The Keystone Group recently opened the doors of its UK HQ to a select group of leading housing developers, consultants, and industry experts for a full-day event focused on Innovation in Roofing – Preparing for the Future Homes Standard. PHPD exclusively reports on the day.
The June 26th event in Swadlincote brought together representatives from 17 national and regional housebuilders, along with key figures from sustainability consultants, heat pump manufacturers, heating designers, architects and planners, all of whom have played some part in shaping Keystone’s latest innovations.
Putting the spotlight on two major product launches, SmartPUC by Smartroof and the ModuLite system by Keylite, the day also explored how forward-thinking roofing and renewable energy solutions can help the industry meet the evolving demands of the Future Homes Standard.
Held in the Smartroof factory at Keystone’s Swadlincote headquarters, this exclusive event provided an ideal opportunity to see innovative solutions in situ while engaging in meaningful dialogue around sustainability, compliance and collaborative innovation. Over 40 attendees took part in a packed programme of presentations, product demonstrations, and informal networking with Keystone’s full brand family also on display throughout the venue.
Product launches and collaborative insight
Following the welcome and introductory presentations the group were taken to the product demonstration areas, giving attendees a close-up look at the group’s precision manufacturing approach and a chance to view the new SmartPUC and ModuLite systems in-situ.
SmartPUC, a prefabricated utility cupboard / loft plant room, has been designed to meet the specific challenges posed by the transition to low-carbon homes – space for additional technologies being the main challenge. The SmartPUC is pre-manufactured offsite and utilises the unused loft space by providing a discrete, purpose-built space for new technologies such as air source heat pumps, solar PV inverters, MVHR units and larger hot water cylinders. Crucially, SmartPUC frees up valuable living space, giving developers more flexibility when designing energyefficient homes of the future.
Also featured on the day was ModuLite, which has been developed by Keylite Roof Windows as a cutting-edge and highly energy-efficient alternative to traditional inroof dormers. Comprising a prefabricated modular system that delivers architectural appeal and simplified installation, ModuLite supports contemporary design ambitions while aiding thermal performance a critical consideration as U-values become more demanding, whilst introducing more natural daylight. Another key benefit of Modulite is that it’s available off the shelf in a matter of days as opposed to GRP dormers which tend to have much longer lead times.
Throughout the day, attendees were able to view live product demonstrations, offering a practical insight into how each system integrates into modern housebuilding workflows. The showcase also included a sneak preview of a forthcoming ‘loft mounted’ Air Source Heat Pump solution, developed in collaboration with EBAC, which generated strong interest from sustainability and building services professionals alike.
Responding to the Future Homes Standard
One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by AES Sustainability Consultants, who provided attendees with a comprehensive update on the Future Homes Standard, set to come into force in 2025. The session outlined how these new regulations will redefine energy performance targets for new homes in England, and why early adaptation is essential.
As home designs become more complex to meet compliance, Keystone’s innovative solutions represent a practical way for developers to stay ahead of the curve. The inclusion of consultants and planning specialists as part of the event reflected the collaborative nature of these innovations. Each of the Keystone solutions were developed through close collaboration with housing providers, technical experts, and the end users of the technologies.
Group capability
Although roofing innovation was the main theme of the event, Keystone ensured that its full portfolio of brands was visible on the day. The presentation area doubled as an exhibition space, with pop-up stands representing brands such as IG Masonry Support, Keystone Lintels, Showersave and Keyfix. Attendees were able to explore sample products, ask questions, and connect with specialists from across the Group.
This holistic approach reinforced Keystone’s strength as a multi-brand solution provider, offering everything from structural support systems, energy saving solutions to sustainable roof design. The event demonstrated how the company is positioning itself as a go-to partner for developers responding to the Future Homes Standard agenda.
Evening networking
After a packed day of technical insight and innovation, the group was invited to unwind with an afternoon of go-karting, followed by dinner and live music in Birmingham. The evening provided a relaxed setting for informal networking and celebrated the strong partnerships Keystone has developed with its customers and collaborators.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the balance between Keystone’s constant drive for innovation and real-world practicality. The SmartPUC and ModuLite launches, offer credible solutions to the mounting space, sustainability, and systems integration challenges currently faced by modern housebuilders.
With the housebuilding sector preparing for the Future Homes Standard coming into force in 2025, events such as this underline the vital role that proactive manufacturers can play.
For Keystone, it was a great opportunity to reinforce its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and quality and to reaffirm its position at the forefront of roofing and smart building product design.
For more information on the Keystone Group visit www.rdr.link/dbf024
