The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is calling for urgent action to support homeowners in retrofitting 12 million homes across England that currently fall below adequate energy efficiency standards. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan set to be unveiled in the spring, BRE is pushing for immediate measures to improve private
To mark New Homes Week (3rd- 9th February) and its theme of Communities, Close Brothers Property Finance and the Home Builders Federation (HBF) have released a video series highlighting the vital role played by SME housebuilders in creating sustainable communities – built around the health and wellbeing of residents as
The government’s ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million new homes this Parliament is a positive step, but significant challenges remain, warns Principle Estate Management. With offices in Birmingham, London, and the North West, Principle manages 20,000 residential units across 400 developments nationwide. The firm believes that while policy changes are
Bioregional, a pioneer in sustainable development, yesterday announced the release of its latest guidance document, Goals and guidance for new-build communities in the UK. Tailored specifically for housing developers, this essential guide provides practical strategies for designing and delivering sustainable communities using the renowned One Planet Living framework. With this
The Council’s executive will be asked to consider a report at next week’s committee meeting (Weds 22 January) outlining a range of land disposals across Manchester that will help deliver more than 700 new affordable homes. In 2023/24 the highest level of affordable housing was delivered for a decade, contributing
Over 200,000 homeowners contacted Octopus Energy to enquire about a heat pump in 2024, the UK’s largest power company reports today. This marks a staggering 144% increase from the previous year, signaling a growing trend among homeowners eager to ditch traditional heating systems. The UK heat pump industry hit a
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
With the recent cold snaps and icy weather becoming more and more common, the importance of energy efficient homes has been highlighted by Derek Horrocks, owner of leading retrofit decarbonisation provider Sustainable Building Services. He said: “Cold snaps arrive and it’s been reported that as many as 1.7m households are choosing not
Resonance, one of the UK’s leading social impact investors, has announced that Gloucestershire Pension Fund (GPF) has invested £30m into its National Homelessness Property Fund 2 (NHPF2). £20m of this investment will be invested directly into immediately buying and refurbishing around 90 properties in Gloucestershire, helping the region cut the
Ocean House, once a high-rise office building, has been converted into a luxury residential complex, redefining urban living within a repurposed commercial space. This transformation included a full interior refurbishment, the addition of two extra floors and the installation of two new Stannah lifts, one of which is a firefighter
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is calling for urgent action to support homeowners in retrofitting 12 million homes across England that currently fall below adequate energy efficiency standards. With the government’s Warm Homes Plan set to be unveiled in the spring, BRE is pushing for immediate measures to improve private sector housing and reduce energy costs for millions. Newly released figures from the English Housing Survey (EHS) show that, for the first time, over 50% of homes in England now meet at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C rating—a significant milestone in improving home energy efficiency. While social housing has made notable progress, privately owned and rented properties remain a major challenge, requiring large-scale interventions to create healthier, low-carbon, and cost-efficient homes. Tackling Energy Inefficiency in Private Homes The Warm Homes Plan has already introduced Local Grant funding to combat fuel poverty, and the £1bn-a-year ECO programme—which supports low-income households—is set to continue until 2026. However, BRE’s analysis of the latest government data highlights that wider-reaching support is needed to meet the UK’s net zero targets. A key concern is that the burden of improving inefficient homes (those rated below EPC band C) is overwhelmingly a private sector issue, with 90% of these properties either owner-occupied or privately rented. Some of the least efficient homes include: Cold Homes Costing the NHS £500 Million a Year Poor energy efficiency in homes isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a major public health concern. According to separate research by BRE, cold homes are the single largest housing-related cost burden to the NHS. In 2023, it was estimated that over £500 million was spent treating cold-related illnesses caused by homes in the lowest EPC bands F and G. To address this, BRE is urging the government to ensure the Warm Homes Plan includes targeted retrofit advice, particularly for the over-65s, who own more than 40% of the owner-occupied homes that fall below EPC band C. The plan should also include support for accessing finance to help households fund essential improvements. By tackling energy inefficiency across the full spectrum of housing stock, the government can make significant progress towards net zero while protecting households from high energy bills and the health risks associated with cold homes. Jane Goddard, Managing Director of Building Performance Services and Deputy CEO of BRE, said: “We have made encouraging progress to date on retrofitting our existing housing stock, with over half of English homes now meeting the reasonable EPC C standard. “However, our approach to the remaining energy inefficient homes will require consideration to ensure the Warm Homes Plan can target a much wider group of households with effective support. “Local authorities will be crucial in this journey and require the necessary data, capacity, funding and powers to deliver energy efficiency improvements to homes most in need. The upcoming English Devolution Bill will hopefully mark a welcome step in this process.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
