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Learning with Eurocell

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NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN: THE BENEFITS OF CPD

Since its establishment 40 years ago, employees and organisations across industry have committed personal time and company resources to accessing the benefits delivered by continuing professional development – better known as CPD.

Using a structured, practical, methodical, and proactive approach to lifetime learning is enabling thousands of professionals to enhance their skills, identify knowledge gaps, grow individual expertise, and keep abreast of the myriad changes that constantly influence their industry.

Organisations who see the value of CPD and provide staff with the time and access to continuous learning opportunities, find themselves better able to retain key employees and are in a stronger position to support them as they focus on developing the skills necessary to maintain a sustainable and competitive advantage.

CPD benefits

Construction-related CPD seminars and training courses offer numerous benefits to employees and companies. Staff can proactively expand their understanding of the industry and keep up-to-date with the latest regulation changes and newly emerging product developments and solutions.

For their part, smart organisations can use CPD initiatives to ensure standards across the company remain consistently high, staff potential is maximised, and a strong environment of support and learning-based development is fostered.

Many construction institutions require that members undertake CPD as a condition of continued membership (examples include RIBA, CIOB, RICS, RTPI, CIAT, ICE, IStructE), and for some professions, it is a statutory requirement.

To maintain membership of their designated professional body, members must demonstrate they have engaged in a set number of hours of educational participation aimed at improving their knowledge and skill. The activities in which they partake are then CPD-rated and CPD certificates, or ‘Points’, are issued for each activity.

As an example, the annual CPD obligations as a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Chartered Member, include undertaking at least 35 hours of learning per annum; that half the CPD is structured with learning aims and outcomes, and is taught, face-to-face, online or by distance learning; 20 of the 35 hours must cover the ten mandatory RIBA core curriculum CPD topics; members acquire at least 100 learning points and that they record and keep track of CPD activities.

Specifiers and CPD

Change is often the driving force behind the evolution of an industry. As new techniques and product solutions are exposed to the market, it is important that pivotal roles such as specifiers – charged with recommending and selecting material and product choices that drive project efficiencies, value, and the design vision – are constantly making informed selections based on up-to-date market knowledge.

CPD enables this to happen and is a vital tool in educating specifying professionals and for developing relationships across the supply chain.  Continuous learning provides opportunities to demonstrate how innovating products can deliver value added solutions to design, legislation, sustainability, logistic and on-site challenges that the majority of construction projects face.

The old adage says it’s never too late to learn.  CPD is at the forefront of driving up industry standards, helping professionals to develop enhanced expertise on a continuous basis and delivering the highly skilled workforce the construction industry and the nation requires.

Eurocell CPDs

We offer 3 face-to-face or webinar-based seminars to help support the construction industry understand more about PVC-U fenestration solutions and sustainability:

  1. The past, present and future of PVC-U windows
  2. Value engineering and sustainability
  3. Sustainable use of PVC-U windows to maximise ROI

To find out more or to book, please visit https://www.eurocell.co.uk/specifiers/resource-hub/cpd

 

Eurocell – Committed to Sustainability

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These days, the word “sustainability” seems to crop up everywhere. But is it just another business buzzword, or are we genuinely making a shift in the way we think and act, to protect and preserve the world we live in for future generations?

Pix: Shaun Flannery/shaunflanneryphotography.com COPYRIGHT PICTURE>>SHAUN FLANNERY>01302-570814>>07778315553>> 31st January 2017 Merritt Plastics Ltd Manners Avenue Manners Industrial Estate Ilkeston DE7 8EF

While “Green Issues” like recycling and sustainability were on the fringe 20 years ago, these days they’re right at the heart of business with sustainability having a huge influence on every aspect of industry, especially at Eurocell.

PVC-U is a highly sustainable product, robust enough to be recycled and repurposed up to 10 times without its quality or performance deteriorating, giving it a lifespan in the construction industry of 350 years.

At our recycling plants, we process up to 70,000 old PVC-U window frames per week, or around 39,000 tonnes per year. Once recycled, it is used to create a variety of new products, from thermal inserts to our revolutionary Modus window system. By doing this we can reuse almost 100% of our production waste.

