With tightening regulations and increasing expectations for quality, housebuilders need pipework solutions that ensure compliance, save time on-site and enhance the overall appearance of a property, says Dean Heathfield, Commercial Director at Talon.

Getting pipework right in new builds is about more than just compliance – it’s about delivering a polished, professional finish that reflects the quality of the entire build. With the tightening of regulations like Part L, ensuring airtightness and energy efficiency is a must, but it doesn’t stop there. Housebuilders and developers need solutions that not only meet the new standards but also save time on-site and enhance the overall aesthetic of the property.

From 2025, all new builds will have to comply with the Future Homes Standard. Homes built under this standard are expected to have 75 to 80% lower carbon emissions compared to those built under current regulations. A major source of heat loss in homes is through gaps around pipe penetrations in walls, floors and ceilings. Without proper sealing, these gaps allow warm air to escape and cold air to seep in, reducing energy efficiency and raising heating costs.

Recent updates to Part L of the Building Regulations, which move toward the Future Homes Standard, aim to combat this issue by requiring builders to use pipe seals and grommets that create an airtight barrier around pipes passing through the building envelope.

Talon’s PipeSnug and FlueSnug are a quick and efficient solution, providing an all-in-one seal that prevents heat loss, drafts, damp and even pest infiltration. PipeSnug is designed to seal around pipes that penetrate external walls, ensuring that builders can quickly and easily comply with regulations without compromising the thermal envelope of the building. FlueSnug serves a similar purpose for boiler flues, creating a reliable airtight seal that can be installed from inside the property, simplifying both installation and maintenance.

With both PipeSnug and FlueSnug, the days of relying on messy mortar or silicone for sealing are over, and builders can ensure a durable, weather-resistant solution that meets the new regulatory standards. These products also offer long-term UV resistance and can be installed in seconds, eliminating the need for additional materials and labour. For developers working to tight deadlines, this efficiency can make a big difference on-site. Not only do they help builders save time, but they also provide a neater, more professional finish, improving the aesthetic of the final build while still ensuring compliance with Part L regulations.

While airtightness and compliance are crucial, how a building looks at handover is just as important. Exposed pipes, especially in high-visibility areas like kitchens and bathrooms, can detract from the overall ambience of a space. Homebuyers expect these rooms to reflect modern, sleek designs and messy or unfinished pipework can leave a bad impression, suggesting a lack of attention to detail. This is where products like Talon’s Snappit come into play, offering housebuilders and developers a simple, effective way to give pipework a clean, professional appearance. Snappit is designed to cover exposed copper pipes around radiators and towel rails, providing a neat finish with no need for painting or fiddly workarounds. Simply cut the uPVC sleeve to the required length, snap it into place and add the collar for a perfectly finished look.

Using Snappit not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also saves on time and effort; there’s no need to wait for paint to dry or worry about chips and scratches. Snappit is UV stabilised and comes with a 10-year guarantee, meaning it will look just as good years after installation and is available in a range of colours, including chrome and anthracite grey, so it blends seamlessly into the design of modern interiors.

Beyond sealing and covering, the right clips and accessories can make all the difference in ensuring a tidy, organised installation. Talon’s Hinged Clips are known for their durability and ease of use, securing pipework in a single step for safe, efficient and visually neat installations. Alongside these clips, link spacers are available to ensure uniform pipe spacing, creating a tidy, professional finish. The clips come in a range of colours, including red, blue, yellow for easy identification of hot, cold, and gas pipes, as well as white and black, offering a complete colour range to suit any installation.

For housebuilders looking to save time and effort, the EZ Joist Clip simplifies and secures pipework installations, particularly in challenging overhead or hard-to-reach areas, offering a quicker, more secure solution than traditional nail-in clips. The clip’s side-on installation design allows for safer work above head level, with a side-nailing feature that eliminates the need to access the top of joists. Its 360-degree pipe retention allows for fixing pipes already in place and multiple clips can be seamlessly connected for extended runs or complex layouts.

Another practical accessory is the Identification Clip range, which helps installers easily mark pipes according to their contents. With colour-coded options for hot water, gas and cold water, these clips help builders and future occupants identify which pipes carry what, reducing the time spent tracing systems and improving safety on-site. It’s not an overstatement to say the finish can make or break a project. While meeting regulations is critical for compliance, achieving a polished, professional look is what leaves a lasting impression. Pipe collars offer builders an efficient, effective way to meet airtightness requirements, while clips and accessories provide the finishing touches that take a build from functional to flawless.

