Design Buy Build Issue 19 2016 | Page 39

Homes that people want to live in. Homes that last. Masonry homes provide superior performance benefits, both in construction and in use. Energy saving The thermal performance of concrete and masonry homes can provide homeowners with the lowest energy bills because of the superior insulation, airtightness and thermal mass. Long life Purchasing a home is a major investment and the inherent performance of concrete and masonry provides robust and secure homes that will last for many generations. Low fire risk Concrete and masonry are non-combustible protecting life and property safety for occupants. During construction, these properties also protect the developer and surrounding community from spread of flame. Quiet Masonry walls can support precast floors which do not squeak: 48% of homeowner noise issues raised with NHBC for detached homes were creaking floors (NHBC Foundation Report NF56). Flood resilient Homes built from concrete and masonry suffer less damage because they are robust, dimensionally stable and do not rot. Contact the Modern Masonry Alliance to find out more about High Performance Housing. www.modernmasonry.co.uk @masonrymodern Modern Masonry Alliance is affiliated to MPA British Precast. Project: Derwenthope, York