Housing Specification August/September 2020

In a timely move the Public Accounts Committee has issued a highly critical report into the Government’s handling of building safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire (see page 8).

The report was released as many organisations begin to respond to the Government’s consultation on improving building regulation and safety across the industry.

As the PAC highlights a catalogue of Government failures, many industry bodies believe the Government is still falling way short of the changes required.

For example, whilst the RIBA welcomes the intention of the Bill to provide long-overdue power to amend the Building Regulations – including requiring building safety ‘duties’ to be carried out on all projects – it has fundamental concerns about the delegation of duties and scope of the future regulatory system.

Chair of the RIBA Fire Safety Group, Jane Duncan, said: “The draft Building Safety Bill provides mechanisms to facilitate future regulatory change but, over two years on from the Hackitt Review, it’s still a long way from where it needs to be.

“The devil’s in the detail – and that’s exactly what‘s missing. We need clarification around the roles and responsibilities of ‘dutyholders’, measures to ensure Permitted Development schemes are fire-safe, and an appropriate definition of a ‘highrisk building’ – because fire does not discriminate.

“We urge the government to take note of our concerns and eagerly await clarification on secondary legislation. The longer this process continues, the longer people remain at risk.”

This is an issue and a challenge that clearly is not going to go away and while the Government should be applauded for some changes, there is still an over-riding concern that it is merely tinkering with the system rather than instigated a much-needed overhaul.

The time for Government to listen to the industry as a whole, take note of its expert opinion and adopt many of the recommendations being made is long overdue.

Paul Groves Group Editor

paul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk

INSPIRATION, APPLICATION, SOLUTION !

DRU gas fires are among the most advanced heating appliances in Europe, with a choice of over 50 models. There are many inspiring designs, including 2, 3-sided, seethrough and freestanding fires.

Complete freedom of installation

They require no chimney, and with the addition of the patented DRU PowerVent ® extended flue system, they can be installed in the most unlikely locations.

Tablet or smartphone controls

You can select your preferred flame picture, heat output and much more using the exclusive DRU Eco Wave app for tablets and smartphones. It all adds up to the UK’s most complete gas fire solution.

DRU is an approved CPD provider to architects and DRU fires have many design features that make them ideal for inclusion in architect-led projects.

DRU Passo Eco Wave gas stove

Leading PVC-U window systems company Deceuninck is breaking new ground in commercial windows and doors.

Its award-winning Heritage Flush Window, Heritage Flush Door and Fully Reversible Window (FRW) combine beautiful, sleek looks with outstanding performance. All these products are available in 26 colourways from stock. Deceuninck works closely with commercial partners to help them meet project specifications, and the company has an impressive portfolio of commercial projects.

Read more on pages 12-13.

New housing targets favour South-East

An updated algorithm designed by government to set how many new homes need to be built in local areas will lead to London and the south seeing a housing boom while swathes of the north will see fewer homes built, councils have warned.

Under proposed changes to the housing numbers requirements, the Government will revise the current method for setting targets for councils on the number of homes to be built in their local areas.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, said the new formula has introduced a stark variation in where new homes are required to be built without regard to the wider levelling-up agenda.

Cllr David Renard, LGA housing spokesperson, said: “Algorithms and formulas can never be a substitute for local knowledge and decisionmaking by councils and communities who know their areas best.

“When decisions about housing need and developments are made locally, wider issues can be considered, such as ensuring they come with necessary infrastructure and affordable homes.

“If we are to truly fix our chronic housing shortage, the Spending Review needs to ensure councils have the tools, powers and flexibilities to plan for and deliver the quality homes and places our communities need.”

Housing first for Bristol Social housing sector remains strong

A UK first has taken place in a car park in Bristol as 11 innovative zero carbon ZED PODS apartments were craned into place.

The development, designed by awardwinning modular housing company ZED PODS Ltd, will see the one and two bed apartments built on a podium above the car park in Chalks Road, St George.

This ground-breaking development is being delivered in partnership with Bristol City Council, Bristol Housing Festival, YMCA and Bristol and Bath Regional Capital.

The factory-built modular units can be erected within days and are designed to be zero carbon, energy neutral and have the lowest possible running costs.

Each unit is precision-made in a factory environment to high environmental standards and comes with full BOPAS (Build off-site Property Assurance Scheme) accreditation.

Because the development takes advantage of the air rights above a council owned car park, the land cost has been removed thus making the development extremely affordable. This is also the first 100 per cent socially rented development of its kind in the country.

This environmental and socially focused development will deliver necessary council housing in St George for young people in need of affordable housing and those at risk of housing crisis, including NHS workers. Bristol City Council, who purchased the ZED PODS development, is now working with YMCA Bristol to seek tenants.

As with the rest of the economy, registered social housing providers have faced numerous challenges in the quarter due to the impact of coronavirus, including the direct impact of lockdown, the short-term closure of the housing market, and increasing economic uncertainty.

Despite this, the data collected shows that the sector is in a strong financial position overall during the quarter. Forecasts for the next 12 months indicate that the sector expects to increase its development and housing market exposure although not to the same level as pre-coronavirus forecasts. Providers also expect to increase their investment in existing stock, with evidence of plans to reschedule delayed capital expenditure from the first quarter of the financial year.

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH said: “The results of the quarterly survey show that the social housing sector continues to maintain a good financial position in the face of considerable challenges.

“The next few months may mean further uncertainty due to the continued impacts of the pandemic and we expect providers to be ready to respond promptly to the changing environment, alongside maintaining services and investment, and planning for the long term.”