For developers and housebuilders, the right products represent an opportunity to improve efficiency, save on labour and deliver a higher standard of workmanship. By incorporating these innovations into their projects, builders can ensure not only that they meet the latest regulations but also that their work stands out for its attention to detail and quality.

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Charles Mcalpine, climate solutions expert and Managing Director EU of HiiLIFE, a bespoke technology provider for the construction sector, explains what home heating systems property developers should install to maximise efficiency.

As energy costs and environmental concerns continue to rise, housebuilders find themselves at the forefront of increasing our energy efficiency. One of the most impactful ways housebuilders and architects can contribute to a sustainable future is by integrating advanced heat pump systems and smart control technologies into their properties.

These solutions not only reduce energy consumption, but also offer residents a more comfortable living experience. With the cost of energy showing no sign of slowing down, it is crucial for residential developments to acknowledge the importance of incorporating these systems. Charles Mcalpine, climate solutions expert and Managing Director EU of HiiLIFE explains more:

“The heat pump has been a game-changing solution for energy-efficient heating and cooling. Unlike traditional boilers, heat pumps work by transferring energy in the form of heat from one place to another. Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional heating systems because they use electricity to pump refrigerant around a circuit instead of burning fuels, such as gas, to heat water.

There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. An air-source heat pump transfers energy from the outside air into the home, even in colder temperatures. In contrast, groundsource heat pumps transfer energy between the ground and a building. Ground-source offer developers energy efficiency and more consistent bills due to the stable ground temperatures they transfer energy from, but installation costs can be high. I’d say air-source pumps are the most cost-effective option for many properties. While ground-source pumps offer a higher level of energy efficiency, the installation requirements are not suitable for all properties and these also come at significant expense.

Installing heat pumps in property developments offer both developers and potential buyers a variety of benefits. Compared to traditional heating systems, heat pumps produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable development while also helping developers meet increasingly strict environmental regulations. Energy-efficient properties are becoming increasingly attractive to buyers and renters, who are mindful of energy costs and the environment.

While heat pumps offer energy efficiency, integrating smart control systems in developments can increase these benefits even further. Smart thermostats allow for precise temperature control, ensuring that heat is only delivered when and where it is needed. Many systems are equipped with algorithms that can adapt to household behaviours, automatically adjusting heating schedules for when residents are typically home or away. For property developers, these advantages can translate to residents benefiting from the long-term value of lower energy bills. It also demonstrates to environmentally conscious buyers how the properties in question are prepared for the future.

Smart home systems also offer remote access control, allowing residents to adjust heating elements while away via mobile applications. Not only does this offer convenience, it also enhances energy efficiency by allowing users to manage their property’s energy use anywhere, anytime. Smart home systems can also provide energy usage insights, allowing people to see data relating to their energy expenditure. These insights often lead to better decision-making, encouraging more energy-conscious behaviours. For developers, providing homes with smart systems can enhance a property’s value by offering buyers the tools and data to make their home more sustainable and cost-effective.

Perhaps the most standout feature of smart heating systems is zoning capability. Zoning allows residents to heat different areas of a home independently so one can consider the usage, location, and occupancy of each space. Integrating this innovative feature into the build offers a competitive edge in the market, thanks to the attractiveness of personalisation options and increased efficiency as less energy is wasted on heating the entire home.

In summary, future-proofing home heating systems with heat pumps and smart home controls has a whole host of commercial benefits for property developers. Not only do they align with modern sustainability trends and home designs, they also reduce energy waste and lower utility costs for buyers and residents. In today’s competitive market where sustainability and long-term value is a priority for consumers, energy efficient properties are increasingly attractive investments. Housebuilders who embrace and implement these innovations will be well-positioned to meet demand and stand out to buyers and residents in the increasingly crowded property landscape.”

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For housebuilders working in an industry where quality is paramount, finding a reliable supplier that can meet all your needs can be a significant challenge.

With that in mind, we got in touch with one manufacturer and supplier that has been shaking up the bespoke hardwood market for over a decade, offering a comprehensive range of products that caters to even the most complex needs of architects, and developers across the UK.