To mark New Homes Week (3rd- 9th February) and its theme of Communities, Close Brothers Property Finance and the Home Builders Federation (HBF) have released a video series highlighting the vital role played by SME housebuilders in creating sustainable communities – built around the health and wellbeing of residents as well as safeguarding the natural world. The videos illustrate how SMEs are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes, which enrich people’s lives while improving local infrastructure and wildlife habitats. The SMEs who feature in the series are: SME housebuilders make a valuable contribution to the local economies where they build, hiring local contractors, skilled tradespeople and apprentices to deliver housing schemes. Unlike PLC builders, who typically use centralised supply chains, SMEs support local suppliers and businesses. Many SMEs build in areas where they have personal connections, giving them greater insight into the types of homes and amenities that best serve existing communities in that area. Their smaller size means that they can be agile and adapt projects in line with feedback from the community. Despite the important role SMEs play, their numbers have dwindled in recent decades due to challenging economic conditions; an increasingly bureaucratic planning system and process and regulatory environment that adds significant cost and delays. At the same time, the lack of housing associations in the market to buy the affordable homes that SME housebuilders are required to provide as part of the planning permission is preventing them from delivering developments at all. .. A report from the House of Lords Built Environment Committee shows that the proportion of new homes built by SMEs in England plummeted from 39% in 1988 to just 10% in 2020. The HBF and Close Brothers Property Finance call upon the Government to offer greater support to SME housebuilders. First-time buyers have increasingly struggled to get on the housing ladder. With the close of Help to Buy last year it is the first time in decades there is no Government support scheme in place to help buyers, and Stamp Duty relief on properties up to £425,000 ends later this year, exacerbating the problem still further. With inflation largely under control, interest rate cuts would help boost the sector, both by cutting costs for SME housebuilders and making borrowing more affordable for buyers. Close Brothers Property Finance and the HBF, along with Travis Perkins, have produced the State of Play report for the last five years which shines a spotlight on the challenges facing SME housebuilders. For each of the years that the report has been produced, planning has consistently been identified as the biggest obstacle to SME housebuilders. Phil Hooper, Chief Executive Officer of Close Brothers Property Finance, says: “SMEs are the backbone of local housing markets. As predominantly family-run businesses operating in the locations where they live, they take a huge amount of pride in the quality and attention to detail of every home they build. But successive failures to address issues within the planning system and current fiscal market conditions mean that these businesses aren’t getting the support that they need, and we now risk losing even more of these companies. Reforming the planning system is certainly a step in the right direction, but we also need to consider how we can level the playing field for SMEs to ensure they can access the same land, infrastructure and financial opportunities as their larger counterparts and finally reverse the years of decline.” Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive Officer of the Home Builders Federation, says: “SMEs are the lifeblood of all industries, but in house building we have seen them disappear at an alarming rate as a result of the incredibly difficult environment within which they are operating. Small builders bring choice to the market in terms of the type of homes they build and the locations. It is vital we address the challenges they face to operating their businesses such that they can continue to provide customers with high quality options to buy.” For further information on New Homes Week, visit: https://new-homes.co.uk/new-homes-week/ THE VIDEO SERIES This New Homes Week we have partnered with the Home Builders Federation to create a series of short films featuring SME Housebuilders across the UK, and the work they are doing to build and support local communities. Monday Today we hear from Colin Palmer at 3West Group, South-West based housebuilder, at their development in Exmouth. Colin talks about employing local suppliers and sub-contractors and how this has equated to around £50m being injected into the South West economy. Tuesday This video shows Mark White of Bargate Homes, talking about the work they are doing to encourage wildlife at their development of sustainable homes in Hampshire. Mark also discusses supporting the elderly community and children with SEN needs, win the community. Wednesday Today we hear from Laura and Richard Ellam of Pivot Developments. Laura and Richard met over 20 years ago whilst working on a Scottish oil rig, wanting to leverage their experience in engineering and technology, they set up Pivot Developments in 2020 and since then have been creati low carbon, energy-efficient homes. Thursday Hear Paul Moran, of Cavanna Homes talk about building “homes, not just houses”, with sensory gardens, play areas, allotments and open spaces they are proud to provide for the community, at this