Introducing Impact - the theme driving Futurebuild 2025. Impact reflects our shared commitment to positive change in the built environment, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. By visiting Futurebuild 2025, you'll not only experience this transformation but also take part in it.
Discover cutting-edge solutions, connect with industry leaders, and gain the tools and insights to make a meaningful impact in your work and beyond.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has shared a further response to the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report’s recommendations.
Identifying further opportunities for change, RIBA recommends regulatory, structural and operational changes.
RIBA Chair of Board Jack Pringle said: “The full findings of the Inquiry’s report make a clear case for further regulatory, structural and operational change, alongside a fundamental shift in culture and behaviours – and we remain fully committed to playing our part.
“As the professional body for architects, we have taken significant steps since June 2017 to enhance training and education, including but not limited to our mandatory Health and Safety test and our Principal Designer Register. As recommended, we are reviewing these measures, ensuring our members maintain the highest standards of professional competence.
“To help deliver a comprehensive competence system for professionals across the construction industry, we suggest exploring a model similar to that of the current Engineering Council. This could take the form of a single statutory body for all construction professional bodies which should set processes that all professional bodies certifying the competence of individuals, including architects, must meet.
“We fully support the Inquiry’s recommendation to bring responsibility for the functions relating to fire safety under a single Secretary of State, supported by a suitably qualified Chief Construction Advisor, to aid coordination and accountability. Aside from structural and regulatory change, we support the Inquiry’s call for independent research and development to restore faith in product testing standards. We also believe that the role of contracts and procurement processes in defining the obligations and agency of the different members of the client, design, and construction teams should be reviewed.
“The long-term efficacy of the construction sector hinges on making these evidence-based changes. It remains our duty to drive meaningful reform at all levels to deliver a built environment in which the public has complete confidence.”
Paul Groves Group Editor paul.groves@tspmedia.co.uk
▸ Timber frame construction
▸ Spandrel panels
▸ Modular build
▸ Rainscreen cladding
▸ Render carrier board
▸ High performance dry lining
▸ Tilebacker
▸ Fire resistant floors and ceilings
▸ Passive fire protection
▸ Steel frame construction
Rearo’s British-made worktops are engineered to withstand everyday wear and tear, ensuring a long-lasting, lowmaintenance kitchen.
Discover the perfect blend of style and durability with the Senses range of highpressure laminate (HPL) kitchen surfaces. Seamlessly integrate our products into your kitchen with simple installation and minimal upkeep, secure in the knowledge that all of our surfaces are sustainably sourced and PEFC certified.
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The latest Housing Pipeline Report from the Home Builders Federation, containing data from Glenigan, shows a continued downward trend in planning approval figures for Q3 2024 in both the number of sites and units approved for development.
With just 2,260 sites approved in the months of July to September, this marks a 10% decline from the previous quarter and the lowest quarterly total recorded since the HBF reporting in 2006.
The rolling annual total of 10,180 sites approved also represents a record low, further illustrating the significant challenges the UK housing sector faces in meeting growing demand.
While the number of units approved during Q3 increased by 2% to 57,356, this is still 40% below the peak. The rolling annual total of 240,661 units saw a modest 1% rise from Q2 2024 but remains 6% lower than the same period in 2023 This decline in planning approvals
highlights that, to meet the Government's target of 370,000 new homes annually, approvals need to increase by over 150%.
Regionally, the decline in planning approvals has been especially pronounced in the North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, and the West Midlands. Although regions like London saw slight increases, the numbers remain far below historic levels.
The regional disparities further complicate efforts to address the national housing crisis, with areas in greatest need of new homes facing the most significant barriers to development.
Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the HBF said: “The continued decline in planning approvals is deeply concerning and underlines the scale of the challenge we face in addressing the country’s housing crisis.
“We are seeing significant regional variation, with some areas experiencing
Morgan Sindall Construction has begun construction of Mill Yard, Railpen’s new mixed-use campus in central Cambridge that will regenerate a key part of the city into a sustainable new neighbourhood.
The project, formerly known as Devonshire Gardens and which has a value of £180m, has been developed by Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, and Socius, its development partner.
The site was rebranded in 2024 to Mill Yard, reflecting its position on the vibrant Mill Road, close to the heart of the city. Mill Yard comprises 110,000 sq ft of prime offices, 70 build-to-rent apartments, a series of residential former railway cottages, a 2,100 sq ft crèche, a community events pavilion, and a cluster of retail units across seven buildings set around a 1.55acre public park.
This landmark brownfield regeneration will unlock a vital space in the heart of the city, located close to Cambridge train station. The heart of Mill Yard will feature a pavilion designed by George King Architects that will serve as a focal point for the public park and green areas around the site, ensuring residents and users can access green outdoor space on their doorstep.
The site will also benefit from a perimeter running track, play street, and it will be the only major office development in the city with secure cycle parking and end of journey facilities at ground floor.
severe drops in approvals, while others, like London, are still well below previous levels. This discrepancy highlights the need for targeted interventions that not only speed up planning processes but also provide clear support for both developers and homebuyers.
