popular, as combined with dedicated proprietary drivers, controllers and profiles they offer a quick solution to most indoor installations. But there also has been a marked increase in interest for colour-changing RGBW (Red Green Blue White) options, which provide a ‘one type fits all’ solution and add to the adaptability and fun side of LEDs.

A further development in colourchanging RGBW LEDs is the incorporation of Smart technology which, given the explosion of in-app based controls, manages lighting from personal devices. LED strips are not new, especially in terms of under cabinet lighting; but now offer great versatility whether for background lighting, floor lighting with profiles or colour-changing RGBW LEDs for day-to-day use and mood creation or, when linked to smart device music functions. Less flashily perhaps, yet another good example of where design in the bathroom has come in is humble shaver sockets that now come in dozens of options, whether screwless, flat plate or square edge and finished in a huge array of colours. Similarly, elegantly curved shaver lights can conceal dual USB chargers, alongside the traditional dual voltage shaver socket, for razors that USB charge, or for those who can’t bear to be without their phones in the bathroom. Modern design has also reached the extractor fan, which now incorporate LED backlighting when activated. Suitable for either walls or ceilings, these backlit LED fans suit any décor as they come in white, black/stainless steel, black and grey, respectively. Products and accessories such as these make it possible to add value and to provide the client with a bathroom that meets their needs as well as their aspirations.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For a copy of Knightsbridge’s Complete Kitchen & Bathroom Guide, go to www.rdr.link/dar016

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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INTERIORS ALBED Divide and rule

Albed offers a wide range of glass doors and partitioning systems, which can acoustically isolate a room, create an area of partial privacy or separate two spaces without reducing the natural light exchange. Celine offers geometric decorations in a squared door panel that can be customised in the more than ninety finishes from the Albed catalogue, which can also be matched uniformly or contrasted. In this way, the collection can take on minimal and contemporary, or classic and more refined traits. Celine is available in hinged, sliding, concealed, coplanar to the wall or partition wall versions. Quadra accommodates glass in a thin aluminum profile in six different finishes that can either perimeter the panel or draw a symmetrical grid of industrial inspiration. Its size, with recessed, wall, ceiling or floor sliding, is always custom designed and can extend for the entire height of the wall.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dar017

DULUX TRADE Durable diamond

DAVAL Dress in style

Lugano, the range of dressing room furniture from Daval, is made from oak with a visible wood grain and is available in a light golden colour and can be finished with a woodgrain effect in New England Oak. The dressing room furniture is designed to be flexible and can be customized to suit different needs and spaces. The wardrobes come without drill holes for a cleaner look and can include a variety of storage options such as hanging rails, drawers, shelves, and lighting. The collection includes Daval Finsbury drawer fronts, which are scratch-resistant and have an antibacterial coating. The Finsbury furniture also features a UV lacquer finish to help maintain its colour over time. A Tan Marble finish is also available, creating a light beige marble effect with tan veining. A fitted dressing table with built-in storage and a mirror is part of the collection, along with a bench seat in Lugano New England Oak with Tan Leather upholstery. The furniture range also includes integrated LED lighting and accessories such as fixed and pull-down clothing rails, drawer dividers, and leather drawer inserts for accessory storage.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar018

JAMES LATHAM Veneer of respectability James Latham has launched Shinnoki 4.0, Decospan's latest range of pre-finished wood veneered panels. These are crafted with real wood veneer, attached to a sustainable MDF core, and so combine the aesthetics of timber with lighter weight, consistent quality, and easier machining. Each panel features Decospan's six-layer varnishing technique, making them both scratch and water resistant, and easy to clean with just a dry or damp cloth. And, because every panel already comes brushed, stained, and lacquered, no further finishing is required. Suitable for both consumer and commercial applications, from walls and ceilings to furniture pieces, the Shinnoki 4.0 collection offers 18 styles within six distinct collections. Sustainability is not an issue: every panel uses timber from FSC-certified forests, while Shinnoki's production relies solely on wind and solar energy, ensuring a carbon-neutral product. The panels measure 2790 x 1240 x 19mm, with two layers of veneer on an MDF core.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar019

