Picking a home renovation project that can add value to your home can be challenging. For instance, some homeowners may be in a dilemma as to whether they should reroof their house or remodel their bathroom. One of the most frequently-done home improvement projects is the addition or renovation of
At some point in time, you’ll need to replace your toilets. Whether because of wear and tear issues or because you simply want to renovate a bathroom, you may need to head to a home improvement store to pick out a new toilet But how do you get the right
A BRAND-NEW purpose-built central operational services depot has started on site in Lincolnshire, with principal contractor Henry Boot Construction Limited putting the first spade in the ground. The £5m depot, located near Caenby Corner, will secure the future of waste collection and street cleansing services in the West Lindsey District Council area and has been designed with everyday operations and visitors in mind. It includes a parking area for fleet, storage buildings, wash facilities, visitor parking and main operations building,
Wildlife Trust has launched a bold vision to rewild the heart of Nottingham and green-up the historic city centre, following the decision to demolish the much-derided Broadmarsh shopping centre. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has worked with landscape architects to reimagine the imposing grey urban jungle and replace the concrete with 100%
Lee Marley Brickwork Limited (LMB) is the largest integrated brickwork, stonework and scaffolding sub-contractor in the UK. They are delighted to have won Subcontractor/Services Provider of the Year at this year’s Housebuilder Awards 2020. The Housebuilder Awards recognise innovation and excellence in the industry and are brought to you by Housebuilder magazine, the
New research by comparethemarket.com reveals the most expensive rooms in the home and how long, on average, Brits spend in certain rooms to unveil which are the best value for money. It won’t be much of a surprise that the master bedroom is the best-valued room in the home with Brits spending
Leading independent recycling and waste management company, Powerday, has created over £9millon social value for the second consecutive year with every pound that clients spent with the company contributing £0.22 to the local community. Powerday’s social value is focused around four goals: reducing the environmental impact of the UK’s waste,
There are roughly 1.2 million wheelchair users in the UK with two-thirds of these being regular users, but many of these wheelchair users struggle to get around their own home. The home is somewhere that you should always easily be able to navigate and feel relaxed and safe in, but
While considering installing/remodelling a kitchen, the most important question that arises is, “how much would it cost?” A new kitchen will indeed be the most expensive project task you’re going to perform. However, when choosing a traditional kitchen style, it won’t cost you a lot. Many things can help you
Considering the environmental impact of a new building Inspired by the Italian novel The Baron in the Trees, Bosco Verticale — or Vertical Forrest in English — are two tower blocks situated in Milan, Italy. What makes these structures significant is the abundance of greenery that encapsulates them. To be
Picking a home renovation project that can add value to your home can be challenging. For instance, some homeowners may be in a dilemma as to whether they should reroof their house or remodel their bathroom. One of the most frequently-done home improvement projects is the addition or renovation of a driveway decking floor to serve as a place to spend leisure time with loved ones or host a family gathering. Also, building a decking floor can increase the home’s resale value and aesthetics. There are many types of decking materials. The major types include the composite deck, vinyl and timber wood. In the UK many companies like Wicks UK, Ultradecking UK, Timbertech etc. are offering different kinds of composite decking supplies. Why are companies investing in the decking industry? Does driveway decking flooring add any value to a home? What adds value to a home? ‘Now’ is always the best time to increase the value of your house. It shouldn’t always be when it is time to sell your house on the real estate market. There are several ways by which you can use to improve your home value. A popular way of home improvement is renovating and remodelling. Howbeit, there’s a caveat: Not every home remodelling or renovation project will boost the value of your home. One factor that is worth considering before renovating or remodelling your home is the cost. Ensure that your home improvement projects are not very exorbitant or too expensive. Addition of deck and garden, minor renovation of bathroom and kitchen updates will undoubtedly boost your house value. A well-constructed decking floor will appeal to prospective home buyers. A good reason for building a deck is to earn high returns on investment. Since the addition of a decking floor is an affordable and easy project, there is always a high demand for decks in the real estate market. For instance, composite decks, known for its low-maintenance, durability and aesthetics, can tremendously increase your home’s value. Does adding a deck add value to your home? The deck helps to extend the living space of every home. It serves as a conducive place for families and friends to get together have fun and relax. Decks also serve as a great place to host a large party or event, especially if your house interior is small. A deck is a perfect place for you to grill a barbecue or roast some ribs during the summer, light an outdoor firepit or drink coffee while reading a novel. The interior of your house may not accommodate a lot of activities because of lack of space, but a deck can exist for that purpose. Homebuyers tend to consider decks when picking a house. This is why decks are said to boost the resale value of any house. How Home Resale Values Compare