Founded in 2007 to handle overflow from a local joinery company, Buckinghamshire-based Country Hardwood has grown exponentially over the years, evolving into a leading manufacturer and supplier of bespoke timber windows, doors, conservatories and more.

“Our journey has been one of constant evolution,” Mark Osborne, Managing Director of Country Hardwood reflects. “We started with conservatories and gradually expanded our range to cover all external joinery needs for any property or project.”

“One of our main strengths now as a company is that we offer a complete package,” Osborne adds. “Whether our customers require beautiful bespoke architectural roof lanterns or traditional Georgian-style sash windows for a restoration project, we can provide it.”

Reframing timber
When it comes to manufacturing timber products, expertise is everything. Often considered the most premium material, timber continues to be sought after for the most luxurious of projects. However, creating timber products that stand the test of time requires exceptional craftsmanship. Country Hardwood’s manufacturing process is best described as a careful balance between tradition and innovation. While these may seem like two opposing forces, it’s this perfect balance that allows the manufacturer to offer beautifully crafted timber products on a large scale.

Combining time-honoured woodworking techniques with cutting-edge technology, Country Hardwood produces windows, doors, bifolds, orangeries, conservatories, and roof lanterns that are as durable as they are beautiful. At the heart of the manufacturer’s success is a team of 18 highly skilled artisans, many of whom have been with the company since its inception.

This wealth of experience is complemented by significant investments in state-of-the-art technology, including a recent £700,000 acquisition of a one-of-a-kind CNC machine. “We’ve always believed in combining traditional woodworking techniques with advanced manufacturing processes,” Osborne explains. “Our new CNC machinery allows us to produce joinery with precision and provide consistently exceptional quality.”

Over the years, Country Hardwood has continued to innovate, even with a material as timeless as timber. “We’re dedicated to developing our products in response to the evolving requirements of developers, and architects. We recently introduced a wrap-around locking system that is completely unique to us – this ensures that our timber windows and doors are more secure than ever before.”

“A few years ago we also introduced an Oak-lookalike hardwood that’s soaring in popularity,” Osborne shares. “It offers the aesthetic appeal of oak without the premium price tag, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality on a budget.”

Sustainable luxury
In recent years, the construction industry has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainable materials, and so housebuilders and architects are increasingly recognising the environmental benefits and aesthetic appeal of timber. Country Hardwood is well-positioned to meet this growing demand: “Our entire product range is crafted with FSC-certified timber sourced from sustainably managed forests, making our products ideal for environmentally-conscious developments.”

Better still, sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of quality. On the contrary, Country Hardwood’s bespoke approach ensures that each product is fully customisable, making them ideal for high end projects that demand unique specifications. “We understand that every project is unique,” Osborne states. “That’s why we offer fully bespoke solutions, from dimensions to finishes. Our in-house CAD design team can bring even the most ambitious visions to life.”

Osborne is optimistic about the future of Country Hardwood: “We’re constantly innovating and improving our offerings. Our R&D team is always working on new ways to fine tune our products and processes.”

While Country Hardwood’s primary focus is the UK market, their reputation for quality has attracted international attention. “We’ve recently shipped to Argentina, Spain, Japan, and France,” Osborne shares. “However, our heart remains in the UK. We’re committed to supporting British craftsmanship and keeping our manufacturing local.” Osborne adds that “Every product we supply carries with it the passion, skill, and dedication of our entire team. We invite trade professionals to join us in bringing the timeless beauty and sustainability of timber to projects across the UK and beyond.”

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Scott Wolters, UK Building Product Sales Director at EGGER UK explains how you can better protect your workforce and prevent slips and trips on site.

Slips and trips account for the largest cause of injuries in the UK construction industry, with workplace injury and ill health costing the country around £20.7 billion per year.

With this, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect workforces on active housebuilding sites, and that teams need to be provided with safe working platforms. Here, Scott Wolters, UK Building Product Sales Director at EGGER UK, takes a closer look… Of all the industries in the UK, construction has the highest number of fatal injuries, with the majority of these coming from falls from height. With this in mind, it’s critical that housebuilders take steps to ensure the safety of their teams on site, including the careful consideration of any specification choices.