Manthorpe

Telescopic pipe

Introducing the new pre-assembled airbrick system from Manthorpe. Allows for an extraction system be conveniently built into the brickwork, eliminating the need for retrospective core drilling. Unique, extendable telescopic pipe to suit the thickness of the wall and ducting connection. Product supplied finished therefore no assembly requirement. Build Thru…air into the masonry as it proceeds. Provides easier and quicker installation to match the demands of on-site construction.

For more information, visit www.manthorpebp.co.uk/thruair

Target missed to make thousands of Grenfell-style cladding homes safe

The PAC findings include:

• It is unacceptable that, three years on, Grenfell-style cladding remains on hundreds of residential buildings.

• The Department is not fully funding the replacement of forms of dangerous cladding which are different from that used on Grenfell Tower, nor is it prioritising spending according to greatest risks or need. The Department has no knowledge of how many care homes below 18 metres in height have dangerous cladding.

• Residents of buildings with unsafe cladding face huge financial burdens, with little say in the process. Many say they are not being kept informed about the process of having their buildings made safe.

Three years after the Grenfell Tower disaster in which 72 people lost their lives, only a third (155 out of 455) of high-rise buildings with Grenfell-style flammable cladding due to be fixed by now have had their cladding replaced with a safe alternative.

In a new report, the Public Accounts Committee says it is “imperative” that the new deadline, for works on the remaining high-rise blocks to be completed by the end of 2021, be met. The Government has no convincing plan for how it will meet that new deadline though, and even if it does there are a host of other serious shortcomings exposed by the Grenfell disaster that also need to be addressed.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government accepts that the British system of building safety regulation has been “not fit for purpose” for many years - and these failings have left a legacy of problems for the Department to address which extend far beyond the immediate need to remove dangerous cladding.

A lack of skills, capacity, and access to insurance is hampering efforts to improve or simply assure the structural safety of apartment blocks. This knocks on to any ability to restore the confidence of buyers and mortgage lenders in sales of flats across the country. Leaseholders are in limbo and facing huge bills because of a system-wide failure.

In March 2020 the Department announced that a further £1 billion would be made available to fund the replacement of other forms of

dangerous cladding on high-rise buildings –but even by its own estimates, this will meet only around a third of the total costs. Otherwise, the Government has no plans to support residents or social landlords to meet the costs of replacing dangerous cladding in buildings below 18 metres, of providing ‘waking watches’, or of fixing other serious defects brought to light by post-Grenfell inspections.

Although the Department also recognises that care homes would be at additional risk due to the difficulties in evacuating residents in the event of a fire, it has no knowledge of whether any of the 40,000 care homes, sheltered housing and hospitals below 18 metres in height are clad with unsafe material.

Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: “Thousands of people have been condemned to lives of stress and fear in unsaleable homes with life-changing bills: for the works and for the fire-watch that is necessary to allow them to sleep at night until it is done.

“The government has repeatedly made what turn out to be pie-in-the-sky promises – and then failed to plan, resource, or deliver. The deadly legacy of a shoddy buildings regulation system has been devastating for the victims and survivors of Grenfell but is leaving a long tail of misery and uncertainty for those whose lives are in limbo.

“The Government must step up and show that it will put a stop to the bickering over who is responsible, who’s going to pay for the remediation – and just put this right.”

• The Department has not done enough to address spiralling insurance costs and ‘nil’ mortgage valuations.

• There is a shortage of specialist skills to support the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding.

A LUXURY AFTER LOCKDOWN?

this from happening through your own specifications, then why wouldn’t you?

Thirdly, underfloor heating is a healthier option - convection heaters are a magnet for dust and germs. They’re difficult to clean and who honestly dusts behind them, underneath them or between the panels on a regular basis? Even if you don’t suffer from asthma, the amount of dirt which can build up just isn’t healthy for us to be breathing in every day.

Underfloor heating tends to be perceived as a luxury item and one which may help achieve a higher market value for a property. Could this touch of extravagance therefore help to push some housebuilders ahead of the competition after lockdown? Ashley Cooper, Managing Director of WMS Underfloor Heating discusses.

Consulting with my industry peers, there’s a positive feeling that the UK housebuilding industry will soon bounce back. There’s also some speculation of a housing boom following the lockdown – perhaps a sudden rise in prices and with it, a challenge for builders to make their properties stand out from the crowd.

Of course we appreciate the perception of luxury alone isn’t always going to be enough to sell houses, so let me explain some of the evidential benefits of underfloor heating.

Firstly, it’s a much more effective way of heating a home – underfloor heating works by circulating

warm water through a series of continuous loops which are fitted under a floor, creating a large radiant surface which heats a room from the floor upwards. Radiators on the other hand, draw cold air across the floor before heating it and then convect the warm air upwards towards the ceiling.

Secondly, underfloor heating is a safer method of heating - each year, over 3,750 under-5s are admitted to hospital because of burns and scalds. Most of these occur in the home and are highly preventable.

Of course radiator burns only account for a proportion of this, but if you can help prevent

Finally, bearing in mind the 2025 gas boiler ban and the Government’s Future Homes Standard proposal, underfloor heating is highly compatible with heat pumps, and can be installed now for upgrading at a later date –so future-proofing a home.

We don’t know what our lives will look like following the Covid-19 outbreak, but I’d like to think we look for ways to do things better. If building safer, more comfortable, healthier homes is on your list, then specifying underfloor heating might just give you the edge over your competition when the market bounces back.