46 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Dulux Trade has reformulated Diamond Matt paint to improve its durability and sustainability so now the walls painted with it can endure up to 10,000 scrubs. That is the equivalent to five hours of continuous scrubbing, so the paint provides a professional finish that lasts and extends extend maintenance cycles. It also dries quickly, even in low temperatures, enabling professionals to work efficiently and reducing inconvenience to the customer. Diamond Matt also provides excellent coverage and is now available in an additional 150 deep colours, ensuring a long-lasting, attractive finish. On the sustainability front, Diamond Matt is 99.9% free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting in a lower impact on indoor air quality and reducing the carbon footprint of a project. The paint complies with several green building accreditations, including BREEAM, LEED, and WELL, as well as BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar020

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

ABODE Wooden performance

Abode has introduced three products that it believes contribute to sustainable living: a filter tap, a range of sinks and a water filter system that can be fitted to existing mixer taps. The Naturalé Aquifier Water Filter Tap serves two functions, delivering both regular hot and cold domestic water, as well as fresh, cold filtered water. A twist of the Beechwood timber handle, sourced from responsibly managed forests, activates the water filter. The design incorporates a cold start valve to minimize boiler usage and a 5l/m flow limiter to save water. It is available in brushed nickel, chrome, and matt black finishes. Additionally, the tap's Aquifier high resin filter can be recycled through Abode's filter recycle scheme. Abode's System Sync is a range of stainless-steel kitchen sinks accompanied by complementary accessories. The sinks are available in three different bowl sizes and are made from 0.8mm 304 grade brushed stainless steel. Each sink is supplied with an FSC certified Prep Board. The Swich Wood is a water filter system that can be retrofitted alongside any style of mixer tap. It comes in a range of contemporary finishes and features an FSC certified beech wood handle.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar021

BATHROOMS TO LOVE Olive green with envy

Bathrooms to Love from PJH is enhancing its 'Statement' modular furniture collection, introducing a Matt Olive Green colour, additional unit sizes, and a floor-standing range alongside the existing wall-hung options. The Matt Olive Green option expands the palette of the Statement family, which already includes Deep Blue, Latte, White, and Antique Rose. The range also features an optional metal frame with a towel rail, now available in Brushed Brass or Chrome finishes, in addition to the original Matt Black. The collection offers single or double basin units with a choice of worktop and basin options, including a built-in ceramic basin, a new floor-standing basin unit with two doors, and a WC unit. The expansion allows for versatile design solutions for both compact and spacious bathrooms, with basin units available in widths ranging from 590mm to 1180mm. Designers can tailor the look with a selection of handles in matt black, brushed brass, or chrome, and worktops in Urban Black, White Slate, or Matt Latte.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar022

CROSSWATER Vibrant taps

Offering vibrant and contemporary design options for modern bathrooms, the Drift and Fuse ranges of brassware from Crosswater are available in matt black, brushed brass, and chrome finishes. The Drift range, with its rounded finish, includes a variety of products such as basin monos, wall mounted basin sets, and bath shower mixers. The Fuse range offers a sleek and squared finish with similar product options.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar023

AKW Hold on tight

As the name suggests, Grab-a-Rail from AKW is a durable and reliable grab rail to enhance safety and accessibility in kitchens. It is quick and straightforward to install, ensuring a secure fit with eight fixing points that can support up to 15.5 stone (100kg) of downward pressure, as validated by University of Birmingham tests. Available in white and in lengths of 1000mm and 600mm, Grab-a-Rail can be retrofitted to most kitchen countertops.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar024

BAGNODESIGN Hotel chic

According to Bagnodesign, the Alpine bathroom collection is crafted to achieve a hotel-chic aesthetic while offering personalized design options. Customers can choose from 20 different slab options to create a unique style that fits their space perfectly. The collection includes basins, shelves, plinths, and furniture, available in freestanding, wall-mounted, and countertop styles, all complemented by diverse slab finishes. The Alpine range is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring both durability and a lengthy product lifespan. It features a 6mm porcelain slab surface, covering a waterproof foam core, rendering the products completely waterproof, nonporous, and resistant to mould and fungus. Designed for a simple and efficient installation process, tap holes drilled inhouse prior to delivery in line with client requirements while special reinforcements are incorporated along the joints to enhance the load-bearing capacity, so that a single bracket can support up to 75kg.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar025