“The lack of affordable housing is impacting communities across the country, and without a stable demand for new homes, the industry lacks the confidence to invest in building the homes that are desperately needed.
“Increasing housing will require going beyond planning reform and addressing broader issues such as financing for homebuyers and a lack of providers in the market to take on the affordable housing developers build.
“Continued intervention from the Government will be crucial to ensuring we have a robust housing market that can deliver for the nation and tackle the housing crisis head-on.”
Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised Birmingham City Council on the sale of 487 homes to Legal & General Affordable Homes, in what is a significant boost to the supply of affordable housing in the city.
Supporting ongoing housing growth and enhanced community facilities, the portfolio is part of the award-winning Perry Barr scheme, an ambitious regeneration plan, spanning more than 60 hectares of land, to create a new neighbourhood with more than 5,000 new homes and supporting infrastructure.
Less than a quarter of skilled trades and builders (23%) are aware of the Future Homes Standard and how it might impact their work, according to new research.
The news comes following confusion in the media about the Future Homes Standard, with recent reports suggesting the government will scrap the current agreement to ban gas boilers in new homes by 2035.
The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has responded to the claims, to say the claims are ‘categorically wrong’.
The research, from leading national builders merchant Jewson, found that of those who are aware of the upcoming legislation – which will aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels to heat homes – almost a third (30%) envisage it will put financial pressure on their business. A further fifth (18%) think it will require them to invest in additional training and upskilling, to ensure they’re working compliantly.
Sabrina Passley, Head of Sustainability for STARK Building Materials UK, said: “While there is progress being made to transform the building industry and instil sustainable practices in the development
of new properties, both the data from our Trade Trends report and recent reporting in the media demonstrate there is confusion as to what’s to be expected from the Future Homes Standard. As such, there is more that can be done to support tradespeople and builders during this transitional period.
“It is vitally important that suppliers and manufacturers in industry work with the government as we edge closer to the Future Homes Standard being introduced, to ensure those delivering new properties and refurbishing existing homes know exactly what is expected of them.
Welsh social housing funding criteria includes a ‘fabric first’ alternative to EPC A requirements, that draws on the Passivhaus methodology, and has implications for the rest of the UK.
In a ground-breaking move, the Welsh Development Quality Requirements (WDQR) 2021, supplemented by an FAQ addendum, has set out a ‘fabric first’ alternative option to EPC A that social housing providers can opt for.
The alternative option draws heavily on the Passivhaus methodology and the AECB newbuild standard, with a space heating target of 40 kWh/m2/year.
The approach taken in Wales could offer a useful template for other parts of the UK. Setting the standard initially with
space heating requirements matched to the AECB standard has been seen as an acceptable starting point for upskilling the supply chain within Wales. It also offers a clearly defined and deliverable path for the construction industry towards the Passivhaus standard.
A Net Zero Pattern Book has just been launched, with support from the Welsh Government and 23 social housing providers.
The Tai ar y Cyd pattern book sets out 15 house typologies across the two fabric first standards of AECB standard (baseline) and Passivhaus Classic (enhanced). The pattern book will help make it easier for Welsh social housing providers to adopt the ‘alternative proposals’ route to get project funding.
“At Jewson, we want to provide our customers with the education, services and products they need to get to grips with the Future Homes Standards, by ensuring easy access to innovative technologies, expert advice, and everything else they might need to build sustainably and with confidence. Being part of the STARK Group, Jewson can leverage European expertise in sustainability. This gives us a unique opportunity to pass on best practices and lessons from our European colleagues to our UK customers, ensuring they’re prepared for how the regulations will affect them every day.”
At the same time, the Passivhaus Trust is developing regional skills training options for architects and contractors, so that Wales has the supply chain to deliver these projects.
The Passivhaus Trust is also actively campaigning for the Passivhaus standard to be considered ‘deemed to satisfy’ building regulations in Wales and across the UK.
“The need for energy-efficient homes has never been greater.”
The future of our planet is at stake. That’s why the homes we build should do everything they can to meet the environmental challenge.
In terms of sustainability, Superglass is a breath of fresh air - their glass mineral wool insulation makes homes and workplaces warmer, quieter and more comfortable, as well as recycling waste and minimising the use of resources - applying ‘climate positive thinking’ to every aspect of their manufacturing and delivery processes. Superglass. Made to make a difference.
Homes England and Invest & Fund, a growing development finance lending platform, have announced a significant expansion of their Lending Alliance, reinforcing their commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) developers as part of the government’s plans to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.
The expanded partnership will now offer development loans up to £4 million, at a maximum 70% Loan to Gross Development Value and maximum 85% Loan-to-Cost.
The partnership is projected to facilitate the construction of an additional 600
new homes, building on the 107 homes already supported through the original lending alliance.