Based on Deck Material The deck material is an essential factor in finding out the cost recovery of your deck flooring project. The most popular types of deck materials are the composite and wood deck material. Many hardware stores carry a variety of decking supplies, including lumber, fasteners, and decking boards. Many online retailers sell decking supplies. Buying online can be convenient if you cannot find what you need locally or are looking for a wider selection of products. Wood Decks Wood decks are very affordable and are frequently used in many homes for outdoor flooring projects. The inexpensiveness of the material is one of the main reasons for its popularity as home sellers yearn to recoup their investment. The most common type of wood for decking is pressure-treated pine. Other types of wood for decking include cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwood. Decking boards are typically available in 2-by-6 or 2-by-8-inch sizes. The size of the boards will affect the look and feel of your deck. The different finishes for decking boards include stain, paint, or sealer. The finish will protect the wood from the elements and enhance the look of the deck. Moreover, decking boards are typically secured to the joists with screws or nails. It’s also essential to use the right type of fasteners for the type of wood for the deck. The fact remains that wood decks, though widely used, are inferior in quality. They are prone to damage due to inclement weather elements, pest attack and extreme temperature. Consequently, wood decks are high-maintenance and will require a lot of expenses in maintaining and retaining their beauty and value. If you stay in an environment with a lot of storms, rainfall and blizzard, wood decks will not be best for your home. Wood decks are undesirable for regions with extreme weather condition or temperature. It might be best to consider a wood deck option if you are planning to put your home up for sale immediately when the home improvement project is finished. Composite Decks Composite decks are of more superior quality, much higher than wood decks, and costlier too. Composite decks may cost about 10% more than their wood counterpart. The reason is that composite materials are more reliable, durable and resilient than other decking materials. Composite decking has met widespread popularity in the real estate market. Composite decks are impervious to harsh weather conditions and fluctuating temperature. They are low-maintenance and very easy to clean. These features have made composite decks more appealing to many homeowners. Composite decks also have the benefit of durability, resilience and strength. They can last for decades. Hence, composite decking is the best decking material to raise the resale value of your home. Composite decks are eco-friendly because they are made from recycled materials. Homeowners can tidy up the composite deck with a simple mixture of dish soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the surface of the composite deck. Conclusion A driveway decking floor adds value to your home. Homeowners can choose from wood or composite decking material. Don’t hesitate to ask for a decking expert’s help to determine the best material, design, and time
At some point in time, you’ll need to replace your toilets. Whether because of wear and tear issues or because you simply want to renovate a bathroom, you may need to head to a home improvement store to pick out a new toilet But how do you get the right replacement toilet when the time comes? Your first order of business is to take and to record accurate measurements. The last thing you’ll want to do is buy a new toilet that doesn’t fit the space intended for it in your home. Here’s a look at 3 measurements you need to get right if you want your new toilet to fit perfectly. Height of Tank You’ll need to measure the height of the tank. In order to do so, take a tape measure and measure from the floor in your bathroom to the top of your tank. The top of your tank refers to the top of the lid covering your tank. Once you get the measurement, jot it down on a piece of paper. One thing to keep in mind is that you could get a taller tank if there are no obstructions that would jeopardize this plan. So when you require the measurement for the height of the tank, you could potentially make a note detailing the maximum height your bathroom can accommodate. Depth of Toilet Do you currently have an oval toilet bowl or a round toilet bowl? On the one hand, round bowls and toilet seats are more compact and are especially useful in smaller bathrooms. On the other hand, oval bowls and seats have more surface area and are, therefore, more comfortable. Whichever type of bowl and seat you have at present, you will measure them using the same method to find out the toilet depth. Here’s what to do: Take your tape measure and determine the distance from the back of the toilet tank to the front edge of your toilet bowl. Depending on how much room you have for a toilet in your bathroom, you could either buy a new toilet that more or less matches the depth of your existing toilet or find one that has a shorter length. Rough-in Considerations Take your tape measure and measure the distance from the wall behind your toilet tank to the center of the bolt caps. In instances where there are four bolt caps fastening your toilet to the bathroom floor, measure up to the pair of bolt caps at the rear. Head to Home Improvement Shop After you’ve recorded the measurements you’ll need, head to a retailer with measurements in hand. You’ll find it a lot easier to find a new toilet that will fit both the space and the rough-in section in your bathroom. DIY or Hire a Licensed Plumber? While some DIY types put in their own toilets, it’s important that you honestly assess your skillset before taking on such a project. Improper installation can lead to leaks that can cause serious problems. It can be well worth your while to hire a licensed plumber who will ensure the job is done the right way the first time around.
