Style & Sustainability

Style and Sustainability STYLE AND SUSTAINABILITY: HOW UK HOMES HAVE CHANGED OVER TIME

Our home designs are an identifying aspect of our nation’s culture. Wood panelling, bay windows, and stone bricks are instantly recognisable as a product of British construction when compared to other homes around the world.

As we progress through the years, it’s inspiring to see how our homes have also changed with the times – both inside and out.

From Tudor panelling to double-glazed windows, home designs throughout history have played a bigger role in our lives and culture than you may think. So, how have we got here? How have housebuilders and homemakers through the years shaped the development of what we call home? Here, with some help from national house builder, St. Modwen Homes, we take a look at the history of British homes and how they’ve changed to fit our culture and needs through the ages. Georgian: 1714 to 1830

Georgian homes were characteristically grand. Even on a smaller scale, symmetrical and tall facades matched Greekstyle motifs and spacious interiors. However, you wouldn’t find natural brightness in every room. The window tax, which was based on the number of windows in a house, lasted the duration of the Georgian era. Some homes would brick up window facades to avoid paying an additional levy on their property. Even today, you can see some buildings with bricked up gaps where reglazing has not occurred even 170 years later. Compare that to the new homes of today where large windows are popular to maximise natural sunlight and brighten the space. •10• Victorian: 1837 to 1901

The Victorian era moved us nearer to many of the houses we know today. Bay windows were popularised along with red-coloured brickwork. The centred and symmetrical fashion of Georgian homes had also been abandoned, favouring off-centred doors to the left or right of the façade. Geometric tiling also featured heavily in Victorian properties, adding decoration to flooring and walls.

For those living in working-class areas, you would expect the toilet to be in an outhouse. Thankfully, this Victorian trend hasn’t lasted. Modern houses are more likely to feature toilets both downstairs and upstairs. However, bay windows and stylised interiors are still popular today. Edwardian: 1901 to 1910

Edwardian and early twenti eth-century homes build on the architectural stylings of the Victorian period. A return to symmetry, bay windows were boxed, and doorways became ornate and trimmed with white wooden frames.

HOW UK HOMES HAVE CHANGED OVER TIME

Moving communities into garden estates, families enjoyed a simpler style of house. Corners became squared, and ceilings were lowered for a cosier interior. However, people could enjoy peering out into their own gardens through characterful windows – making homes even lighter during the day. Post-war: 1945 to 1979

Following the Second World War, Britain faced a housing crisis. To combat the national shortage, thenPrime Minister Winston Churchill envisaged the construction of temporary accommodation for the public. Alongside 1.2 million new homes, over 150,000 prefabricated homes (or ‘prefabs’) were built between 1945 and 1951. Prefabs were intended to be used by occupants for up to ten years. Bungalows were a suitable choice for simple timber or steel frames, with concrete also being used. While simple in design, this era of accelerated construction demonstrated British innovative approaches to construction. Non-traditional building techniques were developed, including prefabricating structural elements of the homes away from the site. This allowed for faster construction while maintaining the quality that homeowners would expect. Now, over 75 years later, some prefab homes remain occupied, and their unintended longevity is inspiring architects to consider modular homes as one option for future housing. Turn of the century: 1990 to 2010

By the 1990s, the style of the modern newbuild house had been refined. The brickwork was neat, featuring classic red or newer beige colours that helped create vibrant estates, echoing the stone facades of the Georgian period. Meanwhile, streets of semi-detached or townhouses maintained a consistent style that helped create culture and inclusivity within communities. Driveways and front gardens became more common, while inside the house, ceilings remained low and windows were wide. Double glazing and insulation were also used to help maintain heat and keep utility bills low.

