Housing Specification December/January 2018

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CONTRIBUTING

Christopher Sykes RIBAcomments@tspmedia.co.uk GROUP

Paul

Welcome

The money question remains unanswered despite praise for interim regulations review

The interim report of the Hackitt Review into building regulations (see page 8) has already proved some doubters wrong even if many still feel it should be broadened out beyond high-rises.

and potentially life-critical works by creating a Building Safety Fund (similar to the Pension Protection Fund). This will offer a solution to the current predicament of Housing Associations and Local Authorities, providing them with a scheme to apply to for compensation to support replacement and repair cost.

Ashleigh

Martyn

Amidst the large amount of industry responses to the interim report, the British Woodworking Federation is worthy of further consideration.

The Federation, whose members manufacture approaching three million fire doors in the UK each year and it supports the recommendations on the regulatory structure, cautioned that the regulatory framework is only part of the jigsaw.

It identified the elephant in the room as still the question of who is going to pay for these essential works.

As Iain McIlwee, CEO of the BWF, said: “Dame Judith urges building owners not to wait until the review is complete. However, as it stands vitally important work is being delayed due to financial considerations. We are calling for the Treasury to make an allocation for long term

“The Fund would alleviate concerns from building managers and most importantly, tenants, while helping consolidate legal matters through a centrally controlled process. Although the cost of this may need to be born through insurance premiums, when we consider the true cost of Grenfell, it is not one that we can responsibly ignore.

“Dame Hackitt has, through this report, made a phenomenal start in pulling all of the complex interrelations together and by defining the roles and responsibilities of duty holders, and competence of individuals, is ensuring people look beyond “their bit” and instead focus on how we deliver successful projects together.”

Paul Groves

Group Editor

comments@tspmedia.co.uk

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High

Ideal

Completely

Wetherby’s

has revolutionised the York Hill Estate in County Durham and the results are overwhelming.Wetherby’s Premium EPS insulation, Epsitherm was selected due to the composition of expanded beads of polystyrene and a layer of graphite meaning it offers enhanced thermal performance. Completing the system was Wetherby’s Hermosa 7 brick slips and white silicone K 1.5mm render. This combination of finishes has provided a refreshing contemporary result transforming the estate which is almost unrecognisable. As well as the dramatic changes to the aesthetic appearance, the residents are also seeing huge

Housebuilders look to the regions for new year cheer

The industry’s prospects are inevitably clouded by uncertainties over Brexit and the economy but some positive trends emerged towards the end of 2017 which bode well for the outlook in 2018.

One key industry forerunner, private housebuilding, ended the year with a flourish, encouraged by the Budget extension of Buy to Let to 2021 and, for now, continuing strong demand.

An upturn in private residential building work helped create a modest rebound in overall output in November, according to the latest purchasing managers index from IHS Market/ CIPS. It recorded new residential project orders in November at the strongest since June.

Private housebuilders’ prospects for 2018 inevitably hinge on whether purchaser demand will hold up. On the upside, near-full employment and continuing low interest rates – which economists expect to reach 0.8% by the end of 2018 - should help to maintain purchaser interest. The development pipeline in the sector also remains healthy.

The latest Glenigan forecasts point to a 21 per cent rise in planning approvals in the first nine months of 2017 with rises in most English regions. The promising outlook for Build to Rent should also help to maintain industry volumes.

But the pace at which housebuilders start work on new sites will continue to depend on the health of the overall housing market. Here, the latest evidence points to a cooling, if relatively stable, national market. Although new mortgage approvals fell for the third month running in October, this was largely due to a shortage of houses for sale, according to the Halifax, and which may in turn augure well for sales of new build. The latest Halifax index showed house prices up 2.4% in the September- November quarter on the previous three months and 3.9% up on a year ago.

But the picture varies between regions and for housebuilders, areas further from London may continue to show more promise in 2018. Stronger private housing markets are among the key drivers behind Glenigan’s latest forecasts for an upturn in the value of underlying construction starts in key regions

Samuel Heath fittings help to retain heritage

Samuel Heath bathroom fittings, architectural hardware and concealed door closers have been used to help retain the Victorian heritage of six, Grade II listed buildings overlooking a garden square in London’s fashionable Notting Hill.

Working closely with English Heritage, furnishings and fittings were selected to retain the ambience of the Victorian era whilst creating a contemporary feel.

It is here that Samuel Heath products play a critical role. Bathrooms were finished in marble or colourful ceramics and it was vital that taps, showers and other fittings complemented or co-ordinated with the finishes and bathroom furniture.

An equally discerning approach was taken to the selection of Samuel Heath fittings for doors, windows and cupboards, with door furniture created for Studio L being used in selected areas.

in 2018 including the East Midlands (where starts are forecast to rise by 31%), the North East (+7%), North West (+18%), South West (+13%), West Midlands (+12%) and Yorks & Humber (+17%).

Recent industry news also reflects a healthier housing market in the regions. Bellway’s latest full year results showed that the firm’s private house sales in the north increased by 7% to 3,897 whilst its sales in the south dipped slightly. The firm’s Yorkshire division increased output by 75% to 467 homes.

One trend which is also likely to help keep the industry busy in 2018 is the growing number of new dwellings created by converting larger houses into smaller units and flats and as well as shops and offices into homes.

According to the Nationwide, these changeof-use units have more than doubled in the past decade to 37,000 in 2016/17, of which around 18,000 were granted under permitted development rights. If these are included using the broader measure, it says the number of dwellings now being created each year is only 3% below 2007 levels.

Unlocking true design innovation

Aggregate Industries is reminding the industry that making informed concrete choices and embracing new innovations is vital to pushing boundaries in intelligent, beautiful and sustainable building design. Aggregate Industries asserts that now is the perfect time for architects and developers to stand out from the crowd and look beyond the standard application for concrete.

Shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize, the most prestigious accolade in British architecture, the ‘Outhouse’ is a shining example of how concrete can push the boundaries of design and construction.

Government unlocks £25 million to deliver more homes

Housing and Planning Minister Alok Sharma has announced that the Planning Delivery Fund is now open for bids and will support ambitious local authorities and third sector organisations in areas of high housing need to plan for new homes and infrastructure.

Initially opening up £11 million of the fund, councils will be able to apply to help gain the skills or capacity they need to deliver high quality housing growth at scale, pace and implement wider planning reforms. The fund is aimed at encouraging more innovation in the design quality of new housing developments, as well as provide design advice and support to local authorities.

As part of the government’s plans to raise housing supply to 300,000 per year on average by the mid-2020s, a package of measure has been announced to boost local authority planning capacity, support councils to take a proactive role in planning and encourage ambition and leadership in the delivery of new communities.

Others measures announced along with the £25 million Planning Delivery Fund include:

• a further £3 million funding to support the delivery of the 14 garden villages that are part of the government’s existing programme

• publishing a consultation on plans to allow the creation of locally led New Town Development Corporations, and help speed up the delivery of new garden towns.

Housing and Planning Minister Alok Sharma said: “Locally-led developments have enormous potential to deliver the scale and quality of housing growth that we need. By supporting our local authorities, we will be

able to unlock more homes where people want to live.

“These measures including the £25 million of government support which will help develop new communities that will not only help deliver high-quality well-designed homes, but will also bring new jobs and facilities and a boost to local economies.”

Across England, the government is currently supporting 24 locally-led garden cities, towns and villages, which have the potential to deliver around 220,000 homes.

Backed by £16 million funding, a further £3 million has been allocated to 14 garden villages in the programme to fund dedicated staff and studies and assessments that are vital to the delivery of garden villages that are key to successful delivery.

The government’s housing white paper in February 2017 committed to the creation of New Town Development Corporations, which would be overseen by the local authority or authorities covering the area proposed for a new garden community, rather than by Whitehall. Government is now seeking views on this proposal.

Voice of Colour unveils its colour of the year

Launching in the UK for the first time, Voice of Colour has unveiled its 2018/19 Colour of the Year, Black Flame, along with its inspirational new colour palettes.

