As we age or face mobility challenges, simple daily tasks like climbing stairs can become daunting and even dangerous. Fortunately, modern technology offers practical solutions to maintain independence and safety at home. Installing a stairlift is one such adaptation that can significantly improve the quality of life for those with limited mobility. In this article, we will explore the benefits of installing a stairlift and how it can transform your home.

Enhanced Independence

One of the most significant advantages of installing a stairlift is the restoration of independence. For individuals with mobility issues, climbing stairs can be a major obstacle. Stairlifts provide a safe and reliable means of navigating different levels of the home, enabling individuals to move freely and independently without relying on assistance from others. This newfound independence fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and can boost overall well-being.

Safety and Fall Prevention

Safety is a paramount concern regarding home adaptations for individuals with limited mobility. Stairs pose a significant risk of falls, which can result in serious injuries. Stairlifts are equipped with safety features such as seatbelts, adjustable speed settings, and smooth starts and stops. These features minimize the risk of accidents and provide peace of mind to both users and their families.

Comfort and Convenience

Stairlifts are designed with user comfort in mind. The seats are padded and contoured to provide a comfortable and secure ride up and down the stairs. Additionally, many models come with swivel seats, making it easy to get on and off the lift without straining. The convenience of a stairlift allows individuals to access all areas of their home effortlessly, from bedrooms to living spaces, without the physical exertion of climbing stairs.

Customizable Options

Stairlifts are not one-size-fits-all solutions. They can be customized to meet the specific needs and layout of your home. Whether you have a straight staircase, curved staircase, or even an outdoor staircase, there is a stairlift solution available. Professionals can assess your home and tailor the installation to ensure a perfect fit, making the adaptation seamless and functional.

Minimal Disruption

Many people hesitate to make home adaptations because they fear the disruption that comes with major renovations. Installing a stairlift, however, is a relatively quick and non-invasive process. Most installations can be completed in just a few hours, with minimal disturbance to your daily life. This means you can enjoy the benefits of increased mobility without the stress of a lengthy construction project.

Increased Property Value

While the primary purpose of a stairlift is to improve mobility and safety, it can also add value to your home. As the population ages, the demand for homes with mobility-friendly features like stairlifts is on the rise. This can make your property more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future.

Cost-Effective Solution

Compared to other home mobility solutions or relocating to a single-story home, installing a stairlift is a cost-effective choice. It eliminates the need for extensive renovations or moving expenses and allows individuals to continue living comfortably in their existing homes.

Conclusion

Installing a stairlift is a practical and transformative home adaptation that enhances independence, safety, and overall quality of life for individuals with limited mobility. It offers comfort, convenience, and customization while minimizing disruption to your daily routine. The benefits of a stairlift extend beyond just mobility; they include increased safety, property value, and cost-effectiveness. Embracing this technology can provide a newfound sense of freedom and peace of mind for individuals and their families, allowing them to age in place comfortably and securely.

The government’s delay on launching new biodiversity regulations for housing developers should be seen as an opportunity that allows a smoother transition to achieving the 10% net gain mandate, says Fera Science. 

Although the postponed BNG (biodiversity net gain) deadline poses risk and uncertainty for the sector, developers can capitalise on making the most of the extra preparation time, explains Paul Brown, Senior Remote Sensing and Geomatics Specialist at Fera. 

He says: “A huge amount of work, on multiple fronts, has already gone into preparing for BNG legislation to go live in November, and the two-month deferral must not slow down the implementation of BNG plans.  

“The delay may well allow local planning authorities, developers, landowners, service providers, habitat banks and other BNG stakeholders to plan more effectively for the new rules. 

Developers will have gained valuable time to plan, understand, and decide on the detailed steps they need to take to ensure developments can go ahead from January 2024, he adds. 

“Before building work can begin, developers will need to assess and calculate the level of biodiversity on-site, and take the time to design a BNG plan that sets out how 10% net gain – at least – will be achieved and monitored for the next 30 years. All of this will be required to gain approval from their local planning authority.” 

Working closely with Defra on rolling out the BNG scheme and developing the statutory Biodiversity Metric calculation tool, the public body Natural England has advised developers to invest in ecological expertise to provide guidance with the planning process and help ensure legality. 