Wherever possible, we offer a ‘closed loop’ service, reengineering the PVC-U taken from old frames to make new windows, doors and building products for the same supplier.

The process uses less energy and gives customers a high performance, more efficient product. Working in commercial, refurbishment sectors and social housing, we have the capability to collect nationwide and reprocess old window frames that may otherwise go to landfill, converting them to reusable material which can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new building products.

Preventing post-consumer windows and doors going to landfill is not only environmentally beneficial but has a direct impact on project delivery and cost effectiveness. Under current government commitments landfill tax is set to continue.

By adopting and implementing sustainable practices companies can manage resources, build their environmental reputation, and ultimately reduce costs.

Products manufactured from recycled PVC-U are actually stronger than those made with virgin plastic because of the chemical transformation of the polymers it contains when it goes through the recycling process.

At our consolidated operations in Ilkeston and Selby, Eurocell Recycle now offers the largest and most complete closed-loop process in the UK.

Recycling plays a significant role in making industry sustainable. That’s why Eurocell is so heavily committed to recycling every single piece of UPVC waste we create. We aim to bring as many post-consumers window frames, doors, conservatories and building items as possible back into the production process, keeping tonnes of UPVC out of landfill.

To find out more about our sustainability, or to arrange a collection of PVC-U frames visit: www.eurocell.co.uk/eurocell-recycle

Think patio doors are a thing of the past? Think again!

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Not just our strongest and most secure patio door system yet, Syncro also provides a new level of sustainability, plus improved design and performance that meet the demands of installers and homeowners alike thanks to several market leading features.

Syncro_Sliding Patiio_3 Pane_White_Internal_Living RoomThese include main frames made using at least 60% post-consumer recycled PVC-U; better thermal efficiency, with triple glazed U-values as low as 1.0; a 3.5m maximum width, one of the largest PVC-U patio door systems on the market; and a unique soft close system, which, along with a choice of standard or heavy duty rollers allowing sash weights of up to 140kg, makes for a much smoother glide and closure action with no ‘bounce back’ if the door is accidently slammed.

What’s more, is the option of a through-colour grey substrate – a first for Eurocell in a patio door. The grey substrate is extruded in PVC-U with special heat reflecting pigment to help reduce expansion on hot days.  Not only does this the give installers a way to meet current design trends for the all grey look; but because patio doors are open so much of the time on sunny summer days, it also makes for much more pleasing  visual appearance by removing any unsightly white extruded areas.

Smooth or matt grey foil options can also be ordered along with traditional rosewood and golden oak from stock, plus 32 further colour options on longer lead times, extend the colour choices further, while hardware is available in white, chrome or graphite, with flush fitting exterior handles available.

Syncro_Sliding Patio_3 Pane_Anthracite Grey_ExternalSyncro is tested to BS6375 and PAS24 2016 standards and therefore meets the requirements of Document Q – the newest security guidelines for patio doors. And for additional peace of mind, Syncro has been through 50,000 cycles of open and close tests to prove robustness.

Following customer feedback and as part of Eurocell’s continual improvement programme we have also introduced a new Aluminium Interlock to be used on all none PAS24 Syncro patio doors to help improve the fabrication and installation process.

Ian Kernaghan, Head of Product Design and Development for Eurocell commented, “Syncro has been designed to meet the changing needs of the patio door market and we believe it does that job beautifully. It offers customers genuinely attractive options like triple glazing, a soft close feature and white or grey substrate options, in addition to using recycled PVC-U content and achieving new levels of thermal and acoustic insulation efficiency.

For Eurocell fabricators wanting to offer this product as part of their portfolio, our Fabricator Network Portal gives you access to fabricators who can help.

For more information on Syncro visit: https://www.eurocell.co.uk/pvc-u-trade/doors/syncro

Eurocell aims to recycle 3.5 million frames this year

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These days, the word “sustainability” seems to crop up everywhere. Whether that’s in news reports, magazine articles, advertising campaigns or emblazoned on the side of lorries. But is it just another business buzzword, or are we genuinely making a shift in the way we think and act, in order to protect and preserve the world we live in for future generations?