A BRAND-NEW purpose-built central operational services depot has started on site in Lincolnshire, with principal contractor Henry Boot Construction Limited putting the first spade in the ground. The £5m depot, located near Caenby Corner, will secure the future of waste collection and street cleansing services in the West Lindsey District Council area and has been designed with everyday operations and visitors in mind. It includes a parking area for fleet, storage buildings, wash facilities, visitor parking and main operations building, which has been positioned as a visual landmark from the A631. The contemporary two storey building – designed by Whittam Cox Architects – has feature brick, insulated aluminium panels and glazing in keeping with the surrounding buildings. It also features PV solar panels on the roof of the building. Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Owen Bierley, said: “We’re delighted to see work get underway at the new depot. This is a huge scheme for us – having one central facility will not only enable the current vital operational services to be carried out in a safe and efficient way but will also future proof the expanding district following the build of new homes in the coming years. “The current depot facilities opened in the 1970’s and are no longer fit for purpose. We are investing in the service area to ensure that our vitally important operational services continue to be delivered.” The new facility was given the green light in April via a virtual planning committee meeting and given unanimous cross-party support. Ady Selby, Assistant Director of Operational and Commercial Services, said: “The primary aim of the depot is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our staff, as well as delivering a top-quality facility that can accommodate any waste, cleansing or recycling service needs for the next 50 years. “Our award-winning services are high quality, sustainable and environmentally friendly and the new depot will help to increase our capability and high service standards across the district.” Ian Gresser, operations manager at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We are delighted to start work on the new services depot at Caenby Corner for West Lindsey District Council. We are working closely with Whittam Cox Architects, Waterman Group and with our dedicated supply chain to deliver a high-quality modern facility that will provide a vital service for the district.” Cllr Jeff Summers, ward member for Waddingham and Spital, added: “I’m really pleased to see work starting on the new operational services depot as this modern, centrally positioned facility will finally meet the Health and Safety needs of our very important staff and contribute to the operational efficiencies we need to achieve whilst taking this service forward. “This project, along with the council’s investment portfolio, crematorium, hotel in Gainsborough, a nil cost to the council leisure service, and a leisure facility for Market Rasen are all projects incubated during my six years as the Council Leader. A council achievement I am extremely proud of. The proposed plans are very impressive and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished building next year.” The facility will replace the existing sites at North Warren Road in Gainsborough and Gallamore Lane Industrial Estate in Market Rasen and is due to be completed in Autumn 2021. For more information visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk or follow @WestLindseyDC on Twitter.
