Sector Focus – Growing popularity of Stofix throughout residential projects
Alex Porter, Stofix UK Operations Director outlines why Stofix brick slip cladding is so popular with specifiers for residential projects in the UK.
“Tradition brick remains hugely popular throughout UK home builders, and this shows no sign of decline. However using traditional brick can be time consuming and labour intensive. It also requires a fully trained Bricklayer. Brick slip cladding offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional bricks and mortar and is an increasingly popular choice for residential projects. The most notable advantage is the aesthetic appearance – a genuine brick finish can be achieved without compromising on speed of delivery. Stofix is used for many large-scale projects, high rise apartments (there is no height restriction) and throughout local authority and affordable housing projects.
Installation speed
Stofix can reduce time required on site due to the brick slip cladding being prefabricated and premortared in a factory. This is one of the unique benefits of Stofix, as many brick slip systems still have to be mortared on site. The durable panels are delivered on a lorry to site and craned into position. Minimal pointing is required onsite to complete the high-quality finish.
Brick slip cladding saves cost
In an environment where delays can be costly, premortared and prefabricated panels can ensure delays are avoided as the panels can still be fitted regardless of harsh weather conditions. Labour costs can also be reduced as installers don’t need to be trained Bricklayers, so more cost effective, semi-skilled labour can be utilised. There is also very little material wastage.
Innovative techniques
The huge demand for housing in the UK has further accelerated the popularity of brick slip cladding. Quality housing needs to be built quickly and cost effectively, therefore housebuilders and architects look for modern, innovative techniques.
Decline in home building
According to government statistics, Housing Supply – Indicators of new supply England 2020, home building has decreased in the last two years. Annual new build dwelling starts were increasing from 2003-04 until reaching a peak of 183,600 in 2007. Starts fell sharply during the downturn to a low of 75,350 in the year ending June 2009. Since then starts have experienced some periods of growth and levelling off and now decreases, averaging around 143,000 for the past two years.
Modern Methods of Construction
Published by The Housing Forum, ‘MMC for Affordable Housing Developers’, aims to help public sector organisations navigate the procurement, planning, design and post-build stages of projects using Modern Methods of Construction, which are said to be ‘crucial’ to help solve the affordable housing crisis. Shelagh Grant, chief executive of The Housing Forum, commented: “MMC will help the government meet its commitment to deliver 300,000 homes a year, but also benefit affordable housing providers and its tenants. Using MMC effectively will future-proof the housing supply. It leads to faster build times, minimises disruption to communities, and there are fewer defects, providing consistent quality better as-built performance.”
Benefits of Stofix in housing projects
- Brick slip cladding is durable and therefore low maintenance – the bricks age the same way as traditional masonry and Stofix has a 60-year design life
- Fire rated over 18m with no height restrictions – ideal for high rise apartments
- Over 50% lighter than traditional brick masonry – the foundations of traditional masonry are not required
- Specifiers can match existing bricks – with Stofix you can select almost any brick
- Improves insulation and energy efficiency
- Improves thermal performance in older properties (damp penetration, condensation, or dilapidation of the exterior)
- Stofix can be used for refurbishment or new build projects
- Slim profile of panels doesn’t encroach on valuable residential space
Urbanest
Stofix has worked on many residential projects across the UK. Award winning Urbanest Vauxhall is the second tallest clay wall cladding building in the UK. Rising to 32 stories, the tower has 454 student bedrooms. It also has the smallest footprint, presenting a substantial challenge. Read more in our Urbanest case study.
