The impact of the code for sustainable homes on masonry house construction in England

In England masonry remains the predominant form of house construction and accounts for over 80 % of all new dwellings. The rate of replacement of the housing stock in the UK remains low and each dwelling is required to have a viable working life in excess of 100 years. This requires forms of construction that are durable, with low maintenance costs and that are sufficiently flexible to cope with extension, alteration and changes in performance requirements.
The Code for Sustainable Homes takes a more holistic approach to the design requirements for dwellings than the Building Regulations and the Code Levels with which house builders are required to comply will be increased over a comparatively short period of time. This paper examines the Code requirements and indicates how the manufacturer and designer can provide masonry constructions that address the various code levels.