Appliance manufacturer Beko has been named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies for the second year running, earning a place in the Top 20 and securing the no. 1 position in the industry.

As a supplier to the housebuilding sector, Beko Appliance Partners, the company’s dedicated contract specification division, fully recognise their responsibility to support their housebuilder and developer partners’ sustainability objectives, and are proud to offer energy and water-efficient products which not only meet, but exceed government regulations.

The annual ranking, developed in partnership with Statista, evaluates more than 5,000 global companies across data-driven KPIs spanning environmental and social stewardship, reporting and transparency. Beko’s ranking at no. 17 marks a leap from its 2024 position at no. 44, a rise achieved despite TIME introducing stricter assessment criteria this year.

“The recognition by TIME and Statista proves that sustainability and scale don’t have to be at odds,” explained Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Beko. “We’re proud to be the sector leader, not just by intent, but through verifiable progress, smart design, and industry-leading transparency.”

Beko’s top-tier ranking is a testament to its sustained investment in energy-efficient manufacturing, adherence to circular economy principles, and a long-term ESG strategy, manifesting the company’s resolve to drive meaningful, measurable impact across its operations.

Bulgurlu concludes, “At Beko, we’re embedding environmental responsibility into every layer of our business, from design and manufacturing to supply chains and the homes we serve. As we continue our journey to net zero by 2050, this milestone affirms the impact of credible data, long-term thinking, and putting sustainability at the centre of how we grow.”

To find out more about Beko Appliance Partners, visit https://appliance-partners.bekoplc.com.

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Underfloor heating systems are an ideal solution to help housebuilders and developers to meet low carbon heating requirements. Here, James griffiths Head of projects at gF building Flow Solutions (formerly uponor), outlines the issues to consider to ensure the right specification.

Over the last decade, the energy efficiency requirements for new homes have tightened significantly in an effort to cut the UK’s carbon emissions. The current version of Part L of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, introduced in June 2022, includes a substantially higher standard for new homes and requires a maximum heating flow temperature of 55ºC. Similarly in Scotland, the compliance guidance for Section 6 of the Building Standards states a maximum temperature of 50ºC. These standards are set to be tightened further with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard. Based on current proposals, this will eliminate the use of gas boilers in favour of low carbon heat sources, such as heat pumps and solar thermal systems.

Due to the lower flow temperatures at which heat pumps operate, it is essential to ensure that the system is designed correctly and that it meets the heating requirements of the property. This includes ensuring that the chosen heat emitters are sized correctly. When using traditional radiators, the sizes may need to increase significantly to accommodate the lower temperature. This is often not ideal as it limits the useable space within a room and is undesirable from an aesthetic perspective.

In contrast, the far larger surface area of hydronic UFH systems makes it ideal for lower flow temperatures. The delivery of heat over the entire floor area also lowers the amount of energy required to heat the space. When specifying a UFH system, there are key factors that must be considered to ensure the chosen option is efficient, effective and fit for purpose.

Hydronic or electric UFH
There are broadly two types of underfloor heating. Hydronic, which is a direct alternative to traditional radiators with hot water circulated through pipes, and electric UFH, which operates using heating cables or mats. On the face of it, electric might seem like an ideal solution given the push towards the electrification of heating. Especially if solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and storage batteries are fitted, providing low cost, renewable energy. Electric UFH is also generally lower cost and simpler to install. However, it is not suitable for all applications as it is less energy efficient, especially for large areas. Also, using electric UFH across sizeable areas within a property will place a high demand on the electrical system, which may not have the capacity. As such, electric UFH is generally most suited to smaller areas, such as bathrooms.

Thermal mass
Underfloor heating is most effective when there is sufficient thermal mass in the floor to absorb, store and release heat. Most often this mass is provided by the screed in which the pipes are laid. A sufficient level of thermal mass will help to minimise the energy required to achieve and maintain the target room temperature. An example of an effective floor construction for UF would be 65mm of screed laid over 65mm of floor insulation to minimise heat loss, ideally on a concrete subfloor. A very lowprofile system maximises the thickness of insulation that can be installed. For example, the Uponor Minitec underfloor system increases the floor height by just 15mm but still offers significant thermal mass as a screed-based product.