The home of today: 2021

culture. Now that we’re caught up on the history of homes in the UK, we can see how old architecture has influenced the homes of today. Taking the best elements from a range of historical styles, new-build homes today are more than just an amalgamation of older properties; they represent future ambitions in our

Sustainability is now a key part of construction and life. Homes today can be upgraded with electric vehicle charging ports, UV panels on the roof, or a waste water heat recovery system. Plus, insulation ensures that homes remain warm in the winter with limited energy needs. In some cases, tall ceilings have made a triumphant return and floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to fill rooms. Some windows even cover two floors – but don’t worry – there’s no tax on these panes. As well as decadent gardens, communities are based around green space. Parks and woods are never too far from reach for families to enjoy. Interiors are as spacious as the outdoors, with the return of open plan living, making kitchen and living areas the perfect place to host gatherings with family and friends. So, whether you’re looking for houses for sale in Burslem or houses for sale in Copthorne, you know that a lot of history has gone into its style, design, and construction. Our homes aren’t just parts of our culture and history – they’re also a big part of our lives. From raising families to creating a space to work, our homes have changed to make our lives easier, more enjoyable, and more sustainable.

SPATEX 2022 HAD AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR!

Stands and aisles bustled with happy visitors and the sound of chatter filled the air – there was something tremendously comforting about SPATEX returning to its ‘normal,’ familiar formula.

It was the camaraderie of the 1,545 unique visitors and the hundred plus exhibiting companies, and their combined sense of joy at being able to reunite under one roof once more, that meant the 25th

SPATEX 2022 was universally declared, the BEST show to date. That almost tangible, warm feeling that comes from doing good business was in abundance from the moment the show opened, right up to the minute it closed.

You came, you saw and the industry conquered!

Aside from a vibrant exhibition hall brimming with shiny new product, the two seminar arenas also welcomed •12•

a steady flow of traffic, with delegates keen to pick up valuable information and tips. Over a third of visitors sampled the unrivalled double seminar and Workshop programme, hosted by esteemed industry associations ISPE, STA, PWTAG and more.

Thank you from the SPATEX team

You make SPATEX the industry success story it is, so a heartfelt thanks to all our fabulous visitors and exhibitors. You were brilliant!

Inspired by the energy of the 2022 show, we aim to build on its 25-year foundation and move into the next exciting phase. Watch this space!

SAVE THE DATE

The 26th edition, SPATEX 2023, returns Tuesday January 31 to Thursday February 2 at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry CV6 6GE.

For more info, please contact helen@spatex.co.uk or michele@spatex.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1264 358558

And, here’s what you said…

Superior Wellness

“We absolutely loved our return to SPATEX this year. What a fantastic three days.”

Certikin

“The best attended SPATEX for many years. Already looking forward to 2023.”

Build A Spa

“What a class time! The future looks bright. Thank you for making our first show a breeze.”

Hydrospares

“What a show SPATEX 2022 was! Overwhelmingly positive and a successful show all round.”

Mapei UK Ltd

“Three bustling days. Dozens of Mapei ducks given away and even more amazing people met and spoken to.”

Designworks Tiles

“We could genuinely not be happier. The turn-out has been incredible, the best show to date.”

Interpool

“Bloody excellent show.”

Aqua Warehouse

“Happy is an understatement! Super organisation. A real tonic in bad times. SPATEX feels like home.”

Astral

“Such a great show and really looking forward to returning next year.”

Poolstar

“This is the first time we exhibited at SPATEX and the hassle of travelling from France in Covid times has been more than worthwhile. “2022 was the best SPATEX ever! Well done Michele and team for staging a fantastic event.”

Aquatrac

“What a busy show, such a morale booster and good to see so many new faces.”

Paragon

“Great show with fantastic leads. Definitely coming back with a bigger stand.”

GMT Spas

“Total buzz – fantastic show! We will definitely be back next year – it’s sooooo good!”

Spanet

“We’ve received tremendous feedback to our products and we hope to return with a much bigger stand in 2023.”

Darlly Europe

“Fabulous show – one of the very best. We will back next year, same stand, same place please!”