In 2020, the Agency announced a seven-year partnership with Invest & Fund, to increase the amount of finance available to SME developers, helping them to grow and deliver more homes at pace. The collaboration created a £25 million revolving fund to enable the support of small builders with construction loans of up to £2.5 million, funding schemes of two homes and upwards, at up to 80% Loan-To-Cost.
Marcus Ralling, Chief Investments Officer at Homes England, said: “Small
A groundbreaking project is revolutionising the way technology and data are integrated into independent living solutions, offering transformative benefits for individuals across Scotland.
Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, has praised the Peoplehood Project, a transformative initiative by Blackwood Homes and Care in collaboration with The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI during a visit. The visit took place at the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service, where Mr Gray experienced first-
hand the innovative use of technology and data designed to support healthier, independent living for Scotland’s elderly and vulnerable populations.
Launched in 2022, the £12.5 million Peoplehood Project has engaged over 500 participants across Buckie, Dundee and Glasgow. The three-year project has co-designed new independent living models, incorporating cutting-edge assisted technologies and digital skills training aimed at improving quality of life while reducing dependence on social care services.
and medium housebuilders play a vital and essential role in driving the delivery of new homes where they are needed most. This refinancing demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting the small builders that are crucial to building a diverse and resilient housing sector. By nearly doubling the fund and extending its availability, we’re providing sustained, long-term support to help SME developers grow and deliver more homes at pace.”
Robert Burgess, Chairman at Invest & Fund, said: “Invest & Fund are delighted to be working with Homes England to support SME developers and ensure that they have access to vital funding to deliver much needed new homes across the country.”
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has secured planning permission for the third and final phase of Marleigh, its vibrant new neighbourhood on the eastern edge of Cambridge.
The approved plans will deliver 423 new homes, bringing the total number of homes at the development to 1,391establishing Marleigh as a key residential destination for the region.
The Cambridge Council planning committee praised the design-led approach, noting the seamless integration of green spaces and the high-quality architecture showcased throughout the development.
Reliable insulated render systems, bringing unrivalled versatility and a professional finish to commercial and residential projects.
Fassatherm insulated render systems for steel frame, certified by Kiwa BDA
Birkdale’s a new composite fence panel range, DuraPost VISTA, is designed to provide both beauty and durability at an affordable price, the panels can be used for boundary fencing or to create sleek garden features.
DuraPost VISTA panels have an attractive timber-look design. Incredibly easy to install, they are lightweight and feature a tongue in groove design, that makes the process simple and hassle-free to undertake on site.
The panels also integrate seamlessly with the DuraPost galvanised steel fence post system and post infills to ensure installers can turn to Birkdale for a complete fencing solution.
Once in-situ, the weather resistant panels will perform for the long-term. Made from a recyclable and sustainable wood-plastic composite (WPC), the panels have minimal environmental impact. They are also UV stabilised and will not rot, warp or splinter, retaining their integrity for each season, without the need for any annual treatment to protect and preserve their finish. As such, they are backed by a 15-year guarantee.
Finally, the panels are available in three different colourways – exclusive to this particular DuraPost range – Oyster, Teak and Graphite, which ensures there is a solution to complement any existing architectural features. John Abernethie, CEO at Birkdale, commented: “We are delighted to be expanding our DuraPost composite panel range even further. The aim is to provide homeowners, installers and commercial contractors alike with a costeffective fencing option that they can trust will perform for the long-term.”
Masterframe Windows Ltd, founded in 1988, is an established UK manufacturer of bespoke, high-quality PVC-U sash windows.
The company has maintained a 27-year relationship with the British Board of Agrément (BBA). Masterframe first sought third party certification from the BBA in 1997 and obtained Agrément certification for its windows. Since then, the company has worked with the BBA to ensure conformity, consistency and that
their unique and patented sash window frames meet high-quality standards.
Following the initial certification in 1997, Masterframe has maintained its Agrément Certificate to uphold these high standards, even as the company introduces product lifecycle changes,
innovations, and process updates. To ensure compliance and quality, as part of the Agrément maintenance process, Masterframe receives two visits from the BBA to its premises per year for, audits and inspections. As a result, the company and its employees have maintained a strong focus on quality in their manufacturing processes, delivery and installation of their products for its highend customer base and its expectations.
The Masterframe PVC-U sash windows provide a unique alternative to traditional timber frames, offering a traditional look and feel while delivering all the benefits of a modern system. All the window frames are designed inhouse and feature unique and patented technology. The Masterframe windows feature putty-line finishes, deep sills, vacuum glazing with 10mm cavity units. Although the glazing appears single glazed, it has a 1.2u value and includes all the benefits of double-glazing. The window frames look unobtrusive and offer sound proofing benefits.
Carol Slade, Managing Director for Masterframe Windows Ltd, who works closely with the BBA team explained, “We recognise that the industry needs third party certification, it provides valuable assurance and trust to our customer base that what they are buying, performs as we claim. Certification can be perceived as being expensive and time-consuming, but we are committed to quality and want to maintain our standards within the market, so we see it as an important investment. We also recognise that BBA certification enhances our credibility when tendering for large commercial contracts.”