Created by its global colour experts, the Voice of Colour collection exclusively brings the latest colour trends to Johnstone’s Trade paint coatings and its customers, following its success in North America.

Voice of Colour offers a full colour palette that is ideal for architects, interior designers, and facilities managers. Featuring a range of colour themes and stories, the collection has been designed to reflect the personality, interests and décor elements of their client’s space and help them achieve the right atmosphere in any environment.

As part of the launch, Voice of Colour has also introduced its 2018 trends guide, Corelation, which reveals Black Flame as its Colour of the Year. Blending two classic hues, black and indigo, the statement-making colour evokes

privacy, hope and classic modernism. Black creates the silence we crave in an information-heavy world, while the indigo offers possibility and a deep hopefulness.

“Black Flame’s flexibility means it’s perfect to use in a variety of spaces - from a statement wall, to a matt finish on a ceiling.

“It can also be used with a high gloss finish on a naturally-lit staircase for example, or on cabinets, interior and exterior doors.

“Creating a fantastic backdrop, Black Flame allows other décor elements to take centre stage. It is a truly versatile shade and adds a contemporary look to any interior space.” said Donna Taylor, Principle Colour Consultant for Voice of Colour.

Universal shift in culture required in approach to building regulations

The Chair of an independent review into building regulations and fire safety has found that a “universal shift in culture” is required to rebuild trust amongst residents of high-rise buildings and significantly improve the way that fire safety is assured.

Dame Judith Hackitt, who was appointed by government to lead an Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the Grenfell fire, has published her interim findings.

Alongside her interim report, Dame Judith is calling on the construction industry, building owners, regulators and government to come together to address the ‘shortcomings’ identified so far.

The interim report finds that: a culture change is required - with industry taking greater responsibility for what is built - this change needs to start now

• the current system for ensuring fire safety in high-rise buildings is not fit for purpose

• a clear, quick and effective route for residents to raise concerns and be listened to, must be created.

Chair of the review, Dame Judith Hackitt said: “I have found that the regulatory system for safely designing, constructing and managing buildings is not fit for purpose. The current system is highly complex and there is confusion about the roles and responsibilities at each stage. In many areas there is a lack of competence and accreditation.

“While this does not mean all buildings are unsafe, it does mean we need to build a more effective system for the future. That is why I am today calling for the construction industry, building owners, regulators and government to come together to identify how to overcome these shortcomings together.”

Dame Judith has consulted widely in developing her interim report and will continue to do so in the coming months before making her final recommendations.

She continued: “I have been deeply affected by the residents of high rise buildings I have met and I have learned so much from them. These buildings are their homes and their communities. They are proud of where they live, but their trust in the system has been badly shaken by events of the last few months. We need to rebuild that trust.”

Architects want review to go further

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has welcomed the publication of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Interim Report but has highlighted the need to go much further, specifically in terms of making real and meaningful change to the core building regulations guidance covering fire safety, which is needed as a matter of great urgency.

Immediate Past President of RIBA and Chair of the RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, Jane Duncan says: “The RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety strongly recommends that the final review should require a named person or organisation to hold prime responsibility for the oversight

of fire safety in the design and construction of any building project.

“It is disappointing that the interim review has not called for an immediate prohibition on the use any combustible materials in the external wall construction of high-rise buildings. This means we continue with this grey-area in regards to fire-safety.”

She also said it is also good to see a recognition by Dame Judith of the importance of the ‘golden thread’ of original design intent, the integrity of which must be maintained in any building project or subsequent refurbishment – in order to avoid fragmentation of design responsibility which risks poorer quality outcomes.

The independent review will now undertake its second phase of work – including targeted work in partnership with the sector and other stakeholders.

A summit involving government and representatives from the building industry will take place in the New Year and a final report will be published in spring 2018.

The interim report sets out six broad areas for change:

• ensuring that regulation and guidance is risk-based, proportionate and unambiguous clarifying roles and responsibilities for ensuring that buildings are safe Improving levels of competence within the industry

• improving the process, compliance and enforcement of regulations creating a clear, quick and effective route for residents’ voices to be heard and listened to improving testing, marketing and quality assurance of products used in construction

However, RIBA said it is disappointing that whilst the report recognises the complexity and lack of clarity in the current building regulations guidance, it shies away from introducing immediate and effective changes to the current fire safety guidance, Approved Document B. The RIBA would like to see:

• An immediate prohibition on the use any combustible materials in the external wall construction of high-rise buildings

• A greater role for sprinklers as an active life safety measure in residential buildings

• Requirements for at least two staircases, offering alternative means of escape in high-rise residential buildings.

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CUT IT, DRILL IT, FIX IT.

Whatever you do to SMARTPLY FR OSB, it will still maintain its CE mark and certification due to the flame retardancy being built into the panel, not applied as a coating or impregnated after manufacture.

architect@work Vertical village

This global event now in its sixth year, was staged at London Olympia in January with a ‘Light’ theme. Following a rigorous product selection process innovative products and services were showcased. Highlights included the following.

Spanish CUPA PIZARRAS Cupaclad Design Honeycomb is a new rainscreen cladding in natural slate. The product aims to push contemporary architecture with new ventilated façade designs in state of the art shapes and slate combinations. The cladding features self-drilling screws for simple installation. The 100% natural slate is handmade by master splitters and does not require additional treatment.

The cantilever stair is

anchored at only one end, allowing the protruding construction to overhang without any external bracing. The simplistic design of the overhanging tread has allowed the stair to be designed in many different configurations. requiring no support underneath or between the treads creating a vision of open space and a ‘floating’ appearance.

Lighting also showed the acoustic Ondaria, a round, wide-area luminaire with sound absorption. Two layers of fabric are used to absorb noise and thereby reduce reverberation in noisy homes and certainly perfect for contemporary open plan offices. The luminaires are available in three different sizes and with five different aluminium colours.

This new ‘vertical village’ for Birmingham will be the city’s tallest residential approved tower. Apartments will be built and managed for rent by one company. Digitally-enabled homes will connect renters via app, all part of an ambition is to create a new and innovative way of urban living.

Moda, a developer and operator of homes for rent, has secured planning permission for a 42-storey skyscraper on Broad Street. The 481-apartment build-to-rent scheme has been designed exclusively for rent –with Moda managing the entire building and offering residents a host of add-ons.

Award-winning Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects have designed 2one2 Broad Street to encourage renters to treat the whole building – not just the apartment – as their home. It will offer a range of apartment sizes - from studios to three-beds - alongside a host of amenity spaces spread across the building. Family-friendly tenancies will offer residents the chance to sign up for three or even five years – helping reduce the perception of renters being transient.

Dav Bansal, director at Glen Howells Architects, said: ‘Birmingham’s new addition to the skyline is an important western marker for the city. The simple composition with its elegant proportion creates a contemporary and confident design at a key intersection on Broad Street, helping to regenerate this important part of the city. The bronze metal veil over the composed facade of the tower sits on a welcoming podium that embraces high-quality retail, managed workspace, a cycle hub and the main entrance for the residents. Some of the features will include:Over 30,000 sq. ft. (equivalent to over 10 tennis courts) of dedicated communal space including residents’ lounge, health and wellness zone and Dining club with demonstration kitchen Additional 35,000 sq. ft. of retail and leisure space will be provided in a three-storey podium A 200-metre running circuit will sit outside on the podium roof, offering panoramic

Architect Christopher Sykes looks at the ever-changing world of building product innovations and highlights some interesting projects that caught his attention.

views of the Birmingham skyline’

Canal Engineering bespoke feature staircases are made from mild steel, timber, laminated glass, stainless steel and other bespoke materials.

beam

Italian brand Es Atelier has created the E-Light. This lightweight andsuper-slim back-lit stone can add a luxurious feel to any interior. The E-Light is created through the lamination of marble or onyx with glass and a luminous transmittance LED panel.