O-Care

“Over the moon with the amount of interest we’ve received. We will be back next year with a bigger stand.”

Heatstar

“Yet again the support and guidance from the SPATEX team was excellent as they went above and beyond to make sure all were taken care off.”

Golden Coast

“The atmosphere felt positive, and we all loved it.”

Paramount Pools

“Great show, foot traffic better than expected! Had a great response.”

To read all the testimonials click here

Andrea Fawell, Sales & Marketing Director at Kebbell Linda Tillisch, Northern Region Sales Manager at Kebbell

WHY THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE WOMEN

With women increasingly choosing a career in property and construction, and diversity, equality and inclusion at the top of the agenda for many property leaders, to mark International Women’s Day (8th March) we ask Kebbell’s Sales and Marketing Director, Andrea Fawell and some of her female colleagues, are gender specific roles gradually diminishing or is there still a long way to go?

Why does the property industry need more women?

Andrea Fawell: “Diversity, inclusion and equality means a healthier and more creative work environment, promotes new thinking, fights stereotypes and promotes respect. Women also tend to be good champions of other women including those of other races and ages.”

Linda Tillisch, Northern Regional Sales Manager at Kebbell: “The fact is that men and women do often bring different things to the table so of course there is a huge advantage to having different ways of thinking. Women also tend to be doers and are naturally good at multi-tasking in my experience.”

Surveyor Louise Warren says: “Each role needs the best person suited for that particular job regardless of gender. We do see many more women in the industry now and I think that’s because of the perception of women staying at home with the kids these days has completely flipped. •14•

Employers respect that women are strong, empowered, inspiring and are excellent leaders. I am inspired by women that I know who work in the industry, notably my sister a former director at a Housing Association.”

What do you think women in the industry want?

Andrea: “There is still a slightly alpha male culture and a persistent leadership gap in senior roles and pay but it is getting better. Women in any industry want equal status and pay but also equality in possibilities, opportunities and decision making. They don’t want positive discrimination, but to be in their position because they are the best person for that role. They want to be trusted, respected, listened to and recognised for their contribution.”

What can men do to help?

Andrea: “Gender equality is not a woman’s issue. Men should speak out if they see any sort of bias, harassment, or discrimination. Most people are unaware that they are being biased unless it is pointed out to them, and many would be mortified to know they are causing offence. Boys are now being brought up as feminists too which is wonderful.”

What barriers or challenges have you overcome in the industry?

Andrea: “There is still a long way to go because many women feel they need to provide additional evidence of their competence rather than being valued and judged on

Louise Warren - Surveyor at Kebbell

WHY THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY

their skills and work. I know I used to try to conform or put up with sexism on site but that is much improved. If I am honest, I used to have to use my female guile to get my way in 80s and 90s when I was on a building site but that is now completely off the agenda. If there is someone who doesn’t respect women in the industry they are immediately called out. Women are now working across all disciplines, standing shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues.”

Louise: “I still feel that attitudes towards women can sometimes be difficult. Sometimes I am met with a mindset that I somehow can’t understand something, or won’t be able to deal with something, or that as women we are somehow weak. Most of the people that I work with or have met, know, or learn pretty quickly that I’m very capable.”

Linda: “Being largely a male dominated industry it sometimes takes time to gain the trust and respect of colleagues. I find humour and diplomacy works best in most situations and often helps to break down barriers.”

As a woman what would you change about the property industry?

Louise: “There is still a frustrating lack of women in the trades and as site mangers. These are both brilliant careers.”

Andrea: “There are also not enough women at CEO level but that won’t happened until equal parenting becomes more normal in society. We need to review working practices and salaries to ensure that employees are being paid equally according to their role. Any recruitment process needs diversity in the interview panel and we need gender blindness built in to the process and to check that bias and assumption don’t cloud our judgement. Having strict, clear and effective policies against harassment in the workplace is vital.”