Tailored to the heat source
While there is a 50ºC or 55ºC maximum flow temperature set by the regulations, heat pumps and other low carbon sources may operate at an even lower temperature. If this is significantly below the permitted maximum, for example 40ºC, it may be that the UFH installation needs to be configured differently to achieve the required performance effectively. Leading UFH manufacturers will have the knowledge to provide support with this and can often recommend design solutions. This may be reducing the pipe pitches – the distance between the heating pipes – to deliver a higher output and make the system more reactive than it would have been with a standard layout.

Flooring materials
A further important factor to consider is the floor covering. There are a wide range of materials that work well with UFH, including tile, stone, vinyl and laminate flooring. Wooden flooring can be used, but a maximum thickness of 25mm is recommended to enable effective heat transfer. Similarly carpet, which is a popular choice, can be used with UFH but the product specification must be evaluated carefully. This is because if the carpet and underlay provide too much insulation, it will prevent the UFH from transferring the heat efficiently into the room. It is recommended that the combined insulation of the carpet and underlay is no more than 1.5 Tog.

Calculating this is not always simple so the best approach may be to choose from the products that the flooring manufacturers have classified as ‘suitable for underfloor heating’. Underfloor heating systems provide an ideal solution to ensure the required heating performance is achieved with low carbon and renewable heating sources, which are set to become mandatory in the coming years. Seeking technical support from leading manufacturers can help streamline and optimise the design and installation, especially where non-standard solutions are required.

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Hendel & Hendel deign-led cabinet handles now available with Waterline – the perfect partner to a Crown Imperial kitchen.

These designs are not only visually stunning but also tactile, adding the perfect defining touch to any space. Each collection boasts a lifetime guarantee, providing customers with peace of mind and assurance that their investment is built to last.

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Clearwater Products is excited to introduce the Morpho Tap, a smart and versatile addition to modern kitchens.

Designed to make kitchen tasks easier and more efficient, the Morpho Tap is the ultimate multi-tasker, blending flexibility, style, and convenience. The Flex & Spray spout lets the user bend and shape the spout into any position needed, giving the user precise control over the water flow.

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VitrA has launched three new taps utilising its V-SuperFix technology.

The Flow Line taps are available in chrome and matt black and will offer installers an easy-fix solution. Fixings can be adjusted by hand in just 15 seconds, without the need for tools. The Flow Line collection also has a Unified Water Label Class A rating, meaning it achieves the maximum water savings.

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Founded in 2009 and based in Yorkshire, Verus Construction, the award winning luxury residential specialist, creates unique homes and distinctive housing developments across Yorkshire.

Here, Damian Barker, Founder and CEO of Verus, discusses the stand-out bathrooms and kitchens in a recent, luxury project on Sandmoor Avenue in Leeds.

Sandmoor Avenue
The objective of the project was to craft a modern, sustainable and spacious home for a family of four in the sought-after Alwoodley suburb in Leeds.

The renovation was focused on a modernist, sustainable structure and a vast amount of glass, to provide an open plan and cohesive space filled with natural light. The project involved the renovation of the 3,600sq ft red brick, 1930s home into an 8,000sq ft modern, luxury property. The design team included Verus Construction, Studio Map Architects and Adept Consulting Engineers.

Damian Barker, Founder and CEO of Verus Construction, says of the completed project: “In the last decade, there’s been a clear trend towards creating open plan dining areas that foster spacious and cohesive family living environments. We’ve seen the use of glass spike in popularity, naturally connecting rooms and giving homes a spacious feeling that is complemented by natural light. Cohesive materials such as brutalist concrete floors and the floor to ceiling height windows at Sandmoor Avenue have created a family home that celebrates open plan living and celebrates natural light.”

Open plan dining
Thanks to the glass interiors championed during design phases, upon entering Sandmoor Avenue, the open plan kitchen, art gallery, living and dining areas are immediately flooded with natural light. The use of glass, combined with the open-plan layout, extends the kitchen and dining boundaries into the landscaped garden, creating a calming and tranquil living and dining space.

The large kitchen island and kitchen use neutral, monochrome colours. The minimalistic black furniture and appliances complement the units effortlessly, creating a calm and simple space. The kitchen boasts a hidden down draft extractor fan which removes all clutter and creates a clear view of the garden. Vast internal windows are featured throughout the kitchen and dining spaces to connect the kitchen to the rest of the home.

