In conversation with Jamie Bursnell: innovation in house building

As part of BEYOND ’25 LIVE we took the opportunity to discuss the important and topic of innovation in house building.

Our host Richard Smith, Head of Standards, Innovation and Research at NHBC discussed this multifaceted subject with Jamie Bursnell, Head of Technical and Innovations at Bellway Homes.

The electrification of space and water heating

To begin the discussion Richard posed the question ‘what are the most exciting opportunities for the industry to shape house building in the future?’

Jamie was unequivocal in his view that the electrification of space and water heating, a replacement for gas combination boilers, was one of the most immediate forms of innovation that would have a lasting impact across the house-building industry.

As Jamie noted this is a complex subject that could create different options for builders to consider. He said “[I]f we look at the consultation having air source heat pump and photovoltaic (PV) and notional dwelling, then it might be that we have to follow that route. However, if we've got a bit more latitude to use direct electrical panel heaters alongside a renewable for domestic hot water, then that's one going to be one option that's available to us. Or we're looking at different types of heat pump, maybe exhaust air heat pumps or even ground source heat pumps connected to an ambient heat network [could provide a solution].”

Skills for the future

Richard and Jamie also discussed the requirement for new skills that new technologies and innovations will create. At a time when the workforce in construction is ageing, the need to bring new talent into the sector and develop new skills ready for the future has never been greater.

Jamie explained “We've then got to look at the future skills… we've just [discussed] electrical heating, [it’s just on example of how] things are changing. We've got to bring people in and train them with future skills. We've got to make the industry more attractive to young people.”

Making space for innovation

One other fundamental aspect of innovation in house building is the practical application of technologies and how they can be adapted to suit different types and sizes of dwelling.

Jamie described the concern already facing developers in terms of making sure there was sufficient storage space in new homes. He observed that this would become even more challenging if new technologies required more space as it may not only limit storage capacity but also impact on living space; “We've got to find space for all of the technologies that we're now specifying… where I see innovation in the next five years are those technologies that will give us a solution for a space problem.”