development near Exeter. Friday The last video in our New Homes Week series features the fantastic Lorraine Thomas, founder of View from my Window. Lorraine is a housebuilder, mentor, coach and property investor, based in South London. Lorraine’s mission is to make property accessible and life-changing, for her local community, and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The government’s ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million new homes this Parliament is a positive step, but significant challenges remain, warns Principle Estate Management. With offices in Birmingham, London, and the North West, Principle manages 20,000 residential units across 400 developments nationwide. The firm believes that while policy changes are helping to remove some barriers, structural issues within planning, infrastructure, and construction must be addressed to ensure successful delivery. Bob Simonds, Business Development Director at Principle, highlighted concerns around planning backlogs, stating:“Developers are encouraged by commitments to speed up planning approvals, but local authorities lack the capacity to process the rising number of applications efficiently, leading to delays.” Beyond planning, infrastructure limitations pose another major hurdle. Upgrades to electricity, gas, water, and sewerage systems will be essential to support new developments. Simonds noted that the growing demand for electric vehicle charging, for example, will place additional strain on the National Grid, which is already struggling to meet demand. The construction sector itself must also scale up to meet the challenge. Simonds emphasised the need for workforce development, adding:“Developers need skilled professionals at every level, from bricklayers to electricians, to ensure projects progress at the required pace.” Ultimately, Principle argues that only through better coordination between local authorities, developers, and infrastructure providers can the housing sector rise to the challenge of delivering the homes the country needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bioregional, a pioneer in sustainable development, yesterday announced the release of its latest guidance document, Goals and guidance for new-build communities in the UK. Tailored specifically for housing developers, this essential guide provides practical strategies for designing and delivering sustainable communities using the renowned One Planet Living framework. With this updated guidance, made available for free, Bioregional offers UK developers a clear pathway to create thriving, people-centred communities that regenerate local ecosystems, tackle the climate emergency, and enhance social well-being. One Planet Living is a globally recognised framework used in real estate development world-wide. One Planet Living simplifies sustainability for developers and their partners, and integrates seamlessly with existing development processes and certification schemes such as BREEAM and LEED. “One Planet Living offers a unique approach for developers, local authorities, and communities to co-design sustainable communities within planetary boundaries.” said Sue Riddlestone OBE, CEO and co-founder of Bioregional. “It simplifies the process, engaging key stakeholders to create a shared vision while fostering the regeneration of nature. This approach leads to faster sales, fewer voids, longer tenancies and improved wellbeing. Most have found that once they embrace it, they never look back.” Jon Di-Stefano, CEO of sustainable housebuilder, Greencore Homes adds “One Planet Living is a key part of our approach to creating thriving, sustainable communities. Its flexibility allows us to set ambitious, site-specific goals while addressing every aspect of sustainability — not just carbon reduction — in a truly holistic way. The new guidance is timely, given the UK government’s push for more housebuilding. It is well-structured, practical, and connects to other standards that stakeholders value. For us, it’s an invaluable tool in delivering developments that meet the needs of people, planet, and investors alike.” The new document responds to feedback from developers seeking clarity on best practices and the expectations required to achieve One Planet Living Leadership recognition. Key updates include: The new guide is the result of extensive collaboration with industry experts, drawing on insights from leaders in the built environment to ensure that the guidance is both robust and achievable. Adopting the One Planet Living framework is not just an environmental imperative but a business opportunity. Developers who embrace these principles can enhance the appeal of their projects through faster sales, reduced vacancies, and longer tenancies. Download the new guidance, for free, https://www.bioregional.com/resources/one-planet-living-goals-guidance-uk-housing-developers If you would like support in developing your sustainability plans or would like to learn more about One Planet Living Leadership recognition, contact places@bioregional.