Homes England is the Government’s housing delivery agency and one of the largest vendors of residential land. Harron Homes will be joining 65 other developers, suppliers and housing associations in the new £20 billion DPS. The Delivery Partner DPS is one of Homes England’s main routes for land distribution and
Hollaway Studio has designed a pioneering new global headquarters and factory in Ashford, Kent for Brompton, the UK’s largest bicycle manufacturer. Aiming to open in 2027, the state of the art building will be situated within 100 acres of unused wetlands, 60 acres of which will be transformed by Ashford
Due to be effective from June, Part ‘O’ of the Building Regulations relates to overheating in properties and focuses on the need to uphold the health and wellbeing of occupants, while keeping them cool. The new regulation aims to limit instances of high indoor temperatures in new-build residencies by mitigating
Infection control in healthcare settings has always been a top priority for building managers, but now, Sontay, a leading manufacturer of sensing devices that can monitor and report on a building’s conditions, is seeing demand for its sensors grow in other industry sectors too. Building managers, specifiers, and designers in
The end of the UN’s climate change conference COP26 marked the beginning of the hard work required to prevent global warming rising above 1.5C. For the UK to play its part in lowering emissions, the construction sector, which accounts for 47% of the country’s total carbon emissions, must accelerate the
Most people are familiar with the concept of Part Exchange, effectively trading in your current home for a new one. Samantha Corbett, the expert Part Exchange Manager at Harron Homes Yorkshire explains why Harron Homes’ Part Exchange scheme is the perfect solution for a hassle-free move. Having held similar positions
Ground source heat pumps are recognised as vitally important in helping the UK achieve its net carbon zero target, with the government aiming for 600,000 of them to be installed a year by 2028 – a significant increase in current market volumes. Every ground source heat pump installed is the
Top ten housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes has purchased greenfield land obtained from Sleaford Property Developments Ltd with plans to deliver 270 two, three and four-bedroom family homes to the market town of Sleaford. With planning permission granted by North Kesteven District Council, the proposed plans will also include a number of
Printworks Manchester gets the green light for a £22 million investment toward a transformational refurbishment of this iconic entertainment venue and other tenant initiatives. DTZ Investors has approved a transformational refurbishment as part of Printworks trajectory towards international recognition as a pioneering round-the-clock entertainment destination. DTZ Investors has also secured
Roann Limited, the Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, has further expanded its portfolio with the addition of a new contract in partnership with River Oaks Homes. Based in the commercial space of Southdown Road, Lewes, East Sussex, River Oaks Homes comprises 102 residential properties, including 75 apartments, 5 penthouses,
Homes England is the Government’s housing delivery agency and one of the largest vendors of residential land. Harron Homes will be joining 65 other developers, suppliers and housing associations in the new £20 billion DPS. The Delivery Partner DPS is one of Homes England’s main routes for land distribution and it gives house builders such as Harron Homes the ability to bid for these sites. Other public bodies may also use the DPS to procure developers, broadening housebuilders exposure to potential projects. It also allows for potential new members to join at any time – in contrast to the previous framework which renewed every four years. “After a rigorous application process, we are delighted that Homes England have accepted us onto its exciting new DPS system,” said Nick Hague, Land Director at Harron Homes. “Being accepted enables us to work dynamically in identifying and procuring residential land. We are already planning on how to take maximum advantage of a framework that unlocks opportunities to be involved with projects which may have previously not come to our attention. The new framework means benefits are passed onto both landowners and home buyers, new homes can be built quicker.”