WMS Underfloor Heating

EXTENDING THE POSSIBILITIES OF COMMERCIAL WINDOWS AND DOORS

Aluminium was the specifier’s material of choice for commercial windows and doors for many years because it offered strength, slim profiles and a range of colours. In contrast few specifiers chose PVC. PVC-U windows had better energy performance but were written off by many as bulky, unattractive and ‘shiny-white’.

This pioneering technology is used in Deceuninck’s composite 5000 window system, incorporating strong pultruded glass-fibre in the profiles, plus optional patented thermal reinforcement with embedded steel wires in a low-density insulating foam core, encased in recycled PVC-U for excellent U values.

Windows manufactured with Linktrusion™ are as strong as steel reinforced windows, but 30% more thermally efficient, with up to 40% savings on materials and weight. Linktrusion™ technology is the first to remove the need for traditional steel reinforcement, and its great, inherent strength allows specifiers to consider using large windows and very tall doors (1100mm x 2500mm or 1150mm x 2400mm for single doors).

The windows have slim sightlines, are available in a wide range of Decoroc powdercoated colours and are 100% recyclable.

Deceuninck’s Linktrusion™ technology has recently been used by Weston Homes on their Springfield Park development. The requirement for 2400h doors, slim sight lines and product performance was a major decision in selecting Deceuninck 5000 series doors and fully reversible windows. Developers love Linktrusion™, often choosing Deceuninck windows over aluminium – and by sight and touch it’s almost impossible to tell the difference!

A commercial partner

Deceuninck has strong ties in the commercial and housebuilding sector and we work with several well-known names including Crest Nicholson, Berkeley Group, Weston Homes, Catalyst Housing and Countryside Properties. Developers prefer Deceuninck because our window systems are engineered for aesthetics, with perfect symmetry and balanced sightlines, and they’re tried-and-tested for demanding large-scale commercial applications.

Two generations later, improvements to existing materials and developments of new composite technologies are changing perceptions and giving developers an exciting choice of materials, styles and designs.

Aluminium has evolved to improve energy performance but the best commercial PVC-U windows can now match aluminium for looks, colour and sustainability.

Linktrusion™ - the best of both worlds

Each material has its limits and standard PVC-U is still largely unsuitable for very big windows and tall doors. This is where Linktrusion™, Deceuninck’s innovative, composite, fibreglass technology, is breaking new ground in commercial projects.

Linktrusion™ technology is the result of a €4 million investment and extensive product research, development and testing. Developed to remove the need for traditional steel reinforcement (which gives PVC-U strength but significantly reduces energy efficiency) Linktrusion™ technology is a true alternative to aluminium. It has the same strength, slim profile and choice of colours as aluminium, but better thermal performance.

We work collaboratively with developers, specifiers, fabricators and contractors to get the full picture of how windows work within the build and get the best results for our clients.

This holistic approach includes working with commercial partners to meet technical specifications and ensure products are installed correctly and perform as they should in the finished project.

We also supply accurate data and test results on performance and acoustics.

Acoustic performance is becoming an important point of specification, so we’ve been working with the University of Salford and Bluesky Certification to roll out acoustic testing of our full range.

We believe Deceuninck is the first PVC-U systems company to commit to full product testing, and we’re doing it because it gives our customers a big advantage in the tender process.

The Hinkley Point Worker Accommodation development was one such project where acoustic performance was critical. This was a technically demanding project in which 80% of the 1,400 windows were installed into prefabricated modules off-site.

Working in partnership with fabricator Dempsey Dyer, Deceuninck’s technical team ensured our Tilt and Turn windows met the highest energy and weather requirements both off-site and in installation.

Once assembled, the windows passed the most stringent CWCT water testing, normally only used for curtain walling.

Deceuninck’s technical team worked with Dempsey Dyer to successfully cut the windows’ decibel rating down by RW35db to RW40db and RW43db, helping to minimise the impact of noise on workers and make a quieter, healthier environment.

Visit www.deceuninck.co.uk to see more exciting commercial case studies or call 01249 816 969 for more information.

You can also download Deceuninck’s full product portfolio from the NBS National BIM Library at www.nationalbimlibrary.com/deceuninck-ltd. Deceuninck

ENCASEMENT CONCEALS 4.5KM OF FIRE SPRINKLER PIPEWORK IN SOUTH TYNESIDE TOWER BLOCKS

More than 4.5 kilometres of ‘Versa’ fire sprinkler boxing from Encasement is being used to conceal surface mounted fire sprinkler pipework, which has been retro-fitted at four South Tyneside Council tower blocks in Hebburn and Jarrow to help protect more than 280 residents.

Even though an independent fire inspection and level four fire risk assessment declared the high rise residential blocks to be safe, the council chose to continue with the £1.4 million automatic sprinkler installation programme as part of its commitment to tenant safety and fire protection.

As sprinklers had to be installed in every flat, it was important that the work was undertaken quickly and with the minimum disruption to tenants, so Encasement’s Versa pipe boxing not only had to be quick and easy and to fit, to speed the installation process, but also provide an attractive finish.

Encasement’s 5mm thick Versa 5 ‘L’ shaped pre-formed plywood sprinkler boxing was used to conceal the majority of the pipework in each tower block.

Supplied in two different sizes and in 3 metre lengths for easy cutting to size on-site, the boxing’s pre-finished white melamine surface and soft radius edge provided a consistent and ‘wipe clean’ finish in every flat.