The BBA Agreement Certificate and its process clearly demonstrates that Masterframe windows continue to meet UK building regulations and have been assessed and tested to provide durability for the lifetime of each window frame they produce, provided they have been installed and maintained in accordance with the details contained in the certificate.
Tiny Homes grow bigger
A business set up just three years ago in rural North Wales is enjoying steady growth based on a concept already popular amongst Americans and the ANZAC nations: offering clients the opportunity to have the home of their dreams, custom-built at a genuinely affordable price. SterlingOSB Zero from West Fraser features prominently in this timber-based, eco-friendly construction method.
TWT Tiny Homes was founded by Henri Brown and Lucy Robertson, drawing on their experience as a trained carpenter and a career in television design respectively, which led the pair to creating their own bijou property. Although still small, the company now calls on the assistance of like-minded individuals to meet the demand for a dozen properties a year, destined for all parts of the UK.
While operations are currently undertaken in two workshops on a family farm, planning permission has been obtained to erect larger production premises nearby in Spring 2025.
Each project begins with a site visit and an in-depth consultation to determine the customer's needs and ambitions, followed by the provision of detailed
drawings along with ‘mood boards' to facilitate the choice of materials for the fit-out. The materials can include areas of the SterlingOSB Zero being left exposed along with the solid timber sections, from which many of the interior fittings are fashioned. Primarily, however, the rugged and versatile orientated strand board is utilised for its structural performance.
Normally assembled on a road-legal galvanised trailer chassis, each Tiny Home is built to a high standard, and to last a very long time, though the company targets Part L requirements on energy performance to make them easier to heat and can also make them DDA compliant if required.
All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC certified (CO12533) and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation.
Securing innovation measure
Following updates to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, installers fitting Vaillant’s aroTHERM
plus heat pump systems can now access a 45% innovation measure uplift. Innovation Measures under ECO4 include technologies, products, or systems that can significantly improve energy efficiency of UK homes. Such technologies, including heat pumps have now been integrated as innovation measures into the ECO4 framework to encourage further uptake.
Vaillant’s aroTHERM plus is the first heat pump to be awarded an innovation measure with a substantial uplift, which makes it even easier for homeowners to access low carbon, highly efficient and quality heat pump systems, helping to cut their carbon footprint and reduce energy bills. The ECO4 scheme offers grants to homeowners, landlords and private tenants to support the installation of air source heat pumps, making energy efficient solutions more accessible.
Launched in 2020, the aroTHERM plus air source heat pump is the first in the UK to use R290, a natural refrigerant which has a global warming potential of just three. With regular servicing and maintenance, the lifespan of the aroTHERM plus can reach between 20 to 25 years, providing long-term energy savings and sustainability.
Discover the perfect blend of style and durability with the Senses range of high-pressure laminate (HPL) kitchen surfaces. From sleek worktops, upstands and breakfast bars to stunning splashbacks, our 24 carefully chosen décors cater to every taste.
Be dazzled by the beauty of realistic woodgrains, marbles, and stones, or opt for contemporary patterns and plain designs in various textured finishes.
Our British-made worktops are engineered to withstand everyday wear and tear, ensuring a long-lasting, lowmaintenance kitchen.
• Versatile Design: Choose from smooth post-formed or sleek square-cut edges to complement your kitchen's style.
• Complete the Look: Match your worktop with co-ordinating breakfast bars, splashbacks, upstands, and edging.
• Peace of Mind: Our 5-year guarantee and comprehensive fitting and maintenance guide ensure your investment is protected.
• Sustainable Choice: Our wood is sourced from PEFC-certified forests, promoting responsible forestry practices.
Seamlessly integrate our products into your kitchen with simple installation and minimal upkeep, secure in the knowledge that all of our surfaces are
sustainably sourced and PEFC certified. Whether you're drawn to minimalist modernity, moody luxury, or cozy, natural contemporary style, Senses has the perfect décor to bring your vision to life. Explore our collection and discover how
Senses can transform your kitchen into a space you'll love. Email us at sales@ rearo.co.uk, call us on 0141 440 0800 or visit our website at www.rearo.co.uk.
Rearo - Enquiry 9
Marley’s popular Weatherboard range has been certified by the leading applied safety science authority, UL Solutions. Following robust independent testing, the fibre cement board solution for external cladding has been certified to meet all relevant standards for performance, quality and safety.
The certification provides critical product credibility, meaning specifiers can select Marley’s Weatherboard solution with confidence, knowing its performance and safety credentials have been thoroughly examined.