Hollaway Studio has designed a pioneering new global headquarters and factory in Ashford, Kent for Brompton, the UK’s largest bicycle manufacturer. Aiming to open in 2027, the state of the art building will be situated within 100 acres of unused wetlands, 60 acres of which will be transformed by Ashford Borough Council into a rewilded public nature reserve and community cycle path with sustainability at its heart. The building is circled by a publicly accessible cycleway which weaves in and out of the building, providing both expansive views of the site and multisensory experiences of the factory processes along the route. The journey ends at the roof, where a Brompton Museum, recreational areas and a shared canteen for both workers and visitors alike can be found. A true 21st Century Bourneville, the factory will merge the public and private domains of industry through permitting the public to view not only how Brompton bikes are manufactured but to reveal and educate how industry works – a rarity in such settings and something that will position it firmly within the community. Challenging the traditional perception of manufacturing, Hollaway has designed the factory to work in harmony with and become part of its natural surroundings, sustainability will be at the heart of the carbon-neutral facility which will draw heat from the ground, utilise natural light and air flows and harness the power of the site’s wind and sun exposure to contribute to energy demands. The footprint of the building and the impact on the surrounding wetland has been kept to a minimum by housing the events spaces, museum, canteen, and terrace upon the roof. Just like a Brompton bike, the factory will be built to last, with construction methods examined, embodied carbon explored and materials responsibly sourced to ensure the site can enable future adaptation and be resilient to the changing climate. Through its design, Hollaway highlights the possibility of making industry clean and giving back to nature. Positioned 2.2m above the wetlands, the building appears to float as it coexists with the wetlands below, allowing water levels to rise and fall throughout the year. This is aided by a reinforced floorplate, supported by foundation piles which also serve to draw heat from the ground. Created to realise Brompton’s future ambition of producing over 200,000 bikes per year, by 2027, Brompton expects to employ over 1,500 staff. Hollaway’s design acknowledges Brompton’s tremendous growth over the last 5 years. The new Ashford factory is perfectly located between the leading cycling cities of London and Paris, to enable their future ambitions and to continue to transform the way that people move in cities around the world. Brompton will partner with Ashford Borough Council and Quinn Estates for the development and will invest in the local community through the creation of skilled worker roles and the visitor centre at the factory, including the museum and educational space to facilitate active outreach to local schools. Brompton has held a relationship with Ashford since 2014 as one of the first Brompton Bike Hire docks was installed at Ashford International Station, which will be expanded as part of the plans. Brompton’s current factory in Greenford, West London will continue to operate until at least 2030.
Due to be effective from June, Part ‘O’ of the Building Regulations relates to overheating in properties and focuses on the need to uphold the health and wellbeing of occupants, while keeping them cool. The new regulation aims to limit instances of high indoor temperatures in new-build residencies by mitigating unnecessary solar gains in summer whilst ensuring there is provision to remove excess heat from the property where required. So, does insulation have a part to play in the cooling process? Part ‘O’ is a response to concerns that with designers being urged to create properties of ever-greater airtight performance in order to improve thermal efficiency, buildings are overheating due to a lack of proper air regulation. With solar gain being a major contributor to indoor temperature increase, the regulations outline a number of fixed shading measures which should be used to offset it. These include shutters, external blinds, overhangs and awnings. Glazing design is also highlighted as a consideration to reducing overheating risk, with window-size, orientation and g-value (the rate at which glass transmits solar heat) being cited as important to the specification process. Part ‘O’ regulations state that ‘as far as reasonably practicable’ the standard should be achieved using passive means. Insulation falls into that category and is proven to prevent heat escape in colder months, particularly when installed as part of fabric-first building design. To a certain extent, quality insulation will also negate heat entry into a property. However, on its own it will not be enough to combat uncomfortable temperature increases caused by excessive solar gain. This is why Part ‘O’ recommends non-passive interventions in the form of mechanical cooling and ventilation systems are used to reduce heat build-up and meet regulations. However, it stipulates that such interventions should only be seen as a secondary solution to other passive measures including open windows and exterior ventilation louvres. Although not the ultimate solution to the overheating issue, quality insulation remains integral to creating energy-efficient homes and with it, reducing CO2 emissions. According to a 2021 report by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), energy inefficiency meant the UK’s housing stock accounted for 20% of the country’s greenhouse gases. Poorly insulated walls, ceilings and roofs are a major cause of fuel usage in counteracting the resulting energy escape. It’s important, therefore, that the risk of overheating is not a barrier to achieving a thermally efficient home. Properties can be airtight, breathable, and cool, it just requires a degree of common sense and utilising natural ventilation where required, such as opening windows, to prevent rooms from overheating in summer months. Otherwise, costly and energy-consuming mechanical ventilation systems will impact our homes’ sustainability by neutralising the insulation’s effect in creating a comfortable interior climate throughout all four seasons.