In addition, 8mm thick ‘L’ shaped Versa 8 and ‘U’ shaped Versa 8D sprinkler boxing was manufactured by Encasement to meet the project’s specifications, which were supplied in 2.2 metre and 1.3 metre lengths.

Encasement

ETERNIT SLATES ARE NOW CEDRAL SLATES

The Cedral world has grown with the introduction of Cedral Roofs and the addition of Eternit slates to its range of products.

Cedral Roofs will bring together Eternit’s quality with Cedral’s innovation, continuing as the UK’s most experienced fibre cement slates company.

An integral part of homes across the UK for over a century, Eternit slates have deeprooted history and heritage and have been putting roofs over heads for decades. Cedral, which is part of the Etex Group will continue to offer the strongest fibre cement slates in the market.

Jayne Arkell, Country Manager, Etex (Exteriors) UK, said: “At Etex we want to offer one strong company for all construction and architectural needs.

“Cedral is our brand dedicated to the entire house and we are committed to driving the industry forward by developing beautiful, affordable and environmentally sustainable building products.”

There are four key product ranges of slates from Cedral Roofs, all tough enough to withstand the most volatile weather conditions, whilst providing complete design flexibility.

Cedral Rivendale slates are designed to reflect the qualities of natural slate. Available in Blue-Black or Cromleigh Graphite, Rivendale slates have a beautifully textured surface and dressed edges.

Cedral Birkdale slates have a smooth surface and dressed edges, offering a traditional and pleasing look of a natural slate at an affordable price. Also in the range are Cedral Thrutone Smooth and Thrutone Textured which provide square cut edges with a smooth or textured surface. Both offering aesthetically pleasing results and are particularly suitable for complex roof geometries.

Cedral

HEAT PUMPS - THE SENSIBLE SOLUTION TO RENEWABLE HEAT IN THE HOME

As we head towards a future where heating in our homes – private and social housing – will need to be renewable to meet the Government requirements to cease the use of fossil fuels in new homes from 2025, the weird thing is the marked reluctance to even consider the option of using a tried and tested technology. One that has made huge strides across the rest of Europe, in Scandinavia and Canada - which when we last looked, had far more testing climates than we have here in the UK – that is the heat pump.

Ground source heat pumps do require significant disruption to install and either a lot of land or an expensive drilling operation to get down into the ground, but air source heat pumps come with no such issues. There are a number of very advanced heat pump products readily available here in the UK now – like LG’s Therma V series - and sales have increased significantly, but they are still very much lower than in comparable European countries –such as Germany or Denmark.

Air to Water Heat Pump (AWHP) systems – monoblocs or splits - present a variety of energy-saving options for a home’s heating and hot water system. By replacing a traditional gas, oil, or solid fuel system, an AWHP can significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy usage. The device’s absorption of natural energy from external air makes it consume less energy than conventional heating systems. And they can operate successfully at low temperatures - the LG Therma V has 100% capacity at temperatures as low as -7°C – and it’s very rare for temperatures in the UK to go that low even for a day each year.

The terms ‘Split’ and ‘Monobloc’ refer to how the system is required to be set up in a home and in most UK homes a monobloc is the ideal solution. A Monobloc is a bit like a combi boiler and is literally a ‘single block’ system, where the heat pump has all of its components - apart from the hot water cylinder which is installed in the home - located inside a heat pump unit situated outside the home.

A Split heat pump unit has both an outside unit which incorporates the heat exchanger and refrigerant and an internal unit which sits inside the property, usually in a utility or boiler room.

Low temperature air to water heat pumps produce water at a lower temperature. These systems don’t produce water as hot as a traditional boiler will as they generally only reach around 50°C at a maximum. These systems are perfectly suited to new build homes that tend to be well insulated. To be at their most effective, they operate well with either larger capacity – possibly K3 designradiators or a higher number of radiators and or underfloor heating.

The LG R32 Monobloc range has already had a massive impact on the residential heat pump market. The unit is compact, meeting permitted planning permission guidelines, has a low GWP and an energy rating label of A+++. The new Monobloc units incorporate a new Scroll Type Compressor with a seasonal efficiency improvement of 7% over the previous rotary compressor.

To find out more about LG’s new Therma V R32 awhps, visit www.lg.com/uk/heating-awhp.

LG

THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER FOR MODERN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

An innovative combination of three reflective, insulating and low emissivity construction membranes from Glidevale Protect has been used to deliver the magic formula for a new build apartment scheme in Plymouth, Devon.

The installation of reflective wall membranes with strong thermal resistance has helped the project to achieve the key drivers of energy efficiency, reduced heat loss and a low overall U-value for the wall construction.

Scheduled to be completed in September 2020, the development named Victoria Views @ Arundel Crescent is the creation of a modern and luxury living space on disused land near the city centre, helping to re-generate the area and boost the economy. Incorporating 24 new build apartments built in timber frame, the housing stock features a range of styles with a mix of one, two or three bedroomed properties.

Timber PAK (SW) Ltd, a specialist timber frame manufacturer, was appointed by housebuilder Harrington Homes (SW) Ltd to construct closed wall panels at their offsite factory in Ivybridge, Devon, followed by delivery and installation on-site. Through dedicated support from Glidevale Protect’s technical team, the three membrane solution working in harmony within the wall panel was approved and utilised, helping Timber PAK to reduce insulation material costs and value engineer the build, providing no impact on labour cost.

