Tenant choice with H Johnson

A five-year modernisation programme by Wyre Forest Community Housing has involved a partnership with leading tile manufacturer H Johnson.

TENANT'S CHOICE WITH H JOHNSON A five-year modernisation programme by Wyre Forest Community Housing has involved a partnership with leading tile manufacturer H Johnson.

The project within the Kidderminster area, which operates a tenant's choice committee, aims to regenerate over 4000 homes belonging to the association by the end of 2005.

Due to the sheer volume of the housing stock social landlords look for continuity of supply.

A long life span is required and materials must be consistent over the maintenance period of the properties and readily available from distributors - H Johnson tiles were specified for the modernisation program as they offer a minimum ten-year life span.

In addition, materials specified must be able to adapt to the whole building scheme, as the interior decor can vary from housing block to housing block according to the tenant's choice committee.

For this reason, H Johnson's Prismatics range was specified in Neutral colour options, which includes Chestnut, Cappuccino, Sugarcane, Rice, Barley, Oyster, Victorian Cream, Magnolia, Magnolia Satin and Woodpigeon.

The outstanding Prismatics range, suitable for most internal walling applications providing moisture resistant, easily cleaned surfaces that are functional with high design aesthetics, is available in four metric modular size options with a uniform thickness of 6.5mm.

The standard field tiles are complimented with an extensive range of Prismafit fittings, designed to provide a complete ceramic finish.

Quality, cost effectiveness and continuity of supply were key requirements in the specification of all materials throughout the modernisation program, including the tiling for the kitchens and bathrooms.

According to Tim Kipps, team leader for project managers Baily Garner, careful attention was paid to the quality of products specified: "We design the kitchens to accommodate tenant's white goods which means a high level of design," he explained.

"We arrange a two stage survey process whereby the tenants have a standard choice, which incorporates four option boards, and also a second selection, which will incur a rental point increase if it is specified.

We talk through the designs with the tenants and also follow up with a satisfaction survey.

"Importantly, the specification process includes not just initial aesthetics and quality but takes into consideration ongoing maintenance and the ease of repair and replacement when required.

H Johnson tiles met these criteria." Throughout the modernisation programme, Baily Garner has been liaising closely with H Johnson and holds regular workshops on site with all Partnering Team members to discuss location and best installation practice for the tiles.

This helps to minimise on site wastage in compliance with industry recommendations to reduce labour and materials costs on a project.

"Suppliers of products are chosen primarily on their ability to provide consistent quality and future availability of supplies in order to cope with ongoing maintenance," continues Tim Kipps.

"At the same time, they must offer cost effective solutions to social housing requirements and budgets, which H Johnson were able to supply.".

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