Infection control in healthcare settings has always been a top priority for building managers, but now, Sontay, a leading manufacturer of sensing devices that can monitor and report on a building’s conditions, is seeing demand for its sensors grow in other industry sectors too. Building managers, specifiers, and designers in hospitality, residential, education and retail, are beginning to recognise the need to control the spread of infection in buildings and ensure the optimum environment for people, so they are not only comfortable, but safe too. “Sensors play a vital role in modern Building Management Systems (BMS), measuring, reporting, and controlling a building’s environment allowing urgent action to be taken quickly if necessary. Today we really are at the beginning of a smart buildings’ revolution. Sensors are no longer just seen as necessary in large commercial and public buildings like hospitals, care homes and factories, they are becoming mainstream. We are seeing them placed into offices and private homes. New digital technology, including sensors, are really helping us to improve and manage people’s wellbeing,” said Commercial & Marketing Director of Sontay, Stacey Lucas. Stacey believes there will be new legislation coming out around mitigating infection spread in the built environment, primarily for the healthcare and public sectors. With the introduction of Part O to the Building Regulations in England, which set standards for overheating in new residential buildings, she also believes that the government is now placing a greater focus than ever before on protecting the health and welfare of a building’s occupants. Thankfully, there is a myriad of sensors available to ensure buildings are comfortable and safe for occupants. As well as CO2 sensors, there are PM 2.5 sensors, which measure the amount of particulate matter in the air. Studies have shown that bacteria and viruses can piggyback particulate matter. Another type of sensor that is in demand is the relative humidity (RH) sensor. Bacteria can develop in environments where there is a lot of moisture. Humid conditions are therefore the perfect setting for bacteria to multiply. Studies show that when cold, dry air is warmed once indoors, relative humidity drops by 20%. Such a decrease makes it easier for airborne particles, including viruses, to travel. Decreasing temperature and moisture (relative humidity), creates a less hospitable environment for microorganisms to grow. “People are becoming increasingly aware of the necessity of infection control since the pandemic began, it is important that we maintain that momentum to ensure that infection control and the importance of managing a building’s environment for the wellbeing of its occupants, continues to be a top priority for specifiers and designers alike,” Stacey concluded.
The end of the UN’s climate change conference COP26 marked the beginning of the hard work required to prevent global warming rising above 1.5C. For the UK to play its part in lowering emissions, the construction sector, which accounts for 47% of the country’s total carbon emissions, must accelerate the adoption of new sustainable ways of working across the built environment sector. The Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project is one I believe offers the housebuilding industry a way to continue to improve the sector’s environmental performance. The challenges faced by AIMCH are not insurmountable, but we must acknowledge that it is concluding at a time when demand for high quality, energy efficient and affordable housing continues to grow. What excites me most about it though, is that the project could offer solutions to skills shortages, the ageing workforce and poor productivity – challenges not limited to the housing sector, while also responding to requirements to use sustainable materials and panelised MMC systems. AIMCH’s ambition is to use industrialisation to transform how we build our homes in the UK, leading to more homes that can be built quickly, viable and sustainably. If we get it right, I believe the AIMCH project will accelerate the delivery of the 120,000 new homes the UK needs each year, for an acceptable cost, compared to masonry built homes and with at least 30% reduction in build times. An integral part of the project has been the completion of a Whole Life Carbon Assessment of current building regulations over a 60 year design life, assessing four typical homes across masonry, open and closed panel timber MMC build methods. The report’s findings indicate five tonnes of embodied carbon saving, per four bed home, when using timber construction compared to masonry, equivalent to 16,500 road mile emissions. The report also finds that aerated masonry blocks have half a tonne less carbon emissions at end of life than timber frame construction methods. The carbon sequestration benefits of timber have been used in the research, benefiting all construction methods, where elements of the build use timber, such as internal non load bearing walls, floors and roofs. Many of our partners are working on exciting developments, using proven, reliable and viable panelised timber based MMC systems, which will soon transform how the house building sector operates. As part of AIMCH, Barratt Developments PLC has created a Z House – a zero carbon concept house that applied 50 different solutions to understand how we will deliver the “sustainable home of the future” to achieve climate targets. It is located on the University of Salford’s campus with their scientists tasked with measuring its energy efficiency to provide hard data on the home’s design versus actual performance. The home’s clever design feature’s high performing energy efficient building fabric, using Barratt Developments’ internal timber framer Oregon’s advanced panelised timber MMC systems at its core. The home incorporates PV solar panels and battery storage to generate and store power, electric car charging points and an air source heat pump that transfers heat from the outside to water for home heating and hot water use. Inside, underfloor heating, innovative infrared panels and skirting heating systems provide instant zero carbon heat, a fridge controls humidity levels to reduce food wastage by 60% and atomising showers that could cut water usage by 80%. As research continues into sustainable housebuilding, developers and housebuilders can use AIMCH findings as a starter for assessing how they can lower embodied carbon emissions of materials used in construction and their impact on lower whole life carbon emissions. Such is the environmental benefits of building houses with timber components or build methods, the UK Climate Change Committee reports that the UK can triple the amount of carbon captured in homes by building 270,000 timber frame homes each year. Where houses are built is changing too. Increasingly more homes today are manufactured off site and assembled at the development. New MMC factories developed by AIMCH, are being designed to include PV electric power generation to run machinery, electric forklift fleets and EV car charging for employees, such that they produce more power than they use, with any surplus recycled back into the national grid, making the transition to net zero carbon manufacturing a supply chain reality. In the long term, battery storage systems could be used in these factories to store power 24/7 for continuous manufacturing needs. In addition, zero factory waste goes to landfill and 100% of waste is either repurposed, reused or converted to energy through large-scale waste to energy plants. The UK needs more homes. At the same time, we must play our part in limiting the dangerous impacts of the climate crisis and transition to net zero carbon homes and businesses. Continuing with the status quo in the housing sector will likely see the UK fail on both fronts. However, I am confident that projects like AIMCH will catalyse industry to accelerate near to market, reliable, viable and sustainable MMC solutions that transform how homes are built. Additionally, this will increase housing output, while helping the UK meet its environmental obligations to limit climate change to 1.5C. Stewart Dalgarno is project director at the Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) project.