The confirmed wall make-up incorporated Protect TF InterFoil, a vapour permeable, reflective membrane installed back to back with Protect VC Foil Ultra, an internal air and vapour control layer on the warm side of insulation. With both reflective membranes facing independently into still airspaces, this ensured low emissivity performance and the creation of a radiant barrier to avoid heat loss in the structure.

This was supported by the use of Protect TF200 Thermo, a reflective, external breather membrane to help create a radiant barrier within the external wall cavity. This membrane system achieved the client’s target U-value of 0.19W/m2K and resulted in no increase on overall wall footprint.

Ron Luker, Director at Timber PAK (SW) Ltd commented “The innovative idea to use TF InterFoil within a cavity designed into the closed panel allowed us to not only achieve our target U-value but also save money on insulation material – a win win!

The make up with the three membrane solution is now one of our standard wall types for clients and I would recommend this product combination for the more onerous new build specifications.”

The three reflective wall membrane solution from Glidevale Protect forms part of a comprehensive range of wall, ceiling and floor construction membranes alongside roofing underlays and accessories which are ideal for traditional and offsite construction, to help ensure the whole building envelope and internal structure can be controlled in terms of moisture management, condensation control and thermal resistance.

For more information visit www.protectmembranes.com, email info@glidevaleprotect.com or call 0161 905 5700, quoting ‘Victoria Views.’ Follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/glidevaleprotect

Fundo RioLigno

√ sophisticated flush-to-floor shower area

on timber

KINGSPAN CHOSEN FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING SCHEME

Leading housing provider Stonewater is taking full advantage of the excellent thermal efficiency of Kingspan Kooltherm K108 Cavity Board at its new affordable housing development The Bushels, in Mosterton, Dorset, creating homes that are cosy and cost-effective to heat.

Designed by main contractors Acheson Construction, in collaboration with Boon Brown Architects, The Bushels offers 36, much needed, one – four bedroomed homes to the village. It has been carefully designed to fit seamlessly within the local architectural style, including the use of natural slate tiles, brick and reconstructed stone cladding.

In addition to ensuring the homes were priced reasonably, the project team were also keen to ensure the homes were energy efficient and would support the health and wellbeing of its residents. This farsighted approach led to the specification of Kingspan Kooltherm K108 within the homes.

With a thermal conductivity of just 0.018 W/mK, the cavity board is able to achieve compliant external wall U-values with an insulation depth of just 75 mm.

The board’s reflective, low emissivity foil facing also increases the thermal resistance of the cavity, helping to retain heat during cooler months and reflect away solar radiation in the summer to guard against overheating.

As a result of the excellent thermal performance achieved by the cavity board, this has enabled Acheson Construction to keep external wall construction depths to a minimum and maximised living space in all the homes.

In addition to this, the window reveal depths have also been kept slimmer helping to increase natural levels within the homes, which would not have been possible with a lower performing insulant.

Patrick Chauvin, Executive Director of Assets at Stonewater, commented: “Mosterton sits within one of the most expensive rural areas in the country. As part of our mission of giving everyone the opportunity to have a place that they can call home, we also want to make sure that we are employing energy efficient and innovative solutions where possible across our schemes.

“By using technology like Kingspan’s not only are we able to reduce the carbon emissions emitted from our homes but it also makes it cost effective for our customers.

“Given that affordability is a main concern for areas like Mosterton, affordable homes like ours make it possible for local people and young families to remain in the community and close to their families, but also be proud of where they live and the place they call home.”

Under the NHBC and Zurich Building Insurance Technical Standards, the partial fill cavity board is acceptable for locations which will be exposed to very severe driven rain with a residual cavity width of 50 mm providing the outer leaf is fair faced masonry with tool flush joints. In more sheltered areas, this can be reduced to a minimum of 25 mm for wall heights under 12 metres.

Kingspan Kooltherm K108 produced at Kingspan Insulation’s Pembridge manufacturing facility is certified to BES 6001 (Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products) ‘Excellent’. The BRE has assigned the product a 2008 Green Guide Summary Rating of A+.

Kingspan

With Intratone wireless door entry systems, we literally put the power in your hands. Manage multiple properties remotely, and in real-time, with no wires, maintenance or mechanical keys. Take back control of property access, security, and your time.

NORDIC COPPER KERB APPEAL

A major new residential building in Bristol is defined by its 170m long façade, clad in Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper – adding a warm, naturally developing character and complementing its 1970s listed neighbour.

Designed by Ferguson Mann Architects (FMA), the Copper Building is the second phase of Bristol’s Lakeshore residential development for Urban Splash, set in 10 acres of established landscape surrounding a lake.

It follows FMA’s redevelopment of the iconic Grade II listed former headquarters of Imperial Tobacco, designed during the 1970s in the International Style by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM).

Living Material

The new Copper Building replaces the SOMdesigned factory, demolished in the 1990s, and provides 136 apartments for rent or for sale, including purchase through Shared Ownership. Project architect Nick Brown explained FMA’s design strategy: ‘A particular design challenge was to bring some fun and visual interest to the street façade of a building that is 170 metres long.

Here, the apparently random fenestration belies an underlying structure of bays and rhythmic pattern of windows and vertical seams in the copper cladding that tie everything together. ‘The Nordic Brown Light copper cladding also continues on into the fully-glazed central atrium.

The warm colour of the Nordic Brown Light pre-oxidised copper, along with the longevity, sustainability and natural credentials of copper made it the perfect choice. Importantly, local feedback about the building has been really positive’. Nordic Brown Light is part of an extensive portfolio of architectural copper surfaces and alloys from Aurubis, part of the world’s leading integrated copper group and largest copper recycler.

