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High quality products: The cost-effective choice for affordable housing

Better building components, such as premium windows, might demand higher budgets, but they also deliver important low lifetime savings for residents

In association with
Velfac composite glazing at Colindale Gardens, London. The community residential project is being built by developer Redrow to provide much needed housing for the local area.
Velfac composite glazing at Colindale Gardens, London. The community residential project is being built by developer Redrow to provide much needed housing for the local area. Credit: Redrow

The government’s Affordable Homes Programme, scheduled to run until 2026, will add up to 180,000 new properties to the UK’s housing stock, helping meet demand from those unable to afford current house prices or rents and playing a crucial role in helping to kickstart the economy through construction.

While this increased provision is welcome, affordable homes have a mixed reputation when it comes to quality. As a result, a drive for more homes is also a chance to challenge the assumption that cheaper building products will do and to realise the benefits of specifying higher quality products, especially glazing.

Better products have a positive impact on residents. A well built, well insulated and well ventilated home is nicer to look at, more comfortable to live in and will deliver a healthier indoor climate free from problems such as damp, draughts or condensation. A home that is cheaper to heat and maintain is a benefit for anyone on a limited income and the building will sustain its market value for longer.

Although better building products demand higher budgets, they also deliver important cost savings. Glazing that already complies with building regulations such as Part L can speed up project sign-off and minimise costly remedial work. Better quality windows and doors come with expert technical support to ensure performance is as expected, together with time and budget-saving services such as cost consultancy and installation advice. They also offer added value features, including long-term guarantees and significant life expectancy.

  • Velfac composite glazing at Avondale Square, Southwark: A seven-storey block of 18 affordable homes by reForm Architects.
    Velfac composite glazing at Avondale Square, Southwark: A seven-storey block of 18 affordable homes by reForm Architects. Credit: James Smith
  • Velfac composite glazing at Colindale Gardens, London. The project includes affordable options and homes for first-time buyers.
    Velfac composite glazing at Colindale Gardens, London. The project includes affordable options and homes for first-time buyers. Credit: Redrow
  • Avondale Square, Southwark: Velfac glazing was used to deliver an innovative building that meets demanding daylight and energy targets while guaranteeing low lifetime costs.
    Avondale Square, Southwark: Velfac glazing was used to deliver an innovative building that meets demanding daylight and energy targets while guaranteeing low lifetime costs. Credit: James Smith
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The Velfac composite system is increasingly being installed in affordable housing projects because of its low-maintenance aluminium exterior, low U-values and slim frames that maximise daylight. Design is also important - the inner timber window frame provides a welcoming interior, while uniform sightlines can deliver architecturally interesting external facades, where double and triple glazing is combined with no visible difference.

An operational life expectancy of around 40 years can reduce budgets for window maintenance and replacement, especially when compared to uPVC or softwood alternatives. Velfac also offers the sector-specific technical expertise required to identify the most appropriate design, performance and installation solutions.

The Velfac system has been installed in many affordable housing projects across the UK, including the Colindale Gardens and Avondale Square developments in London, demonstrating how ‘affordable’ and ‘high quality’ should not be considered mutually exclusive.

For more information and technical support, visit velfac.co.uk/commercial

 

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