Most people are familiar with the concept of Part Exchange, effectively trading in your current home for a new one. Samantha Corbett, the expert Part Exchange Manager at Harron Homes Yorkshire explains why Harron Homes’ Part Exchange scheme is the perfect solution for a hassle-free move. Having held similar positions for years at other housebuilders, Sam is familiar with the pros and cons of the various schemes on offer within the industry. “What stands out about Harron’s Part Exchange scheme is our team isn’t limited to purchasing specific types of properties. We are open to various types which other builders wouldn’t consider – leaseholds, apartments, listed buildings – and they don’t even have to be local to Harron. We can purchase anywhere in England. “The obvious benefit of Part Exchange is that it cuts the chain, so it prevents buyers from having to rely on others to move successfully. In addition, the only time estate agents are involved is when we arrange for three local independent agents to value your home to ensure we offer full market value for it. There’s no fee for this service either, so it’s really a win-win for the customer. Moving is stressful enough without having to navigate estate agents and solicitors while selling your existing home. “It’s a very customer focused service, my role is designed to make everything as smooth as possible on their end. Not many builders have their own Part Exchange team, leaving customers to still deal with third parties. All my customers have the benefit of being able to contact me directly with any questions or concerns, and I’m able to provide updates instantly without having to follow up with external parties. “There’s a lot to be said for the level of security Part Exchange offers too. Not only does it remove the need to negotiate offers, but it means there’s no concern with the sale falling through later down the line since selling to Harron doesn’t rely on us securing a mortgage. “With this many benefits, Part Exchange is definitely worth considering at least!”
Ground source heat pumps are recognised as vitally important in helping the UK achieve its net carbon zero target, with the government aiming for 600,000 of them to be installed a year by 2028 – a significant increase in current market volumes. Every ground source heat pump installed is the equivalent of taking a combustion engine car off the road. To date over 1 million tonnes of carbon will be saved as a result of Kensa’s ground source heat pump installations across social housing, new build developments, private retrofit homes, and businesses in the UK. “Kensa has passionately advocated for a long time that ground source heat pumps are best placed to deliver low carbon heat to the UK. There is a particularly welcome focus from Government in ensuring a large proportion are manufactured here to boost our green economy,” said Kensa Group CEO, Simon Lomax. “In response, we are committed to scaling up production to meet increased demand and fulfil the Government’s ambition to ‘build back greener’. Our mission is to connect thousands more people in homes and businesses across the country to cleaner, greener, affordable heat.” “Our teams have been working hard to deliver fantastic outcomes over the last few months. In the midst of the challenges of a stretched global supply chain, a labour shortage, and significantly increased volumes, Kensa celebrated the highest monthly turnover ever and continues to break records in UK heat pump production,” he added. Kensa has been manufacturing award-winning ground source heat pumps from the heart of Cornwall since 1999 and pioneering the adoption of this environmentally-friendly technology for over two decades. With a product range designed for UK properties and specialist installation division working on large-scale multiple occupancy projects, market share has grown steadily over the years to 50%, bolstered by the Group’s partnership with Legal & General in 2020. To match this rapid growth, the manufacturer has added well over 60 jobs in the past year and is continually recruiting. To facilitate the widespread roll-out of the technology, Kensa is urging Government to focus efforts on street-by-street installations of networked heat pumps, rather than replacing gas boilers on a house-by-house basis. This would enable whole communities to simply switch to their gas boilers to highly efficient ground source heat pumps when they are ready to transition, supported by a subsidy from the government. If entities such as utility companies and local authorities took ownership of this underground infrastructure, then consumers would simply pay a standing charge as they do in their gas bills for the supply to their boiler.