Sustainable and Safe

With an ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 13501-1, copper is also suitable for cladding tall buildings, using appropriate constructions. It is also non-toxic and safe to handle, as well as non-brittle and predictable to work. Copper’s inherent antimicrobial qualities make it ideal for touch surfaces internally as well.

Copper’s unique architectural qualities are defined by its naturally developing patina which provides impressive protection against corrosion and can repair itself if damaged. These qualities cannot be replicated successfully using other materials with surface coatings – but with the Nordic Copper range, the processes involved are very similar to those taking place in the environment and utilise copper mineral compounds, not alien chemical actions.

Essentially, they bring forward the environmental changes without taking away the integrity of copper as a natural, living material.

Natural Choices

The portfolio includes Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper offering lighter or darker shades determined by the thickness of the oxide layer. The extensive Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise ranges have been developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world.

As well as the solid patina colours, ‘Living’ surfaces are available for each with other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material.

Copper alloys include Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass, which can also be supplied pre-weathered. The innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, retaining its golden colour. A wide choice of Nordic Decor mechanically applied surface treatments is also available. For more information visit: www.nordiccopper.com or email: g.bell@aurubis.com.

Aurubis

THRU…AIR ®

Maximising airflow performance and householder comfort.

With the ongoing improvements to building regulations and a focus on insulating homes for greater energy efficiency the need for ventilation can be overlooked.

Adequate ventilation within the home is essential and has been shown to have positive impacts on the health and well-being of householders. During the last 10-15 years the requirement for whole house ventilation and recovery systems has became more prevalent. As systems developed and designs progressed, the need for through wall ventilation products increased.

With an estimated 63% of homes reliant on ‘background’ ventilation and a lack of suitable options on the market core drilling became a popular choice for installing a suitable vent inlet / outlet. However, core drilling brings it’s own set of challenges; a good standard of control is required due to the risk to health and it can be a messy and time consuming job.

Recognising that there was a need for a product that was quick and easy to fit Manthorpe developed a range of products that eliminated core drilling and required little time to install.

With unequalled geometric free area flow of up to 16,856mm2 the Thru…air range of build in, telescopic airbrick systems is ideal for new builds and can be used with most ventilation systems including MVHR and MEV.

The versatile design provides a ventilation outlet/inlet that can be used with a choice of 4, 5 or 6 inch standard pipes that connect to a single, double or triple Manthorpe Airbrick.

Thru…Air allows for the ventilation terminal to be conveniently built into the brickwork during construction which eliminates the need for specialist equipment or retrospective core drilling.

Installing the pre-assembled Thru…air is easy

Its innovative telescopic pipe provides ease of operation and offers the installer peace of mind that it will fit a wall width between 300mm-440mm without the costly and time-consuming effort of cutting product onsite. Removing this process not only reduces waste, eliminates the potential health and safety risks and results in a tidy finish.

Thru…air is available in single, double or triple airbrick options and comes in a choice of six colours: Brown, Terracotta, White, Buff, Grey and Blue/Black.

Manthorpe

YEOMAN RAINGUARD PLAYS A PART IN BRINGING LISTED MANSION HOUSE

BACK TO FORMER GLORY

A grade II listed Mansion on the outskirts of Ulverston, Cumbria, has respectfully been restored and developed by housebuilders, Charles Church, Lancashire.

As a way of protecting the future of the mansion, planning permission was granted for it to be converted into 19 apartments and the gatehouse into a bungalow. Charles Church ensured that the conversion work carried out was sympathetic to the Scottish baronial style whilst respecting the original features.

These qualities also needed to be reflected when it came to the replacement of the rainwater systems on both the mansion and the gatehouse. With over 40 years’ experience of providing aesthetically appropriate, yet highly functional rainwater systems for heritage and listed building projects, Yeoman Rainguard were the perfect choice to provide a suitable system for the restoration.

On the mansion house gutters that could not be refurbished were replaced with Yeoman Rainguard MOG 25 x 100 mm cast iron gutters finished in Light Aircraft Grey colour along with complementing rectangular rainwater pipes. The use of Yeoman Rainguard ornamental ear bands and corner ear bands for the cast iron pipes played a part in maintaining the authenticity of the façade of the building.

In areas where replacement gutters were required to match up seamlessly to the original gutters, Yeoman Rainguard were able to replicate exact size and profiles with their manufacturing capabilities using GRP material. Cast iron soil pipes were provided from the Rainguard TX range providing a highly durable, easy to install waste water drainage solution.

The gatehouse, tastefully converted into a bungalow, was fully fitted with brand-new Yeoman Rainguard cast iron MOG gutters and round down pipes. Finished in a classy gloss black paint the rainwater system was befitting of the buildings design and heritage.

All Yeoman Rainguard products were fitted by their own directly employed fixing team ensuring a quality installation and end result. For more information on Yeoman Rainguard’s full range of products suitable for heritage and listed buildings go to www.rainguard.co.uk or call 0113 279 5854.

Harrison Thompson

WELSH SLATE TAKES ITS RIBA-APPROVED CPD ONLINE

“Welsh Slate as a building material” is now available remotely.

A RIBA-approved CPD on the benefits of natural slate for roofing, cladding, walling, flooring, paving and aggregates is now also available online with Welsh Slate, part of the Breedon group.