Building Magazine_Solus_Newsletter_Feb21_Image_Recycle3While “Green Issues” like recycling and sustainability were on the fringe 20 years ago, these days they’re right at the heart of business with sustainability having a huge influence on every aspect of industry, especially at Eurocell.

PVC-U is a highly sustainable product, robust enough to be recycled and repurposed up to 10 times without its quality or performance deteriorating, giving it a lifespan in the construction industry of 350 years.

At our recycling plants, we process up to 70,000 old PVC-U window frames per week, or around 39,000 tonnes per year. Once recycled, it is used to create a variety of new products, from thermal inserts to our revolutionary Modus window system. By doing this we are able to reuse almost 100% of our production waste.

2021 Targets

Despite 2020 resulting in a number of challenges – Eurocell Recycle still managed to recycle an impressive number of PVC-U frames. Like most businesses, Eurocell Recycle closed it’s doors for a few months in 2020 to keep it’s staff and customers safe, and put in Covid-secure work processes.

This being said, for the last 5 consecutive years, (2020 excluded) Eurocell Recycle has managed to beat it’s previous years total recycling number and we plan to make 2021 the biggest year yet, with a target of a record-breaking 3.5 million frames recycled.

The below video explains our closed loop recycling process and how we keep over 2 million frames out of landfill every year.

Closed Loop Recycling 2020

The recycling process makes PVC-U stronger

Building Magazine_Solus_Newsletter_Feb21_Image_Recycle5Products manufactured from recycled PVC-U are actually stronger than those made with virgin plastic because of the chemical transformation of the polymers it contains when it goes through the recycling process.

At our consolidated operations in Ilkeston and Selby, Eurocell Recycle now offers the largest and most complete closed-loop process in the UK for collecting and processing used PVC-U frames to be re-extruded and turned into new windows, doors and building products. Here’s how it’s done:

We support business that remove a large amount of frames per month, so if you want to sign up for this service and help us reach our recycling targets, please contact us on 0333 777 3042 to arrange a collection.

Keeping pace with home improvement demands

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At Eurocell, our extensive product range ensures that we not only supply the products the market wants, but that we’re also providing the practical benefits and added value advantages fabricators need.

Locally made, locally recycled

Top of the agenda for many people is the issue of sustainability, and as we move towards a zero-carbon society this is only going to become more important. To play our part, approximately one third of the 60,000 tonnes of product we make is recycled. We achieve this by creating the engineered central core, which typically makes up 50% of a product, from recycled material while any products not exposed to direct sunlight are 100% recycled. In fact, we’re so committed to sustainability that we’ve invested over £10m in developing our PVC-U recycling plant.

Not only do we do all our recycling in the UK, but all our manufactured products are produced in a number of production sites in the UK, with the main extrusion being in our purpose-built facilities in Derbyshire. This ability to both manufacture and recycle all Eurocell products within the country means that they have the smallest carbon footprint possible. The home-grown self-sufficiency we’ve built up also means that we don’t depend on long supply chains and can ensure a continuity of supply to our customers.

Amazing aesthetics

Windows, doors and conservatories have a significant impact on a home’s appearance, so we’ve developed our systems in a wide variety of colours and styles to ensure that we’re always ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest design trends. A great example of this is our anthracite grey colour option, which has become a popular choice thanks to its high-end visual impact. We’ve even created frames that extend this colour throughout the whole profile, rather than just on the surface foil, so there’s no sign of a white PVC-U core. This creates a premium all-grey appearance without incurring the cost of an expensive aluminium frame.

If grey isn’t the right shade, we’re able to provide frames in an almost unlimited array of colours and styles. This includes the PVC-U Modus system, which is available in colours to fit any design scheme and which can even be supplied with metallic and woodgrain finishes.

Creating bright and open homes

Perhaps the space where maximising light is the most important is the conservatory. Available in a wide variety of visual options, from classic Edwardian and Victorian styles to bespoke designs, our conservatory collection has the solution for any project. For even more versatility, homes with flat roofs can use our Skypod roof lantern range, while homeowners with conservatories that want to make them more thermally comfortable spaces can utilise our Equinox tiled conservatory roof system.