“That’s where Fera’s knowledge and experience comes in,” Mr Brown explains.  

“Ecologist support helps developers to ensure they are designing a BNG plan in line with best practice principles and standards, and ensuring it can be maintained for at least three decades.” 

The role of science and ecology is integral for sustainable development, he adds. 

“Our unique level of insight into biodiversity baseline mapping, monitoring, maintenance and creation is invaluable to help house builders meet their own sustainability agendas and create nature-positive communities that stand out in the marketplace while also benefitting society. 

“With expert support, and widespread commitment to the January 2024 BNG deadline, the UK’s leading role in enhancing biodiversity can be realised.” 

To find out more about how Fera and the LAND360 service can help the housing development industry visit https://www.fera.co.uk/land360-housing-developers  

Koppers, the leading global producer of timber treatment products, has moved from its historic headquarters to a new home in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. The move comes as part of wider investment and efficiency-maximising plans by the business.  

With deep roots in the town, Koppers’ UK headquarters has been located in Marlow since 1953. The move to the 2000 sq ft premises in Jubilee House has allowed Koppers to maintain its link with Marlow while also ensuring the company is best positioned to service its customers and undertake a period of significant investment and growth. 

The modern office facilities in Marlow are focused solely on the company’s sales and administration functions. All laboratory, testing and manufacturing facilities that were previously part of Koppers’ operations in the town have moved to the company’s Darlington site. 

Sales Director, Paul Cave, explains: “Koppers has a proud and longstanding history in Marlow. We were the first business on what is now the Globe Business Park in Marlow, moving onto the site over 75 years ago, and have operated from there ever since. As we continue to grow and invest in our operational efficiency and market offering, now was the time to review our locations and facilities to ensure that they met our business needs today, and in the future. 

“It was important for us to maintain our legacy as part of the Marlow community, but we also wanted to ensure that our testing and production facilities are as efficient and cutting-edge as possible. That has led to the decision to maintain our presence in Marlow, while integrating all laboratory and manufacturing facilities in one state-of-the-art location in Darlington.” 

The decision follows careful planning and consultation with staff, enabling the business to ensure job security across every department.

Koppers is investing in its Darlington site to significantly increase its manufacturing capacity, improve efficiency and enhance its laboratory capabilities, to deal with increased market demand for support services on testing and quality control in line with the new best practice guidelines issued by the WPA & TDUK.   

Koppers has also invested in its R&D facilities in Nyborg Denmark. The upgrade will provide enhanced R&D facilities for Koppers new product development programmes as well as traditional development work examining the impregnation process of its customers specific wood types to determine whether the timber will look and perform to the necessary standards. 

For more information about Koppers visit: https://www.kopperspc.eu/ 

Creating an outdoor patio space is a great way to extend your living area and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, there are many ways to create a nice patio space that suits your style and needs. In this article, we’ll share some tips and ideas on how to create a nice outdoor patio space.

1. Choose the right location

Before you start designing your patio space, consider where you want it to be located. Think about how much sun exposure the area gets, how much privacy you want, and whether there are any natural features that you want to incorporate into your design. If you have a large backyard, you might want to choose a spot that is away from the main house to create a secluded and intimate space. On the other hand, if you have a small balcony, you may want to choose a spot that is close to the main living area to make the most of the space you have.

1. Define the space

Once you have chosen the location for your patio space, it’s time to define the area. You can do this by adding pavers, bricks, or other materials to create a hard surface. Alternatively, you can use plants, hedges, or trellises to create a natural boundary. This will help to define the space and make it feel more like an outdoor room.

1. Choose the right furniture

Choosing the right furniture is essential when creating a nice patio space. You want to choose pieces that are comfortable, durable, and fit your style. Some popular choices include a nice garden bench, outdoor sofas, low garden chairs, dining tables, and loungers. Make sure to choose furniture that is weather-resistant and easy to clean. You can also add cushions, pillows, and rugs to make the space feel more inviting and cozy.