Austrian luminaire manufacturer Zumtobel

CUPA PIZARRAS

Es Atelier

Zumtobel

“Architects, designers, and business owners looking to enhance customer experiences through the convenience of wireless charging have every colour and pattern of DuPont’s stylish, durable and stain resistant surfaces available to create spaces with this wireless charging functionality,” said Julie Eaton, global business director for Corian® Design at DuPont.

Since its introduction,the DuPont™ Corian® Charging Surface has been powering up smart devices in hotels, restaurants and homes around the world. Now, with the introduction of new IT models, this charging surface offers a convenient, stylish and inconspicuous alternative to standard cords and wires that is more effortless than ever. Thanks to the built-in Qi receivers in iPhone 8 models, an external receiver such as a charging ring is no longer required. They can be charged by placing them directly onto the charging spot on the Corian® Charging Surface. Corian® Charging Surface – Residential. This safely and effectively transfers power from the charger to a smart device.

No more problems with render

New technical guidance highlighting best practice for the application of render was published in NHBC Standards 2017, which came into force at the start of last year.

The new Chapter 6.11 ‘Render’ is a key element of NHBC’s on-going campaign to reduce defects in external walls. The rigours of exposure to

external conditions can soon start to test the durability of render on a new home and it is anticipated that the technical guidance and advice in the new chapter will help reduce damage.

Full details of the chapter are freely available online at NHBC’s Techzone (www.nhbc.co.uk/ techzone)

Materials for Architecture

Following on from it’s 2017 debut, Materials for Architecture will return to the ILEC Conference Centre, London from 25-26 April 2018.with innovation at its core. Once again it will combine a conference programme, exhibition, CPD seminars, material galleries and evening reception. Innovation will be a clear theme across every part of the event.

With topics including responsive building skins, rammed earth construction, phasechange and unbreakable materials the conference programme for 2018 is set to highlight some of the newest, most innovative themes within the built environment. Speakers will come from major architecture practices, engineering firms, academia and more.

The exhibition hall will include an Innovation Zone and highly interactive materials display area, while the evening reception will host a competition where participants will present their research into developing construction materials for the future. The competition will be judged

by a panel of leading industry figures. The evening will also give entrants, judges and attendees the opportunity to network.

The charging surface Product innovation of the year

Visit www.materialsforarchitecture.com for more information, to register free or subscribe to the Materials for Architecture newsletter to receive industry and event news: www.materialsforarchitecture.com/newsletter

A NEW TOOL BRE (the Building Research Establishment) has created a new Templater tool that holds the standard for exchanging data, including product data. This will remove the confusion and lack of interoperability that has surrounded sharing standardised product information from BIM and associates technologies. BRE Templater (with code by activeplan) will provide core building element definitions (like doors, windows, plaster board, roof tiles etc.) and is built on international standard such as IFC. Leading on from that is DataBook, a solution currently in beta testing and set to launch in early 2018. Details on DataBook were announced at Digital Construction Week.

This category in Building Magazine annual awards is open to construction product manufacturers who have launched an innovative product between March 2016 and April 2017.

This can be a new product launch or reworking of an existing product.

The judges looked for clear evidence of genuine, industry changing innovation.

The Winner was: Leica Geosystems

The runners-up were: Knauf Insulation, Mousemesh, Offsite Solutions, OSO Hotwater, Sayfa Systems, Solarlux Systems and Topcon

Interesting footnote: Building’s Housing Project of the Year Award went to the Carrowbreck Meadows in Norfolk, designed by Hamson Barron Smith and featured in an earlier edition of this magazine.

PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

Architect Christopher Sykes is overwhelmed by the number of different Awards and accreditations offered this year to residential and other buildings. While most deserve their recognition , this often eclipses many other projects where clever solutions have been found, where good examples are set for others to follow and where the materials and products used have created great solutions and aesthetics. In each edition of Housing Specification, we try to include some of these.

SAVING ENERGY, IMPROVING LIVES

An £11 million facelift to three high-rise blocks in Smethwick is now complete. Tenants living at Ashcroft, Birchcroft and Elmcroft in the Cape Hill area have seen the 270 homes homes transformed over a two year period. The project has also scooped two awards from the National Federation of Builders.

For contractor Keepmoat Regeneration, this has involved a dramatic top to bottom renovation of each tower. External improvements including new roofs with

energy efficient photo-voltaic panels and eyecatching insulated cladding to reduce energy bills plus new windows and balconies. All this has given the blocks – which comprise 270 homes - a new lease of life.

Perhaps the most significant addition is the aesthetically attractive non-combustible insulated cladding supplied by Rockwool and Rockpanel. The former’s Rainscreen Duo Slab is a non-combustible high density insulation board which offers a robust exterior surface and a resilient inner one . Made from stone wool specially for this type of high rise project, it is A1 fire-rated for optimum resilience. It delivers effective insulation of 0.035 W/mK and is jointed to minimise any heat loss.

For the exterior cladding, the extra safe fire board Rockpnel FS-Xtra has been used, giving the project a very attractive finish in a mixture of vibrant colours.

This is applied on an aluminium supporting structure and fixed with blind rivets. Together the Rockwool and Rockpanel products meet the requirements of European fire class A2 –s1,d0.

Refurbishment at The Crofts has also offered an opportunity for Sandwell Council to rejuvenate the wider area in order to bring a renewed sense of pride in their surroundings to residents and the local community. Improving the standard of housing has made a real difference to people’s homes and lives.

TWO HOUSES

Brothers Dan and Michael, from C Bros Joinery and C Bros Construction, in association with architect Abraham Sandoval, have completed two urban residential properties, considerately pushing through elegant design with family friendly construction.

The guiding philosophy of the brothers’ construction practice is to revive cramped urban living conditions into adaptable family living spaces, filled with light, space and sleek storage solutions. Experts in basement conversions, the brothers execute seamless designer living that allows these new areas to feel part of the natural flow of a home, rather than being ‘add on’ living spaces.

Detailing

Balham & Hay House developments are two 5 bedroom Victorian terraced homes which now include additional basement and kitchenliving areas, including stunning bespoke Crittall doors, cinema rooms, light-wells, work areas, laundry rooms, dressing chambers, leisure and entertaining spaces.

A feeling of intimacy has been achieved through clever architectural features allowing discreet intimate corners and areas. The new spaces empower their clients to enjoy practical minimalist living. Everything in these homes have an ‘easy to find’ place, perfect for busy family life.

Material choices

A rich composition of materials across both properties has been used throughout the construction process, including the use of Carrara marble, concrete, brass, copper and steel metal detailing, combined with leather, solid woods and exquisite chevron flooring, all contributing to an ambience of timeless beautiful living.

In addition, the interior detailing perfectly complements the original Victorian features, cleverly illuminated by contemporary designer lighting including Bert Frank and Kaia lighting. Lavishly arranged with bespoke, designer and antique pieces, the interiors present perfect all-day living spaces, with easy transition into evening entertaining and celebrations.

For Balham house, highlights include an extraordinary basement conversion incorporating a family cinema room, offset by a stunning mini library area. This discreet and intimate area is elegantly framed by designer

lighting from Kaia. It can be viewed from the upstairs kitchen area via a glass light well that utilises all available natural light.

THE POWER OF THE PLANT

The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the highlights of the horticultural year, and 2017 saw, for the first time, the inclusion of bricks from Ibstock, the UK’s largest brickmaker, as part of a stunning garden design by Kate Gould Gardens. As much as anything else, this project shows the power of using plants to enhance design.

The concept, entitled ‘City Living’ was a Gold medal winner and was also awarded ‘Best

Fresh Garden’. It showcases a contemporary garden on three levels seeking to transform what are traditionally forbidding spaces found around typical urban apartment blocks. The garden designer’s vision has created a green space for a city environment including appealing planting and tranquil water features.

As part of the design, Ibstock supplied 15m2 of white Sawtooth glazed bricks, together with white glazed brick slips. These add a sleek, modern background suitable for the urban landscape. Used on the lower level of the three story structure as part of the wall detailing, they also provide a backdrop for the garden’s water feature.

The white sawtooth glazed bricks form part of Ibstock’s extensive colour palette for ceramic glazed finishes, offering unique and memorable solutions that help bring design vision to life. They have been used on many award-winning projects to date.