Linda: “Flexibility is really important. There is still an assumption that women may not be able to handle as much work as men because of family commitments, so men are often given more opportunities and responsibility in the industry. Sales is often seen as the main female role in the industry, but times are changing with the introduction of new female apprentices across the trades.”

What is your proudest career moment?

Andrea: “Coming back to a senior role after two daughters and being able to happily balance my work and children. They were two and three years old and I was 37 years old at the time. I had gone part time and taken more of a back seat, but I kept my hand in and then came back a more rounded colleague in the property industry and a better mum.”

Linda: “When I have stood in an empty field knowing we are building homes for future generations and then feeling proud of what we achieve particularly when you finally give someone the key to their dream home.”

Louise: “I have had credible achievements, but I feel like there is much more to come. Maybe our new Milestones development in Ascot will top the list.”

What do you value about the other women at Kebbell?

Andrea: “We are a really close team at Kebbell, and gender just isn’t important. We have a common goal and mutual respect. We all need to like and respect each other so that we can turn up and be the best version of ourselves and get through a large workload effectively. At work you are the average of the people you spend your time with.”

What advice would you give to other women?

Andrea: “Before, I think I wanted to make my family and children proud of me but as I have got a little older, I realise I want to make myself proud. Although it has been hard during the pandemic, you usually get out of life what you put in. I try to appreciate how fortunate I am but also how hard I have worked to get where I am. Keep working on your personal development and change things up; staying fresh keeps you on your toes. Supporting each other, having integrity and being honest means you come back stronger each day. We saw that so clearly in the first lockdown which brought out the best in most people”.

www.kebbell.co.uk

A TRIUMPHANT RETURN FOR SURFACE DESIGN SHOW 2022

Surface Design Show 2022 took place at the Business Design Centre last week with the overwhelming response from both visitors and exhibitors being ‘it’s great to be back’. After a year of virtual events the appetite from visitors to engage, network and be updated on the latest surface materials and designs was clearly visible.

“It has been great to be back seeing people and their new and upcoming projects, over the last two years we have really missed the interaction within the industry” Josh Stance – Mundy Veneer

More than 160 exhibitors showcased the best in surface design, with almost 5000 architects, designers and specifiers visiting over the 2 ½ days.

Once again, Surface Design Show attracted a highquality audience. 84% of visitors worked in the architecture and design sector and 73% have direct purchasing authority. Reflecting the cancellation or postponement of exhibitions over the last 24-months; 69% of the audience came to source new products and 50% were looking to discover new design trends. The overriding theme of the show ‘Sense of Place’ which looked at putting humanity and the planet’s wellbeing at the heart of all decision making, was first introduced at The Opening Night Debate.

Held in partnership with RIBA, Climate Change and Future Proofing featured a stellar line up of industry experts. The passionate session hosted by Simon Sturgis, Founder of Targeting Zero brought together a younger generation of architects, designers and clients. They not only explored the issues around the future durability and adaptability of current projects, but also how we ensure that the commercial value of projects can be future proofed against climate change.

“Really interesting talks on sustainability within our industry and the responsibility all designers have to change thinking and behaviours” Matthew Ward Director & Co-founder at Copper & Ash

Carrying on with the theme Sense of Place, many of the exhibitors brought new products to the show, which were both innovative and sustainable.

The Good Plastic Company showcased sustainable panels from 100% recycled plastic, Wonderwall Studios had stunning wall panels made from salvaged wood, whilst Armourcoat launched its new natural clay lime plaster, Clime.

One of the standout trends of the show, Bio Magic, looked at how biodegradable ingredients continue to offer sustainable solutions with developments in colour dyeing and recycling processes, bringing new alternatives to the table using food waste.

Wildman & Bugby brought ecology leather to the show, which uses Olivenleder, a biodegradable tanning agent made using the fallen leaves of the Mediterranean olive harvest. Meanwhile Johnson Tan, one of 32 New Talents at the Show, created surfaces using food waste including eggshells and coffee to achieve delicate, subtle and translucent materials.