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Council’s executive will be asked to consider a report at next week’s committee meeting (Weds 22 January) outlining a range of land disposals across Manchester that will help deliver more than 700 new affordable homes. In 2023/24 the highest level of affordable housing was delivered for a decade, contributing to the Council’s ambitious housing strategy to deliver at least 10,000 genuinely affordable, Council and Social Rent new homes up to 2032. To further meet this target Manchester City Council will continue to collaborate within the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership – coordinating support and delivering sustainable affordable housing to meet the city’s needs. New housing will help reduce demand on Manchester’s housing register and will be part of the Council’s approach to help reduce homelessness. Legal & General Affordable Homes and L&Q have recently joined the Housing Partnership, broadening capacity and complementing the specialty of existing partners, but also expanding delivery resources over the housing strategy period to 2032. The report outlines the Housing Partnerships plans for ten brownfield sites and how they have been designed to directly address acute local affordable housing demand, providing a broad range of different house types and tenures ranging from specialist supported accommodation, apartments for key workers and right-sizers, along with larger family houses. Following Executive approval, all proposals are expected to conclude pre-application engagement with the Local Planning Authority and for public consultation on the design proposals to commence before construction works begin on site as soon as possible. Various 100% affordable housing land disposals include: Read the exec paper in full to find out more Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “Building more affordable homes for Manchester residents is one of Manchester City Council’s biggest priorities and we have a massive housebuilding programme under way to build at least 10,000 genuinely affordable, council, social homes. “We know that building these much-needed homes isn’t easy, so we have looked at how we can get the best use from land that the council owns to help us reach ambitious housing strategy. I’m pleased to bring forward the latest examples of where we our building on our land. “We are on track to meet our target, and we have seen more genuinely affordable homes built in the last year than at any other time in more than a decade. This is being done through programmes like this, our own building company This City, Project 500, large regeneration schemes and working to influence the market. We are committed to building the new homes Manchester residents need to thrive.” Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “We are constantly reviewing what land opportunities are at our disposal to build much-need housing across a range of tenures and types to meet demand in a local area. These parcels of land will all deliver the homes we know these communities need, including significant affordable and social housing, but also specialist housing too. We really welcome the accelerated delivery of new social and affordable housing that these sites will enable. “This is in no small part thanks to our strong partnership approach, working closely with Manchester’s housing providers using Council-owned brownfield land, public and government funding, and the expertise of the city’s affordable housing developers to build high quality, low carbon homes for Manchester people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over 200,000 homeowners contacted Octopus Energy to enquire about a heat pump in 2024, the UK’s largest power company reports today. This marks a staggering 144% increase from the previous year, signaling a growing trend among homeowners eager to ditch traditional heating systems. The UK heat pump industry hit a new record with almost 60,000 new installations in 2024*. With the UK government’s annual target of 600,000 new heat pump installations by 2028 another year closer, Octopus’ figures show exponentially growing consumer demand. A similar growth from 2025-2026, 2026-2026 and 2027-2028 would see the UK easily hit this target. Furthermore, half (49%) of UK consumers want to invest in low-carbon heating solutions, a recent study revealed*. Thanks to the £7,500 grant from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), the costs of getting a heat pump are now on par with a new gas boiler. Heat pumps are also cheaper to run than gas boilers with dedicated smart tariffs. Octopus’ ‘Cosy Octopus’ can save heat pump customers £315 a year on heating costs compared to gas boiler customers on an SVT**. To further drive down running costs, the government is currently considering moving environmental and social levies off electricity. Alex Schoch, Global Director of Clean Tech at Octopus Energy at Octopus Energy, said: “With over 200,000 inquiries in just one year, it’s clear that the UK is at the cusp of a heating revolution. “The appetite is there, British homeowners are hungry to go green. But the industry must step up and demystify heat pump technology to help people make informed choices.” Octopus has already invested over £75 million to speed up the rollout of heat pumps. Its proprietary ‘Cosy 6’ heat pump is designed and manufactured in the UK. Octopus also built an R&D and engineer training centre for heat pumps in Slough – the first of its kind in the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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. More positively, 17% of respondents to the research – available in Jewson’s Trade Trends report – said once the Future Homes Standard is in place, it will give them an opportunity to enhance their reputation. Almost a third (31%) said when the legislation comes into effect, they don’t think it will impact their business at all. The Future Homes Standard is a government initiative for all newbuild homes, which encourages the use of low carbon energy sources including heat source pumps and other renewables. It is the next iteration of Part L of the Building Regulations, which came into place in 2022. As part of the Trade Trends research, Jewson also asked tradespeople and builders about how the changes to Part L have affected their business so far. More than a third (33%) said they’re now confident in understanding Part L, two fifths (41%) know how to adapt their ways of working to comply, and 32% have changed the materials they’re purchasing to ensure they’re in line with the new regulations. However, almost half (46%) say they would appreciate more support or training from the industry on the regulations moving forwards. 