Closer collaborations

To make it even easier for fabricators to offer the full range of Eurocell products, we’ve launched the Fabricator Network Portal. This online platform allows fabricators to easily identify and trade with other fabricators in their area that have products they may not. This means that fabricators don’t have to worry about restricting their offering to a reduced selection of Eurocell solutions, as they’ll be able to access the whole range, enabling them to easily provide their customers with a wider variety of products.

The winter season is likely to be a busy time for fabricators and the whole home improvement industry. By making it easier to collaborate and source the right products at the right time, it will help everyone to work faster and smarter so that we can we start the new year on a strong and successful footing. As we’re always innovating and coming up with new ideas, products and services at Eurocell, you can rest assured that we’ll be there to make sure you can keep this growth going all throughout 2021.

The logik range from Eurocell, The profile that keeps on giving

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Logik_Hero_Image

Logik has been a favourite with fabricators and installers for many years now. With all the advantages it offers over other systems, it’s no wonder. From game changing features like its unique knock-in bead system to the multichamber and thermal reinforcing from 100% recycled material. Logik is the name people look for in the trade.

The Logik profile system combines leading energy efficiency performance and aesthetics with ease of use, for the ultimate system. Logik is specially designed for ease and speed of fabrication and fitting, ideally suited for new build or replacement windows, its 70mm front-to-back dimension enables the seamless replacement of timber frames.

Logik is designed for improved aesthetics and clean sight lines, with its unobtrusive gasket line and slim profile. The profile features multiple chambers to enhance thermal efficiency and strength, and improve drainage. Available with chamfered or sculptured ovolo styles in a range of colours, Logik window profiles add a touch of distinction to any home.

At Eurocell, we can support customers to create a complete range of window and door types to suit any home. From classic casement windows to innovative tilt-and-turn styles, French windows, bay windows and entrance doors. Plus our newest sash option – The Logik S flush sash.

Logik_Hero_Image2Now, with the Logik S Flush Sash design, installers are able to offer the premium clean finish and flat, seamless surface between frame and sash that are increasingly in demand from architects, style-savvy homeowners and self-builders. And like the rest of the Logik range, an extensive choice of woodgrain foils gives Logik S Flush Sash a real wood look that stands up to all but the closest of inspections. Or in grey delivers an architectural design feel. It’s the perfect replacement window for adding contemporary kerb appeal to older homes or retaining character in older properties.

Because all our frames are produced by us, we can ensure that all colours are exactly matched across our entire range of window and door products. It means that our whites are the same white across all products and our woodgrain finishes are all perfectly matched. No matter what the age, style or size of the property, we can create high quality windows and doors to enhance and add value to your customer’s projects.

Logik_Hero_Image3Maximising the thermal performance of windows is vital to meet rising regulatory and customer demands. The advanced multi-chambered design of the main Logik profiles and innovative PVC-U Thermal Inserts work together to lock in heat. This means our ‘A+’-rated windows offer market leading double-glazed unit performance and value.

Our PVC-U windows and doors are durable and robust, giving long-life, low-maintenance performance, with no need for painting or other treatments. They are fitted with high security locking mechanisms and tested to PAS24 and Secured by Design enhanced security standards, giving you the peace of mind that properties are well protected against intruders.

Logik windows and doors are guaranteed for ten years, so you can give your customers the assurance of a robust, well-designed, precision-made product that’s built to last – manufactured by the UK’s leading PVC-U specialist.

For more information about our Logik range, visit www.eurocell.co.uk/logik or call the Eurocell Customer Care Team on 0800 988 3049.

Eurocell: Designed to support you today, tomorrow and in the future

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Sites are slowly reopening and despite the fact that the sector will face a subdued second half of 2020, construction firms and housebuilders will be attempting to catch up over the next couple of years. While housebuilders will be spending the next few months completing existing sites, forecasters are reporting that the real test for firms will be beyond the next three months.

04 Brand Newsletter Images_LocalNationallyWith tough times ahead for the market, we know that we’re all in this together and need to work as one to get through it. Which is why at Eurocell we’ve put in place robust processes to ensure you can access the services and support to keep you going through these times. From 11th May our central operations and branches will be re-opening, so you’re able to get hold of all of the products and services you need to get back to work.