Top ten housebuilder, Keepmoat Homes has purchased greenfield land obtained from Sleaford Property Developments Ltd with plans to deliver 270 two, three and four-bedroom family homes to the market town of Sleaford. With planning permission granted by North Kesteven District Council, the proposed plans will also include a number of affordable rented homes provided by a local housing association. This exciting new development on the Handley Chase site forms a sustainable urban extension that will see the delivery of 1,450 new homes alongside proposals for a new health centre, community centre, care home and a new school which are expected to service a thriving new community in Sleaford. New sports fields, complete with a pavilion for changing areas, as well as an allotment complete the wider proposals for recreational use within the community. As part of its commitment to building sustainable communities, Keepmoat Homes has also proposed plans for cycle and pedestrian routes on the purchased land, which will serve as adequate links to nearby Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve. “We’re thrilled to have secured planning consent for the Handley Chase site and look forward to the residential area serving as a wider community in the region, whilst promoting more a sustainable way of living. The development of 270 units seeks to provide first-time buyers, downsizers or renters in the area with expertly constructed new homes designed for modern living,” said Shaun Fielding, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes. “We’re pleased to be supporting the local employment economy by attracting tradespeople and suppliers in the area, and we will be holding Meet the Builder events to engage potential contractors to carry out the work needed over the 5-year period.” Work is set to begin on site at the end of February 2022 and will take 5 years to complete. The first homes are due to launch in October 2022.
Printworks Manchester gets the green light for a £22 million investment toward a transformational refurbishment of this iconic entertainment venue and other tenant initiatives. DTZ Investors has approved a transformational refurbishment as part of Printworks trajectory towards international recognition as a pioneering round-the-clock entertainment destination. DTZ Investors has also secured a new 20-year commitment to continue its ongoing partnership with Vue, who operate 23 screens at Printworks, including Europe’s second largest IMAX. The cinema is set to undergo a multi-million-pound flagship refurbishment in tandem with the wider work. The extensive work marks the first major investment since the scheme launched in 1999, and includes the installation of a 900m2 digital ceiling: Europe’s largest and a dynamic platform for immersive audio-visual performances. Gamification is at the forefront of Printworks vision, with the immersive ceiling being complemented by a large interactive screen for supporting customer engagement. Printworks will remain fully open and trading throughout the refurbishment with the programme and implementation structured to ensure minimum disruption. The refurbishment will pave the way for Printworks to elevate its position as a pioneer in the international leisure market following the planning consent granted in February 2020. Alongside the internal transformation, there will be a particular focus on enhancing the iconic Printworks façade to protect its heritage value. “Printworks has shown resilience through the pandemic and refurbishing this iconic venue remains part of our vision for the asset. The leisure sector continues to transition as consumers seek the ultimate experience with technology redefining both expectations and possibilities. Consumers at Printworks will soon benefit from just that with a fully immersive and interactive environment on a scale not previously seen in the UK. This in turn will drive footfall and provide our tenants with the best opportunity for trade,” said Ben Haller at DTZ Investors. “Printworks has an exciting tenant-mix from day-time family entertainment to the evening and late-night offer and we are delighted to confirm Vue cinema has signed a new long-term commitment to the scheme. This, alongside our extensive refurbishment, point toward Printworks remaining a prime destination leisure venue for years to come” DTZ Investors purchased the Printworks site in February 2017 from Land Securities for £108 million and works will commence in February 2022 on the back of Printworks demonstrating its resilience through the pandemic with strong footfall recovery.
Roann Limited, the Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, has further expanded its portfolio with the addition of a new contract in partnership with River Oaks Homes. Based in the commercial space of Southdown Road, Lewes, East Sussex, River Oaks Homes comprises 102 residential properties, including 75 apartments, 5 penthouses, 22 houses and 150cm2 of commercial space. In line with the recently awarded contract, Roann Limited will be providing the worktop materials for 75 of these units, working with Fugen Carrara. The project is due to begin in February of this year and is set to be completed by August. To ensure that the development incorporates a similar design aesthetic to the local area, River Oaks Homes carried out an extensive study into the building styles and architecture throughout Lewes, so they could incorporate a similar design aesthetic within the development. Roann Limited’s work on the properties will further reflect this. “We’re delighted to be working with River Oaks Homes and further expand our portfolio with this reputable win. Partnering with a development that has taken the time and care to fit into the local area’s history and natural beauty is something that we also take pride in, and we’re proud to be an extension of this project,” said Carl Sykes, Sales Manager at Roann Limited.