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. “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.” The Trade Trends report can be downloaded here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the recent cold snaps and icy weather becoming more and more common, the importance of energy efficient homes has been highlighted by Derek Horrocks, owner of leading retrofit decarbonisation provider Sustainable Building Services. He said: “Cold snaps arrive and it’s been reported that as many as 1.7m households are choosing not to turn the heating on to combat the cost of living and the loss of winter fuel payments. “We can’t emphasise enough the positive impacts energy efficient homes can have on those living in them. It goes far beyond having a warm and comfortable home, reaching into spaces that tackle the four main crises being faced today. For example, energy efficiency improvements mean reduced bills that work towards battling the rising cost of energy. But they also mean reduced stress over bill affordability, and coupled with a warmer, comfortable environment people see improved levels of both physical and mental wellbeing. “Whether talking about privately owned homes or social homes managed by housing providers, the focus should be the same – everyone deserves a healthy home. There is now the ability to create mass change at an unprecedented scale. There are options available, with many measures able to be delivered much more quickly, efficiently, and affordably than is often understood. “Whether it’s from grant funding for homeowners for specific measures or government programmes for larger-scale social home improvement works, the options for energy efficiency upgrades are more accessible than ever before. This being said, for many – especially private homeowners – such upgrades may be seen as a luxury at the moment. That’s why we’re on a mission to help people and organisations not only understand the upgrades they can be making, but how to access them in a way that makes them affordable – seeking for every home to play its part in the wider fight against climate change, while having a hugely positive impact on the financial, physical, and mental health of those living in it.” For more information, visit www.sustainablebuildinguk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Resonance, one of the UK’s leading social impact investors, has announced that Gloucestershire Pension Fund (GPF) has invested £30m into its National Homelessness Property Fund 2 (NHPF2). £20m of this investment will be invested directly into immediately buying and refurbishing around 90 properties in Gloucestershire, helping the region cut the number of households in unsuitable temporary accommodation. Known as homelessness property funds, the model operates by attracting capital from institutional investors, such as pension funds, to acquire properties, refurbish them to a high standard, improve their energy efficiency and lease them to expert housing partners, including homelessness charities and housing associations. Tenants are provided with stable, affordable accommodation in safe areas in the heart of local communities. They will also receive support with their health, wellbeing and in seeking employment and training opportunities. This support will be provided by Developing Health and Independence (DHI), who will lease the properties from the fund. Chris Cullen, Head of Homelessness Property Funds at Resonance, said: “There are over 117,000 households living in temporary accommodation across England, including over 130,000 dependent children, and this number continues to rise. “We are very grateful for Gloucestershire Pension Fund’s place-based investment into National Homelessness Property Fund 2, which illustrates the difference that local government pension funds can make to the area in which their members live. He continued: “It will enable us to provide much needed homes in Gloucestershire for some of those households that are in temporary accommodation and that don’t have a place to call home.” Across all of Gloucestershire Local Authorities there were, as of March 2024, 315 households in Temporary Accommodation, including nearly 200 in Gloucester City alone. This news comes as many councils grapple with mounting financial pressures, with £2.29bn spent a year on providing emergency temporary accommodation to homeless households, an increase of 29% from the previous twelve months.[1] Rosie Phillips, CEO at DHI, commented:“As a social inclusion charity, the provision of safe affordable housing is of paramount importance. Housing is the single biggest cost pressure on struggling individuals and families and lack of affordable housing causes stress, inequality and poor health. “Without a secure place to live, progress in other aspects of life will be poor. A safe place to call home provides people with a platform on which to build their lives.” She went on to add: “It is great to be able to work in partnership with Resonance on this initiative, which aligns with our approach of helping people to achieve their potential from the foundations up, while improving health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities and disadvantage in communities.” NHPF2 operates across England and, including this investment, has to date raised c£129m, and purchased over 350 homes, housing almost 500 tenants who were facing a housing crisis. This latest £30m investment will help provide homes for potentially 750 individuals and families over the lifetime of the fund. Institutional investors into the fund include other pension funds, such as Greater Manchester Pension Fund, and several local authorities. [1] https://www.crisis.