Home Designer & Architect - April 2024

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APRIL 2024 HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT MAGAZINE www.homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk
psychology in the kitchen [CLICK HERE]
resounding success at the Workspace Design Show 2024 [CLICK HERE]
Colour
Another

APRIL 2024

Colour psychology in the Kitchen

[click here]

Another resounding success, the Workspace Design Show 2024, held at the Business Design Centre from February 27th to 28th, yet again gathered widespread acclaim.

Contents West Fraser’s CaberMDF is perfect all around the house
Schlüter-Systems joins a host of top building design brands in London’s Material Lab Wilson’s Corner Hitting The Spot For City Office Occupiers With Three New Tenants Future proof your bathroom with Schlüter-Systems Keylite Advocates Glass Safety For Roofing Contractors What Are The Risks Of Choosing The Wrong Insurance? 8 16 24 10 19 14 20 www.homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk hello@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Colour psychology in the kitchen

Tim Spann, National Sales Manager

UK for Keller Kitchens discusses.

In the kitchen and wider interiors industry, we both live for and through trends. We follow them, create them and/or ignore them. For example, the one we all hear of now is the cost-of-living crisis; and so we are turning to brighter colours to make us happier. This all feeds into the psychology of colour and the kitchen can be the ultimate portal for an expression of how we feel or want to be seen.

The palettes that nature provides are always base influences; nature provides us with hues of calming harmony that bring peace and relaxed feelings. Landscapes and nature are major sources of inspiration; through nature we create connection with the outside world. The shades of nature imbue comfort and focus on sustainability. Softer pastel shades of green, blue, nude, cream, greige and natural stained woods and veneers satisfy this feeling.

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The Crystal kitchen from Keller

The recently-coined term “Cluttercore” gives rise to a psychology which evokes maximalism and extravagance. This trend is a tribute to all the imperfections that make our spaces and lifestyles unique. Confidence found in this microtrend nurture creativity to bring compelling, mesmerising and fresh design into the heart of the home.

When the mood takes us back to basics, the style, feel and shades of Hellenism can deliver a more sensorial design; for example, the use of visually vibrant materials that deliver texture and things we like to touch. The aesthetic forms from ancient Greece convey elegance and grandeur, rich with feminine elements and round shapes with beautiful shades of white, gold, silver and marble predominate.

At a time when we are looking to inject energy into our lives, the urge takes us to mixes of organic and synthetic laced with fun and functionality. Good design can be combined with

punchy colours giving scope for freeform that can turn chaos into joy. Dynamic features can include pop art and symbols, kinetic graphics, colourful bold stripes and vibrant checks. Here we are looking at earthy colours, bronze, ochre, browns and azure for that asserted look and feel.

The colours in our kitchen do impact on our mood and feel for our surroundings. It is also thought that colour in the kitchen can even impact our appetite. So let us consider the psychology of individual colours and those allimportant choices. And do we just choose the colours we like? Well . . . probably not. The colours we choose can impact in different ways.

Red – it is said that red can increase a person’s appetite. Ever wondered why so many restaurants have red tablecloths? It gives higher energy levels and is associated with passion. Seeing red really does get the heart racing, so don’t go for a full room of red.

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Yellow – is the colour of the optimist that promotes happiness which also improves appetite so studies have shown.

Blue – is one of the more relaxing colours giving feeling of space and confidence and reminds us of the sky and the sea.

Green – is the calming colour of nature itself and can invoke good digestion; it’s also been known to suppress appetites. Various shades of green can bring an inviting and refreshing living space; think fresh, healthy, plants, and nature which all invoke harmony and balance.

White and grey – project an air of confidence, class and success, along with maturity and security. Using these colours will make the kitchen feel clean and open but be aware that all white with no highlights will leave the heart of the home feeling too sterile.

With aspects of open living and omni-plan, the colour choices for a new kitchen feed into all areas of interior design for the home more readily these days. With this in mind, mix and match and be daring. Natural light or artificial light will be key in how colour choices are viewed. Different colours are reflected in different ways from different materials in different lighting conditions. Good lighting or good light are essential. Bright and strong colours can help breathe life into the kitchen space where natural light is limited; but neutral colours do stand the test of time.

When steering towards a more neutral colour scheme, personality colour-pops can be introduced through accessorising with the smaller items around the kitchen, or go for a feature wall or splash-back.

TIP – always take colour swatches and consider different choices in the space. The way that different lighting reflects colour can make a tone appear completely different.