Wildlife Trust has launched a bold vision to rewild the heart of Nottingham and green-up the historic city centre, following the decision to demolish the much-derided Broadmarsh shopping centre. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has worked with landscape architects to reimagine the imposing grey urban jungle and replace the concrete with 100% natural greenspace – the start of a big idea to reconnect the city to Sherwood Forest and invoke the spirit of Robin Hood – bringing wildlife to nature-poor city dwellers and the millions of visitors it attracts every year. “Transforming the Broadmarsh into a natural greenspace would bring people together and start putting the city’s nature into recovery at a time when natural greenspace has never been more valued or needed. It could also act as a springboard to securing investment in green growth and green infrastructure and deliver the long term aspiration of reconnect our city to the ancient Sherwood Forest landscape and we’re calling on people to back our vision,” said Paul Wilkinson, CEO of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Since the site was handed back to the Council in the summer, there has been much talk locally over the site’s future. A change.org petition calling for the area to be transformed into public greenspace secured almost 11,000 signatures and other polls have also supported calls for a new greenspace. As Nottingham seeks to recover from the human and economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust believes that everyone should have the opportunity to live in a healthy, wildlife rich natural world, and that we all depend on contact with nature for our wellbeing. The charity has worked with Influence Landscape Architects to reimagine the space transformed with wildlife habitats reflecting the site’s history as a wetland alongside the ancient course of the River Leen and long lost gardens. The inspiring vision for the site includes accessible walkways based on a centuries-old city street plan to reconnect key parts of the city. Despite the City’s stated ambition to be the UK’s first carbon neutral city it was recently ranked at number 18 in a list of the UK’s green cities following an assessment taking into account measures including emission, transport, waste and nature. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust believes that a statement natural greenspace in the heart of the city would build climate change resilience, improve connectivity for people and provide an attractive backdrop for existing businesses as well as drawing in new investors – and is calling on people living and working in the City to back its vision As new development has replaced old, fragments of remaining greenspace and areas of ephemeral habitat, close to the former Broadmarsh Centre have disappeared and opportunities to recreate vital new green areas have been lost. The Trust believes the location of Broadmarsh is the ideal site for the City to demonstrate its commitment to its flagship Wellbeing Design Guide published by the Council in January – taking a truly ‘nature first’ approach which would be viewed as a statement of intent that it wishes to take a lead on the environment and build a greener future.
Lee Marley Brickwork Limited (LMB) is the largest integrated brickwork, stonework and scaffolding sub-contractor in the UK. They are delighted to have won Subcontractor/Services Provider of the Year at this year’s Housebuilder Awards 2020. The Housebuilder Awards recognise innovation and excellence in the industry and are brought to you by Housebuilder magazine, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and in partnership with NHBC. LMB Director Dan Clarkson comments: “We are delighted to have won this category, this was a real team effort and we are extremely proud of everyone involved. The core driver of our business is to build good working relationships with clients and working with them to deliver projects on time and under budget.” James O’Connell, Project Director, Ballymore says: “Lee Marley have worked on five consecutive phases at our Embassy Gardens development providing a joint brick work and scaffolding packages totalling £21m. The company has become an integral part of the team, imparting valuable knowledge on the procurement of masonry support and off-site fabricated elements. The combined brickwork and scaffolding team works cohesively to meet demanding deadlines and their high level of managerial skill and quality enables us to focus our efforts else- where. As a business Ballymore would whole heartedly recommend Lee Marley for both brickwork and scaffolding projects and will continue to use them in the future.” At Embassy Gardens for Ballymore LMB started brickwork at multiple levels on the façade to shave 5 weeks from the programme too make up for a delay caused in another package. Mark Kay, Project Director, Lend Lease comments: “Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd worked on the MP3 H4 and H5 projects at Elephant Park, the construction of over 830 residential units. The work they undertook was carried out to a high level of quality, has received several positive compliments from a number of third parties, and is of a demonstrably high standard of workmanship. Furthermore, the works were undertaken in strict adherence to the programme and with several innovative approaches presented to offer programme betterment. All aspects of the works were carried out safely and with diligence, and they fully embraced our safety culture, along with all of our safety campaigns and processes. Their site team worked well with our management staff, and with the other trade contractors, and we hope to continue our good working relationship on future projects. I would endorse the use of this contractor on other schemes and look forward to working with them again in the near future” At Elephant and Castle LMB were able to save Lend Lease £634,000 in direct material costs by advising on design of stone, masonry support, and off-site manufactured brick clad units. A list of all the winners and highly commended companies can be found at https://www.house-builder.co.uk/events/housebuilder-awards-2020/ For more information about Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd, please visit: www.leemarley.com
New research by comparethemarket.com reveals the most expensive rooms in the home and how long, on average, Brits spend in certain rooms to unveil which are the best value for money. It won’t be much of a surprise that the master bedroom is the best-valued room in the home with Brits spending the most time here (2,482 hours per year). However, people only spend an average of £308.51 updating the room each year. With more people working from home than ever before, the home office is near the top of the list with people spending 1,204.5 hours per year in the room. Since the beginning of lockdown back in March, £213.21 has been spent on doing up the home office. Over the last five years, Brits have spent over £10k (£10,461.59) on home improvements with almost a quarter of that being used for the kitchen (£2,293.64). Delving further into hours spent in the kitchen, it seems Britons are putting their culinary skills to use (766.5 hours per year). How much has been spent during the lockdown Looking at the surge in home renovations during the lockdown, Brits have spent over £1k (£1,210.35 in total) perfecting their homes with the three most expensive rooms for renovations being: Living Room (£214.49) Office/Study (£213.21) Kitchen/Dining Room (£210.69) Regional breakdown The research highlighted interesting regional findings. While Londoners spent the most on their homes in the last five years (£12,236.86), people from Newcastle topped the list of those who splashed the most cash on renovations during lockdown . Top five cities: Newcastle (£1,561.41) Bristol (£1,338.50) London (£1,322.82) Edinburgh (£1,281.72) Belfast (£1,269.50) Out of 15 cities, people from Leeds were found to spend the most time in both the kitchen (2.5 hours per day) and the master bedroom (7.6 hours per day). Chris King, head of home insurance at comparethemarket.com, said: “Many of us have spent significantly more time in our homes this year so it’s natural that people will want to update their living spaces. This research highlights just how much we invest in our homes and ultimately how important it is that you have comprehensive home insurance to financially protect the home and belongings.”