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

DURAVIT Matt, matt and more matt

Duravit's Vitrium range of bathroom furniture includes a colour palette curated by designer Christian Werner consisting of consists of three subtle tones – light gray matt, dark gray matt, and white matt – and three rich shades: ‘greenblue’ matt, parlour blue matt, and cinnamon matt. The range comprises includes furniture such as vanity units, a tall cabinet and washbasins. Duravit also offers the DuraSquare bathtub and a wall-mounted toilet in these colours. The Millio toilet, designed by Antonio Bullo, is available in two surface textures – a grooved and a patterned relief – in addition to the standard smooth version and can be customized for bulk orders.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar026

KINEDO Minimalist showering

NUIE Hand crafted sinks

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar027

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar031

Constructed with a refined chrome aluminium profile, the Alpha Solo walk-in shower enclosure from Kinedo is minimalist as its single glass panel has no reinforcement bar. Instead the enclosure the two-metre-high glass panel is accentuated at the bottom with a sleek chrome cover strip. The Alpha Solo is versatile in its sizing options, available in dimensions of 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm, 1200mm, and 1400mm. This variety ensures it can accommodate both corner and recess installations, making it suitable for a diverse range of shower spaces.

LAKES SHOWERING SPACES Third wave

Nuie has launched a series of handcrafted kitchen sinks in bespoke Butler, Belfast, Cleaner, and Inset styles across multiple sizes. These sinks, offered in white and matte black, come in both single and double bowl configurations. To complement these, Nuie has added more kitchen tap designs in a variety of finishes in square, round, or traditional tap shapes.

Lakes Showering Spaces has added a brushed brass finish to its Wave Collection of shower enclosures, giving specifiers a third choice apart from silver and black. The range offers a variety of door configurations, including hinged, quadrant, slider, and bi-fold options, as well as a compatible side panel.

PRIMA/ PJH Black in fashion

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar028

Prima has broadened its matt black Tapware Collection with three more tap designs: a swan-neck dual lever mixer tap, a V-shape dual lever mixer, and a single lever mixer tap. Distributed exclusively by PJH, these WRAS-approved taps require a minimum pressure requirement of 0.1 bar and have a five-year guarantee on body and finish, along with a 3-year guarantee on valves.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar029

ROTPUNKT Natural choice

Rotpunkt has introduced Loft Nature Oak and Snow Class in a new matt finish for contemporary kitchens. Loft Nature Oak doors and panels are FSC Certified and are offered in three finishes: Loft Nature Oak, Loft Brown Oak, and Loft Black Oak, providing an eco-friendly option. The Snow Class cabinets, now in a matt acrylic finish, feature push-to-open mechanisms, deep chamfered edges, and are scratch-resistant, anti-fingerprint, and can be written on with chalk. Additional features include the integration of Hettich Easys sensor technology for fridge freezer doors.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar030 48 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

PRIMA/ PJH The appeal of steel

Exclusive to PJH, the Prima Tight Corner Radius Sink collection now includes 19 stainless steel models with 10mm and 25mm corner radius specifications. These models come in undermount and inset designs for the 10mm radius option, with sizes spanning 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 bowl configurations and widths from 220mm to 740mm. The sinks feature reversible and extra-deep bowls, finished in polished stainless steel. The range is supported by a 20-year warranty and includes a waste kit with overflow.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar032

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GENERAL BUILDING ALGECO Offsite learning

Algeco has introduced a certified Continuous Professional Development (CPD) course – Form Follows Function – How to Design for Offsite Construction – for building designers. The course contrasts traditional construction methods with offsite construction, highlighting the advantages of the latter, such as better collaboration, clear responsibility, and effective project management. Real-life examples from top architects are included, demonstrating successful applications of offsite construction. The course also addresses common questions, including those about fire safety and planning. By the end of the course, participants will have a clear understanding of the different types of modular construction, the benefits of using offsite and modular construction, and will feel confident in choosing these methods for large projects. They will also receive practical advice on design considerations and tips on how to enhance building performance.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar033

SAMAC FIXINGS Solar shield

Designed to stop debris or birds getting underneath solar panels, the Solarguard Pro from Samac needs no drilling during fitting so there is little risk of voiding the panel warranty by damaging the solar array. Easily retrofitted, the product is suitable for all solar panels with a U-profile and comes with comes with a 10-year warranty. Each pack includes 20 guards, four corner guards, and 108 mounting clamps, enough to secure up to eight solar panels. Simply affix the two corner pieces to the highest row of panels, position the guard sections between them and secure them in place with a mounting clamp.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar034