PARTNERS & SUPPLIERS

Architect: Abraham Sandoval

Bespoke furniture & interior: Victoria Spencer-Eves, Veves, www.veves.co.uk

Featured brands include:

Farrow & Ball, John Lewis, Habitat, Zara Home, Tom Dixon, Skandium, Arnott & Mason, SCP, Georg Jensen, Granger Hertzog, Rockett St.George, The White Co.Trafik, Buster + Punch, Really Well Made, West Elm Kitchen detailing: Siemens, Fisher and Paykel, Franke, Quooker

Featured lighting brands include: Bert Frank, Kaia Lighting

WHITES PATH

Whites Path is a beautiful new scheme comprising two 3-bedroom and one 4-bedroom detached, luxury homes.

Accessed from Over Road via a private drive project at Willingham in Cambridgeshire, all three stunning houses are ready for occupation.All the homes boast highly energy-efficient features, bespoke German style kitchens, Siemens appliances, Silestone worktops, bathrooms designed by C P Hart and underfloor heating.

The project was one of the more satisfying that the Yellow Door Property company has undertaken and was created in association with Ely Planning, specialists in architectural design and planning negotiation, Not only did this project present several major challenges but the end result was widely praised by local residents as well as the purchasers.

Photo credit Helen Fickling

Photo credit Helen Fickling

The windows are all made by Velfac, of a design that that YDP sought specifically - aluminium framing on the outside with a wooden frame within to soften their appearance. The doubleglazed units are argon-filled and the glass is solar-reflective to minimise heat loss. Glass patio doors, also by Velfac, use a design that allows the central pillar to move away with the doors when they slide aside, creating wide, unimpeded access to the gardens.

The houses are fitted with high levels of insulation and underfloor heating, providing year round warmth with low energy costs. To increase thermal efficiency the wall thickness was increased to 140mm and filled with rigid foam insulation. Services were run through a 25mm ‘service void’ added on to the internal side to prevent air gaps and damage to the insulation caused by cutting service channels and pipe-runs. As a result, the houses have a high air tightness’ rating of 3, meaning that much less heat is required to keep them warm.

An eco-friendly ethos influences all parts of the design. The larch cladding on the exterior is a

natural, untreated product with no chemicals used in its production. The render is selfcoloured, meaning no painting is necessary.

Similarly, the Velfac windows are pre-coloured aluminium, with no painting required. In short, the houses were designed to have small carbon footprints both during the build phase (a house fabricated to fine tolerances requires less energy to build it) and when they became homes (the houses have an energy efficiency rating (EPC) of B against the national average of D. Only 15% of UK homes have a B rating.). The garages are fitted with sliding doors from Rundum Meir.

The result is three modern homes of outstanding appearance and build quality. Everyone who viewed them found them impressive and attractive. Except for a few remedial tasks on the ‘snag list’, the houses were finished in September when it was time to move into the ‘sales’ phase..

OFFSITE WINNER

Taking in volume construction, smaller developments, social housing and self-build projects, last year’s Off-site Construction Award sought to find the best project or project team that has successfully used, or is using, offsite technology to create a new generation of sustainable, energy efficient and desirable places to live. The finished homes should all display high levels of precision-engineering, energy efficiency, cost-predictability, speed and quality of construction, affordability and overall valuefor-money. The entrant will have shown vision in meeting the client’s needs and show a clear understanding of a sense of place.’ The overall winner from a host of interesting projects is Smith’s Docks.

In 2013, Urban Splash and Places for People committed to a joint venture, which would see

Smith’s Dock in North Shields is the latest development within the joint venture’s portfolio, which also includes phase one of Park Hill in Sheffield and the Port Loop regeneration development in Birmingham.

A much-cherished site by the local community, Smith’s Dock is rich in heritage - a former ship building yard which was once one of the area’s biggest employers before closing a few decades ago.

Owners of the site, Places for People capitalised on its joint venture and worked with Urban Splash to create a viable scheme which would become a community for local people; one filled with housing, amenities, workspaces and leisure facilities.

The first residential opportunity at the development has just been launched; 24 modular family Houses – all modular and constructed in factory environments adopting Urban Splash’s House blueprint.

the fortunes of Brownfield land transformed across the UK.

Accessible guidance for adapting homes

With the growing need to make homes adaptable so occupiers can remain independent, and in their own homes, new guidance is aiming to help get it right. ‘Design Guidance & Considerations for a Domestic Accessible Toilet’ has been produced and published by Closomat. The white paper gives advice to ensure that the key aspects affecting the functionality and practicality of a bathroom/wetroom and toilet, as occupier needs change, are considered. It even addresses the details as far as both new build and retrospective adaptation, in terms of legislation and ‘best practice’. Go to www.clos-o-mat.com. Clos-o-Mat - Enquiry 9

Delta Security installs new fire safety doors into housing charity properties

Delta Security is helping to protect residents with the installation of new fire doors at a property managed by Brick-by-Brick, a London-based charity that provides permanent and temporary housing for people with homeless status. The new fire doors, installed into the charity’s Queens Road property, replace residents’ previous flat doors. The doors include intumescent fire seals, which consist of a strip on the door’s edge that expands if there is a fire, ensuring the door provides airtight protection against smoke and flames. Last year, Delta Security installed a Master Key Suite locking system into the property.

Delta Security - Enquiry 10

NI Housing Executive tasks BBA CIT with cavity wall insulation study

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has commissioned the British Board of Agrément Consultancy Investigation Training (BBA CIT) to conduct the most comprehensive study of its kind into cavity wall insulation, surveying 1,000 social homes and 300 private homes.Rob McCormack, Director of BBA CIT, said: “Northern Ireland is leading the way in developing housing and insulation policy based on strong, operational evidence and we are excited to be part of the project.” BBA CIT offers independent, expert technical advice and property investigation services to organisations concerned about the performance of insulation products.

BBA CIT - Enquiry 12

Kingspan provides premium solution for community housing

Residents of two community housing blocks in Ashton-under-Lyne are enjoying the benefits of a more energy efficient home, thanks to Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board. Installed by The Casey Group, 60 mm Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board was specified within the Alumasc Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) System to create a highly-insulated envelope and reduce thermal bridging. Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board achieves outstanding thermal conductivities as low as 0.020 W/m∙K. It is designed to be installed behind lightweight polymer modified renders, such as the dry dash render applied to the flat blocks.

Kingspan - Enquiry 11

The award-winning Crossway development in Widnes, Merseyside employs the revolutionary Innofix Clip developed by Redland and two of its tiles to achieve a weatherproof envelope in the shortest time possible. The development is roofed in Redland Grovebury double pantiles in colour Slate Grey and Redland DuoPlain interlocking plain tiles in colour Blue to blend in with the surrounding area. The Innofix Clip was a definite benefit because all the buildings are timber-frame, so it was imperative to get them weatherproof as soon as possible.

Redland - Enquiry 13

Style and practicality for winter gardens at Dollar Bay

A £90m development in London’s Canary Wharf specified more than 2,600m2 of aluminium soffits from Guttercrest to construct winter gardens for its new-build apartments. Guttercrest’s aluminium balcony soffits were specified for the underside of Dollar Bay’s winter garden roof and balconies thanks to its lightweight, durability and weather resistant properties. Guttercrest designed the secret fix soffits for this project to enable access to the motors, electrics and sensors that were fitted in the winter gardens if required. The arrowhead profile planks are demountable from either end on every individual property, adding a level of practicality.

Guttercrest - Enquiry 14

Redland tiles and Innofix Clips top off development

DOOR CLOSER ENHANCES FIRE SAFETY IN SOCIAL HOUSING

Powermatic controlled, concealed door closers tick all the right boxes when it comes to providing reliable fire safety in social housing applications.

Meeting all relevant fire and accessibility performance standards, Powermatics also deliver many practical benefits that make them ideal for use on fire doors in high-rise flats and HMOs.

