PVC-U doors

Sustaining the future – more than half of consumers want homes of the future to be built with environmentally-friendly materials

Building Products Index Ltd June 25, 2019 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

New research has revealed that more than half of consumers believe it is important that their home is made using environmentally-responsible materials.

Conducted by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems, the research looked into consumer attitudes towards sustainable building.When asked about their preferred sustainability features, consumers identified double/triple glazing as the most appealing (58%), followed by solar panels (35%), energy efficient appliances (34%) and the use of recycled and sustainable building products (22%).

One of the key drivers behind this trend is the implementation of sustainability features by developers, which are regularly being incorporated into housebuilding voluntarily rather than as a result of legislation.

Explaining this trend, Steve Marshall, Architect Director and Head of Housing at BDP commented: “Some of our local authority clients like to be seen as leading the way and pushing standards when it comes to sustainability. They need to be seen to be doing the right thing and as such will go above and beyond minimum requirements. It might take time for this to impact the standards that others build to, but this may happen as buyers start to ask why the council is offering something that private developers are not.”

Whilst housing developers are pushing this trend currently, a group of architects presented with these statistics believe that consumer and tenant demand is likely to be a driver for sustainable development in the future. Despite this increased awareness it was highlighted by the architects that, for homes to become more sustainable, consumers need more education on what sustainability actually means in housing.

James Roberts, Project Architect at SimpsonHaugh, said: “It comes down to what is tangible. People understand the concept of double glazing and smart meters, for example. However, if you look at the sustainability credentials of the materials used, or how air tight a home is, these are less tangible yet can have an equally significant impact on how sustainable a home is. As such, willingness to invest in some ‘sustainable design features’ is likely to increase as the public’s understanding of them does. Some they will already be investing in, without appreciating it.”

What’s clear is that sustainability means different things to different people across the housebuilding industry. As such it is critical that the sector works to both understand, and meet, the expectations of future homeowners – especially as they become increasingly educated in this area.

You can see all of Eurocell’s findings from the survey in the Future Home Report which can be downloaded in full here https://www.eurocell.co.uk/whitepaper

A window into the future – consumers demand large, energy efficient windows with noise reduction features

Building Products Index Ltd April 26, 2019 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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A report has found that consumers want the homes of the future to have windows that are energy efficient, large and noise reducing

New research has revealed the window design and features that consumers hope to see in their future homes. Consumers identified windows with higher energy efficiency (52%), ones that can shade against the sunlight (29%), frames made from sustainable materials (26%) and large floor to ceiling windows (23%) as the features or design trends that would be most appealing.

In addition to this, 29% of consumers said that smart windows, for example windows that can turn into a mirror, or be used as a smart screen, are also desirable, according to research conducted by Eurocellplc,the UK’s leading manufacturer, recycler and distributor of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems.

These findings were presented to architects at leading studios Hawkins Brown, SimpsonHaugh and BDP, as well as property developer The High Street Group, to be analysed and garner expert insight. When talking about the future of windows, and what we can expect, Francesca Roberts, Hawkins Brown, commented:“It’s about careful placement of the windows and thinking about how light can be flooded into properties in all the right places. It’s not just about light either, you need to think about other factors, such as if the property is near a busy railway or a road and consider how this should impact the placement of windows.

“It’s about finding that sweet spot, through proper testing and analysis. The placement of windows should not be determined by rolling out a standard house type across a site, with the window placement being left to chance. Instead, what’s right for each plot should be considered.”

As well as design trends, consumers were asked about the key drivers for investing in new windows. 52% of consumers identified improving energy efficiency as the most common driver, whilst 38% said increasing natural light and 35% said noise reduction were key drivers.

With the research clearly highlighting how important both natural light and technology are to consumers, it is critical that the construction sector utilises this insight to inform product development and architectural decisions around windows as it works to build the homes required to address the current housing crisis in the future.