A fundamental part of any housebuilding project, structural flooring will often be installed early on in the construction process, generally before the building has been made watertight. As a result, the flooring often serves a secondary function as a working platform for weeks or even months, providing site teams and subcontractors with the means to carry on other works around them. In addition to having to withstand daily site traffic and dropped tools or material spillages, the flooring is also likely to be exposed to the elements, posing a potential slip risk for the workforce.

When specifying structural flooring for a job, the focus will often be placed on its durability, performance, cost and sustainability. However, given its secondary use as a working platform, it is evident that housebuilders should also be checking a structural flooring product for its slip potential. It’s therefore important to understand what you should be looking for in terms of product ratings and the types of testing that flooring undergoes to achieve these ratings.

The predominant test for structural flooring and its slip resistance is the Pendulum Test, which provides a Pendulum Test Value (PTV). Widely used across the UK, a Pendulum Test evaluates the way a shoe or foot will react to a surface, in both damp and dry conditions.

The pendulum itself acts as the shoe or foot and is swung from height in an arched motion across the sample being tested. The highest height this pendulum reaches after touching the surface is then recorded as the PTV. This pendulum is intended to simulate a worker’s boot crossing over the surface, providing an accurate result for slip resistance.

All structural flooring is tested against this system under BS-7976-2, with a value of 36 or more resulting in a Low Slip Potential being assigned to the product, as seen with EGGER Protect. A value of between 24 and 35 is calculated as a Moderate Slip Potential and under 24 has a High Slip Potential, with anywhere from a 1 in 20 to a 1 in 200 chance of a slip occurring at this level.

Whilst most structural flooring boards on the UK market achieve a Moderate rating, EGGER remains the reliable manufacturer of a chipboard-based structural flooring board that is verified as Low Slip Potential in Wet Conditions, in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance for assessing the slip resistance of flooring.

EGGER Protect is a high-quality structural flooring board, thermally bonded on both sides to ensure protection from moisture and engineered to withstand tough site conditions. It has achieved the highest class of slip resistance, with a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 40 in wet and 55 in dry conditions – independently tested and verified by a UKAS accredited laboratory.

Providing a 60-day safe solution, which can be fitted in light rain conditions, EGGER Protect significantly minimises the chance of accidents and injuries on site.

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James Francis, Product Manager at ROCKWOOL UK, explains why insulation choice isn’t just about U-value.

In the past, selecting insulation was a straightforward task of choosing a product that meets the required Uvalue. However, as thermal performance requirements become more complex, it’s crucial for housebuilders to specify based on more than just one metric.

The importance of installation
During installation, common mistakes that can affect the long-term energy performance include gaps forming between insulation, lack of insulation and continuity at junctions, poor insulation installation in lofts, debris and mortar snots in cavity walls and incorrect positioning of windows and doors.

While a small gap might seem insignificant, tests by the BRE in 2008 on sample houses showed that features associated with poor workmanship could, in some cases, cause the U-value to rise as much as 310%. Likewise, a study by Belgian professor Lecompte from 1990 found that an air gap as small as 6mm is enough to increase heat transfer by 158% of the design value.

These studies highlight the importance of fitting insulation effectively, but achieving a quality installation that will perform long into the future starts with the specification.

Starting with specification
As Approved Document L (ADL) 2021 (England) advises, continuity is crucial when it comes to insulation that calls for a tight and continuous fit with minimal gaps. Yet the ease of achieving this level of precise fit and the time needed to achieve it vary depending on the type of insulation used.

As part of ADL 2021, there is now a requirement for photographic evidence at various construction stages before elements are concealed. For insulation, developers will need to provide proof of the thermal continuity of the material at foundations/structures, external walls, roofs, openings, pipes, and ducts. This evidence should demonstrate that the material is fitted tightly and without gaps.

While continuity is already best practice for installation, there’s now even more pressure on developers to achieve a tighter, continuous fit, which could require additional cutting on-site and/or taping at board joints with foil tape. For housebuilders acutely aware of build schedules, this requirement could equate to extra time completing a plot and a more significant burden to ensure building control sign-off.

Why insulation choice matters
The ease of achieving this level of precise fit and, in turn, as-designed performance varies depending on the type of insulation used and selecting a product solely based on its thermal conductivity, overlooks this critical consideration.