Keller is well known for offering the widest range of colours (2,050 NCS) and finishes in the kitchen furniture market – along with a vast range of cabinet options, all produced by the most sustainable means possible. In addition, the company is proud to be a Carbon Neutral kitchen manufacturer since 2017 and is now on the way to becoming Carbon Negative.

For further information, please visit www.kellerkitchens.com.

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The New Country kitchen from Keller The Urban Nude kitchen from Keller

West Fraser’s CaberMDF is perfect all around the house

The original CaberMDF was developed in the 1960’s. Still as popular today and manufactured by West Fraser UK in Scotland, the highly engineered product can be seen all over the modern building, from furniture to architectural mouldings, and from radiator cabinets to kitchens. When it comes to consistency, quality and ease of use, West Fraser’s CaberMDF leads the way with  legendary performance and popularity.

The board is designed as an economical and versatile alternative to hardwood – without the inherent defects of knots or grains. The product’s attributes include stability and consistent density, while the panels have a high-quality surface, are strong, resist impact and accept fasteners securely. The panels are easy to work with and have good machining properties. They can be sawn, drilled, shaped and routed cleanly with minimum fuss, using hand or machine tools. When it comes to appearance, quality finishes are easily achieved by both professionals and DIY-ers, and the smooth surface of the panels is ideal for painting or applying veneers or paper foils.

The panels can be used to form architectural features, fascias, skirting, shelves, fitted units, wardrobes and kitchen and bathroom furniture including door and drawer fronts as well as carcassing. They can also be used to create individual items of furniture.

West Fraser’s comprehensive five-strong CaberMDF range has been developed to offer the perfect matches between panel and application. For general use,  CaberMDF Trade  is a versatile, lightweight board which is ideal where weight is a factor; the panels hold

screws and fastenings securely.  CaberMDF Trade MR  offers the same benefits with the added advantage of moisture resistance for wet or humid environments. Where there is a need for premium quality and detailed working,  CaberMDF Pro provides incredibly consistent density, ensuring cutting and routing need minimal finishing.  CaberMDF Pro MR offers the further benefit of moisture resistance. The ultimate product in the range is  CaberMDF Industrial which is moisture resistant and designed specifically for the production of high-grade furniture and fittings. It is ideal for deep routing and its consistent close-grained texture ensures clean edges and surfaces that will take advanced finishing techniques.

Beyond the advantages and practicalities of using CaberMDF, the materials and processes used to manufacture the product offer the reassurance of being sustainable. West Fraser’s range of board products is available in a wide selection of sizes to minimise waste. All timber used is responsibly sourced and FSC-certified. The panels are manufactured in the UK from locally grown timber and are  net carbon negative

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Samples of all West Fraser construction panels can be ordered on the website uk.westfraser.com

Head to the housebuilder page on the website to download a selection of tools including a fully-interactive guide to all West Fraser products and a checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your build.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit uk.westfraser.com

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Another resounding success, Show 2024, held at the Business from February 27th to 28th, widespread acclaim.

Now a firmly established part of the global workplace event calendar, Workspace Design Show made a triumphant return to London at the end of February with a record number of visitors, breathtaking features and an events programme across the two days that really packed a punch.

Over 4,500 workplace professionals from over 40 countries around the world congregated at the Business Design Centre between 27-28 February, taking in the latest trends in office specification from furniture, lighting, flooring and more, totalling over 500 different products.

Given the exceptional lineup of speakers, it came as no surprise that the talks were immensely popular. The beautiful stage, designed by Gensler, was packed out from start to finish, buzzing with architects, designers and workplace professionals, eager to hear from industry leaders. Day one in the Workspace Design Talks kicked

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success, the Workspace Design Business Design Centre

28th, yet again gathered

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off with an insightful talk on ‘Insights and perspectives on the convergent future of workplace’ with panellists Yasmin Al-Ani Spence, Director, WilkinsonEyre, Ewan Jones, Partner, Grimshaw and Nicola Gillen, Head of Total Workplace EMEA, Cushman & Wakefield. Other key workplace leaders sharing their insights on workplace strategy, design & culture across the two days were Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR Sheppard Robson, Alan Bainbridge, Director of Workplace BBC, Sarah-Jane Osbourne, Head of Workplace UK and Europe, Avison Young, Linzi Cassels, Principal Design Director, Perkins&Will, Laurie Goodman, Strategy Director, IA Interior Architects, Neil Usher, VP Places, Sage, Naomi Sakamoto, Principal Studio Director, Gensler, Mary-Louise Gray, VP Workplace, Real Estate & Facilities, GSK

Sustainability Works, curated by Mick Jordan, Editor of Works magazine, returned for 2024 and did not disappoint. Once again, the talks brought together a selection of key figures from firms such as Perkins&Will, Scott Brownrigg, BDG architecture and design, M Moser Associates, BDP and Resonate Interiors who are behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives and projects.