Leading independent recycling and waste management company, Powerday, has created over £9millon social value for the second consecutive year with every pound that clients spent with the company contributing £0.22 to the local community. Powerday’s social value is focused around four goals: reducing the environmental impact of the UK’s waste, improving lives through education and employment, improving lives through sport and supporting the wider community where they need it. The company believes strongly in the power of sport to ensure mental and physical wellbeing, providing young people with confidence and self-discipline that will help them throughout their lives. This belief has seen Powerday partner with London Boxing since 2011, an initiative which has improved health and mental well-being for 10,000 young people in some of the most marginalised areas of the Capital. In January this year, the company launched the Powerday Academy to deliver career opportunities for the local community, including existing employees and school leavers that might be struggling to find work. Under this scheme, Powerday has already provided full time employment to three 16 to 24 year olds who would otherwise be classed at NEETs (not in education, employment or training). The Academy has also enabled Powerday to deliver over 1,130 apprenticeship weeks with 15 employees undertaking apprenticeship courses through the company’s training partners. Joint Managing Director, Liam Kearney says: “With 77% of our staff from within a 15-mile radius of Old Oak Sidings, we are proud to be a significant local employer. We believe that as such we have a responsibility to provide secure and rewarding employment whilst giving opportunities to those in our community who might be struggling to find work. We also want to ensure we have the best trained and motivated team within our sector. To help us deliver against all of this, we were proud to launch the Powerday Academy earlier this year”. When Covid-19 struck, wanting to continue to support the health and wellbeing of Londoners during lockdown, Powerday helped NHS workers working round the clock by providing nutritious meals. The company teamed up with London Irish Rugby Club, preparing and delivering over 50,000 free meals to frontline workers in 19 different hospitals during eleven weeks. Edward Crossan, Vice Chairman, Powerday says: “We are committed to using our sustained growth to support our local communities and are very pleased to be able to contribute so significantly, particularly this year given the challenges we have all faced. I believe the coronavirus outbreak has highlighted the need for businesses to contribute to society and it’s vitally important to us at Powerday that we can and do play our part. Our work in this area is now as important to us as our waste management services and we are proud of our contributions”. The family business has always provided extensive social value through its operations and community work. Last year, Powerday signed up to the Social Value Portal. An initial report for the company’s financial year 2018/19 showed that Powerday created £9.2million of social value in that period. This was followed by £9million in 2019/20, a significant achievement given the challenges in delivering social value projects during the pandemic. This included £1.3million in social value through the 869,000 miles driven in the company’s Euro 6 fleet which emit under 75mg of carbon dioxide per kilometre, and the recycling of 14,500 tonnes of hard-to-recycle wastes including road barriers, mattresses and mixed plastics. Every pound that clients spent with Powerday in 2019/20 contributed £0.22 to the local community. Powerday’s latest report can be downloaded from Powerday-CSR-2019-2020-Social-Value-Report.pdf
There are roughly 1.2 million wheelchair users in the UK with two-thirds of these being regular users, but many of these wheelchair users struggle to get around their own home. The home is somewhere that you should always easily be able to navigate and feel relaxed and safe in, but this is hard for a wheelchair user when it can be challenging to get around. So, how can you make a home more wheelchair friendly? Read on for a few ideas. Installation of Ramps The installation of ramps outside and inside the home can make life much easier for a wheelchair user. Stairs and changes in surface height are problematic for wheelchair users but this can be avoided by installing ramps which will make it much easier and safer for people to navigate their homes. Automatic Doors Doors can also be a challenge for wheelchair users but is a feature sometimes overlooked. Reaching to open a door can be challenging as well as unsafe whereas an automatic door will make it both easy and safe for a wheelchair user to get around their home without the worry about falling from their chair. In terms of security, doors can be installed with a lock controlled by a remote control or possibly even a smartphone. Wider Doorways Following this, you will also find that making wider doorways can also make a big difference, especially in smaller homes. It can be frustrating when it is difficult to get from room-to-room but made much easier simply by widening the doorways. Walk-In Shower The bathroom is an area that can be difficult to navigate for a wheelchair user. A walk-in shower complete with a fitted chair will make the bathing experience much easier, safe and more enjoyable for a wheelchair user and allow them to carry out basic personal care. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles It is also important to think beyond the home and ways in which you can make life easier for a wheelchair user. Transport can be another major issue with public transport not being the best option as well as being unreliable and expensive. A wheelchair accessible vehicle from somewhere like Allied Mobility can be a life-changing investment that will take all of the stress and hassle out of travel and allow you to easily and safely get from A to B. These are a few of the best ways that you can make a home more wheelchair-friendly and improve the life of a wheelchair user. It can be hard to navigate the home without adaptations and the home needs to be somewhere that people can feel relaxed and safe which is why it is important to make changes to the home.
While considering installing/remodelling a kitchen, the most important question that arises is, “how much would it cost?” A new kitchen will indeed be the most expensive project task you’re going to perform. However, when choosing a traditional kitchen style, it won’t cost you a lot. Many things can help you keep the cost down while achieving your desired kitchen look. Modern kitchens are dependent on the range of materials and finishes; however, shaker kitchens are designed for those who have a tight budget. You will be surprised to look at the prices that come with Shaker style kitchens. Though Shaker doors and cabinets are clean and simple in design with a traditional centre panel, costs are much lower than what you think. And, of course, that does not mean you have to compromise on quality. How Choices Affect the Price of Traditional Shaker Kitchens There are so many choices available that may affect the total cost of a new traditional kitchen. Here are some of the variations that typically affect it: Size and layout Handles Finish choices Appliances Worktop (which includes laminate’s cost) Tap Additional work such as electrical, tiling, polishing, etc.) Cost of Shaker Cabinets The cost of shaker cabinets in Europe may range between £76 and £900 per linear foot. This is as similar to any other style available. The cost includes style choice for doors and drawer faces and does not cover material expenses. Whether you choose a custom or stock type of material will dictate the actual estimation. Pricing Cabinets by Size 10×10 Kitchen Cabinets A 10×10 kitchen ranges between £1,500-£18,000 depending upon the materials and type you determine. Furthermore, this sort of size typically has 20 to 25 linear feet of cabinets. 12×12 Kitchen Cabinets A standard 12 by 12-foot kitchen cabinet costs around £1,900 to £22,000. It is considered as the average kitchen size in European homes. This size of traditional kitchens is beneficial as it accommodates open concepts, larger and more numerous appliances, and increases storage needs. Cupboards for Small Kitchens You will require nearly £1,300 to £15,000 for cupboards. A kitchen is considered to be small when it has typically 70 square feet or less space. However, you will not need to sacrifice style when choosing a shaker style for your small kitchen. You can find a wide range of materials and styles available for all kitchen sizes, and it gives plenty of options for storage solutions. What to Do Next Choosing a shaker style for your kitchen is ideally the best option to go for. It is undoubtedly a timeless classic style. The style is clean and simple and offers you a range of choices, designs, and styles in your budget without compromising the quality. Furthermore, a real style never goes out of trend. From luxury shaker to smooth, traditional, and classic shaker, you can give any direction to your kitchen and make it stand out with the affordable range. You can’t go wrong with Shaker-style even when choosing a traditional country kitchen or ultra-modern, contemporary design. If you’ve already set your heart for a shaker style kitchen, however, do not want to go for a new kitchen completely, you can still have options. Reface your existing kitchen cabinets with Shaker door replacements, and you have your new kitchen ready! Start planning your budget to get a clean, minimalist kitchen style at an affordable price using Shaker style!