1. Add lighting

Lighting is an important element when creating a nice outdoor patio space. Not only does it create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but it also extends the usability of the space into the evening. Some popular options include string lights, lanterns, and spotlights. You can also add candles, torches, or fire pits for a more natural and rustic feel.

1. Incorporate plants and greenery

Adding plants and greenery is a great way to bring life and color to your outdoor patio space. You can choose plants that are easy to care for, such as succulents or herbs, or opt for more elaborate arrangements with flowers and foliage. Consider adding vertical gardens, hanging baskets, or potted plants to add depth and dimension to your patio space.

1. Create a focal point

Creating a focal point is a great way to draw attention to a specific area and add interest to your outdoor patio space. This can be achieved by adding a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, or by adding a statement piece of furniture, such as a large outdoor sofa or dining table. You can also create a focal point with artwork, such as a sculpture or mural, or by adding a unique element, such as a hammock or swing.

1. Add privacy

Privacy is an important consideration when creating a nice outdoor patio space. You want to feel comfortable and relaxed in your outdoor area, without feeling like you are on display to the whole neighborhood. You can add privacy by using tall plants, hedges, or trellises to create a natural screen. Alternatively, you can add curtains, blinds, or shades to create a more enclosed space.

Design trends come and go and it’s our job as designers to identify which trends have staying power and which will be old news in a few short months.

Style and longevity are important when you’re designing high-end property developments.

The client expects a long-lasting design that stays relevant for the longest time to help them sell or lease the property.

The end user expects high-end design because they are paying for the privilege and usually have much higher expectations of a property.

With all that in mind, coming up with 5 design trends that are current and will also last a reasonable amount of time is a tough ask.

But we’re up to the challenge!

What follows are what we consider 5 of the latest design trends for high-end property development that will last the test of time.

Wine storage in or near the kitchen

Nothing says high-end like a wine cellar, but not many properties can have a cellar. Upscale wine storage in or near the kitchen is the next best thing.

We’re not talking about a small wine chiller kitchen designers use to fill awkward spaces. We’re talking about a full size chilled cupboard purpose-built for keeping wine at the perfect temperature.

The great thing about wine storage is that it can be created in a multitude of designs as it’s essentially storage with temperature control.

It looks as good with contemporary stainless steel smooth lines as it does with dark wood baroque styling.

Open floor plan

The open floor plan is a design trend that has remained popular for over 20 years now and shows no signs of going anywhere soon.

While there is a move towards closing off some spaces, an open floor plan offers too many upsides. That’s especially true if you have large windows that offer multiple aspect views.

Open floor plans aren’t just for high-end properties, but they often have the advantage of higher ceilings, upmarket wood flooring and a range of decorative features, either as part of the fabric or added by designers.

Either way, match an open floor plan with dark wood floors, dual aspect reproduction sash windows, arches with detailing and perhaps some coving and you have an amazing space to spend time.

Home gyms

Home gyms tend to be in higher end properties because they require space that such properties can spare.

If you can build a gym with character, they are even more effective. That means avoiding the obvious mirrored walls in favour of Japanese Shoji screens, dark wood panelling, floor to ceiling windows, sliding doors or something else entirely.

The further away from a gym it looks, despite the equipment, the more effective the end result will be.

Designing a home gym is a tough ask. It can go too easily towards the commercial gym unless you consider clever storage, mats and lighting. Get it right and nothing says a high-end property like a gym!

Mural walls

Mural walls have been around for thousands of years for good reason. Done well, they can look amazing and genuinely transform a space.

Fortunately, the feature wall phase of the early 21^st century didn’t do the mural wall any harm at all. It only differentiated good taste from not-so-good taste.

When planning mural walls, consider wallpaper, metal wall panels in aged copper or aged brass, wood carving or something else entirely.

Much will depend on your budget. Metals can be relatively cost effective while carved wood can be exceptionally expensive.

Choose carefully, use the right colour and material for the space and you could transform the room!

Sustainability

Sustainability is everywhere right now and is a relatively recent trend that isn’t going anywhere soon.

Fortunately, designers now have any number of sustainable materials, products and furniture to choose from. Recycled wood, upcycled furniture, OEKO-TEX fabrics and natural fibres are just a few of your options.