Pliable insulation can help achieve a tight, continuous fit efficiency as it can be friction-fitted without extensive and precise cutting. Opting for more flexible insulation allows for easier installation at the abutments between insulation boards, another area prone to thermal leakage.

Specifiers also need to think longer term as the thermal performance of some insulation types can diminish over time due to loss of dimensional stability. Choosing a product that retains its manufactured dimensions long-term means the material will not shrink or warp when exposed to high temperatures or humidity and, in turn, create gaps between the insulation and the substrate.

We also recently completed a study with the University of Salford Thermal Measurement Laboratory to investigate the performance of stone wool insulation. The aim was to understand what happens physically when two pieces of ROCKWOOL insulation join together and what impact this has on thermal performance.

Based on independently measured data from the University of Salford, we concluded that when our stone wool slabs are tightly joined together, the edges knit together providing a continuous insulating layer of trapped pockets of air with no gaps and no associated loss of thermal performance.

What’s more, stone wool has also shown its ability to maintain its shape and density over time. In tests on materials from real-life construction sites, we found that stone wool can retain its insulating properties for more than 65 years without a drop in performance.

By evaluating the performance of insulation based on additional factors, including longevity and ease of achieving a precise fit, housebuilders can build homes efficiently and deliver homes with thermal performance that is proven to last.

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Joel Winders, commercial director of Kingswood Homes, relates the challenges facing developers when it comes to sourcing materials – and at good prices.

One of our biggest challenges over the recent years has been procuring materials; firstly, at the right price and, secondly, in timescales that work with our programmes: something which rarely has gone hand in hand.

We have battled with multiple world events that have impacted on the housing industry by way of rising costs and lack of supply. Prices rose like a rocket from 2020 – 2022 and have fallen like a feather in 2023, and while supplies now become readily available, there is a lack of demand. It appears on face value that merchants and suppliers are not passing on the price reductions as fast as their historic price increases which were filtering through daily at the time.

Kingswood Homes is a well-established SME but, as is the case with all SMEs, we do not have the same buying power as the large PLCs, which ultimately means we have to fight harder to secure the best rates and periodically review prices to ensure we are receiving best value for money.

Our approach, which we have found rewarding to date, has been to open dialogue with our supply chains to re-negotiate existing deals to try and negate re-tendering processes which secures continuity on developments and ongoing relationships with existing supply chains.

The cost efficiencies we are making with the market slow down are being focused on delivering better value for customers through increasing the sales team’s incentive allowances in a bid to increase reservation numbers to somewhere in between what feels like a period of feast or famine.

Customer expectations have also increased when it comes to closing the deal with expectations of a sales incentive margin of anywhere from 1% to 5% of purchase price. This is something that we review on a plot-by-plot basis.

While there is a lot of doom and gloom in the industry, we have been encouraged with the continued reduction in mortgage rates as the market continues to stabilise and inflation continues to reduce to a palatable level.

This has been very encouraging for our sales outlets and in the early part of 2024 we have seen customer numbers increase significantly, although many potential buyers are still hesitant to commit or put their house on the market, presumably holding off until they feel the market has bottomed out.

A key driver to kickstart the industry again will be the welcomed reduction in the Bank of England base rates which are predicted to reduce by 1% by the end of 2024 which will have a large effect on commercial lending and residential mortgages alike. Without this we could continue to see future sites moth-balled and delayed in a bid to reduce the effects of the downturn with the goal of coming back stronger in the future.

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Given the pressure on space for homes, and the need to maximise the space available, bathroom functionality and comfort need not be sacrificed. Jo Edwards, channel director, residential and trade at Ideal Standard, reports.

When designing bathrooms, it’s important to maximise any space available without impacting functionality. When looking at key high-traffic areas in the home, the bathroom plays a pivotal role in our day-to-day routine, meaning it’s a space that really can’t afford to be overlooked.

Through smart design and specifying decisions, combined with space-saving products from manufacturers, developers can make the most of smaller spaces and build bathrooms that feel bigger than they are while minimising installation times. With more compact products, additional bathrooms (like downstairs loos and en-suites) can also fit easily into a typical floorplan – catering to current buying trends and increasing property value.