As we manufacture, distribute and recycle our own products, we don’t depend on long supply chains with weak links. Our self-sufficiency means that we’re able to provide a continuity of supply you can rely on – regardless of whatever else may be closing or changing.  By combining central operations with a network of local branches, we’ve remained a fast, streamlined supplier with control over our own destiny, so you can trust us to deliver what you need, when you need it. And with market consolidation inevitable, you can rest assured that Eurocell has the financial strength and stability to ride out any difficulties and maintain a consistent quality supply to our customers.

Investing today for a better tomorrow

Tough times mean more pressure on budgets. We can offer you a wide range of high-quality products that not only have better energy performance and sustainability credentials than rival materials, but also come at lower-costs, with no compromise on aesthetics.

02 Brand Newsletter Images_Products_1We’re continuing to invest in new products to ensure that you have a wide selection of solutions that raise standards and choice. Latest highlights include: our new Automatic Opening Vents (AOV)

solutions, a window frame system that automatically opens in the event of a fire and our Logik S flush sash windows, which provide premium aesthetics at affordable costs. Eurocell offers the leading range of PVC-U lifestyle doors – including our all-new Syncro patio doors with soft close and all-grey profile colour options. We’ve moved PVC-U French door aesthetics forward significantly with our fantastic looking brand-new Aspect flush sash collection, as well as improving our successful Aspect bi-fold doors and Studioglide high performance aluminium bi-fold doors.

As a key macro environmental issue, sustainability will remain important in the ‘new normal’.   Eurocell manufactured products contain an average of around 50% post-consumer recycled materials and are made & recycled in the UK, meaning that they have the smallest carbon footprint possible. What’s more, we provide a waste windows and doors collection and recycling service for refurbishment projects – meaning you can clear your waste, while at the same time do right by our planet, your customers and your stakeholders.

Solutions engineered for value

03 Brand Newsletter Images_StrengthAs always, our team of expert technical engineers in our dedicated new build and commercial teams are on hand to provide you with the products you really need. We can take initial specifications and analyse and value engineer them to provide the best value project solutions. In many cases we can achieve comparable or better technical performance at lower cost.  Most products can be supplied in a few weeks rather than months and, as our systems are fully accredited, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll receive quality products, consistently.

You can trust that Eurocell will be here for you today, tomorrow and well into the future, to support you and your organisation. If COVID-19 has taught us one thing, it’s that we’re all together better. For more information, visit: https://www.eurocell.co.uk/

UK residents want homes that consider the environment

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76% of UK residents have said that the communities of the future need to be built as sustainably as possible, according to a new Eurocell report.

hand holding Green city concept, cut the leaves of plants

In its research of 1,000 UK residents, 75% agreed that this needs to extend to the products used to build tomorrow’s homes and that they should be made using sustainably sourced materials.

76% of respondents said that communities should provide habitats for the local wildlife. This desire to develop built environments that are more than just places to live was also reflected by 74% of UK residents who said that the area should actively foster a sense of community.

electric car parked in front of home modern low energy suburban houseAccounting for advances in technology was an important factor for 73% of those surveyed. While this includes mod cons like high speed broadband, it is also a call for green tech such as electric car charging to become the norm in the nation’s homes.

New housing developments are under the spotlight now more than ever, as the government has recently committed to building 70,000 homes across the country. Eurocell’s Future Communities report reveals a range of consumer opinion on how these new homes should be planned, designed and built.

The report includes insights from five architects from practices BDP, Stanton Williams, TOWN and Urbanist Architecture.

Thinking about the future, Kathryn Tombling, architect at BDP, said: “As designers, we’ve all got to respond to the climate change emergency quickly. For us, the environmental and sustainability agenda has been very strong for 10 years or more. But now there’s a big wake-up call for all of us.”

ppy kids playing outdoor at the parkThese statistics show that people are starting to ask more from the areas and homes in which they live. The country’s residents want to know that the environmental impact of their whole community has been carefully considered, including both how the buildings are made and how they interact with the world around them once they’ve been built.

The Future Communities report can be downloaded in full here.

Death of the office: traditional workspaces to disappear in future, say half of UK residents

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Low rise office building

Almost half (49%) of UK residents believe that the traditional “office” will soon become obsolete as home and remote working continues to increase, according to a new report.