There’s also a big move away from flat pack disposable furniture to vintage and recycled furniture.

Thick wood, proper manufacture, long-lasting and full of character. It’s a great excuse to go shopping on Portobello Road or for a sneaky shopping trip to a French brocante!

Design trends for high-end property

There is huge scope for designers and property owners to help their properties stand out at the higher end of the scale.

Everything from décor to lighting, furniture to flooring can mark a property out as something special. The good news is, it doesn’t always have to cost more.

Some intelligent planning, clever shopping and using the right colours and textures in the right place can make all the difference!

If you have been looking to increase the space available in your home for a growing family, for visitors or for that much needed additional home office space, It might finally be time to put those plans into action. Many people are drawn to converting their loft space into additional rooms, which as an added bonus can drastically increase the value of your home. 

There are some considerations to make before embarking on this kind of project, as the work is a big time and financial commitment. A question often posed is – do I need an architect for a home extension or loft conversion?

In simple terms, you do not need an architect and it is possible to self-manage a number of elements of your extension work. However as with any building work, there are multiple considerations to make and having an architect on board could ultimately prevent any problems down the line and help make the process as smooth for you as possible. 

If you are embarking on an extension to your home this year, see our expert advice from KSR Architects below for how an architect can help.

Design

An architect might be able to suggest a design to maximise the space or open up possible use of the space you hadn’t even considered. It may sound simple, but even something as basic as checking you have enough space for stairs to your loft can be overlooked.

There are many other areas that an architect can help in the design stage of your project – such as storage suggestions, or advising on gaining natural sources of light versus where best to have fitted lighting. Ultimately, you want your extension to look as good as possible, rather than it just being a practical addition to the home.

Planning Permission

Loft conversions usually require planning permission and it is always worth checking with your local authority to see if you need to gain approval for your planned works. This type of work generally is classified as permitted development and therefore will not require planning permission. 

Sometimes however, planning permission is required if your home is a listed building or in a protected area. In either case, having an architect on board could be beneficial to making this process as smooth as possible. 

An architect is likely to have heaps of experience with submitting the necessary documents, drawings and information to get your plans across the line first time. Although having an architect does not automatically guarantee approval for any application, it can certainly be advantageous to have some professional help, especially if it is your first time embarking on a home improvement project. 

Valuable Experience

Architect’s fees can be a daunting prospect, but it might be the most cost-effective approach compared to attempting your project yourself. The last thing you want is a poorly designed extension that could bring problems down the line if you wish to sell your home in the future. An architect’s design is a way to safeguard yourself against potential future complications. 

Shopping Around

Choosing an architect is very important. They will be there until your project is completed so it is important to find someone you are comfortable with and who shares your vision of your extension. Take time to look through previous work of similar projects to get a sense of their experience. You are investing a lot in this project, so make sure you have the most fair price in your area for the work you are planning.

A loft conversion is a big but rewarding commitment. Take the time to decide whether you want to take on the complexities yourself or seek the assistance of professional help. From gaining detailed design plans, to advice for planning permission and building regulations – hiring an architect could be a good way to help navigate your loft conversion or extension journey.  

2023 might be the year that you finally decide to get your loft converted to add some much needed space to your home and increase the value of your property. Whether you want some additional space to work from home with an attic office, or are looking to add further bedrooms to your home – there are great benefits to converting this space. 

There are, however, a few pitfalls that you should look to avoid when beginning a loft conversion. We speak to the experts at Premier Lofts to highlight some important things to consider before you start the process and ensure your loft project is a success.

Not Checking In With Your Neighbours

For those who own a terraced or semi-detached home, it is very important to be a considerate neighbour before taking on a loft conversion. There may be shared walls between your properties that could be affected by the project, therefore you might need to comply with the 1996 Party Wall Act. 

To avoid any additional difficulty being added to your project, give good notice of your loft conversion to allow your neighbours time for any preparations before work commences. 

Not Think About The Ceiling Heights

A common mistake for homeowners converting their loft is not considering the height of headroom available in the roof. For your converted loft space to feel as comfortable as possible to live in, you want to ensure you have a minimum headroom height of 2.2m in the space. Take time to calculate additional elements that will take a few inches off this, such as flooring and underfloor heating. 

