STANDARDS FOR HOUSEBUILDERS
The latest NHBC 2021 edition of its technical Standards will be effective for every new home covered by an NHBC warranty, where foundations are begun on or after 1 January 2021. Updates to the new version include a full review of Chapter 7.1 ‘Flat Roofs, Terraces and Balconies’; updates to Chapter 6.1 ‘External Masonry Walls’ to reflect requirement changes; and a technical update to Chapter 10.2 ‘Drives, Paths and Landscaping’.
POTABLE WATER APPLICATIONS
A unique total system solution for developers and contractors is how Aliaxis is describing its Adjusta boundary box. Designed to house the meter at the boundary between the water main and the domestic supply, the units are manufactured with an adjustable lid, enabling contractors to alter the height and pitch of the boundary box in accordance with the on-site conditions. There are three different sizes to suit all installation depths and there are a wide variety of inlet and outlet connections.
BESPOKE TIMBER HOMES
From garden annexes to holiday lodges, InstaHaus hand-builds every one of its bespoke, relocatable timber homes in its Somerset workshop in 8-10 weeks and, depending on site conditions, can deliver and install within as little as 24 hours. The units use Norbord’s SterlingOSB Zero for the walls and roof, CaberFloor P5 for the floors and CaberFix D4 for all the joints.
CLADDING
A strikingly modern residential property in one of Kent’s most famous coastal towns is making articulate use of Marmox Multiboards as part of its cladding solution. The Multiboards are manufactured from extruded polystyrene or XPS encapsulated in reinforced polymer concrete, in a range of thicknesses up to 60mm They are fully waterproof, light to handle and easy to cut, while still being able to sustain substantial loadings if required, such as for flooring applications. They also offer good thermal insulation performance, helping to cut condensation risk.
AIR SOURCE AND UFH
Two new-build homes in the Cotswolds are benefitting from a sustainable building services package supplied by OMNIE. The properties feature OMNIIE’s easy to fit LowBoard panels, whilst the UFH is powered by LG air source heat pumps. The OMNIE underfloor heating has the added benefit of keeping the heat pumps running efficiently over extended periods, which reduces component wear.
FIRE SOLUTIONS
Norbord has developed SterlingOSB Zero Fire Solutions to help housebuilders reduce the risk of fire spreading to neighbouring buildings during construction. The Structural Timber Association (STA) produces guidelines for reducing fire spread in large timber frame buildings during construction before fire resistant finishes have been put in place. SterlingOSB Zero Fire Solutions is designed, when used in conjunction with Rockwool insulation, to match the categories in the STA guidelines.
PAVING
Although charming, the famous Cotswold limestone, which originates from the rural area, is prone to weathering, making it unsuitable as a sustainable paving choice. Cranbourne Stone has found the solution with its Cotswold Mint Sandstone, retaining the beauty and charm of the traditional Cotswold limestone while overcoming its proneness to weather damage and degradation. It can be used in patios, terraces, paths and even swimming pool surrounds.
CEMENT
Not one but three new packed products have been added to the Lafarge Cement portfolio. The 40N strength High Performance Concrete is suitable for forming the base for domestic garages and driveways. The quick setting, 15N strength Instant Concrete is ideal for garden sheds, greenhouses and domestic footpaths and steps. Premium Cement is a 42,5N cement specially designed for applications that require extra strength such as steps, paths, concrete bases, and repair and maintenance projects.
https://www.aggregate.com/our-businesses/lafarge-cement
PVCu WINDOWS & DOORS
All Euramax PVCu windows and doors – and composite doors – come with a ten-year guarantee, and rated A for efficiency. They are also BSI approved and ISO9001 and ISO4001 certified. The frames are available in a range of colours, such as Chartwell Green, Golden Oak and modern grey, and a range of window glass styles, including Georgian bar and Everglade.
INSULATED CONCRETE FORMWORK (ICF)
Jackodur Atlas and Thermomur, two Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) systems from Jackon, are set to revolutionise UK house construction in the coming years, according to the manufacturer. Easier and quicker to build, ICF integrates insulation materials into the concrete formwork. Advantages include dramatically improved insulation and therefore reduced expenditure on heating or cooling; excellent acoustic performance; fire resistance; enhanced resilience to flood, extreme weather and seismic activity; rot and vermin resistance; versatility with regard to remodelling; minimal maintenance requirement; mortgage, insurance and planning acceptance.
https://www.jackon-insulation.co.uk/