The spacious feeling of the kitchen layout is enhanced by the use of a modern polished concrete floor throughout, which works to seamlessly connect each room and extends the eye out on to the sizable, outdoor patio. The cool, contemporary concrete has also been used on the living and dining room fireplace, which flawlessly blends into the surrounding walls and acts as a focal point, blending the ground floor.

The industrial and modern concrete finish of the kitchen is complemented by unique pops of colour and pattern in the interior design which was completed by the homeowners.

Calming and luxury bathrooms
The bathrooms at Sandmoor Avenue are equally impressive, designed to offer spalike experiences without sacrificing practicality. The property boasts a total of four bathrooms, two cloakrooms and a sauna. The bathrooms feature balconies, large free-standing bathtubs and floor to ceiling windows which create a calming and tranquil atmosphere.

The main family and master bathrooms continue the open plan theme of the ground floor, celebrating the garden view with glazed sliding doors and balconies creating a tranquil feel to the rooms. The bathrooms also boast in-built storage and hidden cupboards, removing all clutter to create a clean and minimalist finish and enlarge the space, making the most of the glass features. The minimalist luxury interiors give the room space to breathe, creating a calming and harmonious space of clean lines and simplicity.

The master and main bathroom suites both boast free standing baths, floor standing bath taps and double sinks that create a luxury centrepiece. The polished concrete used throughout the ground floor interior is echoed in the main bathroom, working to streamline the eye as the consistency of the material creates a connected space that flows naturally into the outdoors. This is complemented by large tiles in the walk-in wet room that mimics a concrete finish and creates a seamless effect.

Stand out modern design
The Sandmoor Avenue project exemplifies how thoughtful design and material choice can transform kitchens and bathrooms into standout spaces within a home. From the effective placement of glass to create light-filled, open-plan areas to the incorporation of modern concrete flooring, this project celebrates contemporary design to create a modern and connected family home.

Incorporating these elements, natural light, functional luxury and sustainable materials ensures that these spaces remain functional, stylish, and environmentally conscious for years to come.

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Reginox UK, the renowned sinks and taps manufacturer and supplier, has launched a brand new brochure specifically for contractors and specifiers.

Easy-to-read and specify from, the brochure features curated ranges of Reginox UK’s impressive ‘good, better, and best’ sinks, taps and accessories particularly suited to the construction marketplace.

Dave Mayer, Reginox UK’s Commercial Director, says: “The launch of our new UK Specification brochure signals our intense focus on attracting more specification partners and suppliers in the market for sinks and taps.

“We have the range, experience, people and knowledge to achieve significant strides in the sector, making Reginox the ‘go-to’ brand for housebuilders, architects and affiliated routes to market.”

The brochure, available in print and online, lists full technical details of each of the curated products along with an accompanying image. It includes inset and integrated sink collections, granite and ceramic sink ranges, and PVD coloured sinks in copper, gun metal and gold.

Conventional and hot water taps have been chosen to complement the selected sink ranges.

Reginox is using its presence at the London Build Expo at London Olympia next month to help launch the 38-page, full colour brochure.

Dave Mayer: “London Build dovetails nicely with the brochure launch and gives us the opportunity to signal our co-ordinated and targeted campaign in 2025 to really penetrate this sector.” This will be Reginox’s second visit to London Build, which takes place on 21^st and 22^nd November.

Among the Reginox team will be National Contracts Manager, Andy Robinson, who joined the business at the start of the year to spearhead its contracting and specification operations.

“Reginox is a very strong brand, well known for quality, innovation, being a reliable supplier, good on price and with an extensive range,” says Andy, who has worked in the KBB and housebuilding sectors for more than 40 years.

Joining Dave and Andy on stand B84 will be UK Sales Manager Rebekah Tomkinson and other members of the sales team.

For more information on Reginox visit Home page | Reginox UK.

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Discreet yet powerful, the Box Flush Premium under cabinet cooker hood from Franke has a flush frame design so that it fits seamlessly into wall cabinets.

Ideal for kitchens where space is at a premium or a streamlined appearance is preferred, the  Box Flush Premium has no protruding buttons or visible controls to maintain its sleek aesthetic and ensure perfect cleanability.

Users can control the cooker hood in several ways, via touch controls, the dedicated Franke Cloud app or voice controls such Amazon Alexa or Google Home compatible devices.

Crafted from premium stainless steel, the hood features slim, adjustable white LED lighting making it an elegant and energy efficient choice.