Assessment criteria
To achieve UL certification, the performance of Marley’s façade and cladding system was tested in accordance with the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) sequence B – Standard for Systemised Building Envelopes (2005). This satisfies several key performance areas:
• Weather resistance: Tests show the Marley Weatherboard Cladding System has been designed to resist the passage of water to inside the building. Wind resistance: Proven ability to withstand both every day and extreme wind loads, enhancing the structural resilience of building façades.
• Safety compliance: Impact-tested to ensure occupant safety.
• Compliance: Certified in accordance with the test methods of the Centre for Window & Cladding Technology (CWCT) building envelope standards.
The Weatherboard fibre cement cladding system delivers a textured woodgrain finish and is ideal for refreshing existing properties or adding significant visual appeal to new developments. With a high coverage rate, it offers a cost-effective solution, along with ease of installation and low maintenance requirements.
New colour option
Coinciding with its UL Solutions certification, Marley has also expanded the colourway options for its Weatherboard range. The launch of a new blue-grey colour option complements the existing choices of white, light grey, slate grey and black, to further extend specification choice.
With blue-grey particularly popular in the Southwest areas of the UK, especially in coastal areas, the new colourway adds another layer of aesthetic appeal for projects in this region.
Marley also offers full colour-matched trims and accessories for its Weatherboard range, to ensure all projects offer an aesthetically striking and premium finish.
Kevin O’Neill, National Sales Manager, Weatherboard for Marley, comments: "Rigorously tested, our Weatherboard system is UL Certified, meaning the fibre cement solution offers high levels of performance in water resistance, wind durability and safety compliance. It’s the perfect solution for specifiers looking to integrate reliable and compliant cladding solutions into their projects.
“This, combined with the addition of the new blue-grey colourway, means specifiers have increased choice and confidence when choosing Marley’s Weatherboard for their external cladding projects.”
For more information, visit Marley’s website at www.marley.co.uk
A breakthrough monocouche render using increased levels of recycled material is now available to help housebuilders achieve sustainability targets.
weberpral E by Saint-Gobain Weber uses the next generation of cement replacement, resulting in a 22% reduction in carbon emissions from fossil fuels and by 10% overall compared to its current monocouche. The render also cuts nonrenewable energy consumption by 19%, uses 28% less water in the raw material
supply and saves 25% energy consumption in total over the lifecycle of the product.
With many renders requiring 20mm thickness in locations classed as ‘severe exposure’ to combat high levels of wind-driven rain and frost, weberpral E has reduced water absorption so can be applied at just 15mm thickness to achieve the same performance. This means around 25% less material is needed.
James Mead, R&D Director, Saint-Gobain Weber said: “Our customers are increasingly turning to us to help them achieve their ambitious sustainability targets. We’ve worked with a panel of professional renderers across the UK to help develop and test weberpral E to make sure it’s not only more sustainable than previous renders but that it carries the same industry-leading standard of performance. Blind tests, including spraying, ruling, and scraping, were carried out with four other leading
monocouche renders with weberpral E coming out on top, in each category including ease of application. Essentially weberpral E boasts all the same key features as our original monocouche render but is demonstrably better for the environment.”
The new approach for weberpral E introduces a more sustainable alternative resource.
Saint-Gobain Weber - Enquiry 13
As the construction sector adapts to the UK's Building Safety Act 2022, Wetherby Wall Systems, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, is positioned to support industry professionals in navigating the new regulatory landscape. The Act introduces stringent safety protocols, notably the three "gateways" for high-risk buildings, with Gateway 2 focusing on pre-construction design and safety approvals.
Recognising the challenges these regulations present, Wetherby Wall Systems provides comprehensive guidance to ensure compliance and streamline project progression. The company offers a step-by-step guide to the Building Safety Act and Gateway 2, detailing the necessary documentation, safety case requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of duty holders during the design and construction phases.
In addition to these informative resources, Wetherby Wall Systems supplies a range of A1 non-combustible systems and ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation solutions designed to meet the highest safety standards mandated by the new legislation. A technical support team is available to assist with specification requests, application guides, and critical detailing
to facilitate compliance with Gateway 2 requirements.
Understanding the complexities introduced by the Building Safety Act, Wetherby Wall Systems remains committed to partnering with developers, architects, and contractors to navigate these changes effectively. Through superior product quality, flexible partnerships, and over 40 years of industry leadership in the external wall insulation sector, the company aims to contribute to a safer built environment.
For more information on how Wetherby Wall Systems can assist with projects, contact gateway2@wbs-ltd.co.uk or call Wetherby’s Façade Manager Steve Kilbride on 07874 399264.
Wetherby Wall Systems - Enquiry 14
You may just see a roof. But by specifying a complete Marley Solar Roof System, you can be sure of a secure and robust solution, that also delivers more desirable, energy efficient homes. It’s more than a roof, it’s building to make a difference.
Aico, the European market leader in home life safety, announced the launch of its innovative HomeLINK Case Management (HCM) system in November 2024. This advanced tool designed to address landlords’ biggest challenges in maintaining safe and compliant homes, providing a comprehensive, intuitive solution to manage issues like damp & mould.