Indeed, one of the most visited and exciting areas of the Show was the New Talent section. Surface Design Show is committed to supporting and promoting up and coming designers in the materials sector. Sponsored by Canon UK and curated by Jennifer Castoldi, the 2022 show saw over 30 participants display a range of sophisticated and innovative designs from textile designs to augmented reality to 3D tiles. A recurring theme among many participants this year was the use of natural materials and dyes.

“I have found New Talent really helpful in terms of making new contacts. The organisation of the show has been great and really easy as a recent graduate to understand” Rebecca Robinson – Surface Designer

Amongst the 160 exhibitors the Italian Trade Agency in conjunction with Confindustria Marmomacchine presented a pavilion of 28 companies representing the Italian stone industry. Showcasing new, innovative and luxury materials including stunning white marble from Elite Stone, Limestone from Fato Stone and porphyry natural stone from Avisio Porfidi Srl representing the best of Made in Italy.

There was also a comprehensive talks programme, which included over 50 speakers from a range of design backgrounds. New for 2022 was the Legends Live sessions which saw industry leaders interviewing someone in or connected to the industry. The pairings included lighting designer Sally Storey being interviewed by Theresa Dowling, editor of FX Magazine, Conran and Partners’ Tina Norden in conversation with Hamish Kilburn, editor of Hotel Designs and AHMM’s Paul Monaghan talking to Phil Coffey of Coffey Architects as the interviewees discussed their illustrious careers to date.

Winners of the 2022 Surface Design Awards were announced at a breakfast ceremony on the last day of the Show, where the BAFTA headquarters in London by Benedetti Architects took not only the award for Public Building Interior category but was also selected as the Supreme Winner.

The judges were impressed by the sensitive reconfiguration and repositioning of the original Victorian plasterwork and reuse of oak flooring whilst also introducing future facing solutions including Eyrise TM s350 Licrivision liquid crystal rooflight ‘smart’ insulated glass, which removes up to 80% of harmful rays.

Other winners included Maggie’s Southampton by AL_A, which won Light + Surface Exterior and Public Building Exterior and the Peacock Cellar restaurant in Shanghai which took the top honours in the Light + Surface Interior category.

‘I left Surface Design Show feeling inspired and encouraged by the variety of innovative new ways companies and designers are looking at materials and their uses.’ Phoebe Train - BCFA

Surface Design Show 2023 will take place at The Business Design Centre 7-9 February 2023

OFF THE WALL

The materials chosen for the walls and floors in the kitchens and bathrooms have a huge role to play, stylistically and practically. These are surfaces that are highly visible and in the open-plan setting, always on show as well as so often in use. So what are the latest surface trends that can help ensure both form and function are met? Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRL Europe, takes a look.

The materials used for kitchen and bathroom surfaces have a tremendous impact on the design of the space overall, both visually and practically. Now more than ever before, comfort and luxury are at the heart of these rooms, so the surfaces chosen need to be as big on practical benefits as they are on style. The kitchen is a multi-functional space at the heart of our homes while the bathroom is a home-spa, a place of sanctuary and escapism and it is the surfaces chosen for these two areas that will have the biggest impact.

Surfaces walls and floors, plus worktops, are all highly visible. This means that from an aesthetic viewpoint, the style and colours chosen really do matter. The kitchen and bathroom are also high-traffic areas of course, so practicalities are just as important. Materials that are easy to wipe clean and can withstand high temperatures and spillages must prevail.

With a growing trend for darker materials in interior design, Ceralsio Umbria from CRL Stone ensures that the use of grey in the kitchen will never get boring. The rich, dark tones of Umbria are offset by a lighter fleck running throughout the surface, while its textured finish is wonderfully tactile.