You can see all of Eurocell’s findings from the survey in the Future Home Report which can be downloaded in full here https://www.eurocell.co.uk/whitepaper

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Assessing the viability of embedded technology in homes of the future

Building Products Index Ltd March 27, 2019 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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Smart home assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home Assistant are now widely used in homes across the UK. Coupled with the explosion in smart home devices – ranging from smart door bells to internet connected fridges – many home owners and renters are now envisaging a time where their smart devices won’t clutter their shelves and tables but will instead be embedded within the design of their homes.

This ‘smart home’ aspiration was highlighted in a recent survey conducted by Eurocell plc. where more than half (53%) of respondents said they were interested in having technology-enabled products in the build of their home. A further 24% said they plan to invest in smart technology in their existing property in the near future, while 18% identified integrated technology as one of their top three design trends.

As consumers’ appetite for technology grows, it is likely that the desire amongst home owners or occupiers to see the homes of the future designed with technology in-built, will only get stronger. However, while consumer demand for a smart or internet connected home, is strong, the viability of such homes being constructed is less evident. When the survey responses were analysed by a panel of experts, concerns were raised around the practicalities of the construction sector responding to these consumer aspirations for a home with smart technology embedded within the design.

Architects at leading studios Hawkins Brown, SimpsonHaugh and BDP, as well as property developer The High Street Group, analysed the findings, with the panel being in agreement that, while smart homes will certainly continue to develop, making it an embedded design feature would not be the best use of budget. With technology evolving so quickly the panel highlighted that embedding technology in a home would likely mean that the systems embedded in the house would quickly become ‘dated’ compared to the latest smart tech advancements.

Assessing the consumer feedback Francesca Roberts, Hawkins Brown, commented:“Technology is changing so quickly, to the point that it’s hard to predict what the smart home will look like in 20 years’ time. So much technology these days is wireless anyway, so it doesn’t necessarily need embedding.” James Roberts, SimpsonHaugh, added: “Money is better invested in quality architectural design than on embedding fast changing technology.”

In addition to these concerns the survey found that, while many consumers expressed an interest in a smart home, few were willing to pay more for it as a design feature. Indeed only 20% of those who expressed a desire for a smart home were willing to pay more for a home that met this criteria.

As such, it is safe to conclude that whilst technology is desirable for home owners and consumers, the construction sector should carefully evaluate any future plans to respond to that demand.

You can see all of Eurocell’s findings from the survey in the Future Home Report which can be downloaded in full here https://www.eurocell.co.uk/whitepaper

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Let there be (natural) light in the home

Building Products Index Ltd February 28, 2019 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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For many home owners and renters natural light is an increasingly key design aspect in making a property a home, with a focus on this design element stemming from increased consumer awareness around the importance of wellbeing. This is influencing all types of building design, leading architects, builders and developers to seek innovative approaches to boost natural light in the home.

The desire for more natural light was highlight in a recent survey conducted by Eurocell plc. 80% of respondents reported that they would like to increase the amount of natural light entering their home; 48% said they would pay more for a home with a greater amount of natural light; and 57% said they would be more likely to buy or rent a home if it had a high amount of natural light.

Architects at leading studios Hawkins Brown, Simpson Haugh and BDP, as well as property developer The High Street Group, discussed the findings, highlighting that regulation vs. design vs. cost is the main equation when it comes to natural light. This illustrates that, while everyone would like to have more light in their homes, external factors, such as cost and localised building constraints, cannot always be easily overcome to achieve the goal of maximising it in the home.

So how can housebuilders optimise the amount of natural light in the home, within the constrains that they often face? One approach is the WELL architectural standard. This framework aims to ensure that the designs of the buildings we live in advance human health and wellbeing. The standards are based on seven core concepts of health and hundreds of design features that should be considered.

Maximising the amount of natural light in the home is key to this, as most people feel happier and more uplifted in naturally bright spaces. By incorporating features such as utilising glass in the roof and having bigger windows, housebuilders can ensure that the homes they build meet the demands of the next generation of homeowners.

Over the coming years natural light will be increasingly important to homeowners and renters and those builders that take this into consideration will ensure that interest is generated in future developments and that those moving into the property are happy in their surroundings.