HomeLINK, a leading smart property management solution, helps landlords create healthier, safer living environments through data-driven insights.
Trusted by landlords across the UK, HomeLINK solutions are support efforts to stay compliant and enhance tenant satisfaction.
Aico created HCM to help property managers meet compliance requirements and streamline complex processes. This launch is well-timed, given the increasing regulatory pressures that landlords face.
HCM’s development reflects five big challenges identified from customer insights and feedback following Aico’s recent events: ‘Building a Safer Future Together’ and ‘Social Housing Professionals Network Roadshow’. These challenges include identifying and managing cases, analysing data, recording actions and interventions, and communicating with residents— areas where HCM is set to make a transformative impact.
“HCM is a direct response to the needs and concerns of landlords, delivering a robust solution that not only makes compliance easier but also promotes proactive management and tenant satisfaction,” said Chris Jones, Product Director.
Aico’s HomeLINK Case Management System helps landlords address each stage of case management with greater ease and effectiveness:
• Identify: HCM helps landlords quickly identify potential property issues using data insights and resident surveys, enabling faster responses.
• Manage: Landlords can manage their entire property portfolio without requiring pre-installed hardware, although optional device installation can provide deeper insights. Cases are easily created and assigned, with task management features that ensure issues are tracked and resolved from start to finish.
• Analyse: With new data visualisations, landlords gain unique insights into property conditions, including comparisons with portfolio and national averages. Landlords can overlay interventions, such as upgrades to insulation or heating, to see whether these efforts improve outcomes over time.
• Record: HCM’s comprehensive record-keeping captures every detail of case management, from maintenance updates to resident feedback, ensuring full transparency and compliance.
• Communicate: Landlords can now communicate directly with residents through the HomeLINK Resident App, keeping them informed and engaged. The platform allows landlords to
request surveys and up-to-date photos of issues, with tools to track changes over time.
Integrated Seamlessly with the HomeLINK Portal
HCM is available to all existing HomeLINK customers as an integrated extension of the current portal, allowing them to manage cases with the same ease and reliability they expect from HomeLINK’s platform.
This seamless integration provides landlords with a unified, comprehensive solution for managing compliance, improving tenant experiences, and maintaining high standards.
“By developing HCM, we’re equipping landlords with the tools they need to navigate their biggest challenges in a way that is both practical and proactive. HCM is not only a case management tool but a game-changer for compliance and tenant engagement,” added Jordan Toulson, Product & Success Manager.
Aico - Enquiry 16
NorDan UK's StormGuard windows will now have a unique 30-year warranty as standard.
Designed for harsh Scandinavian winters, StormGuard features robust internal gearing and a simple yet innovative threehandle tilt-and-turn locking system that makes the window safe, secure and airtight, while still being easy to use and maintain. With timber at the core, like all NorDan windows, StormGuard has significantly lower embodied carbon values than PVC alternatives, while its design helps keep homes warmer, helping to reduce both energy bills and carbon emissions.
Announcing the launch of the marketleading warranty, Craig Greenwood, Managing Director of NorDan UK, said: "StormGuard has become a design classic because it looks great and works brilliantly. We know the demands from social
landlords, including low maintenance, energy efficiency and longevity, attributes that perfectly describe StormGuard.
"Over eight million StormGuard windows have been sold since its launch in 1962 with hardly any call-backs. Many are still in use and some even have a second life after being repurposed into new buildings. We are proud of the StormGuard design and track record and felt we needed to give it the ultimate backing, which is why each new StormGuard window now comes with a 30-year warranty." Because of its energy efficiency and minimal maintenance requirements, NorDan's StormGuard has become increasingly popular with housing associations and local authorities for new build and refurbishment projects.
Marmox answers the call at London Build 2024
With the findings of the Grenfell Inquiry continuing to reshape building practices across the UK, the annual construction show at the capital’s famous Olympia venue is this year doubling in size and being refocused as the London Build Fire & Security Expo (November 2021st) with insulation specialist Marmox UK Ltd on hand to demonstrate its recently launched Fireboard product on Stand L42.
The Marmox Stone Wool based product shares the unique Marmox honeycomb surface structure with its XPS forerunner and is suitable for both internal and external wall insulation (IWI/EWI) applications.
Externally the A1 non-combustible certified Fireboard can serve as a weatherproof render-backer, or be used internally across walls and ceilings to take a plaster finish, while providing sound absorption properties, along with thermal insulation.
The 600 x 1200mm Fireboards are available in thicknesses of 20mm, 50mm and 100 mm and with the polymer modified mortar honeycomb coating applied to both faces.
With a nominal density of 150 kg/m3 the boards’ core material offers a compressive strength of 90kPa (9 tonnes/m2), while its high insulation performance will help combat thermal-bridging and the formation of surface condensation, as well as having the potential to cut energy bills.
