Making a splash in Housing Association bathrooms

When it comes to purchasing bathroom products, one of the most sustainable ways for Housing Associations to generate long term savings and increase quality is to develop and foster relationships with tried and tested suppliers. By harnessing this relationship, procurement teams can better understand the products and suppliers can, in turn, better understand project requirements. Doing so can also help maintain a consistent level of service without the fear of encountering a dip in maintenance standards.

Housing Associations should always opt for a trusted and reputable manufacturer. Any leading supplier will have the knowledge to understand what solutions are suitable as well as the significance of product durability and stock continuity in fulfilling your housing targets and maintenance obligations. Look, too, for a supplier that can offer a dedicated team and take the following advice into account.

Affordable yet stylish

It’s no secret that having a stylish home can improve personal wellbeing and, with modern life becoming ever-more demanding, it has never been so important to create a bathroom space that promotes feelings of calm, wellness and contentment. Of course, affordability will always be a major factor for Housing Associations but, today, quality of life is also key.

To meet this growing trend, Housing Associations should consider affordable and attractive bathroom products. There is an array of affordable yet stylish solutions out there, such as the Twyford E100, Alcona and Option ceramic ranges, which combine versatility and classic design with flawless function

Sustainable solutions

With a range of smart design features and pioneering products available, Housing Associations should also seek advice on the latest sustainable, water-saving solutions. For instance, water saving WCs. A full flush toilet uses, on average, 13 litres of water per flush compared to a dual flush toilet which uses 4-6 litres[1] - making dual flush technology the most effective way to reduce water consumption. Manufacturers are increasingly producing dual flush plates and cistern systems, such as the Twyford Alcona toilet range that features water saving Flushwise® as standard.

However, water-saving cisterns are only the first step. Maintenance and upkeep are essential. The integrity of washers in valves and flat rubber seals can degrade over years of usage so remind your tenants to check their WCs for running water in the bowl when the toilet has not been flushed.

Or, to help tenants reduce water usage in the shower without compromising on performance, we would recommend a shower fitted with a regulator or aerator. An aerator combines air with water to give the feeling of power while regulators place an upper limit on flow rates.

Despite a shower typically consuming less water than a bath, most tenants still like the choice. Manufacturers are continuing to develop space-saving tubs with a lower water capacity, providing the perfect option for tenants who want to save water while still enjoying the occasional soak.

Unmatched support

As a market leader in the affordable housing sector, Twyford’s knowledge of what works in any social housing context gives us a greater understanding of its needs. We realise that product durability and stock continuity are key to fulfilling housing targets and maintenance obligations, which is why we are involved at every stage, controlling all aspects of production, planning and delivering exceptional spare parts availability.

We also provide unrivalled logistical support and installer training, advising on everything from bathroom safety to reliable pipework connections. And, because we also understand that tenants’ needs can be complex, our expertise covers all abilities, providing Doc.M packs for the less abled, stainless steel baths and anti-vandal solutions. This unique level of understanding is the reason why today, we’re trusted by social housing providers all over the UK.