You can see all of Eurocell’s findings from the survey in the Future Home Report which can be downloaded in full here https://www.eurocell.co.uk/whitepaper

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Eurocell leads the sector in sustainable doors and windows

Building Products Index Ltd June 25, 2018 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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With plastic pollution possibly proving to be the biggest environmental issue of our time, Eurocell exemplifies commitment to sustainability and developing quality products from recycled material.

From a sustainability perspective, Eurocell’s PVC-U windows are already ahead. First, life expectancy of a PVC-U window is considerable. PVC-U windows have been given a 35-year minimum reference service life by the BRE, with minimal maintenance during this period.

Second, closed loop manufacture results in the plastic element PVC-U windows being re-used up to 10 times. With the 35-year life expectancy, that means the plastic can be used in manufacture for up to 350 years!

Better still, the re-use of PVC-U is an example of ‘upcycling’. Re-processing PVC-U imbues it with additional structural strength and, post-extrusion, results in recycled product being technically superior to those made from virgin material, because the process creates better dispersion of material elements.

For example, our innovative Modus window and door profile system features an intelligent six-chamber single-piece profile design consisting of circa 45% post-consumer recycled material. Modus achieves an A++ Window Energy Rating and U-value of 0.7, which is market-leading performance. Modus delivers a triple benefit to customers – top energy efficiency for lower heating bills, responsible use of materials/resources for sustainability and at lower cost than alternative window materials – timber and aluminium.
Another great example is our range of Cavalok cavity closers, predominantly used in the construction of new build housing. The closers – which are built into the completed wall structure – are made from 100% post-consumer recycled material for maximum material efficiency and are certified by the BBA.

All of this combines to make Eurocell a sustainability leader in its field, and to find out more about how Eurocell can assist in delivering buildings that are sustainable, healthy and warm, call the customer services team on 0800 988 7300 or visit www.eurocell.co.uk

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Easy BIM access from Eurocell

Building Products Index Ltd May 29, 2018 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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For simpler specification, Eurocell’s BIM Centre enables quick location and downloads of the company’s RFA or Revit Family models. For free access, just visit: http://www.eurocell.co.uk/bim.

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Get Eurocell made to order foils in just seven days

Building Products Index Ltd March 26, 2018 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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In response to strong demand for coloured PVC-U windows and doors, Eurocell offers fabricators a turnaround of seven working days for a wide range of foils. Customers can choose from 31 different colours and finishes for any window or door as a made-to-order item, secure in the knowledge they won’t be subject to the usual three- to four-week wait for made-to-order profiles.

The available palette, the most comprehensive in the industry, allows the homeowner or end-user the choice of regular favourites Rosewood and Golden Oak or, for those of a more contemporary mindset, soothing and stylish greys such as Anthracite, Slate, Kensington and Hazy Grey. Both Anthracite and Hazy Grey can be ordered with a woodgrain or smooth finish option.

Those who are keen to be at the forefront of design and trends can select in vogue colours such as Light Ivory, Anteak and Chartwell Green or two shades of perennially cool black, Ebony and Black Ash.

To find out more about this super slick service, either visit https://www.eurocell.co.uk/pvc-u-trade/colours/7-day-foils or call the customer services team on 0800 988 7300.

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Get offsite InSite from Eurocell at Ecobuild 2018

Building Products Index Ltd February 27, 2018 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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Eurocell is promising to deliver a whole host of benefits to the timber frame and offsite construction sectors with the launch of its new InSite window solution. InSite will enable timber frame manufacturers to install fully glazed, fully finished windows into wall panels as part of the factory production process, thereby reducing on site disruption and labour costs while saving time on build programme schedules. The new system can be viewed at Ecobuild 2018 on stand G22.

There are also significant health and safety benefits with factory fitting and the reduction in manual handling, as well as an estimated 30% improvement in transportation yields because the windows are fully recessed, allowing panels to be stacked flush when loaded.

InSite comprises market-leading PVC-U window performance with an innovative fixing method that allows factory fitting of the window directly into the wall panel. Once the timber wall panel has been erected on-site, the windows are checked to ensure they are plumb and square and then simply secured to the first fix position by pushing the frame outwards to lock it into position. An intelligent design modification enables cills to be simply clipped on and mechanically secured once the windows are locked into position. The whole panel assembly can be made watertight within one day so interior trades can begin work immediately, saving time on programme.