Marmox
Clyde Homes, one of Scotland's largest social landlords, installed almost 340 StormGuard windows as part of a £4 million regeneration and retrofit project at Prospecthill Court, a 16-storey tower block in Greenock.
NorDan UK – Enquiry 18
Kidde launches wireless fire alarm controller
Kidde Safety Europe has launched its innovative CV9101 Fire Alarm Controller, designed to simplify the regular testing and maintenance of its Cavius family of wireless alarms. This user-friendly controller eliminates the need for physical access to alarms, making fire safety more accessible than ever before. The CV9101 Fire Alarm Controller allows homeowners to remotely test and silence their Cavius wireless alarms using a convenient Test/Hush button. This advancement is particularly beneficial for elderly or disabled individuals who may struggle to access alarms, as well as for properties where physical access is challenging, such as alarms installed in high ceilings or non-occupied loft spaces.
Kidde - Enquiry 20
Domus Ventilation expands energy efficient range
Domus Ventilation has added new models to its intermittent axial fan range: the DBF100 100mm (4”) fan and the DKF150 150mm (6”) fan. Both fan types are available in versions with timer control, and combined humidistat and timer control which identifies and reacts to a significant change in humidity.
The DBF100 is also available with a pull cord control. The new Domus Ventilation axial fans have been designed for high performance and energy efficiency. The DKF150 provides extract volume rates up to 48.8 l/s, with the smaller DBF100 operating up to 18.6 l/s, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations Part F Ventilation.
Domus Ventilation - Enquiry 21
YBS Insulation, a leader in innovative building insulation products, has launched ThermaQuilt Ultra, a high-performance multi-layer insulation blanket designed for diverse applications in roofs, walls and floors.
Nuaire provides affordable cooling for residential development
Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire has had its MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling Systems installed into the new Berkeley Oval Village mixed use development in central London.
A total of 103 MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling Systems with Nuaire ducting are being installed into one bedroom apartments at Oval Village in an area called the Zone, which are available on a shared ownership basis. Compact in size, they are being installed within each apartment’s utility cupboards.
The MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling System, which is a cooling extension for the MRXBOX Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) range, combines the heat-exchanger coolth recovery of an MVHR system with the cooling effect provided by a DX coil. A wall-mounted room temperature sensor senses indoor temperatures and activates the cooling module automatically when necessary.
An addition to YBS Insulation’s already extensive product offering, which also includes SuperQuilt, SuperQuilt Trade and SuperQuilt Lite, ThermaQuilt Ultra delivers exceptional thermal resistance in a thin, flexible 45mm profile – making it an ideal solution for both new construction and renovation projects in residential and commercial buildings, as well as for specialised use in motor homes, boats, and cellars.
ThermaQuilt Ultra's unique multi-layer composition effectively manages all forms of energy transfer, including conduction, convection and radiation. Furthermore, this innovative design not only retains heat in winter but also reflects solar heat in summer, reducing the need for artificial cooling systems.
Achieving R-Values up to 2.61 m2K/W, equivalent to 120mm of Mineral Wool Insulation (with a thermal conductivity of 0.044), ThermaQuilt Ultra also incorporates a built-in airtight vapour control layer to prevent moisture passage and reduce condensation risk.
With a non-degradable construction, the product maintains thermal performance throughout the lifespan of the building, while also boasting an ecofriendly composition, utilizing recycled materials. What’s more, the fibre-free design eliminates the need for personal protective equipment during handling.
YBS Insulation - Enquiry 22
The MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling System has been designed specifically to address the issue of overheating in problem areas of developments, where specific apartments or groups of apartments cannot be naturally ventilated and where site wide cooling technologies are not an option. The MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling System significantly lowers the temperature of the fresh-air supply for occupant comfort, and enables compliance with Building Regulations Part O which addresses overheating mitigation requirements.
Nuaire - Enquiry 23
Vericon at heart of innovative social housing project
Intelligent remote monitoring and management technology for heating systems from Vericon Systems that help prevent the harmful effects of damp and mould is at the heart of a first-of-its-kind SMART home project introduced by SHAL Housing.
City Plumbing equipped five SHAL Housing properties with ADEY’s Sense, a range of digitally enabled systems that help prevent heating system breakdowns, integrated with Vericon’s IoT sensors and agnostic boiler monitoring system. Vericon’s technology provides precise evaluations of system health with real-time data that enable effective maintenance strategies. Any potential damp or mould can be detected early on with alerts sent to SHAL Housing.
Vericon - Enquiry 24
Adapt-Air is the preassembled ducting to airbrick adapter from Timloc Building Products, designed to streamline the integration of ventilation systems in modern homes.
Ready to fit straight out of the packaging, Adapt-Air saves time, reduces costs, and minimises the need for external fitters, core drilling, and specialist tools when connecting an internal fan and extraction unit through to an external wall.
Adapt-Air can be used at floor level voids and through external walls and is suitable for round and rectangular rigid extraction ductwork from Bathrooms, WC cloakrooms, Utility rooms and Kitchens.