A further 60% said that the design of office buildings should factor in the possibility that they may need to be converted into homes in the future.

The survey of 1,000 UK residents has been published by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window and door systems.

Respondents also highlighted a number of design trends that they felt were critical for the workplaces of the future:

  • 52% said designs that maximise natural light
  • 44% said buildings with good ventilation
  • 41% said windows that open
  • 34% identified soundproofing
  • 31% said access to outdoor spaces
  • 25% said communal areas

Set against a backdrop of the ongoing housing crisis – and the measures put in place by the government to tackle it – the Future Communities report reveals a range of consumer opinion on how the communities of the future should look.

Primary school kids standing in front of their school looking to camera, full length, low angleIn contrast to a waning popularity for office buildings and traditional work spaces, there was a clear preference for the construction of schools as cornerstones of the community. 81% of respondents stated that it’s important to include educational buildings within new housing development plans. A further one in three (30%) people stated that not enough is being done to implement this as it stands.

The report includes insights from five architects from practices BDP, Stanton Williams, TOWN and Urbanist Architecture. The panel discussed the potential for buildings to be built with a residential end-purpose in mind.

Analysing the findings, Doriano Chiarparin, architect at Stanton Williams, commented: “I’m not sure about the ability to repurpose every single workplace to make it become residential but I definitely think that we need to have loose fit buildings, so that there are spaces within the development that could become a shop, could become a workshop, could become a studio, could be something that if people set up a business they have a place to go.”

Modern office interior with city viewThe incredible rise of co-working spaces points to a step-change in the way that traditional office jobs are undertaken and this has been reflected in the findings of our research. Communities are no longer simply places to live but – given that many millions of people now work more flexibly or remotely – they are also places that need to accommodate for the 9-5, too. It’s vital that the construction industry takes note and tailor future residential developments to fit accordingly.

The research is part of Eurocell’s ‘Future Communities’ report which can be downloaded in full here.

Collaboration critical if the right mix of homes are to be built, say consumers

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Almost half (49%) of consumers believe greater collaboration between local councils, property developers and social housing associations is critical if the UK is to build the right mix of properties in future.

That’s according to a research report published by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems.

suburban housing estate. cul-de-sac in cannock in england with starter home town houses

Other factors identified by respondents as critical to ensuring the right mix of homes is built included providing more opportunities for public consultation during planning decisions (35%), more powers being given to local planning authorities for better local oversight (29%) and more strategic leadership at a national level (21%).

The findings are part of a report by Eurocell that explores how the communities of the future may look. It includes insights from five architects from practices BDP, Stanton Williams, TOWN and Urbanist Architecture.

When asked about the current mix of homes being built, half of the 1,000 respondents reported that they felt not enough affordable homes for first time buyers were being built, while an almost identical number (49%) said they believed not enough social housing was being built. This fell to 31% when asked about the amount of private rental (PRS) options being built, while 37% said that not enough homes in general were being built.

Property To Let, London.As a result, two fifths of respondents, who were equally split between private renters, home owners and social housing tenants, said that PRS, social housing and homes to buy should be of equal priority as more homes were built. However, 28% identified social housing as the priority, 17% said homes to buy and 10% said PRS options should be the priority.

Hand choosing row of coin money on wood table and mini wood house, selective focus, Planning to buy property. Choose what's the best. A symbol for construction ,ecology, loan concepts

Analysing the findings, Doriano Chiarparin, architect at Stanton Williams, commented: “Unless there is a push towards more social and affordable housing in city centres, land values alone tend to create socially segregated cities. In any productive environment, you need different levels of skill, different types of people and levels of affordability – so there definitely needs to be more support towards affordable residential and social housing in order to keep cities working.”

The public’s view on their preferred housing mix for the communities of the future certainly provides food for thought. The UK has typically been a nation of aspiring property owners. However, these findings suggest that there could be a shift towards more continental attitudes towards homeownership where renting is far more common. As the construction sector continues to design, plan and build the communities of the future serious consideration will need to be given towards this issue to ensure that the needs of consumers are being met.

The research is part of Eurocell’s ‘Future Communities’ report which can be downloaded in full here.

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