Features and benefits

Trending Sintered Stone

This accounts in large part for the growing popularity of materials such as sintered stone. Extremely hard wearing, Ceralsio is non-porous, stain, scratch, heat and shock resistant and also very strong and simple to care for, making it ideal for use in the kitchen and bathroom. Available in a wide range of colours and patterns, Ceralsio is also an extremely flexible option for the contemporary and classically-styled home.

Ceralsio offers the best of both worlds, available in a myriad of styles while being a highly functional surface that is ultra-durable and easy to maintain. Meeting the demands of modern design and modern living, sintered stone is an on-trend material choice that is unaffected by the passage of time. Ceralsio can be used for virtually any surface, from feature and media walls in the living area, to kitchen splashbacks and worktops and bathroom countertops. •18•

The growing popularity of sintered stone is unsurprising, given the many advantages of the material, including:

• Resistance to wear and tear – ideal for use indoors and on external projects.

• Scratch resistance – even in high traffic areas with lots of contact with footwear, Ceralsio will not scratch, even over time.

• Stain resistance – sintered stone is unaffected by products like solvents, detergents, and bleach, as long as any spillages are cleaned away within 24 hours.

• UV resistance – a weather-proof solution that makes it suitable for use outdoors too.

• Impact resistance – Ceralsio has a high resistance to knocks and impacts by everyday objects.

Nature-inspired designs

• Easy to clean and care for - no extra care or special products are needed to clean it. Stains can be removed with water or mild cleaning products and there is no requirement for sealing.

Style-wise, visual appeal is one of the main drivers for the popularity of marble-inspired patterns in the kitchen and bathroom, all of which can be emulated to perfection with Ceralsio. The elegance and luxury look of marble accounts for much of its appeal. Revised classy marble and granite patterns displaying Ceralsio from CRL Stone is a hard-wearing, non-porous surface that makes the elegant veins used on kitchen worktops and ideal surface for the bathroom. Pictured is Ceralsio Oatmeal. on bathroom walls and floors create a sophisticated ambience that is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. The ancestral charm of stone makes it one of the most popular materials in contemporary design, with Ceralsio ensuring that this look is solid, durable and extremely versatile. However, marble itself is not overly suited to the kitchen and bathroom environment, due to its high maintenance needs. Alternatives such as sintered stone offer the opportunity to embrace this trend, both from a visual and functional perspective. Although often chosen as imitations of natural materials such as marble and wood, Ceralsio doesn’t need to be sealed, which means maintenance can be kept to a minimum. Ceralsio, with its 6mm slim profile is the ideal material choice for a media wall, creating a sense of warmth and working in harmony with furniture and the overall décor while really drawing the eye.

• Hygienic - Because Ceralsio is a non-porous surface, the build-up of bacteria or mould is prevented, making it an excellent flooring option for environments such as public washrooms in restaurants and bars.

• Bending strength – Ceralsio can withstand a high weight without bending or becoming deformed, with the entire surface remaining flat.

From a style viewpoint, large format slabs can be used to create astonishing vertical surfaces on kitchen and bathroom walls and offer endless possibilities for floors and countertops, visually expanding spaces with fewer design interruptions.

For details visit www.ceralsio.co.uk or call 01706 863600.

Slim profiles

Available in a super-thin 6mm profile, plus 12mm and 20mm thicknesses, Ceralsio is the ideal material choice for a media or feature wall, creating a sense of warmth and working in harmony with furniture and the overall décor while really drawing the eye. Equally, the 6mm profile makes Ceralsio a trending choice for kitchen splashbacks too. While the thin profile of the material creates a seamless impression, it’s the wide choice of styles that really ensures it stands out that makes the material an excellent alternative to painting or wallpaper.

In the bathroom where wetroom-style showering is on-trend, the 6mm profile works extremely well too, with a grout-free alternative to tiling that creates a spa-like space that is also extremely practical from a cleaning and maintenance viewpoint.