There are always options for increasing available height depending on the style of your roof, or if your budget allows, there is the possibility of reducing the height of the rooms below. 

Not Considering The Available Lighting

It is really important to consider the impact of lighting in your newly converted loft space. Not only the natural lighting of the space that you can bring in through windows, but also the artificial options that the space allows for. 

Waking up to rooftop views, or being able to look out as you work, is a very appealing benefit of converting your loft space. Think about the function of the room as you plan your lighting design. Bringing in natural light is important, however you will also want to limit the natural light at certain times of the day – fitting blinds is a common option for example.

When looking at internal lighting sources, consider alternatives to traditional hanging lights due to sloping walls and headroom availability. 

Not Sticking To Budget

Although a loft conversion can be a cost effective way of increasing the value of your home, it is essential to plan for how much you can afford to spend on the project before getting to work. At a time when material prices are rising, you don’t want to find yourself running out of money before completing the work. 

Be realistic about the extent of work you can get done with your available budget, and moreover consider whether the value added to your home will be worth it if you are looking to sell in the future. 

Neglecting Planning Permission 

Although simple conversions will usually fall within permitted development of your home, it is a mistake to overlook approval of planning permission for your project. 

Extensions to your property may need planning permission from your local authority if your building is listed, sits in a conservation area or the works are altering the front of the home.

Also take time to consider the safety of the space you are creating. Seek the advice of your loft conversion company to ensure your conversion adheres to building regulations including ventilation, fire safety and electrics.

Bellway Kent has given students at North Kent College a project, to design its new showhome in Ebbsfleet Garden City.

The students have been briefed to plan the interior of the four-bedroom Bowyer showhome at Alkerden Heights, off Castle Hill Road, which is due to open to the public in late spring next year.

The project has a £45,000 budget and the students will work alongside professional interior designers to finalise the scheme, as well as visiting the development to see work in progress, to bring to life the concept of creating new homes and preparing the students for the world of work.

Yasmin Graham, Sales Manager for Bellway Kent, was part of a team which attended the college’s Dartford campus on Wednesday 19 October to brief the students on the project.

Bellway Kent’s Technical Manager, Tom Jones, also asked the students to design a layout for the new sales office which is due to open when the development launches in November.

Yasmin said: “We are very excited about this link-up with the students at North Kent College. It was great to be able to be part of the team that went into the college to brief the students and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

“The students were very receptive and were incredibly engaged with the proposed project. The Bowyer is a beautiful double-fronted detached family home and it will be really interesting to see what these young designers come up with. There is a lot of space inside so there is the room for the students to get creative and imaginative.    

“As a socially responsible developer we are not only focused on delivering much-needed new homes but are also committed to creating local jobs as well as developing the skills and talents of the future workforce.

“This collaboration with North Kent College is yet another example of how we actively engage with and support the local community where we are building.”

Alkerden Heights will deliver 182 new homes on an 11-acre parcel of land within Alkerden Village, part of the former Eastern Quarry site. The development will feature 136 homes for private purchase and the remaining 46 provided as affordable homes available for local people through rent or shared ownership.

The first homes will be released for sale on 19 November, when the development launches to the public from an off site event at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Dartford.

Tom said: “With a space as relatively small as a sales office, you might not think that there is much thought that needs to be taken over its look and layout. But there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration, which include the provision of natural light and the effective use of available space, without losing sight of the fact that it must create a pleasing and welcoming environment for both the sales team working there and the customers who visit.

“It will be very illuminating and informative to see what the students will bring, with a fresh approach and novel perspective. We feel that we may be able to learn a good deal from them and look forward to their input.”

Ebbsfleet Garden City is a regeneration project that is set to provide 15,000 new homes and create more than 30,000 jobs on a huge area around Ebbsfleet International railway station.  

The Eastern Quarry portion of Ebbsfleet Garden City comprises Alkerden and the neighbouring villages of Ashmere and Castle Hill and will deliver around 6,000 of the total number of homes once complete.