The “Welsh Slate as a building material” presentation is now available for presentation by members of the leading manufacturer’s experienced technical sales team via Microsoft Teams to help architects and specifiers meet their CPD requirements during the Covid pandemic.

It profiles the company, explains what slate is and what its advantages and applications are as a building material, and in particular

explains the changes to BS 5534, the roofing code of practice.

The CPD also gives advice on the specification and installation of a range of applications, including roofing, cladding, flooring, paving, walling and aggregates, and can be focused on particular product ranges to suit the audience.

As well as being naturally aesthetic, which is revealed in case studies, the CPD explains how high-quality natural slate is also highly practical - exceptionally durable, unaffected by extremes of temperature and resistant to acids, alkalis and other chemicals.

It retains its colour, even in UV light, and is impermeable to water.

Sustainability is also addressed within the presentation as slate has low levels of embedded carbon when compared to manufactured landscaping and building products.

The “Welsh Slate as a building material” CPD is available to be presented remotely by Welsh Slate, or as before in person in compliance with Covid 19 guidelines, by calling 01248 600656 or emailing enquiries@welshslate.com.

Welsh Slate

PLANNING FOR CHANGE

Announced in May, the government’s £2 billion-pound post-pandemic investment package for cycling and walking provides a unique opportunity to transform the public realm. But it heralds a new approach to the design of external spaces around housing as well.

Although responding to the need for more space highlighted by the COVID-19 crisis, the government initiative is also an opportunity to address other long-outstanding issues including flooding, vehicular pollution, urban heat island effects and climate change. Both well-established and innovative techniques using modular concrete paving systems offer adaptable, low-intervention, retrofit solutions to meet these new challenges, demonstrated in case studies from the trade association Interpave, via www.paving.org.uk.

Understandably, local authorities, developers and housing providers may feel reluctant to commit to expensive and disruptive permanent paving improvements in these uncertain times. But, adopting the principles of ‘modern methods of construction’, factoryproduced modular concrete paving and kerb units deliver fast, low cost, retrofit installation with limited intervention work. Then, layouts can easily be altered and units taken up and re-used, if needed to meet changing needs.

Adaptable Paving

These principles apply to all precast concrete block, flag and kerb products. Precast paving products are fully engineered and manufactured under sustainable, controlled conditions –consistently providing accurate sizes, colours and textures, as well as slip/skid resistance and other performance characteristics.

The distinct, modular units and designed variations in colour, texture and shape can break up areas giving visual interest and a human scale not possible with monotonous, formless materials.

So, precast concrete paving offers a unique combination of predictability, safety and accessibility for all, with scope for endless variety in shape, scale, colour and texture giving designers freedom to enrich the urban environment. Good paving design helps create ‘places for people’ and will help encourage walking and cycling. It is also central to the rejuvenation of existing housing and appeal of new homes as well.

Multifunctional Surfaces for the Future

The multifunctionality potential of precast paving is expanded further with concrete block permeable paving, uniquely placed as an essential, multifunctional sustainable drainage (SuDS) technique. In addition to safe, attractive paving for any application, it also provides an inherent drainage system requiring no additional land take for water storage, treatment or conveyance. It eliminates pipework, gulleys and manholes, and generally costs less than conventional drainage and paving.

But permeable paving also traps vehicle pollution from surface water runoff before it reaches our rivers and streams.

It can also help reduce the urban heat island effect, with evaporation of rainwater within the paving. And this is in addition to the high albedo – or heat reflectance factor – available with concrete block or flag paving generally, compared with asphalt. It also provides sustenance to trees and shrubs, while providing a hard surface above: the Code of Practice for accessibility in the external environment, BS 8300-1:2018, calls for permeable paving instead of tree grilles.

In addition to new-build schemes, recent regeneration projects have demonstrated the benefits of retrofitting concrete bock permeable paving as a thin overlay, replacing conventional street surfaces and drainage, over existing paving bases. This innovative approach opens up real potential for fresh, attractive and adaptable surfaces delivering multiple benefits to existing streets and hard landscaped areas in the post-pandemic era. For more information visit: www.paving.org.uk.

years supporting our environment

and still growing strong

Greener environmental solutions. Sustainable applications for traffic and water projects.

Grass Concrete Limited, world leader in the development and supply of environmental solutions for 50 years. To learn more, talk to the experts.

Grass Concrete Limited info@grasscrete.com Tel: +44(0)1924 379443 Fax: +44(0)1924 290289

EXPERIENCE THE VICAIMA HEARTBEAT WITH NEW VIDEO FOR TOMORROW’S WORLD

• Video shows Vicaima’s values and the multitude of product applications set to a rhythm for tomorrow.

• A brand in tune with safety, comfort and innovative design for a new world.

If music be the food of love, then this new video demonstrates just how deep the love for doors exists and how it plays in perfect harmony with nature. Crafted with sophisticated design and accompanied with a melody that strikes a chord for the future.

As one of the largest European players in the design and production of quality interior timber door solutions, technical doorsets, wardrobes, panels and even furniture; this communication reinforces the Vicaima brand values. With its recognizable signature “Unexpected Harmony”, the video embodies aesthetics and emotional inspiration.

This modern video reiterates the fundamental pillars of the Vicaima brand, taking the audience through varying scenarios and unusual situations, with beauty, safety, comfort and an unpredictable and bold design, capable of projecting with a universal language.

A video with music and imagery that reveals the constant heartbeat of Vicaima. This audio visual content has enormous significance for Vicaima, as it represents a path, where the future approaches the present and is seen in infinite possibilities, representing continuity and hope, the latter symbolized by childhood, nature and sustainability.

