News, advice and guidance from VELFAC

As ‘value for money’ remains core to every project brief, cost comparison analysis should always be the first step in the specification process. Cost comparison enables specifiers to analyse and compare supplier estimates and performance assumptions in terms of the measurable, lifetime performance expectations and associated cost savings, which can be achieved with better quality products – and the costs that can be incurred by cheaper alternatives.

The government’s Affordable Homes Programme, scheduled to run from 2021 to 2026, will add up to 180,000 new properties to the UK’s housing stock. This renewed focus on affordable homes will help meet demand from those unable to afford current house prices or rents, but will also play a crucial role in the government’s explicit desire to kickstart the economy by encouraging more construction.

Demand for aluminum / wood curtain walling is growing in the housing sector, driven by the low energy performance of a composite system, and by its price competitiveness when compared to all-aluminium alternatives.

Curtain walling is the focus of significant regulation however, as it is a major area of complaint for the NHBC, and so sourcing NHBC-compliant products from the outset is vital when specifying a curtain walling solution.

Modular construction is becoming more popular as a building strategy in many of our key market sectors, especially inner city residential and mixed-use developments, student accommodation and healthcare facilities.

Specification of pre-tested, proven building products can provide valuable reassurance for clients who want to be sure that key performance targets can be achieved, while also ensuring project delivery stays on schedule and on budget.

Some of the UK’s most prestigious developments feature VELFAC aluminium / timber windows, as these award-winning residential projects demonstrate.

Aluminium over-cladding specialists d+b facades will be installing 2,600m2 of VELFAC aluminium/timber windows at Wellington Close, Walton on Thames, as part of a major refurbishment project.

VELFAC has won a further contract to supply glazing to Redrow Homes’ Colindale Gardens, a major development being built in North West London.

With budgets tight quality products can prove best value for money.

VELFAC composite glazing will be installed at X1 The Landmark, a major residential development in Salford, Greater Manchester, to be built by Forrest. Designed by DK-Architects, the building will comprise 191 luxury apartments and townhouses, together with communal facilities, in a stepped development rising from five to 14 storeys.