For more information about Alkerden Heights call the sales team on 01987 640049 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/kent/alkerden-heights.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

A collection of 12 high-quality new build homes are coming to Altarnun, west of Launceston in Cornwall, by award winning independent West Country housebuilder Devonshire Homes.

The housebuilder has exchanged contracts for the acquisition of land in Altarnun to create a small collection of desirable new build homes. Planning permission for the land has previously been granted and the construction of the 12 homes is due to start in September 2022. 

Located close to the A30, providing convenient access to Bodmin and Launceston, the 3.9 acre plot will be transformed to offer a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes. 

The rural village of Altarnun enjoys access to Bodmin Moor, a 12^th Century church, pub, village shop and Post Office. 

This development in Altarnun is the multi award-winning housebuilder’s third site in Cornwall. Devonshire Homes will contribute to the local community under the S106 agreement with a £15,135 off site public open space contribution and a £16,416 contribution towards local education. 

Angus Cook, Managing Director at Devonshire Homes commented: “We’re really pleased to have acquired this site as it’s in such a sought-after location. 

“Our mission is to deliver high-quality new build homes to people who need them. Each home created will benefit from exceptional quality and specification throughout, and with planning permission already in place on the site, we can start construction in just a few weeks’ time. 

“This is our third site in Cornwall, and we wish to continue to grow our portfolio in the region, bringing more high-quality new homes to Cornwall house hunters. If you are a landowner or agent looking for a developer capable of delivering on their promises, Devonshire Homes should be your first call.” 

This is the fourth West Country site Devonshire Homes has exchanged contracts on within the last two months as the housebuilder accelerates its five-year growth plan. In May, Devonshire Homes announced the acquisition of approximately 36 acres of land in Trannack, near Penzance, assisting the company on its way to achieving its goal of doubling its turnover and building 400 homes per annum by 2026. 

The Devonshire Homes team has decades of experience in building new communities across the West Country with current developments including: Gwallon Keas, St. Austell; The Grange, Bideford; Tarka View, Crediton; Longston Cross, Bovey Tracey and Applegate Park, Kingsbridge. 

To register an interest in the homes coming to Altarnun, visit: www.devonshirehomes.co.uk

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Montreaux Homes, the home counties division of Montreaux Group, has completed the acquisition of a site in the Berkshire village of Binfield that will deliver a boutique development of 21 new homes. Full planning consent is already in place to build 15 homes for private sale and six affordable homes, boosting the supply in this sought-after location.

Construction on the London Road site is due to start imminently, transforming an area that is mostly derelict land into a vibrant new community. The luxury development will offer homes for a range of buyers, and the build is expected to take 18 months to complete.

James Rowntree, Managing Director of Montreaux Homes, said: “We are delighted to conclude our purchase of this site so that we can deliver this small and exclusive collection of new homes. Our plans will create an attractive and peaceful new community that makes the most of its setting with surrounding woodland. The properties will come in a range of sizes and layouts to suit different incomes and affordability. We look forward to welcoming the first new residents towards the middle of 2023.”

Montreaux is making every effort to enhance the green credentials of the new homes by including a range of energy saving features. Air source heat pumps and energy efficient appliances to keep utility bills low for residents are planned for the site, as well as further sustainable solutions. Electric car charging infrastructure will be installed for all homes.

Located in the historic parish of Binfield, the new development will offer an ideal balance between village life and town living, with easy access to the countryside and a good range of essential amenities. The towns of Bracknell, Wokingham, and Reading are just a short drive while excellent rail connections from either Bracknell or Wokingham put Central London less than an hour’s journey away. Residents will enjoy a great quality of life with a fantastic choice of leisure, sporting, and entertainment opportunities in the local area. Highlights include outstanding golf clubs such as Wentworth, exploring Swinley Forest by bike or on foot, and enjoying a day at the races at Ascot Racecourse.

Richard Rowsell, Land Director at Montreaux Homes, said: “The site is at a key location on London Road as part of the sensitively designed extension to the edge of Binfield, where residents can experience an excellent lifestyle. The development typifies the style of high-quality development that Montreaux creates, building inspiring new places for the long term. Montreaux has a strong track record of development across the home counties, and we are actively seeking to purchase further land in the area.”

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News