The door closers meet the requirements of BS EN 1154 and carry the CE mark. They have been tested by an independent laboratory and proved to meet the requirements for one hour and half-hour fire doors under BS EN 1634-1, and have Certifire accreditation.

Powermatics also enable doors to comply with the accessibility requirements of Approved Document M of the Building Regulations and BS 8300.

Powermatic door closers are particularly suited to social housing situations thanks to the fact that they are totally concealed when the door is closed. In addition to creating a more homely, less institutionalised

appearance, this concealment significantly reduces the risk of the door closer being damaged through vandalism or tampering, which could render the door useless and pose real risks to life in the case of a fire. It also means less maintenance call-outs and enhanced reliability.

RETHINKING SAFETY

In an uncertain world smoke, heat and CO alarms are the first line of defence against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning in any housing, providing critical early warning for occupants at low costs.

Firex mains with backup smoke and heat alarms, manufactured and supplied exclusively by Kidde, cost less than £1 per year to operate – a major benefit for tenants.

So, there are no financial reasons to limit the number of interconnected alarms and at least ‘Category LD2’, recommended in BS 5839-6:2013 for most properties –essentially alarms in circulation areas, living rooms and kitchens – should be applied.

Kidde’s Firex range can also be interconnected with the company’s hardwired carbon monoxide alarms using the unique ‘Smart Interconnect’ feature.

CO alarms are a legal requirement in some situations and a sensible precaution against CO poisoning in any home, including within bedrooms.

Here, all the interconnected alarms act

as sounders to warn of either fire or CO, forming comprehensive systems.

Crucially, the alarms must have different, distinct alarm sounder patterns for carbon monoxide and fire, as required by BS 5839-6.

So, without the need for any further operation of the system – such as remote switches – Smart Interconnect automatically alerts occupants of the specific hazard that confronts them.

This enables occupants to respond quickly, empowering them to make the right choice from the very different alternative actions for either fire or carbon monoxide.

For more information, email: sales@kiddesafety.co.uk or call: 03337 722 227.

Kidde - Enquiry 16

Powermatic door closers are available in standard and Free Swing models. Further details are available from Samuel Heath on 0121 766 4200 or by visiting the dedicated door closer website, www.concealeddoorclosers.com.

Samuel Heath - Enquiry 15

To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader

CUPA PIZARRAS PROVIDES EXCELLENCE IN NATURAL SLATE

Natural slate remains a popular choice with architects due to the long-term durability of the material as well as the range and quality of finishes possible. CUPA R12 EXCELLENCE, one of the best selling products in the range, provides architects with a number of aesthetic and practical benefits.

ON TREND

The CUPA 12 is a dark grey slate with thin laminations and superior homogeneity of colour to create a uniform appearance across the entire roof.

CUPA PIZARRAS employs a highly rigorous grading process to ensure the slates in the R EXCELLENCE Selection meet the highest standards in terms of consistent thickness and flat surface. This regular thickness makes it easier to install and contributes to the product’s signature finish. The highly versatile CUPA R12 EXCELLENCE is available in a wide range of formats and sizes to meet the requirements of any project.

CUPA PIZARRAS extracted its first slate in 1892 and today operates the oldest working slate quarry in the world. The R12 EXCELLENCE range benefits from the company’s 125 years of experience and innovation to ensure the highest quality materials. The superior quality of R12 EXCELLENCE is backed up by CUPA PIZARRAS’ 100-year warranty.

In addition, traceability is vital to guarantee the quality and provenance of building materials and give specifiers confidence in the products that will feature most prominently in their project. CUPA PIZARRAS owns and operates all its own quarries and warehouses and a unique barcode ensures every tile can be traced back to the source. No other slate manufacturer offers 100% traceability – a feature that is extremely valuable to contractors and architects.

SKYFORCE

Once again ONLEVEL sets innovative trends with the SKYFORCE fall protection for French balconies. It is the first practically invisible system application. But what is even better; it is the best and most cost-e ective system application on the market. There is no system which can be mounted easier and quicker. This saves you unnecessary frustration and gives you valuable additional time and profit potential.

To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader

STYLE AND FUNCTION AT THE ROOFLINE WITH

SWISH

Design professionals in the construction sector deal with a complex and often conflicting array of challenges in a cost-conscious industry. As well as a raft of standards and regulations, style and function often seem to be competing demands in the search for a solution. So how can manufacturers help designers strike a more even balance? Housing Specification magazine looks for answers.

An adage drilled into many first-year design students says: “Good architecture should satisfy in commodity, firmness and delight”

It’s a popular saying penned by seventeenth century translator, Henry Wooton, but attributed to Vitruvius Pollio, a Roman Architect of the 1st Century BCE. As sayings go it’s a good one, but what does it actually mean and how can manufacturers help designers strike a more even balance?

The accepted view is that commodity referred to fitness for function – the item, be it a building, a piece of sculpture or a manufactured product - should be suitable for its purpose.

In firmness, Pollio meant it should soundly built of good quality materials. And for delight, he meant pleasing to the trained as well as the untrained eye.

So, in satisfying these demanding criteria, the building or item in question must look good, perform well and be durable. It has to successfully balance style and function.

Of course, there are many other factors architects and designers need to consider in modern construction. Factors such as low environmental impact, minimal waste, maximum use of recycled materials and innovative use of new technology.

These challenges are very real and the supply-side of the industry has consistently raised its game in the search for new products and solutions.

In the manufacture of roofline and rainwater systems, the need to accommodate style, function, environmental awareness and use of modern technology, have all contributed to the development of a highly flexible, cost efficient and durable range of products that perfectly tick the respective boxes of commodity, firmness and delight.

For example, timber used to be the material of choice for roofline work – fascias, soffits, barge boards and the like. But in such a challenging environment, a softwood fascia board is unlikely to survive more than a couple of decades, especially if it doesn’t receive regular maintenance including repainting at least once every three years or so.

Multiple-layer build-up of Swish sculptured fascia board creates a unique and highly decorative effect, very much in keeping with the local vernacular.

CELLULAR PVC – THE MATERIAL OF TODAY.

As a result, cellular PVC is now the most efficient material for use at the roofline. It costs roughly the same as timber to install, requires no maintenance and so suits the exposed and inaccessible location at the eaves. Most importantly, especially from any landlord’s point of view, when it is installed correctly, it will probably last the lifetime of the dwelling.

As well as these functional attributes, cellular PVC also keep an aesthetic card up its sleeve.

Cellular PVC is an extruded, foamed material with an integral smooth and durable skin. A wide range of colours and foil finishes [skins] are available, providing a considerable degree of flexibility in co-ordinating and contrasting with popular window and door styles, as well as coloured rainwater management systems.

Cellular PVC can be cut, drilled, nailed and routed using conventional tools. It is light to handle, easy to fix and does not require any painting or subsequent treatment after installation.

STYLE AND FUNCTION

Decorative profiles can also be factory-made which allow designers to match traditional,

vernacular detail. A good example is a roofline detail found in rural Wales where award winning developers, PAR Homes used sculptured boards from Swish Building Products to enhance 45 homes at their Bronllys site in the Brecon Beacons. [Pictured]

At their Court Meadow site, PAR Homes created a “village” environment within Bronllys town and the Swish profiled barge boards help visually connect the new development with the heart of the existing community.

According to, Swish, cellular PVC also represent an environmentally responsible use of plastics. Not only do they not contain CFCs, lead or cadmium, which are considered harmful to the environment, but the Company’s manufacturing processes have also taken huge strides over the last decade by reducing its production CO2 footprint by a third since 2008 and its use of water by nearly 80% in the same period. Swish also points out that cellular PVC has a very long-life span and when replaced, can be fully recycled.

COMPLEMENTARY RAINWATER SYSTEMS

Swish also manufactures a complementary range of rainwater management systems –guttering, fall pipes and attendant bracketry –all designed to efficiently collect and dispose of rainwater run-off from building roofs.

For designers looking to replicate the traditional cast iron guttering profiles, Swish manufactures an authentic reproduction of original designs, accurately made in all the traditional profiles, sections and sizes and with a surface texture that makes them highly appealing and cost-effective alternatives to the hugely more expensive, real thing.