Smaller by design
Unlike in other areas of a home, there’s not much in the bathroom that can be shifted elsewhere to save on space. So, the challenge is ensuring all the essentials are covered while retaining enough room that residents don’t feel penned in. This is where manufacturers come in, with collections specifically designed for smaller spaces, featuring smart solutions that find hidden pockets of space.

Wall-hanging units should be a first port of call in a smaller bathroom – whether that means WCs, basins or furniture, the small amount of space underneath these units can have an outsized impact when it comes to making a bathroom seem bigger – it’s also easier to clean too!

From here, it’s possible to combine products – building basins into vanity units and using mirrors that contain hidden storage. This not only removes the need for extra furniture that takes up valuable floor space, but also means less product to worry about purchasing and installing.

Ultra-thin shower trays are another innovative product to specify, even if they don’t necessarily offer any extra space. By limiting the visible transition between the shower and the rest of the bathroom, these showers give the impression of there being more floor space, particularly when compared to plastic or chrome shower trays many consumers are used to.

Furthermore, ultra-thin shower trays offer more flexibility, with many now able available in a huge variety of sizes, or able to be cut to fit certain shapes, making for faster installation, even in unusual spaces. This means more functionality, more planning options and reduced installation times, resulting in serious time and cost savings across developments both large and small.

Collections with short projection WCs are another great way to free up floor space. Similarly, soft square shapes like those featured in the range are well suited to smaller spaces, allowing basins to be wider without protruding too deeply into the room. Developers should also be on the lookout for specifying guides that manufacturers release in tandem with collections, this helps to visualise products in situ or just provide design inspiration.

By opting for a space-saving range from a single manufacturer, it is also possible to create a consistent look and installation process for all sizes, meaning the installation team can swiftly familiarise themselves with how a product should be installed and the best order in which to do so – something that can be vital in a compact floorplan. The end result for developers is a streamlined installation process, allowing more time to be spent focusing on quality and consistency across the board.

Installation inspiration
Other ways developers can make the most of smaller bathrooms include opting for behind-the-wall technology, which can help to add a sleek, minimalist aesthetic to toilet cisterns and basin frames without encroaching on usable space.

Behind-the-wall systems are quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception in new-build homes, and manufacturers are building flexibility into the design that allows for even easier installation. Many new systems come in a variety of different depths and heights, meaning they fit into tight spots such as under windows or when paired with furniture.

Remembering to always incorporate flexibility into design is an important rule of thumb when it comes to small bathrooms; each project is different, and housebuilders need the ability to choose products that fit the spaces they are working with and meet potential buyers’ expectations on functionality and aesthetics.

Savvy design choices, innovative products, and flexible installation make it easier than ever to find hidden space in all bathrooms, and with a considered specification process, housebuilders can save on costs and time.

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Lee Buckley, technical team leader at Recticel Insulation, provides a guide to Psi- values and Y-values and why they are integral to achieving greater energy efficiency in buildings.

Accurate thermal calculations are paramount to creating buildings that meet regulation energy standards and the highest levels of comfort and wellbeing. There is a significant focus on U-value calculations when specifying materials to combat heat loss through building elements such as walls, floors and roofs. But what about Psi- values and Y-values, which focus on thermal bridging and thermal performance at junctions?

Thermal bridges can account for 20-30% of the heat loss in a typical new build home. As homes become better insulated thermal bridges become even more significant. Psi-values measure the heat loss properties of junctions where two elements meet, for example, where a floor meets an external wall, or a window interrupts a wall. Psi-values are measured in watts per metre Kelvin (W/mK).

Although there are many junctions within a dwelling, some have extremely low PSI-values and others occur over very short lengths. The key junctions to ‘get right’ or improve are those which either have a high PSI-value or occur frequently over significant lengths.

Even with correctly specified and installed building fabric materials, a property can fall drastically short of intended performance due to lower U-value targets which potentially drive additional heat loss at building junctions. In these areas, it is imperative that detailing is not overlooked or too complex to ensure junctions are constructed with the utmost precision. Such an outcome is essential to achieving the ideal thermal envelope and year-round interior comfort.

PSI-values
Whilst calculated Psi-values have been beneficial in SAP for a long time, in the past compliance could have been achieved without calculated or specific Psi-values. This has become more difficult due to a greater emphasis on junction detailing and the weakening of default values.