CRL Gallic charmers

Easy to install and maintain, the Juliette and Paris balconies from CRL fill interiors with natural light and make the most of views – and comply with building and safety regulations, including BS 6180:2011. Constructed from 316 stainless steel, either brushed or polished, the CRL Juliette Balcony System accommodates 12mm toughened glass or 13.52mm toughened laminated glass, with top and bottom rails for added safety if the glass should fail. Designed to be used with various thicknesses of toughened laminated glass, the CRL Paris Balcony system can be mounted to different structural materials and is available in grey or white finishes. A top cap rail is not required, as the toughened laminated glass itself offers additional protection.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar035

ENDURANCE DOORS Composite colour

Endurance Doors has launched a solid, secure, and aesthetically pleasing exterior door option in this year's popular claystone colour. The company already boasts an extensive range of 85 unique door designs, available in 19 different colours, and has now expanded its offerings to include products in the fashionable claystone shade. Its composite doors are designed with enhanced features for added security and energy efficiency. They have profiles that are up to 10% thicker than many other composite doors on the market and a Moisture Barrier System (MBS) that prevents water from seeping into the bottom of the door, avoiding potential swelling and warping.

ARBO Stuck on you

The ARBOShield Pro Fire-Resistant Façade System from ARBO is claimed to provide the highest, verifiable fire safety to BS EN 13501-1, along with improved performance and faster installation. The manufacturer says that the main element of the range, the ARBOShield Pro External Perimeter Class A Membrane (EPAM), is the only class A self-adhesive product available for the UK construction market. The product provides a complete Class A2-s1,d0 rated non-combustible and W1rated (waterproofing and airtightness) window and façade seal. EPAM boosts water repellence and ensures a Class A fire rating while cutting out the mess, waste, and labour-intensive installation times associated with traditional façade sealing methods. The range includes a Class A W1 breather membrane, a Class A air & vapour control layer, Class A high-tack sealing tape and a Class B W1 breather membrane. The range is complemented by the ARBOShield Pro GT fire retardant rolled sealant, ARBO intumescent and fireresistant mastics, sealants and foams, and ARBOSeal Pro sealing tapes.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar037

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar036

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GENERAL BUILDING

HÖRMANN Lasting appeal

BOBCAT Speedy loader

Equipped with a robust 75 HP engine and achieving speeds of up to 40 km/h, the L95 compact wheel loader from Bobcat is designed to cater to a wide array of applications. Ease of use was a priority in design, so the L95 has automotive-style features such as the automatic parking brake and slope assist which automatically engage and disengage the parking brake as required. The L95’s Power Quick-Tach system is compatible with widely used industry standard couplers and has been adapted to simplify and further protect the hydraulic connections, particularly when exchanging attachments. To run high-flow attachments, the L95 can be fitted with a high flow option, providing a hydraulic flow of 100 l/min. To further improve high-flow attachment performance, Bobcat has increased the pressure from 200 to 225 bar. This change also reduces the time for automatic derate by 50%, which is set to protect hydraulic components when the machine is cold. Comfort is a priority in the L95's design, ensuring operators can work efficiently for extended periods. The spacious cab provides full operator protection, easy access, and a range of amenities, including a premium heated seat, HVAC system, and excellent visibility.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar038

Hörmann has added five Duragrain Décor colours to its LPU 42 L-ribbed sectional garage door range: Cement, Rusty Pantina, Wild Oak, Barnwood, and Barnwood Grey. These colours match Hörmann's ThermoSafe Decoral aluminium entrance doors to provide a co-ordinated appearance. These sectional doors combine durable materials, safe use, and effective thermal insulation, while all the automated models come with the Secured by Design feature – depending on fitting and style. The Décor colours feature the durable, scratch-resistant Duragrain finish. A UVresistant digital print covers the door's primed sections, with the Duragrain layer protecting the finish from the weather.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar039

ECODEK Board meeting

Ecodek has announced an expansion to its deck board range with the unveiling of Ecodek Evolution. Evolution is the company’s first board to feature EcoTech, an outer layer which envelops the board to provide a highly textured finish that imitates real wood, whilst also protecting against stains and fading. Underneath, Evolution has a solid core making it extremely strong and durable with a 25year domestic and commercial warranty. The new capped decking range is available in five stylish colours, from traditional light and dark brown to the more contemporary black, light grey and dark grey. It also uses a hidden clip fixing system, resulting in a seamless finish. Evolution comes in two standard lengths, 3.6m and 4.8m, and Ecodek has the capability to provide custom lengths of between 1.5m and 6m, for less waste and a more polished result. As with all Ecodek decking solutions, Evolution boards are rot, split and slip resistant. The boards are constructed from 90% recycled and sustainably sourced materials.

