Interiors

Housing associations and local authorities are being encouraged to consider shower waste water heat recovery (WWHR) as part of their long-term planned maintenance and retrofit programmes, with the technology offering a simple, low-maintenance way to help tenants reduce energy bills while improving the efficiency of existing housing stock.

Bathrooms in social housing have to work particularly hard. They may need to fit within a challenging existing footprint, withstand years of daily use, be straightforward to maintain and accommodate tenants whose needs can change considerably over the lifetime of a tenancy. For housing providers, good shower specification is therefore about much more than appearance. It is about making intelligent use of available space while creating bathrooms that are practical, adaptable and comfortable to use.

Space is often one of the first challenges, particularly when refurbishing older housing stock. A conventional bathroom layout may leave little room for a generous shower enclosure, while pipework, windows, doors and structural features can further restrict the options available.

Durability is a key factor in the specification of kitchen and bathroom flooring in social housing, and Beauflor cushion vinyl flooring is the first line of defence against premature wear and early replacement.

Every day flooring comes under attack and without the right durable solution, the risk of early deterioration, tenant complaints and repairs rises sharply. So, the specification of a floor that’s up to the task is important in ensuring a durable and lasting solution that reduces the risk of early replacement.

Premiere Kitchens has invested £3.25m in new manufacturing equipment for its Gloucester factory to give housing providers greater certainty across planned works, new-build and fast-moving void programmes.
For social landlords, manufacturing capacity matters most when it removes risk from a programme. A kitchen arriving late can hold up several trades, extend a void period and adding cost before a property is ready to let.

Utility bills are climbing again, making it important for housing associations to provide tenants with the opportunity to make crucial cost savings where possible. Karen Wise, head of product management at 
Triton Showers, reveals how modern electric showers can drive efficiency, inclusivity and compliance.

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain...” are the immortal words spoken by the Wizard of Oz to Dorothy in the classic 1939 film as it is revealed that all the magic is happening behind the curtain.

For more than 100 years, Thomas Dudley has been providing the magic behind the curtain. In the world of washrooms and bathrooms, that curtain is often a concealed cistern hidden behind a wall, within furniture, or integrated into a modern installation. While unseen by the end user, these products play a vital role in delivering reliable performance, water efficiency and long-term durability.

IVC Commercial exhibited at Manchester’s Housing 2026, showing providers, builders and specifiers how its sheet vinyl floors can meet the demands of affordable housing.

IVC Commercial exhibited at Housing 2026, showcasing its dedicated social housing collections that are affordable for providers and developers, and which have the ability to improve lives for tenants.