Hence, it is much more of a challenge – or even impossible – to achieve compliance without considering calculated Psi-values. These compliance issues led to Accredited Construction Details being removed, as they were deemed to be outdated and not reflective of the higher performance standards needed for Part L 2021 and beyond.

Psi-values determine the rate of heat loss through linear junctions where elements meet or there is an interruption. Psi-values are calculated alongside U-values that address surface area (W/m2K – metric), they both aim to account for a building fabric’s predicted heat loss.

Psi-value calculation is an intricate process. It not only takes into account a junction’s heat flow simulation, the impact of U-values in surrounding or adjoining building elements are also included as part of the assessment. To obtain a precise outcome, the output value is multiplied across the total length of a junction to create a total junction Psi-value.

Y-values
In plain and simple terms, a Y-value accounts for the total heat loss due to thermal bridging; it’s an addition of all the Psi-values once multiplied by their corresponding lengths. This total is divided by the total area of external elements to give an overall percentage value of heat loss.

Seek guidance
Professional guidance is advised to ensure accurate Psi-values and Y-values. This is particularly important with the removal of Accredited Construction Details (ACD) from the design process. Therefore, designers and assessors are urged to use reputable building supply chain sources in order to obtain and apply each value correctly.

Following Part L regulatory changes, building design and construction processes face unprecedented scrutiny. This is to be welcomed, as errant practice in these areas risks a shortfall in standards and costly refurbishment to right initial wrongs. Avoiding complex junction details is one way of overcoming thermal bridging issues. Simplifying these elements increases the chances of their accurate onsite application. In this respect, less detail will likely mean a more energy efficient building.

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Selecting the appropriate insulation system is important for buildings with solid walls. Here, Matthew Woodhams, technical specification manager at Baumit, explores the benefits offered by breathable external wall insulation.

With a growing awareness of the importance of energy efficiency and a better understanding of the breathability of materials, increasing numbers of property developers are opting for external wall insulation (EWI). However, choosing the most appropriate systems requires certain considerations.

The first of these is gaining an understanding of the breathability factor in external wall insulation. When we refer to the breathability of building materials, we are specifically addressing their ability to allow moisture to pass through the walls without being trapped. When moisture becomes trapped inside a building, it can lead to issues like condensation, mould growth, and ultimately, poor indoor air quality.

This moisture is generated within the home through everyday activities such as cooking, laundry and bathing. It has long been recognised that breathable materials facilitate the free movement of this moisture to the exterior, thereby minimising issues with trapped moisture. Breathability is therefore a key factor in selecting all types of insulation, including an EWI system.

Thermal performance is also an obvious consideration when comes to EWI. The goal is to maintain a higher temperature across the entire insulation system than the dew point temperature of the water vapour. This means keeping the walls warm enough to prevent condensation. Vapour control layers can be installed on the warm side of the insulation to slow the rate of vapour entering the wall. However, it is essential to eliminate thermal bridging to prevent the formation of cold spots where condensation can occur. A well-planned ventilation strategy and regular heating during colder weather are also important for maintaining warmer walls and preventing condensation.

One of the main benefits of using EWI is its ability to significantly improve a building’s energy efficiency while avoiding loss of internal living space. This is especially advantageous for properties with solid walls and limited square footage, allowing developers to maximise living areas without compromising energy efficiency.

In addition, when developers renovate existing properties with solid walls, EWI allows the walls to contribute to the building’s thermal mass by storing and releasing heat. By using breathable insulation materials with high thermal mass properties, such as wood fibre, the system can absorb and release heat, creating a ‘thermal store’ effect like a battery that helps to balance temperature fluctuations. This means that houses with good external insulation using components with high mass are better at storing energy and maintaining optimal temperature levels.

It’s worth bearing in mind that as well as improving energy efficiency, breathable EWI systems act as a protective barrier against the elements, preventing moisture ingress and providing sound insulation. This is an effective way of extending the overall lifespan of these elements by protecting the underlying structure.

Choice of material for EWI
When choosing a breathable EWI system, several factors should be considered, including the insulation material, compatibility with the existing wall structure, aesthetic finish, and long-term performance.

Natural, breathable materials like wood fibre are excellent choices for achieving breathability and thermal performance in EWI systems. Wood fibre insulation can hold a significant amount of water vapour without compromising its thermal properties or structural integrity. It gradually releases any stored moisture as external temperatures improve, creating a dry and healthy internal environment.