Considering the environmental impact of a new building Inspired by the Italian novel The Baron in the Trees, Bosco Verticale — or Vertical Forrest in English — are two tower blocks situated in Milan, Italy. What makes these structures significant is the abundance of greenery that encapsulates them. To be specific, the towers hold 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 11,000 perennial plants. The aim — to eliminate city smog and improve air quality. So, what can the UK’s construction industry learn from these environmental structures? Nick Cowley, managing director at windows and doors manufacturer, Euramax explores. Towns and cities across the globe constantly require new buildings. The UK alone needs to build 340,000 new homes every year until 2031 if its housing supply is to meet demand. While we cannot fail to fulfil this need for more buildings, it’s equally important that the building and construction industry acknowledges the environmental impact of building more. Bosco Verticale Considered the European capital of fashion and football, Milan is also one of the most polluted cities in Europe. In fact, the city was named Europe’s most polluted city in 2008. The industrial region is surrounded by mountainous terrain that gathers heavy smog. To help reduce the health and environmental impact of Milan’s atmospheric pollutants, Italian architect Stefano Boeri conjured up the concept of Bosco Verticale. Constructed in 2014, the towers are designed to combat air pollution by using the trees and plants to produce more oxygen. It’s predicted that the trees and plants in the towers convert approximately 44,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year. The greenery also helps to moderate temperatures in the buildings during winter and summer, by shading the interiors from the sun and blocking harsh winds. This use of vegetation is an effective way to reduce the towers’ energy emissions as there is less need for thermostat heating and air conditioning. Furthermore, the towers’ variety of plant species attracts different birds and insects to the city, improving wildlife conservation. This is important because building and construction often causes irreversible damage to the natural habitats of wildlife and plants. While Milan is proactively reducing pollution and emissions, what’s happening in the UK? Natural England Natural England is the government’s statutory adviser for the natural environment. The group supports the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, its ambitions for agriculture, fisheries and the natural environment and commitment to becoming a net zero country by 2050. Natural England is dedicated to rebuilding sustainable ecosystems and protecting habitats, species and landscapes to help nature thrive. The Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, has called for the government to change its thinking towards housing and ensure that environmental considerations are incorporated into the design of new housing estates. He believes that politicians and developers must incorporate green thinking into the design of new infrastructure. According to Juniper, “we need healthy nature to catch carbon, to clean up rivers, to reduce flood risk, to improve public health and wellbeing. All of these have economic upsides, which I fear have been invisible in the development planning process.” Much like the concept of Bosco Verticale, using vegetation to reduce emissions and pollution is something that Natural England wants the government to recognise. Green Homes Grant As well as Natural England’s support, the government announced its Green Homes Grant in July 2020. As part of the scheme, the government will provide vouchers up to £10,000 to make homes more energy efficient. The scheme will run from September 2020 to March 2021 in an attempt to reduce energy emissions and costs. Homeowners and landlords must apply for the vouchers that will fund around 66 per cent of the cost of hiring tradespeople to upgrade the energy performance of their properties. The renovations that qualify for vouchers are categorised by primary and secondary measures. Primary includes a range of insulation and low carbon heating such as biomass boilers and solar thermal. Secondary measures involve draught proofing, double glazing and replacing and updating thermostats. For new buildings and those that need updating, it’s important to minimise their environmental impact where possible, and maximise the energy benefits of the buildings. Updating windows and doors is one action that can offer major energy saving benefits. Using double glazed low emissivity glass units, Euramax’s windows and doors have been rated A for their energy efficiency by The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC). The council rates fenestration products from A to G, with A the most energy efficient, helping to cut emissions and costs to run the building. The Energy Savings Trust UK states that a detached home could save up to £160 on energy bills each year with A rated double glazed windows. While meeting housing demand is vital, so is minimising the environmental impact of construction projects. The UK has already made efforts to improve the sustainability of its buildings with the Green Homes Grant, but it must also demonstrate environmental support from the very start of a construction project. In addition to investing in sustainable materials and energy efficient windows and doors, the UK could take a physical leaf out of Bosco Verticale’s book and rely on natural sources to make construction greener.