Pernille Bonser, CEO of Resonate Interiors said, “Workspace Design Show is not only the perfect place for discovering new products, but also brings designers and architects together. It’s about meeting and connecting with friends in the same community, these shared conversations are so important “

The Occupiers Forum, provided unique insights from occupiers such as BT Group, HSBC, Clifford Chance, Booking.com, Visa, Salesforce, HMRC, and Barclays into what employers are doing to create an engaging workplace experience. The FIS Conference explored productivity, quality, compliance and sustainability issues in the fit-out sector.

Mario Vieira, Scott Brownrigg, Head of Sustainability, commented, “The Workspace Design Show showcases all the upcoming innovative products and trends. In my role and practice, I aim to assist our teams by giving advice, this show allow us to gauge a much stronger understanding of the market, making that a lot easier.”

2024 had a vast array of spectacular features, inspired by the overarching show theme ‘Bloom – Exploring the Thriving Ecosystem of Work Life’. Captivating stages included the Design Talks Lounge by Gensler and the Insights Lounge by BDP, and other features included the immersive Entrance by tp bennett, a Living Workplace lighting installation by Jason Bruges Studio, the Mood Board Contest by MF Design Studio, and the calming Recharge Lounge by M Moser Associates. The show’s stunning exhibition floor hosted exhibitors from over 20 countries, and it was wonderful to see some of the stunning stand designs showcasing the products. The best stand design competition was won by Spain’s Kettal and the UK’s AllSfär, judged by a panel of leading specifiers.

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As day one came to a close, the Workspace Design Show party commenced. The buzzing atmosphere allowed people to socialise and network over a glass of wine, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection.

Esha & Charlie Bark-Jones, Workspace Design Show founders, said “We’re absolutely thrilled that so many of the UK’s workplace interiors community came together to experience the fantastic speakers sharing their insights, transformative products from our exhibitors and stunning features experiences from our partners. We are delighted to see specifiers from Asia, The Americas, The Middle East, Africa and Europe also attending to join the celebration of the future of work in London. The spirit of collaboration at the Show was evident for all to see, as people formed partnerships to transform the employee experience in these disruptive times for workplaces.”

The next UK edition will be on 26th – 27th February 2025. The Amsterdam edition of Workspace Design Show takes place on 5th – 6th November 2025.

www.workspaceshow.co.uk

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Schlüter-Systems joins a host of top building design brands in London’s Material Lab

Material Lab, in London’s West End, is a design resource and materials library and home to a comprehensive range of innovative, high-end brands which have been developed for the UK’s architectural community. The impressive twostorey showroom was founded in 2006 as an inspirational hub for designers, architects and developers where displays, presentations, workshops and partner events bring products, designs and technology to life. It is now firmly established and supported by leading brands in the surface coverings, bathroom, and building design industry generally. Visitors are offered a wealth of information on different product portfolios – from tiles to worktops; wall coverings to flooring; and taps to showers.

One key partner of Material Lab is Schlüter-Systems. The worldwide company is the leading name in holistic system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tile and stone, with many of the company’s 10,000 product lines finding applications in challenging conditions such as bathrooms and wetrooms.

Lee Rowland, Head of Sales for Schlüter, explains “Material Lab is an ideal partner for us as we are accessible to the architectural community in a much-visited, easy location in London. Designed for professionals, it means discerning visitors can access all the information and advice they may require, in an inspiring, friendly place. We have chosen to display the products and schemes which have proven most popular for commercial projects so that the architect or designer can almost “build” their bathroom, wetroom, or complementary space, here.”

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The displays highlight Schlüter’s expertise in providing intelligent, stylish solutions with the product ranges working together to create a waterproof, functional, long-lasting bathroom or wetroom. Examples on view include JOLLY tile trims in realistic, textured finishes, and SCHEINE, RENO and DECO trims and transitions in various metallic options. There is also the chance to see the popular electric underfloor heating system DITRA-HEAT, along with different thicknesses of the versatile KERDI-BOARD tileable, waterproof backerboards, and the handy storage option provided by the Schlüter SHELF portfolio.