A FINAL THOUGHT.

Few designers today enjoy the luxury of unlimited budget and a totally free creative hand. This is not necessarily a bad thing, nor should it prevent a stylish and functional solution to a challenging design brief. What we should strive for is good design, well executed with the right materials, that will stand the test of time. And within budget. As Pollio said many years ago: “Commodity, firmness and delight”.

For more information on Swish rainwater systems and cellular PVC roof line products, contact:

Swish Building Products: 01827 317 200 www.swishbp.co.uk

Swish Building Products -

To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003 or post our free Reader

Swish black Tudor boarding in combination with white fascia, soffit and rainwater goods.

The UK’s leading garage door manufacturer, Garador, has invested in a new electronic proof of delivery (E-pod) system in order to offer a more informative and accurate delivery service.

Through text messages to a mobile phone or by email, the E-pod system will provide customers with automated notifications of delivery times. They will also be given full access to a quick and clear tracking system, which will be regularly updated to reflect any change in delivery times. Even in the best organised transport system, traffic and other problems can cause slight hold ups and the

out of delivery

new system will give customers a far more accurate idea of when their door order will arrive.

The timing of delivery of large items such as garage doors can be a crucial aspect in a build. With Garador’s new E-pod system customers will be kept right up to date with accurate indications of real time delivery. In addition to this, the E-Pod system is also a greener solution as it is electronic and does therefore not require the printing of hundreds of sheets of paper, as a proof of delivery.

Garador - Enquiry 21

Eurocell is extending its range of bi-fold doors with the launch of StudioGlideTM, a breakthrough aluminium bi-fold system that promises minimal sightlines, maximum performance and unlimited flexibility.

Developed for both residential and commercial projects, StudioGlide will fit any aperture because it is scaleable to frame heights of up to 2.5m and widths of up to 6.5m. Individual sashes of 1.2m wide can be assembled in multiple configurations of up to seven sashes with the choice of inward or outward opening doors.

Comfort – and lower heating bills – are assured by high-specification energy efficient glass and

a thermal break in the frame that reduces heat loss so that StudioGlide can achieve U-values as low as 1.6W/m2k for double glazing and 1.3 W/ m2k for triple glazing. Security is not sacrificed for style, despite the ‘glass wall’ appearance, as StudioGlide comes with full PAS 24 accreditation and is glazed from the inside for increased security, using bespoke gaskets to get the best possible seal against the weather.

Frames are available in a range of classic colours, complemented by shoot bolt and door handles in a wide choice of colours and finishes, including colour matched handles and magnetic door holders.

Eurocell - Enquiry 22

MARMOX Thermoblock tackles thermal bridging in home’s basement

Some 180 Marmox Thermoblocks have been supplied to a regional builder for the construction of a high specification home near Harrogate, with their unique combination of insulating and load-carrying properties being used to tackle cold bridging where the two storeys above ground meet the basement structure which contains a swimming pool and other recreation areas.

The partially filled external wall of dense concrete blockwork, with an outer leaf of quarried stone, was then raised on the continuous course of Thermoblocks.

The 65mm x 215mm x 600mm Thermoblocks were supplied through a local stockist and have been laid on a mortar bed with the special Marmox Multibond adhesive being used to seal the stepped joints between the units.

The Site Manager for Dobson Construction recounted: “The use of the Thermoblocks was specified by our project architect to tackle the issue of perimeter heat loss, around the perimeter of the basement and also at ground floor level, on top of the concrete wall.”

As a loadbearing composite product Thermoblock has been developed to be incorporated into various wall constructions as a horizontal layer, equivalent to a course of bricks.

Marmox - Enquiry 23

Eurocell opens up new vistas with StudioGlide

Garador’s new E-pod system takes uncertainty

A one stop shop for radiators…

Stelrad has become the genuine ‘one stop shop’ when you’re looking for radiators in the UK.

If you’re looking for any kind of radiator –Stelrad has developed its range of models and sizes to provide a solution for pretty much every and any application you can imagine – and they’re available from stock in white, so most radiators can be with you within 72 hours of ordering them – a little longer, not surprisingly, if you want them in any of 35 colour options available.

Possibly best known for its sector leading Compact panel radiators, Stelrad has developed its range to include the widest range of decorative and designer option which are increasingly popular in new build developments as well as in refurbishment projects.

There’s a special range for the bathroom or kitchen, and a selection of styles that allow the radiator to become part of the décor, rather than simply a provider of heat. The radiator has very definitely come of age and offers a choice for specifier that will enhance the look of any home.

Stelrad - Enquiry 25

Stokvis Energy Systems’ own technical experts, working together with an external consultancy, have spent over a year generating hundreds of 3D models and Product Data Sheets (PDS) for its most popular product lines, making the manufacturer’s BIM offering Level 2 compliant and compatible with the most popular platforms. The substantial investment of time and money is set to benefit both specifiers and end users of Stokvis Energy Systems’ high efficiency heating & hot water equipment, including the Econoplate plate heat exchangers and new generation EVOLUTION gas boilers.

Stokvis Energy Systems - Enquiry 27

Eurocell raises the bar with lower threshold

As a part of its drive to continuously improve its systems, Eurocell – the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline products – has introduced a new PVC-U low threshold for its Eurologik 70mm chamfered and ovolo doors that offers users an alternative to aluminium that will cut energy bills and improve comfort. This threshold is superior to aluminium equivalents because it reduces cold bridging and is more thermally efficient. Using the PVC-U low threshold improves the U-value by roughly 0.1 W/m2k depending on the style and specification of the door.

Eurocell - Enquiry 26

Impressive results for Evinox ModuSat under BESA HIU testing

Evinox are very proud to announce that the ModuSat® XR Heat Interface Unit has been tested to the BESA (British Engineering Services Association) UK Standard for HIUs, achieving impressive results all round.

Launched in late 2016, the BESA UK Standard for Heat Interface Units was introduced to help designers and specifiers evaluate the performance of a particular HIU on their network. This new standard aims to provide HIU benchmarking, similar in many ways to the well-known SEDBUK scheme for domestic boilers.

Currently, only a handful of manufacturers have published results for the HIU test regime,

with Evinox being one of the first to undertake the testing process.

With an overall VWART of just 33.4°C, impressively low domestic hot water return temperatures and the ability to deliver flexible Keep Warm operation, the BESA test results provide a clear, independently verified confirmation that the Evinox ModuSat® XR range delivers outstanding heating and hot water performance for modern heat networks.

The BESA standard is currently optional for HIU manufacturers, however, Evinox believes this will be a mandatory requirement in the near future.

Evinox - Enquiry 28

Stokvis BIM objects to benefit customers and consultants

Latest renewable technology to heat ground-breaking Warwickshire homes

Cutting edge renewable heating technology will be helping to keep residents warm in the first Passivhaus affordable homes in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire Rural Housing Association (WRHA) is currently developing the ground-breaking Passivhaus scheme in Wootton Wawen, in partnership with Waterloo Housing Group and developer, Bouygues UK.

Developed in Germany in the early 1990s, the Passivhaus model focuses on creating buildings which are as energy efficient as possible.

WRHA is working with market-leading heat pump manufacturer, Mitsubishi Electric to provide the 14 properties with the latest renewable air source heat pumps to fuel their heating and hot water, in place of a traditional boiler.

Wilby Meadows, Regional Sales Manager – Renewable Heating for Mitsubishi Electric UK, said the most up-to-date air source heat pump technology had been developed in Japan and the company was very excited to be bringing it to the UK.

He said: “The Wootton Wawen development will use our Ecodan QUHZ models, which are the very latest development of air source heat pumps.

“This technology is already in use in Japanese homes. We started bringing this new model over to the UK about a year ago as we knew it would provide an ideal solution for new-build properties in the UK market, but we needed suitable homes in which to install it.