With three speeds plus an intensive setting, Box Flush Premium comes in two widths of 52cm and 70cm. The larger model offers an extraction rate of 610 m³/h, a noise level of 64 decibels at the maximum setting and boasts an A class efficiency rating. The 52cm model offers an extraction rate of 580 m³/h and a noise level of 66 decibels at the maximum setting.

Designed for recirculating or ducted installation, the Box Flush Premium hood is is backed by a two-year warranty.

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Sleek, with contemporary on-trend styling, the Prima+ PRVH001 Black 80cm Venting Induction Hob is the latest addition to Prima’s premium ‘Prima+’ range.

Featuring a flawless black glass frameless appearance, the hob has a highly efficient integrated matt black steel extractor grid that can easily remove steam and cooking smells at source.

As an integrated 2-in-1 induction hob and extractor, this hob is very versatile because it can be installed in kitchen islands as well as in front of windows or traditional back-to-wall and, because it has no hood, it is ideal for smaller kitchens too.

With three venting speed levels, an extraction rate of up to 398m³ /H and running at just 61dB (A) during operation, the hob is as practical as it is stylish.

It is equipped with digital touch controls with nine power level settings, a bridge section and all the safety features intrinsic to induction cooking such as an auto shut-off mechanism, child lock and residual heat indication.

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With kitchens the hub of the home, getting their style and function right is crucial to house sales. PHPD talked to Tori Summers, director of product design and innovation, Howdens, to find out what’s hot and what’s not.

Q: What do you think are the main kitchen trends for 2023?

A: Energy, food, fuel – the cost of living continues to rise, so we all want our money to go further. This has increased demand for energy-efficient products to lower household bills. We are also seeing more multipurpose features being factored into kitchen designs to ensure every product works hard for its place in the home.

In celebration of everything that make us unique, interior palettes have diversified as buyers want the places they live to be personalised. From nature-led shades and uplifting brights to designs that mix a medley of hues – kitchen colour has become personal.

Blues and greens continue to top the colour charts thanks to their soothing shade. For an interior inspired by the natural world, greenery in the form of Chelford Fir Green or Hockley Reed Green provides a botanical base to build upon. Alternatively, the newest hues of marine blue offer jewelled, teal tones with the warmth of green and stately appeal of blue.

Vibrant yellows, rich reds, and very berry hues lift the spirits on dull days, making them an emerging colour that will shape interiors. Ready to customise in any shade, paintable kitchens let buyers embrace this colourful approach.

And why choose one colour when you can have two? As buyers become more adventurous with their palette, we see more two-tone schemes coming to the fore. Consider adding a bright pop to an island centrepiece or offer customised internal cupboard colours for a subtle take on this trending look.

The home should be a place to escape the outside world, which is why we are seeing more cosy interiors. Kitchens are swaying towards safe and soothing colours, while tactile materials add a grounding tactic to settle the senses.

Q: Dark blue and green kitchens have been all the rage. Will this keep up throughout 2023 or is this fading? 

A: Colour within kitchen design is a trend that is gaining popularity, as people want their home spaces to convey their personalities. Green kitchens in particular have become a firm favourite. Choosing gree  is a way of instantly bringing the outside in, and it partners well with natural materials like wood and stone, for a layered effect inspired by nature

Similarly, the popularity of dark blue kitchens are gaining momentum as we enter 2023. A deeper shade can enrich a space, and give an opulent and luxury feel. New marine-blue colours work brilliantly with marble-effect surfaces and brushed brass accessories.

Q: What about the importance of larder and storage, keeping things hidden and organised vs. open shelves and showing off/displaying possessions?

A: When considering storage solultions there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Personal preference and design style plays a huge part in how homeowners decide what to do. Many of us will have the idea of keeping our work surfaces clutter-free with items hidden out of sight and out of mind using clever solutions like storage towers.

However, more creative and expressive types will find that open-shelving displaying crockery and pantry items on display will help fuel their creativity in the kitchen, so opting for more of a maximalist style may be their preference.

Q: Are brass and metals also going to become more popular as added touches?

A: The brilliant thing about brass is the breadth of versatility that is has when pairing it with the overall design of a kitchen. The range of colour schemes that pair perfectly and are enhanced by brash finishings is vast, stretching from the lightest neutrals to dark, rich shades. For the maximalist, mixing metals offers an eclectic, ‘more is more’ finish to the kitchen, to create a sense of vibrancy.

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