Helpfully, visitors can take away samples of selected products; they can also be ordered from head office or Sample Library (www.samplelibrary.co.uk). There are also sample key chains and ranges of informative literature available.

Lee concludes, “Schlüter-Systems is all about high-quality installations; Material Lab is the perfect place for professionals who want to understand how to get there and create the very best spaces in their projects.”

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit www.schluter.co.uk/

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WILSON’S CORNER HITTING THE SPOT FOR CITY OFFICE OCCUPIERS WITH THREE NEW TENANTS

Aver, the joint venture between NFU Mutual and Ergo Real Estate has reported three new lettings at Wilson’s Corner, 23 Wilson Street EC2, which has recently been extensively refurbished.

Aver purchased the 6 storey 13,000 sq ft office building in 2021 and after a complete stripout, refurbished each floor and basement level to a CAT A standard with a show suite fully fitted on the 4th floor and with the exciting addition of a roof terrace at the 7th floor.

The three companies taking space at Wilson’s Corner include; The Liberian Registery (LISCR) on the first floor, the innovative fleet insurance company Flock Cover on the second and pioneering software company, Fincore, on the third. Ergo is also occupying the fifth floor,

which takes the total space let to 8,000 sq ft which represents 60% of the building. Compton and Knight Frank are letting agents for Wilson’s Corner acting on behalf of Aver.

Sustainability is at the heart of this £3 million office refresh improving on the building’s original EPC rating of G to EPC B. Sustainable materials have been chosen where appropriate within the building whilst a brand new, fully electric M+E system boosts the building’s environmental credentials.

Martin Jepson, Founding Partner, Ergo RE comments:

“Wilson’s Corner delivers top quality office accommodation, with an amenity offering that far exceeds what might be expected from a building of this size. Its success so far illustrates the demand for exemplary space in the right location, with elevated facilties and comfort. As a further endorsement

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we are delighted to be taking occupation of the fifth floor and making it Ergo’s new base in London.”

Wilsons Corner benefits from a new fully accessible rooftop terrace with panoramic City vistas where contemporary furniture allows for meeting areas and relaxation space to create an oasis of calm for all tenants to enjoy.

Wilsons Corner also has a new welcoming reception area, a new lift serving all floors and end of journey facilities for cyclists with a new bike store, changing area, lockers, drying cupboards and shower facilities.

Emily Woods, from Fincore commented on the move:

“Our move to Wilson’s Corner has been positive from the start thanks to the help and transparency of Ergo creating as smooth a transition as possible, from our old home to our new one at Wilson’s Corner. Working alongside the fit-out team referred to us from Ergo, the collaboration with them made creating the office we envisioned that much easier. Our staff now have a warm and collaborative office to work from which has led to us seeing an increase in attendance and office morale. Ergo have been a pleasure to work with so far and we look forward to growing our relationship with them over the years to come.”

Helen Ogilvie, from Flock also had this to say:

“We selected Wilson’s Corner as the next stage for Flock’s growth because of its prime location in the City, surrounded by excellent amenities and within walking distance of many of our insurance stakeholders. Additionally, we were impressed by the building’s high-quality specifications, fantastic roof terrace, and abundant natural light.”

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Future proof your bathroom with Schlüter-Systems

David Naylor, Schlüter-Systems’ Head of Marketing, explains how Schlüter is helping in the creation of waterproof, long-lasting bathrooms.

Schlüter-Systems is well known as an expert when it comes to creating long-lasting bathrooms. Past shortcomings in the design of both new-build properties and retrofits have shown the importance of protecting the fabric of the bathrooms with reliable waterproofing. This is a point underlined by the NHBC’s forthcoming (July 2024) technical guidance that will effectively rule out the use of gypsum plasterboard or magnesium oxide boards as the substrate for tiling in a wet room or where a power shower is fitted.

The changes require the use of substrate boards which are fully resistant to water and, ideally, will mitigate against the creation of condensation within the wall build-up. Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD features an XPS foam core and is faced on both sides with a reinforcement layer and fleece webbing that offers an ideal key for tile adhesive.

Energy-saving and direct cost savings in terms of lower installation costs can be achieved across various product types: for example, intelligent lighting systems such as Schlüter-LIPROTEC are literally plug-and-play, so very quick to fit and set up. There are also products which make it far simpler to create bespoke installations and pieces of fitted furniture such as insulated substrate boards which have been formed to create a readyto-tile washbasin. Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD-W is a prime example of this.

