refurbishment

Local authorities and housing associations across the UK face mounting pressure to deliver safe, compliant refurbishment and new build programmes, often within severely constrained budgets and challenging timescales.

Nowhere is this more evident than in high-rise projects, where replacing windows at height has traditionally meant extensive scaffolding, increased risk and significant disruption to residents.

UK Boxings’ range of pre-made fire sprinkler boxing provides a consistent finish to retrofit installations by concealing pipework, quickly and easily, which helps save time and money on site compared to site fabricated alternatives.

Following the dry summer of 2025, the Environment Agency has warned that even with average winter rainfall some areas in Britain will still be in drought next spring. 

The recent weather pattern variations can only compound the existing concerns about the anticipated UK water deficit. To offset the predicted daily deficit of 4017 mega litres per day by 2050, major water companies have been developing plans to upgrade the UKs water supply and reduce current usage from 150 litres per person per day to 110. 

Howard Trotter, Business Manager at Shelforce, has worked closely with local authorities for many years, explains why full-system testing and demonstrable test evidence are now essential for local-authority refurbishments.

As local authorities and housing associations continue to navigate one of the most tightly regulated eras our sector has ever seen, one principle is becoming non-negotiable; products going into people’s homes must be proven to perform, not assumed to perform.

Selecting the right cladding system involves more than just the initial purchase price. The most cost-effective solution is a balance of upfront cost, long-term durability, minimal maintenance needs, and regulatory compliance. Valcan’s Ceramapanel (fibre cement) and VitraDual (solid aluminium) complete systems offer high-quality, non-combustible options that prove to be sound financial investments over their lifespan.

The Ventnor Close development is a flagship initiative within Swindon Borough Council’s strategy to provide high-quality, fully accessible homes for residents with complex physical needs. Beyond meeting essential accessibility criteria - such as wheelchair accessible layouts and adapted wet rooms - the design mandated modern building materials that guarantee longevity, high performance, and exceptional safety standards.

Valcan is proud to announce that its VitraFix Magnelis Steel (VFM) subframe system has been awarded a BBA Agrément Certificate, confirming full compliance with UK Building Regulations and industry standards. This certification reinforces VitraFix VFM as a trusted solution for rainscreen cladding projects, delivering proven performance, safety, and durability.