For more information, please go to www.rdr.link/dar040

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX BG SyncEV ......outside back cover www.rdr.link/DAR100

rdr.link ..................................page 44 www.rdr.link/DAR104

Simpson Strong-Tie ............page 4 www.rdr.link/DAR108

VELUX Company Ltd..pages 26,27 www.rdr.link/DAR111

ECLISSE UK Ltd ..................page 41 www.rdr.link/DAR101

Rolec Services Ltd ..............page 11 www.rdr.link/DAR105

TOOLFAIR ............................page 30 www.rdr.link/DAR109

West Fraser ..........................page 17 www.rdr.link/DAR112

Fassa UK Ltd ......................page 24 www.rdr.link/DAR102

Sevadis ..................................page 15 www.rdr.link/DAR106

Uform ..................inside front cover www.rdr.link/DAR110

www.phpdonline.co.uk ....page 38 www.rdr.link/DAR113

Quickslide Ltd ..............pages 20,21 www.rdr.link/DAR103

SFA Saniflo UK Ltd ............page 33 www.rdr.link/DAR107

50 November/December Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

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LAST WORD

The inside view: sales centres to welcome and work V A sales centre is the first physical space potential house hunters will encounter. So how do you make the right first impression whilst also creating a productive workplace? Steve Hird, director at new home interior design specialists, Edward Thomas Interiors outlines your top interior design priorities.

isibility and navigation

First and foremost, visitors need to easily locate and access a sales centre. The building itself needs to be prominent and visible, and for this reason our preference is always to have a standalone sales centre rather than one which is integrated as part of the showhome. Integrated sales offices can compromise the house, some house hunters are visual and seeing a living room styled as an office for example may hinder them imagining its original purpose. If there’s not an option for a standalone then consider removing any nonload bearing walls to help create a more open plan environment.

Functionality

A good sales centre needs to have dual functionality. Firstly, it needs to be an inviting and informative space for potential purchasers and secondly, it’s a place of work for sales consultants. To balance these requirements, we advocate creating different ‘zones’ e.g. working areas, a meet and greet space, casual seating, private offices, VR rooms, and an options/choices suite. This not only aids differentiation but also enables multiple visitors to be accommodated at the same time. Key to the success of these zones is quality materials. A sales centre might be open daily for three-plus years, meaning any materials should be selected for longevity and durability. Once a sales centre is installed, it typically isn’t refreshed so needs to stand the test of time. Opt for fabrics such as leather, velvet or wool, wall treatments to draw the eye, and a hard flooring like an LVT, which can be laid in different configurations to create a striking appearance.

Branding and presentation

Of course, material selection is largely informed by brand. A brand presence and continuity across all live developments is important but we do advise allowing room for site appropriate design. Distinctive sales

centres incorporate elements of the location or a connection to the showhome. For example, in rural locations we’ve used panelled storage doors and farmhouse style furniture to create a country aesthetic, or in coastal environments we’ve incorporated traditional colour palettes or whitewashed furniture. Presentation is the other essential for making somewhere memorable and creating that all-important positive first impression. No house hunter wants to walk into an untidy office and feel like they’re imposing. Hidden storage for brochures, PPE and other equipment should be included. Consider bespoke cabinetry or panelled or living walls around TV(s) for this.

Lessons from retail

To remain competitive in the current market, developers are offering even more choices or upgrades and therefore the display of these has become critical. We’ve taken cues from retail so everything is displayed to sell, meaning it is visible and easily comparable with each other and the standard range. This includes necessary choices such as cabinetry, tiling and flooring but more recently we’ve incorporated displays for electrical sockets, taps, sinks and shower heads.

Comfort

The final piece of advice is perhaps the most important. Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions people make so they need to feel comfortable and relaxed to do so. A sales office should have that cosy, ‘at home’ feeling. There needs to be enough furniture for it not to feel sterile, a pleasant fragrance or scent, greenery, warmth and texture.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information, go to www.rdr.link/dar041

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer November/December

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