There is almost always a balance to be struck between cost and top quality, but customers should recognise that the reduced labour times often delivered by high specification products will offset the higher purchase price. And, whether this is perceived as being at the luxury end of the market or not, better quality often translates into enhanced property values.

For the retailer, being seen to have a product offering with durability as the focus can definitely enhance a retailer’s brand identity – being conscientious in what they stock is only likely to improve their reputation with specifiers and property owners; and avoids them potentially missing out on a growing market opportunity.

Lastly, heat pump technology due to replace conventional boilers, the industry needs to change the way it thinks about space heating and its delivery. Both ground and air source heat pumps work more efficiently at lower flow temperatures. Schlüter BEKOTEC-THERM hydronic underfloor heating facilitates the creation of lower temperature circuits, with the pipework clipped into studded boards which offer an improved annual output factor, while also acting as a decoupling layer. Importantly, the system complies with Government energy saving targets and the Energy Conservation Act.

The industry can expect to see more legislation from Government and the likes of NHBC, aiming to drive improved performance, with product innovation hopefully keeping pace in meeting those challenges. We are seeing new products such as tiles produced from recycled coffee grounds, while fittings which reduce water and energy usage are going to become increasingly attractive; along with those which require lower maintenance. Then with an ageing population, ergonomics and the avoidance of risks or products that promote hygiene and occupational health considerations have become more important.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit www.schluter.co.uk

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KEYLITE ADVOCATES GLASS SAFETY FOR ROOFING CONTRACTORS

With falls through fragile surfaces, particularly fibrecement roofs and rooflights, accounting for 22% of all fall-from-height fatal injuries in the construction industry,[1] Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite) is stressing the importance of flat glass safety when working at raised levels.

Flat roof glazing systems such as flat glass roof lights, roof lanterns, polycarbonate domes and automatic opening vent (AOV) rooflights are most typically installed in flat roof extensions at the rear of residential properties; but are also very common in education and healthcare applications.

When working with flat roof glass systems, installers must be aware of the relevant standards relating to roof glazing, which include guidance on maximum allowable deflections and stresses for overhead glazing. Fragile rooflights in particular can be a major hazard, as some are difficult to see in certain light conditions and others may be hidden by paint.

Designed with safety in mind, the glazing specification of Keylite’s flat roof glass systems aims to reduce the incidences of accidents and injury, giving installers full peace of mind. All units have been tested to meet CWCT TN66 and TN67 Class 1 nonfragile rating to ensure the safety of people below the glazed roof and people who may be on the roof.

John Logue, Business Manager at Keylite, comments: “Class 1 non-fragile rooflights are for applications where they may be walked on for occasional cleaning and maintenance, as they need to be able

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to support both the weight of people on the glass and their equipment, as well as withstand the impact from a person and their tools or equipment without damage.

“Keylite’s wide range of flat roof glazing products means we can provide a solution for any flat roof application. We offer fire-resistant glazing, and our full range has been fully tested to ACR[M]001:2011 Class B for non-fragility.

“In addition, our flat roof domes are thermoformed polycarbonate with a virtually unbreakable triple skin construction, which has an impact strength 250 times greater than glass, giving installers extra peace of mind when working at height.”

All roof windows within the entire Keylite range can be integrated within a flat roof system. For more information, please visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com, call 01283 200 158 or email info@keyliteuk.com.

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Bring steel windows and doors into the bathroom

Steel in the home continues to dominate in the home fashion stakes; internal partitions and large steel windows replace solid doors and walls in contemporary homes. And, with advice from the Steel Window Association, homeowners can enjoy plenty of options if they want the look!

The most common use of steel windows in bathrooms is to create shower screens; not only are they are an excellent replacement for shower curtains, the stylish design also allows plenty of light to enter the shower space. Homeowners can choose to have just one screen outlining the shower tray on one side with an open front, or opt for two screens to create a closed in cubicle.

Another great way to bring steel into the bathroom is to use them as an internal partitions or beautiful doors (as pictured) between bedrooms and ensuites. They offer a stunning yet simple way to establish a seamless transition between the bedroom and bathroom, which lets plenty of light between the two rooms and can open up the bedroom to give the appearance of more space.

Alternatively, if no changes are needed to an existing bathroom scheme, bathroom windows can be replaced with frosted steel ones. The high energy performing W30 or W40 profiles are ideal for exterior windows as they trap heat in the building, and the frosted panel means privacy is maintained.

