Housing associations

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.

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)?

David Bly – Managing Director of Cornerstone Management Services Ltd, a company providing independent expert property health surveys is of the opinion more can be done for fighting year-on-year damp, condensation and mould issues in buildings.

For many involved with managing and upholding structural health, it could be argued there needs to be a ‘reset’ with regard to how structures are assessed for these reported issues.

With a proven history providing independent expert surveys into the root causes of damp, condensation and mould, our findings clearly confirm many issues align to the adequate ventilation of a building.

Developed and manufactured by industry leaders Mira Showers, the new Mira Advance Heatloop^TM is the first ever electric shower to be designed to work with Recoup waste water heat recovery for shower systems (WWHRS), revolutionising waste water efficiency and reducing energy wastage.

While showering represents around 50 to 75% of household hot water use, around 85% to 90% of the heat energy in shower water actually ends up going down the drain. With research from the Energy Saving Trust revealing that heating water at home also makes up about 5% of the UK’s carbon emissions, it’s never been more important to identify a way of reusing that lost heat to save energy and reduce energy bills for end users to support the decarbonisation of UK homes.

The need to introduce more energy efficient and cost-effective systems into the home is further exacerbated by the impact the cost-of-living crisis has had on peoples’ finances, especially those living in social housing. Even the slightest adjustment to everyday tasks, such as showering, and their resultant costs, could make a huge difference.

In an era where energy efficiency, tenant comfort, and sustainability are paramount concerns for Housing Associations across the UK, the role of high-quality windows in social housing cannot be overstated says Howard Trotter, Business Manager of Birmingham-based window and door manufacturer Shelforce.