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/council-spending-on-emergency-accommodation-tops-22bn/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ocean House, once a high-rise office building, has been converted into a luxury residential complex, redefining urban living within a repurposed commercial space. This transformation included a full interior refurbishment, the addition of two extra floors and the installation of two new Stannah lifts, one of which is a firefighter lift. Located in Saint Leonards-on-Sea, the building now features 84 high-quality self-contained apartments with a mix of one and two bedrooms. The lift solution for Ocean House was designed by Stannah at the request of building contractor DRG Solutions. The project was initiated by Elmsbrook, a company renowned for acquiring office buildings and converting them into premium residential housing. Work Stannah installed two 8-person passenger lifts, one of which is a firefighter lift, into existing building lift shafts to service the newly extended 14th floor. Stannah collaborated with DRG Solutions, which handled the shaft extensions and existing lift removals. Following this, Stannah carried out detailed preparatory work, including a full dimensional survey of the lift shaft and producing building work drawings to guide necessary modifications. As a result, DRG Solutions adjusted the shafts to align with the new lift dimensions, facilitating a smoother installation. When the original building was used as offices it had four lifts, so two of the now redundant lift shafts were repurposed for A.O.V. (Automatic Opening Ventilation) and electrical risers, maximising the use of the existing infrastructure. Additional building work included a full strip-out of the former office interiors, installation of a new roof, aluminium windows, upgraded electrical systems and new plumbing. The project also added external lighting and an evacuation alert control system to meet modern safety standards. Challenge The primary challenge was to complete the lift installation within a very tight schedule and at an early stage of the project works. Therefore, Stannah maximised labour efficiency, deploying two teams to work safely in the confined space of the lift shafts and carefully managed schedules while still delivering a high-quality installation. Due to the nature of the installation and extremely narrow shafts, the health and safety of on-site team members was a priority. To make the space more accessible, Stannah opted for 2.5-metre guide rails instead of the standard 5-metre guides. This allowed for easier handling and installation, reducing the physical constraints that installers face in tight lift shafts. Another challenge was the complexity of low lintel heights above the lift doors. To address this, Stannah proposed a solution that involved pushing the lifts further into the shaft, effectively allowing the doors to fit without modifying the lintels or risking damage to the building’s original structure. A 25mm ramp was also added to the firefighting lift to reposition the lift entrance without compromising structural integrity, minimising the need for further building works. Solution Due to the age of the existing lifts, a modernisation would not be cost-effective, so Stannah recommended a complete lift replacement. Stannah proposed the installation of two 8-person stainless steel firefighter and MRL (Motor Room Less) traction passenger lifts both with a weight capacity of 630 kg. The MRL lifts are equipped with gearless variable voltage drives offering a smooth and energy-efficient operation providing a reliable performance over time. The new lifts comply with EN81-73 standards, which ensure safe shutdown in the event of a fire and include firefighting controls for enhanced occupant safety. The lift is also equipped with a car preference key switch, allowing it to ignore external landing calls during an emergency and respond solely to commands from firefighters within the lift car. Both lifts span a travel height of 43.63 metres and operate at a speed of 1.6 metres per second, enabling quick and smooth access across all 14 floors. With the end user in mind, Stannah prioritised accessibility and durability in the lift’s design. The use of high-quality stainless steel and automatic, two-panel side-opening doors make the lift both robust and easily accessible. This facilitates the efficient movement of residents throughout the building with a commitment to delivering a premium and safe lift system. The results The lift solution provided by Stannah focused on accessibility, safety and operational efficiency. Stannah delivered a tailored lift system that perfectly aligned with the project’s logistical needs and design specifications. By proactively addressing potential challenges and maintaining close coordination with all teams, Stannah successfully integrated two new lifts into the existing building structure ahead of schedule and within budget. To ensure aesthetic appeal and a robust lift solution, Stannah incorporated stainless steel car finishes, Selcom Midi car door operators were selected for both lifts to create a cohesive and durable lift system that exceeded the client’s expectations. To avoid frequent misuse, Stannah recommended the installation of CCTV within the lift cars and lobbies. In response, additionally, Stannah has implemented 24/7 service coverage, offering prompt support and ensuring the lifts’ continuous operation. The combination of the passenger and firefighter lifts provided a practical solution, transforming the building into a highly desirable residential space with step-free access to all areas. Larry Power, Passenger Lift Sales Managerat Stannah said: “As a returning client, we are thrilled to have collaborated closely with DRG Solutions to provide step-free access to this luxurious high-rise residential building. “Effective communication was crucial throughout the project, especially as we worked alongside other on-site teams to meet tight deadlines. Thanks to strong coordination, the dedication of our on-site team and careful management of health and safety, we were able to complete the installation four weeks ahead of schedule.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