“The Ecodan QUHZ system has been designed specifically to address the heating needs of new-build homes, which have a very different requirement from existing properties. With superb levels of insulation, they need much less heating but still require hot water whenever the homeowner needs it. “This is hugely important renewable technology and we are very excited to be involved in this energy efficient housing development.”

Mr Meadows, who is based at Mitsubishi Electric UK’s regional office near Solihull, said the technology involves siting a small air source heat pump outside each property instead of a large traditional boiler inside the property.

This will not only help ensure running costs are kept to a minimum for residents, but will also reduce the carbon footprint of the development.

“Heat pumps are recognised as renewable technology by the government which is predicting sales of 1 million heat pumps a year by 2030,” added Mr Meadows.

“The days of carbon-intensive heating such as gas and oil are rapidly coming to an end and we need solutions just like this development which combine the very best building techniques with the latest renewable forms of heating.”

The heat pump works by extracting heat energy from the external air and upgrading it to heat up hot water for the homes. This can then be fed through the taps inside the property or used to heat radiators for domestic heating.

The technology means that there is no need for pipelines to be laid to supply gas or oil to properties for heating or hot water, and no risk of dangerous carbon monoxide gas escaping.

Mr Meadows added: “This technology is safe, reliable and very renewable indeed.

“Passivhaus homes need very little heating because they are so energy efficient but every resident has their own needs, and our air source heat pumps will supply all the heat they want along with a constant supply of domestic hot water.”

Work on the first phase of the installation of the pumps is due to begin in the next couple of weeks and the final phase of the work will be completed in the new year.

The Wootton Wawen development, on land next to the A3400, will comprise 14 properties for affordable rent and two for shared ownership. The scheme has been made possible through funding from Stratford-on-Avon District Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.

For further information visit http://library.mitsubishielectric.co.uk or call the Heating 121 on 01707 278666.

SOCIAL HOUSING FLOORING REQUIRES TENANT APPEAL

Flooring is a key part of improving the tenant experience says Kenny Miller, Distribution & Housing Sales Manager, Gerflor Limited.

Social housing has been making headlines for the wrong reasons in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. But on a positive note, it has highlighted the needs of tenants and ways of making their homes better, safer places to live in.

However, there is also an urgent need for more affordable housing in Britain and a pressing requirement to reverse the reduction in the building of government-funded social housing for rent. In order to expand the housing programme, the government announced in January that a £7bn fund has been allocated of which £1.4bn is to be available to housing associations and councils to fund 40,000 additional affordable new homes by 2021.

Following the Grenfell disaster, the safety and well-being of social housing tenants has also fallen under greater scrutiny making improving tenant satisfaction a priority for many housing providers. Pleasing tenants is therefore an uppermost consideration when refurbishing or building new homes, with social landlords facing increasing pressure to provide safe, secure homes that appeal decoratively to tenants.

DESIGN-LED FLOORINGS

Against a backdrop of providing more social housing homes and higher levels of tenant satisfaction, dedicated luxury vinyl flooring solutions for housing have been developed. As the look and feel of flooring is most important to tenants, design-driven floorings that do not resemble the stereotypical council house floorings of the past, yet meet specification criteria, are increasingly in demand for social housing refurbishment and new build projects.

Advanced, well-designed, cushioned, vinyl floorings designed for residential rather than commercial use can therefore help social housing landlords create a homely, desirable, safe and secure environment. This is chiefly because vinyl floorings that meet HSE guidelines and are R10 slip-resistant can fulfill that safety criteria. They can also now embrace decorative trends and come in a great choice of designs with added thermal, comfort, acoustic and performance benefits. As a result, housing providers can feel secure in offering durable, quality products, which can be depended upon to enhance the client experience.

Additionally, the introduction of loose-lay, fibre-backed residential vinyl floorings with an in-built waterproof balancing interlayer, can help landlords with fast track installations causing less inconvenience to tenants. Ideally suited to refurbishment, these flooring types can be laid without adhesive over most smooth, flat, hard, clean existing surfaces, even where moisture levels are high, saving both time and money and allowing contractors to lay up to twice as much m2 per day. Available in multiple widths, further reducing waste and inconvenience, they also have inclusive, innovative technology that can dramatically reduce remedial work.

The addition of hard-working surface treatments that do not harbour dirt, also allow floorings to look good for longer with simple, low-cost maintenance.

FUTURE PROOF FLOORING

When vinyl flooring was introduced in the 1930s, the average life expectancy for a man was under 60. Today men and women can expect to live well into their 80’s. What’s more diseases like diabetes have increased by up to 60% in the last

decade. With an ageing population, longer life expectancy and acceleration in certain diseases, the dynamics of our society are changing as corresponding health and mobility problems increase and appropriate heath and care service provision needs to be made.

To ease the burden, future proofing social housing can only make sense. Local authorities and housing associations are therefore looking to adapt a larger proportion of bathrooms to accommodate both the able-bodied and disabled with combined barefoot and shod floorcovering solutions. Once adapted, a bathroom is also ready for incumbent tenants as they age, allowing them to live independently in their own homes for longer.

Adapting existing residential housing is a costeffective way for social landlords to futureproof housing stock. However, to ensure value for money, it is essential that the right products are selected for bathrooms, en-suites, shower rooms and any high risk wet area where a durable, slip-resistant flooring is necessary.

The ideal flooring solution for disabled adaption, will perform well in both wet and dry conditions and achieve the best possible safety rating in DIN 51097 (wet barefoot ramp test) and DIN 51130 (wet shod ramp test). As a result, the flooring will be suitable for barefoot and shod wet areas where the disabled may require assistance. The flooring must also be well designed and suitable for hot welding so that a fully water-tight surface, ideally coupled with an impervious coving system, is achieved.

Sustainable with low VOC emissions, reliable, safe and durable, residential vinyl floorings should be fit for purpose making a kitchen or bathroom flooring less likely to need replacement because of damage and providing added value.

Today’s vinyl floorings with the exacting performance criteria that social housing landlords need and the look and feel that tenants want, are therefore meeting the social housing sector’s requirements of today and also tomorrow.

Pilkington launches two new textured glass patterns

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has launched two new patterns to its popular Pilkington Texture Glass range.

The new products, Pilkington Cassini™ and Pilkington Tribal™, add to the manufacturer’s existing texture glass range, which helps homeowners maintain privacy and security while adding style to windows and doors, partitions, dividers, splash-backs and cupboards.

Pilkington Cassini™ features fine line detail that offers a multi-layered effect, resulting in a modern design influenced by the mosaics of Barcelona. It’s achieved by engraving the roller, which marks the pattern onto the glass during

the manufacturing process, using cutting-edge technology.

In contrast, Pilkington Tribal™ has a handdrawn finish inspired by Aztec patterns. To achieve this look, Pilkington used traditional hand-engraving methods when creating the roller to produce a modern patterned glass that’s steeped in history.

Pilkington Texture Glass offers 21 different designs ranging from traditional to contemporary, allowing maximum light in while maintaining a chosen level of privacy or obscuration.

Pilkington - Enquiry 31

Saniflo helps turn ‘Grand Designs’ tiny house into reality

Saniflo has helped make a big dream of a Grand Designs tiny house situated on a 38m2 plot - into a reality. The industrial design wetroom features a shower, basin and WC each feeding into a Saniflo Sanicubic Pro 2 macerating pump situated directly beneath the wall hung WC in the basement. The Sanicubic Pro 2 featuring dual motors, offers continuity of service, so if ever one fails then the other will assume the workload. The Saniflo pump enabled the couple to install a second bathroom which adds value to their home.

Saniflo - Enquiry 32

The contemporary aesthetics of Forbo Flooring Systems’ Novilon cushioned vinyl, combined with its exceptional performance characteristics, has led Bovis Homes to incorporate the floor covering within its West Midlands region’s Affordable Social Housing Specification. Maxine Coppin, Partnership Development Coordinator at Bovis Homes, commented: “Forbo’s Novilon vinyl is perfect for these projects as it delivers the relevant slip resistance required by our housing association clients and it’s also easy to maintain for the end users. Novilon also comes in a wide variety of colours and designs for our clients to choose from.”