Also available are EPS external wall insulation boards with ‘OpenAir’ technology, ensuring high vapour permeability and allowing for external release. This provides a highly breathable insulation system with all the installation advantages of standard EPS boards.

It is essential that developers check with their chosen supplier’s technical team to ensure that the EWI system is compatible with the existing wall structure. Different systems may have specific requirements for fixing methods, surface preparation, and compatibility with other building components.

The aesthetic finish of the EWI system is another consideration. The choice of render or cladding can significantly impact the property’s visual appeal with prospective tenants. Lime-based renders are often recommended for their natural, eco-friendly, and breathable properties. One of the key benefits of lime is its breathability as it helps to prevent damage caused by trapped moisture.

Lime-based renders also have a natural composition, making it an environmentally friendly option that many property developers prefer. It has a lower carbon footprint compared to other types of renders.

The way forward
Natural, breathable EWI and facade render systems can provide long-term cost savings through reduced energy bills for tenants and less maintenance for property developers.

The fact that landlords are now required to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before they can rent out a property is encouraging them to consider the benefits of EWI.

By setting a minimum standard for energy performance, the government is trying to incentivise property developers to invest in sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

With the right EWI insulation system in place, buildings with solid walls can act like a battery, absorbing, storing and releasing energy. It creates spaces with a high thermal storage mass, meaning overheating in summer is much slower to occur, and heat is retained internally during the colder months.

More information on breathable EWI

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New regulations require evidence of a long-term biodiversity gain plan for each new site. Paul Brown, geospatial environmental data expert at Fera Science, shares best practice advice on where to start.

From last month, those applying for planning permission under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 must submit a biodiversity gain plan with each application, detailing how 10% (minimum) biodiversity net gain (BNG) will be achieved and maintained for at least 30 years.

As best practice, it is recommended to follow the widely used ‘mitigation hierarchy’ framework to build a site-specific BNG plan.

The first stage of the hierarchy is avoidance. Developers should assess if a site development can be avoided altogether if it affects sensitive habitats, or whether alternative land can be used.

Next is minimisation. If no other options are available, actions to minimise biodiversity impacts must be prioritised, then a plan how to support or enhance habitats through the next step, restoration, should be created. This stage involves incorporating habitat restoration or creation efforts into a site’s design.

With scientific support, an effective biodiversity restoration strategy can help ensure at least 10% net gain is achieved for a minimum of 30 years. A lost section of habitat can be replaced with one which delivers greater benefits to nature. For example, replacing grazing grassland with mixed woodland to provide protection for more species of plants and animals to thrive will give a much greater benefit to biodiversity levels.

Finally, offsetting is necessary when unavoidable impacts occur, requiring BNG projects on-site or off-site to achieve 10% uplift. Offsetting off-site can be complex. These gains should support wider conservation strategies, locally and nationally, in addition to each individual site’s BNG aims.

Off-site BNG delivery also requires sourcing, financing, and managing by a third party, which can be costly.

However, options are out there, including habitat banks that make sourcing off-site units much quicker.

If it is not possible cannot source off-site biodiversity units privately, they can be bought from the government’s statutory biodiversity credits scheme as a last resort. These BNG credits are deliberately priced uncompetitively to encourage investment in new habitat creation projects.

Science-based evidence
To achieve the best outcome from planning applications, decisions will need to justified with science-based evidence that shows the forecasted outcomes of each site’s BNG plan.

Gaining support from expert ecologists can help developers create a site-specific BNG plan more efficiently and effectively. Using science-based technology to capture and analyse environmental data in detail, ecologists can help developers build a current biodiversity baseline, then assess options for impact minimisation, biodiversity restoration and offsetting strategies.

Building a BNG plan on robust science and data will help it stand up to scrutiny from planning authorities.

Ecologists can help use the biodiversity baseline to forecast outcomes of proposed BNG projects, proving how the 10% threshold will be met and maintained for the required 30 years, minimum.

This information helps validate a BNG plan, evidencing how a developer has tailored their impact mitigation and biodiversity gain strategies to local ecological factors, to deliver a positive and traceable result for the environment. Demonstrating careful consideration, with the support of an expert ecologist, will definitely work in developers’ favour when sourcing planning permission.

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