Just finished our Winchburgh project for Bellway Homes- three blocks fitted with BS 9251:2021 systems using an external communal tank.

The key was getting the design conversation right early on. We pushed for communal tanks from the outset so the necessary space could be earmarked during planning, ensuring this cheaper and more effective option remained viable.

Individual loft tanks would have meant a bigger invoice for us, but communal systems deliver both lower capital costs and reduced running expenses forBellway Homes- a straightforward win with no downsides.

Getting the specification locked in early prevents the usual scenario where space constraints force you into more expensive solutions later. The Bellway Homes team understood this, which made for smooth delivery without retrofitting discussions or costly design changes.

Worth noting how these design choices ripple through project economics. The sprinkler system represents a fraction of total build cost, but getting the approach right from day one influences whether the whole development pencils out properly.

On to the next one.