Timloc Building Products, part of Alumasc Group plc, manufacture and supply sustainable building products from ground level right up to the roof ridge, from their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Howden, East Yorkshire.
Built into the brickwork package and terminating at an external airbrick, Adapt-Air removes the need for unsightly gravity flap vents and avoids costly rework from core drilling through brickwork.
Kerry Taylor, Technical Manager at Timloc Building Products, comments: “We are proud to be able to deliver cutting-edge solutions like Adapt-Air to help streamline and elevate the housebuilding process.
Through continuous product innovation we have been able to develop a product that not only advances existing practices but also mitigates safety issues on site, which is of fundamental importance.
This innovative solution is setting a new standard for safety, efficiency, and practicality in housebuilding.” Choose from 7 different airbrick colour options to seamlessly blend with external brickwork: Terracotta, Buff, Black, Brown, Grey, White, and Blue Black.
Case Study
Adapt-Air units were installed by one of the UK’s leading housebuilders on a new housing development in Wombwell, South Yorkshire.
The Adapt-Air system provided a ducting-to-airbrick solution, eliminating the mess and time associated with core drilling, as well as the hassle of on-site kit assembly.
The site manager was thrilled with the practicality Adapt-Air delivered, easing the typical hassle of installing ductwork.
"Adapt-Air has removed a health and safety problem for me on-site with core drilling, and you can’t put a price on that." – Site Manager
Utilising Adapt-Air also delivers a significant cost-saving by eliminating the need for core drilling and external fitters.
This particular development consisted of around 150 plots and the use of Adapt-Air facilitated a cost saving of approximately £40,000 for the housebuilder.
Whether for new builds or renovations, Adapt-Air is the smart choice for modern housebuilding, eliminating health and safety risks, saving time, and reducing costs.
For further information, including the full datasheet, visit the Timloc Building Products website: timloc.co.uk
For technical queries, contact our Technical Department: technical@timloc.co.uk | 01405 782 769
Adapt-Air - Enquiry 25
Superglass Insulation, one of the UK’s leading glass mineral wool insulation manufacturers are pleased to announce that their new Robust Detail solution E-WM- 35 has been included in the latest addition of the Robust Details Handbook.
This new detail, developed collaboratively by Superglass and Robust Details, features 100mm aircrete blocks and a fully filled 100mm cavity with Superglass Superwhite 34 blown glass mineral wool insulation, installed by a network of approved contractors. This solution not only helps achieve the acoustic requirements of Part E (England & Wales), but when used in conjunction with Superwhite 34 in external walls, it also provides a single insulation solution onsite that aids in meeting the zero u-value compliance of Part L (England & Wales).
Tony Gordon, Head of Product Management at Superglass, explains: “The building industry is undergoing rapid changes, with the focus now on safety, efficiency and performance. Products and systems fundamental to the design of housebuilding are changing too, enabling the delivery of high-quality, precision engineered buildings for the future.
“The E-WM-35 system comes with a host of benefits that make it an excellent choice for builders seeking compliance, high-speed installation, and rigorous acoustic standards.
“Notably, E-WM-35 is compliant with standard 12.5mm plasterboard (nominal 8 kg/m2 density) and does not require a parge coat. This simplifies the installation process and ensures efficiency on-site.
“One of the standout features of E-WM35 is its ability to aid zero U-Value compliance through its ‘full-fill solution’, which addresses the issue of party wall thermal bypass. The party wall thermal bypass has long been a challenge in ensuring the efficiency of insulation in separating walls. E-WM-35 offers an effective solution by eliminating this issue, contributing to more energyefficient house builds.
Tony continued: “Incorporating the E-WM-35 solution into housebuilding projects delivers on both time and cost efficiencies. Approved contractors can install the system at high speed, reducing time spent on-site while maintaining the high standards expected in modern construction projects. Another critical advantage of using the E-WM-35 Robust Detail is that it eliminates the need for pre-completion acoustic testing when registered under the Robust Details scheme.
“Superglass’ glass mineral wool insulation provides thermal and acoustic insulation which helps maintain a comfortable indoor living environment., Superglass products boast a thermal
conductivity range of 0.044W/mK – 0.032W/mK, a perfect choice for residential building especially when backed up with testing that confirms Superglass products are deemed noncombustible with a fire classification of Euroclass A1 (the highest possible rating) when tested to BS EN 13501-1 Reaction to Fire.
Tony concluded: “The introduction of E-WM-35 into the Robust Detail Handbook exemplifies our ongoing commitment to offering innovative, effective, and sustainable insulation solutions, for our customers and end users. E-WM-35 is more than just a robust detail – it represents a step-change towards smarter, faster, and more sustainable building methods.
“Superglass's leadership in the field of insulation is set to transform how we approach building insulation, ensuring safety, sustainability, and superior performance across the board.”
To find out more, please visit www.superglass.co.uk
Superglass - Enquiry 26
