industry news 19 COMMENT
Finding flexibility in home design
Sarah White, market manager (Residential) at British Gypsum, explains how recent research into consumer trends can provide a design focus for UK homebuilders
UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK
Industry leaders unite to discuss the future of construction
ing areas and flexible space now taking the number one spot. It is little wonder these factors are influencing
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the decision making process when the day-to-day use of homes is changing so much. This is partic- ularly relevant with the growth of the ‘boomerang generation’ with adult family mem- bers returning after university or a spell in the rented sector, and a record number of people now working from home. With this in mind, it is critical that both
homebuilders and suppliers understand these changing trends and homeowner desires. They must design the homes that property purchasers really want, whilst offering a wider choice of options that can improve future living space flexibility.
What property purchasers really want
British Gypsum’s research of current and future homeowners’ needs was commisioned to gain an insight into consumers’ aspirations when looking for and then living in their new home. According to the poll of over 2,000 UK adults,
66 per cent stated that large living spaces are a ‘clincher’ when it comes to finding and buying the perfect property. When asked about the rea- son for moving, the need for more bedrooms (again 66 per cent) and a change in lifestyle (63 per cent) were amongst the main contributing factors given. Homebuyers are now looking for in-built
versatility in the home. Whether this is greater flexibility, improved storage space or interactive spaces, there is an increased desire to find prod- ucts and built in systems that cater for these changing needs.
An increase in home offices
In the first three months of 2014, official ONS statistics showed that 4.2 million UK employees
ccording to recent research, location, location, location is no longer the top priority for homebuyers, with larger liv-
worked from home. The need for functional areas that can act as home offices is really putting pressure on much needed living space. However, new products are entering the market to help satisfy that need to ‘multi-use’ existing space. One key element of office work is notice board
and design areas. Making the most of wall space by creating interactive surfaces can actually pro- vide additional space within a property. White and blackboard paints are great examples of ways to convert plain surfaces into functional boards. This eliminates the need for post-it notes or paper to-do lists taking up space. Designs or drawings on these surfaces can be easily updated or removed throughout the working day. With flexible living space also a key concern,
innovative products that allow rooms to be easily transformed for a different use are also becoming more desirable. The Lifestyle Wall allows fix- tures and fittings, like shelves, curtains and TVs, to be simply fixed to the wall with screws, elimi- nating the need for specialist fixings. This means homeowners can easily move objects around as the use of the room changes. A nursery or small bedroom can be easily converted into a home office and back again when necessary.
The need for innovation
Understanding of the homeowner’s needs and the knowledge of ways to satisfy them will not only influence product creation and innovation over the coming years, but also provide added opportunities for homebuilders when developing new properties and communities. By understanding home use trends,
homebuilders can create interactive and flexible living space at very little extra cost. Developers can also help the process by suggesting creative design ideas and products that help ensure, the some- times-limited living spaces they create, are as versatile, comfortable and tailored as possible to the purchaser’s needs. This will achieve the ideal design solution and ensure homes can be adapted to meet the homeowners’ changing lifestyle and needs.
attended by leading voices from around the industry, as UK Construction Week’s expert advisory panel met for the first time. With momentum behind the exhibition
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building exponentially, the advisory panel brings together a team of motivated and inspirational figures from across the world of architecture, construction and politics to discuss their insights and ambitions to help shape the future of the show. This valuable input will drive the seminar content creation, ensuring it delivers a pro- gramme of relevant and heartfelt material that truly hits the mark. Drawing on the panel members’ shared
commitment to promoting construction growth, the discussion revealed a strong sense that UK Construction Week has arrived at a crucial time for the industry – with well-known TV presenter and architect George Clarke remarking that: “We need a cultural shift in how we deliver con- struction in the next five years.” While the general consensus seemed to be that
a move towards a more manufacturing-based approach is key to the industry’s future success, the panel also highlighted that this will require greater flexibility from local authorities that tend to veer away from standardised construction methods. This sentiment was echoed across the panel, with many participants pointing to the restrictive nature of modern town planning. Concluding that UK Construction Week will
provide an indispensible space for the industry to unite, at a time when this joined-up approach is most needed, the advisory committee will be meeting again at the show to help steer and shape the future of construction. Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 6
– 8 October, UK Construction Week combines nine shows under one roof, uniting 1,000 exhibitors with an expected audience of 55,000 visitors. Visitors will be able to attend the Build Show incorporating Civils Expo, Timber Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2015, Kitchens & Bathroom Live, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2015, Smart Buildings 2015 and Grand Designs Live.
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kills shortages, planning restrictions and the need for cultural change were the key topics arising from a high level debate
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