As part of its development, the InSite system has been fully tested, including resisting wind load pressures well in excess of 200mph – significantly beyond the highest Category 5 hurricane winds rating (156mph+). Design calculations have been verified by independent timber frame structural engineers. Owing to the controlled nature of manufacture, the installed windows offer leading energy efficiency performance, with a U-value of just 0.8 W/m² possible, a level that far exceeds current Building Regulations requirements.

A 10-year product guarantee* on InSite windows provides customer peace of mind, as does full product traceability, thanks to a simplified supply chain and centralised documentation.

Talking about the launch, Chris Coxon, Group Head of Marketing at Eurocell, said: “InSite is an engineered solution that gives off-site construction specialists an opportunity to increase efficiencies and quality at key stages of the manufacturing and building process, so they receive the benefits they promote to their clients and streamline the construction process further, resulting in a safer, faster build time.”

“Since there is no need to store windows on site there is no danger of damage or theft and the reduction in manual handling also significantly cuts the number of health and safety issues to be dealt with. Programme time is not affected by issues like scaffolding obscuring the installation of windows, especially as preparing InSite for external cladding and internal plastering can all be done from the inside. Similarly, site traffic is reduced because there are no window deliveries,” he adds.

Sounds appealing? Find out more by visiting www.eurocell.co.uk/insite or calling the Eurocell Customer Care Team directly on 0800 988 3049.

Ecobuild 2018 takes place between March 6^th and 8^th at the ExCel centre in London’s Docklands. Eurocell’s stand no. is G22. To register visit: https://www.ecobuild.co.uk/

* including 5 years on glazing units and two years on internal window hardware.

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Eurocell slots in solution for off-site construction

Building Products Index Ltd November 27, 2017 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Eurocell entry on BPi

Visit the Eurocell website

Eurocell, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door, conservatory and roofline products, is promising to deliver a whole host of benefits to the timber frame and off-site construction sectors with the launch of its new InSite window solution.

InSite will enable timber frame manufacturers to install fully glazed, fully finished windows into wall panels as part of the factory production process, thereby reducing on site disruption and labour costs while saving time on build programme schedules. There are also significant health and safety benefits with factory fitting and reduction in manual handling, as well as an estimated 30% improvement in transportation yields because the windows are fully recessed, allowing panels to be stacked flush when loaded.

As part of its development, the InSite system has been fully tested, including resisting wind load pressures well in excess of 200mph – significantly beyond the highest Category 5 hurricane winds rating (156mph+). Design calculations have been verified by independent timber frame structural engineers. Owing to the controlled nature of manufacture, the installed windows offer leading energy efficiency performance, with a U-value of just 0.8 W/m2 possible, a level that far exceeds current Building Regulations requirements.

Talking about its launch, Chris Coxon, Group Head of Marketing at Eurocell, says: “InSite is an engineered solution that gives off-site construction specialists an opportunity to increase efficiencies and quality at key stages of the manufacturing and building process, so they receive the benefits they promote to their clients and streamline the construction process further, resulting in a safer, faster build time.”

Sounds appealing? Find out more by visiting www.eurocell.co.uk/insite or calling the Eurocell Customer Care Team directly on 0800 988 3049.

Eurocell InSite system InSite window solution PVC-U doors PVC-U windows

Eurocell slots in solution for off-site construction

Building Products Index Ltd October 19, 2017 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Eurocell entry on BPi

Visit the Eurocell website

As part of its development, the InSite system has been fully tested, including resisting wind load pressures well in excess of 200mph – significantly beyond the highest Category 5 hurricane winds rating (156mph+). Design calculations have been verified by independent timber frame structural engineers. Owing to the controlled nature of manufacture, the installed windows offer leading energy efficiency performance, with a U-value of just 0.8 W/m2 possible, a level that far exceeds current Building Regulations requirements.

Sounds appealing? Find out more by visiting www.eurocell.co.uk/insite or calling the Eurocell Customer Care Team directly on 0800 988 3049.

Eurocell fully glazed windows InSite window solution PVC-U doors PVC-U windows

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