social housing

Award-winning principal contractor, the Procast Group, has successfully partnered with Trianco to install their Activair indoor air source heat pumps in a £100,000 development programme.

The Scotland-based firm have completed an indoor air source heat pump trial on six flats in Argyll, in conjunction with Trianco, showcasing some of the newest technology of its kind to be introduced into the UK as they seek an alternative to communal heating and district heat networks.

Working with Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA), Procast have fitted Trianco’s innovative technology to houses on Glebe Street, Rothesay, and will monitor the effectiveness of the new installations.

Furlong Flooring, one of Europe’s largest carpet manufacturers and flooring distributors, has launched its new Housebuilder Guide, a comprehensive resource that simplifies flooring selection for social housing providers. The guide is tailored to help developers and housing associations make informed decisions about flooring that is both cost-effective and durable, ensuring high-quality homes for tenants while staying within budget.

For those seeking to elevate their architectural projects with a touch of refined elegance, the core Blockleys clay brick portfolio offers a range of solutions. Known for their exceptional quality and reliable production, Blockleys provides a range of premium clay bricks that seamlessly blend aesthetic appeal with durability. Whether for a residential development, educational space or a commercial building, Blockleys bricks deliver both sophistication and performance.

With a suite of sleek, understated shades of grey and black, these bricks lend a refined, modern edge to any façade. Muted greys, such as Bowland Grey and Sterling Grey, along with the deep blacks, including Black Smooth and Kelham Black, create a striking visual impact without overwhelming your designs. For those looking to add a more personalised touch, the Blockleys Synthesis blend allows for the introduction of complementary tones, adding depth and unique texture to the overall appearance.

EJOT UK’s Mark Newell explains why the latest additions to its ETICS range are helping the EWI industry streamline its supply chain, and maintain consistently high quality during installation for the long-term benefit of specifiers and residents.

The performance of an EWI (external wall insulation) system or ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system) is only as good as its component parts. A weak link in the system build-up will not only undermine its promise to improve the thermal performance of a property, but it could also add complexity to the installation process, resulting in additional time costs for contractors.

Of course, in England there is no regulation for the provider to equip homes with flooring other than in kitchens and bathrooms (Scotland makes no such stipulations), but with the Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023 stating that all habitable rooms, staircases and landings should have suitable floor coverings at change of tenancy, the writing is certainly on the wall. With the Decent Homes Standard now also in review, including a look at what the expectations are for a ‘decent’ home, we may well see change that means flooring in these areas will become a requirement in England too.

As the editor of Housing Association Magazine, I find myself reflecting on Labour's recent pronouncements on housing policy with a mixture of optimism, scepticism, and curiosity. Labour has indicated that addressing the housing crisis will be a central pillar of their platform, and this focus is much needed. But the question that looms large for many in the sector is: will Labour's housing strategy include a revival of council housing, and if so, what will that mean for Housing Associations (HAs)?

Henco multilayer pipes are a robust, lightweight and detectable pre-insulated piping system, suitable for various applications such as heating, cooling, compressed air, sanitary, drinking water and underfloor heating. Furthermore, the Henco pipes are WRAS approved and align with Part L building regulations.