“It is a great pride to present a work with this visual quality and an author’s music that definitely shows the rhythm and beat of what Vicaima is, a company with a futuristic and avant-gare vision, whose creation of trends is in its genesis.

“This moment seemed ideal for the launch of this video, which is inspired by such important themes and which register our reality, such as sustainability and concern for well-being and safety anywhere. Our motto “Unexpected Harmony” is also the basis of this creation, because harmony, combined with the surprise element, are the fundamentals that have projected and elevated us over more than 60 years of evolution ”, says Antonio Moutinho, Director at Vicaima Group.

Staying true to its role of inspiring customers and partners around the world, Vicaima once again highlights its leading position in the field of innovation and creating trends.

Visit the Vicaima website: www.vicaima.com. Vicaima

Actively monitors a property’s RadioLINK+ or SmartLINK enabled alarms

Minimises the requirement of property access causing less disruption

Utilises the best available mobile connection for reliable connection

Collates data and provides real-time notifications

Accessible intelligence that can be actioned, reported on and documented

Enables solution focused asset management

INTRODUCING INFRA-RED - THE HEATING OF THE FUTURE

We all know that climate change poses probably the greatest threat we’ve faced as a species in our history. To prevent the worst effects of it, we need to dramatically reduce our environmental impact in the decades ahead. In Britain, heating is the biggest source of carbon emissions of all, accounting for 37% of our total output – and if we’re serious about combating climate change, we need a revolution in the way we heat our homes and workplaces.

This is where infra-red could make a massive difference. Most conventional heating works on the principle of convection. Radiators draw cold air from the floor, pull it across the heat source, which causes it to heat up and rise to the ceiling. When that air cools, it falls, and the cycle begins again. The problem with that is it takes time. The process needs to repeat until the whole air mass in a room has warmed up, which is slow, and therefore uses a lot of electricity. What’s more, all it takes is for someone to open a door and you’re back to square one.

Infra-red: quick, safe and cost-effective Infra-red, on the other hand, is much quicker and more economical. Infra-red radiation warms the objects in a room, rather than the empty space – and those objects then go on to radiate heat themselves. It’s speedier, occupiers feel the benefit quicker, and it uses less electricity as a result.

In the early days, the infra-red sector was a very frustrating place to be. The technology had so much potential, but the implementation was often very poor. The products themselves were being made in tiny workshops on trading estates, and the quality just wasn’t there.

The thin heating fleece can be installed under the roof plaster to provide the same safe, healthy infra-red heat babies receive in incubators. Its zone controllable, can integrate with smart devices, and, crucially, uses very little energy. What’s more, the material is thin enough to incorporate holes of up to 70mm to allow for wiring and light fittings, and even if it gets torn during installation, it’s still safe, and continues to provide good heating coverage.

At the start of 2020, Energy Carbon was born, after we won the exclusive contract to distribute this cutting-edge German technology to customers in the UK. The UK has made an extremely ambitious commitment to reach net zero carbon by 2050. The government’s new Future Homes Standard will demand that new-build homes include ‘low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency’.

Infra-red heating can help us do that. It lasts longer, costs less and has lower whole-life carbon that many of the alternatives currently on the market.

Energy Carbon

Nick Gander and Rod Davies of Energy Carbon are bringing high-tech German infra-red heating technology to the UK. Here, they explain how it has the potential to help make Britain’s houses more energy efficient than every before by harnessing the power of infra-red.

DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING AT THE HVR AWARDS

Titon are excited to announce that once again they are finalists in no less than TWO categories in the 2020 HVR Awards to be held virtually next month.

The Titon FireSafe® Air Brick is a finalist in both the DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF THE YEAR and the ANCILLARY PRODUCT OF THE YEAR categories.

The Titon FireSafe ® Air Brick was introduced earlier this year following Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations in her post Grenfell Tower review of building safety, and the subsequent changes in ADB building regulations for external walls of buildings above a certain height to meet a Class A2 specification.

The Titon FireSafe ® Air Brick is a fully compliant, non-combustible compact inlet/outlet grille designed to work on powered ventilation systems, such as ducted MVHR and MEV applications in new and refurbished houses and apartments.

Designed with architects, mechanical engineers, contractors and local authorities

in mind, the product is a safe alternative to the current plastic version used in the market place and is easily built into external walls during construction.

The new product, developed and produced by Titon’s expert in-house team, boasts a polyester powder coating, adhering to EN13501-1 classification A2-s1, d0 (reaction to fire), while its 1.2mm electrogalvanized sheet steel construction achieves the highest level of fire classification (A1 – “no contribution to fire”).

For added versatility, there are optional sizes; single brick sizes (204mm x 60mm), single brick and half (330mm x 60mm) and a double brick (204mm x 128mm), which can be connected to 204mm x 60mm and 220mm x 90mm regular, thermal and rigid ducting.

Titon

Remotely Monitor Fire and CO Alarms

Maximum Fire and

protection for Tenants and Properties.

Real

Unlimited property profiles stored within FireAngel's secure cloud system

Unique 'FireAngel Predict' algorithm monitors and detects the risk of future fire events to allow earlier intervention

Cost-effective solution with running costs as little as 60p over 10 years per alarm*

Future-proof properties with a hybrid system that can be upgraded at any tim

st-effective p time

FireAngel Specification leading the way in Connected Fire and CO Safety.