Forbo Flooring Systems - Enquiry 33

New design edition lift-and-slide door from Schueco

Schueco UK has just introduced the ASS 70.HI DE, a new, even more versatile version of the top-of-the-range, lift-and-slide door that Schueco originally introduced into the UK in 2010. This new Schueco system retains the basic profile depth of 70 mm but offers an ultra-slimline configuration with central meeting stiles that measure just 48 mm. The result is that the fully glazed doors deliver the clearest possible views with minimal visual interruptions, whilst still maintaining the maximum door height of 3 m. A new, easyaccess threshold of just 25 mm means that the danger of tripping is all but eliminated.

Schueco

Triton Showers’ new Omnicare range is the ideal solution for those in need of a shower which can be used comfortably and easily by all. With safety at its core, the BEAB care approved Omnicare gives total peace of mind to every user, parent or carer, while remaining stylish and attractive thanks to a variety of finishes. The reassurance of thermostatic technology means the system regulates the water to within +/-1°C of its intended temperature and will cut out completely in the event of a loss of flow the cold incoming supply.

Triton Showers - Enquiry 35

Bovis Homes specifies Novilon for its affordable housing

Caring for all with Triton’s Omnicare

NEW YEAR, NEW PRODUCTS

Freefoam Building Products have got off to a cracking start in 2018 with the launch of two new products ranges –Anthracite Grey Round Gutter System and an Acrylic interior panelling range.

Colin St John, Commercial Director, explained “New Year is always a time for new opportunities. We’re delighted to launch these new products at the beginning of the year. It shows our commitment to creating new openings for our customers giving them the range to enter new markets and meet demand from both the housebuilder and the refurbishment sector”

ACRYLIC PANELS

Following the growing success during 2017 of the PVC interior panelling products Freefoam has now added a new range of Acrylic panels to augment the product offering. The ultimate modern wall panel giving the perfect balance of style and convenience and the ideal alternative to tiles - saving time and money.

Designed to be easy to fit the Acrylic panel range features a unique tongue and groove fitting system, only available from Freefoam, and finished with attractive strong aluminium trims to give a robust and lasting installation. Panels are 1000mm wide, 2400mm long and 7mm thick to give coverage per panel of 2.40sqm.

A car park with a revenue stream

Performance validated by the Energy Savings Trust, the Thermapave system from Formpave enables heat to be extracted from car parks and other hard landscaped areas to provide the energy source for heat pumps as well as a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS).

Formpaves innovative permeable paving system incorporates thermally efficient energy collectors within the sub-base of a SuDS installation turning a car park into an energy centre. The system not only mitigates flood risk but also provides a sustainable renewable energy source for energy efficient ground source heat pumps, incentivised by the Government as a means of reducing carbon emissions. As a recognised renewable technology, ground source heat pumps qualify

Featuring a luxury translucent effect finish Acrylic panels are available in a wide range of stunning solid colours, from statement shades of aqua and red sparkle to more subtle contemporary mocha and brushed steel, panels give any bathroom or kitchen a smart modern low maintenance look.

ANTHRACITE RAINWATER RANGE

The popularity of Ral 7016 Anthracite Grey for windows and doors has been phenomenal over the last few years, featuring on many new housing developments around the county. Freefoam has consequentially seen sales of

its Deep rainwater range in Anthracite Grey increase over the last 18 months. The addition of a round gutter system is the next logical step to give Freefoam customers more choice and the flexibility to meet demand from housebuilders and specifiers.

The Freefoam grey rainwater system is manufactured exactly to Ral 7016 allowing customers to create a truly co-ordinated design with matching fascia, soffit and guttering, doors and windows.

for the Government’s non-domestic Renewable Heating Incentive providing building owners with a CPI linked recurring revenue stream for twenty years.

The concept reduces the cost of ground source heating substantially and greatly increases the places that such heat pump technology can be employed.

Considering current sustainability objectives, potential on site emissions reductions and energy savings possible, there are many tangible end client benefits as well as an added revenue stream from the Renewable Heating Incentive.

Formpave - Enquiry 37

Saint-Gobain PAM launches modular solution for high flow drainage applications

Saint-Gobain PAM UK has added a modular solution for applications that need to drain high volumes of waste water and trap or filter any silt or debris from a floor area to its Vortx range of floor drainage solutions. The modular cast iron deep sump, bell trap and brewery trap solutions are ideal for drainage in applications such as plants rooms, car parks and loading bays. The deep sump and brewery trap can remove water at 10 litres per second, while the bell trap achieves 6 litres per second at 20mm head.

Saint-Gobain PAM UK - Enquiry 38

Freefoam Building Products - Enquiry 36

Franke launches new Omni Contemporary 4-in-1 tap in four brand new colour finishes

Reflecting the interiors trend for coloured metals, Franke has launched the new Omni Contemporary 4-in-1 tap in four fashionable new coloured PVD finishes of Gold, Copper, Black and Gunmetal in addition to solid stainless steel.

The premium quality, high performance PVD coating offers consumers a stylish and robust tap that is easy to clean, will not discolour and is resistant to wear and to corrosion.

The distinctive tap is 345mm high and offers modern, angular styling with a U-shaped spout. The tap’s extended choice of colour finishes and elegant design aim to appeal to a wide range of customers and will complement any kitchen scheme.

The Omni Contemporary joins the original Omni and the Omni Classic to offer the lifestyle-enhancing benefits of Franke’s 4-in-1 tap technology. It dispenses 100°C filtered boiling water, filtered cold water, and standard mains hot and cold, all from a single, leveroperated tap. It has a spout reach of 230mm and will dispense eight cups of boiling water or fill two saucepans.

Eurocell’s Lusso adds zest to conservatory styles

Eurocell has announced the new Lusso orangery-style roof system, which adds style and value to conservatory offerings and completes the Eurocell roof range. Comprising highline gutter and internal pelmet components, Lusso is a modern take on traditional roof design, offering an on-trend orangery effect from standard components – and without all the extra building work or added cost of structural work to ensure the conservatory can take a ‘fuller’ roof. With a striking depth of up to 413mm, the Lusso pelmet provides an ‘intelligently-designed’ box section.

Eurocell - Enquiry 41

The Omni Contemporary’s compact 4.2 litre stainless steel tank and filter fit neatly into the under-sink cupboard.

Franke - Enquiry 39

Reynaers launches ultra slim frames with Slimline 68

Narrow frames and superior performance characterise Slimline 68, a new window system that’s been launched to the trade by leading aluminium systems company Reynaers. With a huge range of design options, the SL 68 has industry-leading thermal insulation and is one of the most secure windows available – meeting PAS24 and Secured by Design standards. This security is enhanced with hinge-side security brackets, a multi-point locking mechanism and lockable handles. The SL 68 can achieve a Window Energy Rating of A++ and a U-value of 1.0 W/m2K with triple glazing.

Reynaers - Enquiry 40

ERA has launched the new HomeGuard Pro, the first of its kind, cloud-based alarm system to combine security with smart living.

The Cloud takes away constraints that a localised alarm system brings, with the immediate benefit being no control panel, just a hub.

The Cloud also enables the monitoring of multiple hubs from one account, meaning quick-flip viewing of different locations can be done in seconds.

Even better still, is the cloud means superfast communication and in the event of an intrusion, HomeGuard Pro will simultaneously alert all stored contacts and provide real time data.

Log in, flip between IP cameras, review arm/ disarm logs – quick and easy home security management.

HomeGuard Pro comes ready to work with Lightwave to automate your home alongside arm and disarm functionality and is also due to integrate with TouchKey (Keyless Smart Lock) and DoorCam, (Wi-Fi Video Doorbell) bringing to life a fully integrated suite of Smart Home Products all connected and managed by one easy-to-use Smartphone App.

Finally, the Cloud offers money saving benefits as new integrations are released or new features become available. ERA - Enquiry 42

To make an enquiry - Go online: www.enquire2.com Send a fax: 01952 234003

ERA launches cloud-based HomeGuard Pro