Members of the Steel Window Association offer a UK wide service for the repair and replacement of various types of old metal windows, doors and screens, as well as being able to manufacture new fenestration which fully meets the building regulations. Choosing an SWA member to manufacture and install your steel windows and doors ensures that you are receiving the highest standard of fabrication, installation and customer service.

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For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk

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What Are The Risks Of Choosing The Wrong Insurance?

Emergency intervention was recently needed when a specialist property services company sought our assistance to fill a void left by another warranty provider. Three distinct developments faced challenges due to contractor insolvency. Despite having latent defects protection in place, the initial warranty provider refused to uphold the complete terms, citing a right to withdraw in such scenarios.

Luckily, our expertise and network allowed us to swiftly evaluate the precise gap in protection and procure alternative coverage from other providers.

A challenging landscape for developers

The fact that this could happen in the first place shows how vulnerable property owners and managers can be, even when they think they are fully covered. The challenging times we live in suggest many of those seeking to ensure they could potentially claim on latent defects policies in the future may face similar issues if their policies have not been selected carefully: a recent article in the Financial Times noted that construction firms were failing at the fastest rate in a decade, due to a perfect storm of inflation, construction slowdown, rising costs of materials and manpower, cashflow issues in the supply chain and delays to major government projects.

Insolvency isn’t the only reason developers may need to rely on relevant cover. London’s fire brigade recently attended a building collapse on Chelsea Embankment, a few hundred yards from the site of an earlier, and now notorious, mega-basement collapse in the borough’s Durham Place. Errors in workmanship, incorrect use of materials, misinterpretation of plans, non-compliance with building regulations, insufficient surveys – all of these can cause latent construction defects.

In another recent case, the underwriter denied cover because of apparently minor unclear wording. The policy provided cover only in relation to the specific, registered company named in the policy. An abbreviated version of the company name was taken to refer to a related firm and not the one the claimants needed cover in relation to. Such cases emphasise the importance of a guide through the process who is not only expert, but also impartial: the misnaming here was not even made by the claimants, in this case in which a number of connected companies were involved in construction and initial development, before sale of the insured property.

How to make sure you have the right policy

There is no substitute for experience and specialisation here. Insurance policies are contracts, of course, and all contracts are defined in careful detail, clause by clause.

BuildSafe were able to help in the insolvency case discussed above, because of the expertise of our consultants, who were able to quickly grasp the detailed contractual implications of the warranties in place. Our market knowledge and existing relationships meant we could quickly find alternative provision that delivered our client the exact cover needed.

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We also understand that each project is unique. Our aim is to deliver the right, comprehensive cover for the particular circumstances, not one right general solution. Our negotiating power and established trust with providers helps ensure the best outcome in all cases.

Just as importantly, there is no conflict of interest in our independent advice, and our team offers as a single point of contact throughout the warranty process – advising, demystifying and saving you time.

Latent defects insurance checklist

There are a number of ways in which one policy may differ from another, and why understanding the detail of your policy is critical in insuring that it is neither inadequate for your needs, nor likely to be invalid in the face of a future claim. These may include the following:

• The term of cover can vary – 10 years is the most common but 12 years can be achieved in some circumstances

• Your cover may or may not commence immediately after completion; some policies require you to go to the contractor during the initial period after construction, when they have more obligation to address issues

• Each provider will define qualifying defects slightly differently from others

Each policy will have its own exclusions, in areas such as demolition and debris removal, contamination cover etc

• Coverage possibilities generally regarded as optional extras include mechanical and engineering failure, alternative accommodation during needed works, building control services cost and cover for business interruption

• The amount for which you are covered is often indexed, rising above your initial costs to account for inflation – but whether there is indexing and by how much will vary Price will of course vary also, with providers typically approaching each quote individually, rather than simply looking up the relevant costs

Whilst no-one has a crystal ball, drawing on vast experience makes it significantly less likely that an unanticipated event will not be covered, either by a policy being inadequate or being invalidated. We can help by ensuring you are being asked the right questions, looking for the best value solutions, having options fully explained to you and reminding you of key deadlines, all of which can take the stress out of making an otherwise complex decision.

BuildSafe is one of the UK’s leading providers of latent defects insurance, as well as construction insurance, with over 40 years of experience in the property sector. We are regulated by the Financial Services Authority and accredited by the Council of Mortgage Lenders. For a free, no obligation quote, use our contact page, or get in touch on 020 3701 0422 or via info@buildsafe.co.uk.

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WE’RE LOOKING AT THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY

+44 (0)20 8760 0900 info@dernier-hamlyn.com www.dernier-hamlyn.com
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