Waterside Care Matters Limited

Can Float Homes Strategic Definition

Plan of Work in accordance with RIBA Guidelines

WATERSIDE CARE LIMITED 11 AMWELL STREET LONDON EC1R 1UL

A Planet Matters Company

Climate Change Adaption by Design

Synopsis A home provides its occupants with a refuge from the climate, but as the climate changes, the home may not be able to meet this need. In general, temperatures are increasing, sea levels are rising and extremes in the weather are more likely. If climate change is considered when a home is designed, it is likely to remain fit-for-purpose, comfortable, resilient and sustainable for its whole life. Waterside Care aims to create environmental housing solutions for sustainable communities.

Although it is important to minimise the extent of climate change through mitigation measures, the opportunity to avoid the impacts of climate change altogether has passed. To ensure our homes remain ‘as safe as houses’ we need to consider and adapt to the climate.

Sustainability involves the construction of homes that are structurally sound, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and adaptable over time to changing household needs. ‘Can Float’ housing is the response to this environmental issue and to the UK‘s housing market demands.

Waterside Care has determined that the ‘Can Float’ Home shall be based on an existing hull design that was the inspiration for the concept of this project. Adequate provision will be made for the storage and collection of waste materials and water, with appropriate reference to the projected level of waste generation, collection frequencies, and types and quantities of receptacles required. This will be based on a serviced collection and distribution system which in turn will generate jobs in the local area.

The energy requirements will be met by the CompressEnergy Battery Storage System to power the ‘Can Float’ Home with enough energy for daily use, making the floating home a completely self-sustained off-grid solution.

Waterside Care is working with an award winning team to meet the existing high standards of the British building industry to create a unique and affordable housing solution that will redefine the way in which Britain coexists with a changing climate and landscape. Flood Plain communities will enjoy all the amenities of a modern home, stylishly designed and built by a professional team of marine and construction professionals in partnership with Waterside Care.

Core Objectives

Proving The Business Case

Core Objectives

Proving The Business Case

Addressing Britain’s Housing Shortage

The United Kingdom is facing a housing shortage of dramatic proportions; house builders are now delivering fewer homes than in any peacetime year since the First World War. The March 2013 Budget looked to tackle the shortfall of 232,000 homes per year in England alone and it sought to this by providing a stimulus package for existing and aspiring home owners by providing 3.5billion UKP for equity loans for buyers of new build homes and by providing 1.9billion UKP for mortgage gurantees in a deposit scheme to support around 68,000 new homes. This illustrates that the stimulus package still leaves a substantial shortfall until 2018 when a successive government will indeed look at further stimuli to bridge the gap. In reality, further support is needed to encourage new and existing buyers and to overcome the problem of the supply of affordable housing in the areas where it is needed the most. ‘Tackling The Housing Crisis In England 2013-18’, a report by landowners association CLA identifies that key areas include Rural Housing, New Builds and Housing for Older People as a priority to provide economic growth and sustainability alongside Waterside Care provides a unique approach to support government plans to bridge the gaps in the deliverability of affordable housing. The United Kingdom faces a large and accumulating shortfall between the homes this country needs and the houses being built - approximately 100,000 to 150,000 homes a year. If current building trends remain at current levels, the UK will build a million fewer homes than it needs every seven years.

Building on Flood Plains Figures reveal that in 2013 local councils allowed at least 87 planning developments involving 560 homes to proceed in England and Wales in areas at high risk of flooding and where the EA formally opposed them. The biggest development of this kind is the 149-home Goresbrook Village Estate in Dagenham, Essex, expected to be ready for occupation in March 2015.

"Eighty-seven new developments is a ridiculous number and there is no justification for it – it should be zero. This is exactly the kind of decision-making that has made flooding more of a problem than it should be and that threatens the lives and livelihoods of many people," Bob Ward, Director of Policy, London School of Economics.

In an article in “House” magazine Lord Smith, Chairman of the Environment Agency, stated his support of floating homes as a means to counter climate change and the current housing crisis.

“We will never be able to say there should be a blanket ban on any building in the flood plain. There’s just so much of the country where that’s an impractical restriction. What we need however to do is if someone is proposing to build in a flood plain they should be making what they are developing much more resilient against flooding. There are some really exciting things that are emerging. There’s a rather wonderful technology in Holland where effectively you allow the house to float. It looks just like an ordinary house but all the connections are flexible and in the event that flooding occurs basically the house just lifts with the water. That’s probably quite an extreme example, but it’s that sort of innovative thinking we need to be having more of.” Waterside Care has been developing this concept for a considerable amount of time based on the solution conceived in relation to on an existing housing development site owned in West Sussex. Good design for a changing climate is design that is flexible enough to adapt to prevailing conditions while optimising the occupants’ comfort and the house’s livability. The Can Float Home will reduce future costs; linking actions into build, renovation and repair cycles.

Strategic Brief

The nature of the potential business of “Can Float”homes is a new concept for the British housing market and allow it is essential to follow existing models for the most appropriate scheme of work, on advice from planning and architectural consultants it has been decided to follow the best practices set out by RIBA but to also understand the unique parameters set by establishing a revolutionary approach to sustainable and floating living.

Statement of Need

There is a definite need to provide a source of affordable housing to the existing market within the United Kingdom in areas that have not traditionally been targets for housing development

The requirement is to provide affordable and sustainable housing in a variety of locations in the UK as outlined by the CLA utilising affordable and suitable flood plain areas.

This project supports the companies mission statement and strategy to provide can float homes whilst utilizing the design and production capabilities of companies in the Planet Matters Business Club Group.

strengths Affordable Sustainable Build

Simple Construction Floats

Allows Flood Plain Utilisation Unique Design Flexibllity in design

Energy Efficient Cutting Edge Building Technology Aesthetically Pleasing

Wide Target Market Green High Quality

British Made

Weaknesses Combining new technologies New Company

Use of unknown suppliers Time to market

Creation of reliable supply chain Building Codes Investment

Lack of building experience

Opportunities

Growth of potential market Lobby Support Innovation of design

Large market potential Housing Trends call for innovation Environment Agency Support

National Grid Support Turn Key Solution Large profit margins due to project

scalability Low Cost Land Development

Low Risk Fashionable innovative solution

Threats

Planning Regulations Incorporation of new technologies Limited resources

Government Housing Policy Competition Time to market

Finding the best construction partner

criteria examples

Market developments?

Competitors' vulnerabilities?

Industry or lifestyle trends?

Technology development and

innovation?

Global influences?

New markets, vertical, horizontal?

Niche target markets?

Geographical, export, import?

New USP's?

Tactics: eg, surprise, major contracts?

Business and product development?

Information and research?

Partnerships, agencies, distribution?

Volumes, production, economies?

Seasonal, weather, fashion influences?

criteria examples

Disadvantages of proposition?

Gaps in capabilities?

Lack of competitive strength?

Reputation, presence and reach?

Financials?

Own known vulnerabilities?

Timescales, deadlines and pressures?

Cashflow, start-up cash-drain?

Continuity, supply chain robustness?

Effects on core activities, distraction?

Reliability of data, plan predictability?

Morale, commitment, leadership?

Accreditations, etc?

Processes and systems, etc?

Management cover, succession?

criteria examples

Political effects?

Legislative effects?

Environmental effects?

IT developments?

Competitor intentions - various?

Market demand?

New technologies, services, ideas?

Vital contracts and partners?

Sustaining internal capabilities?

Obstacles faced?

Insurmountable weaknesses?

Loss of key staff?

Sustainable financial backing?

Economy - home, abroad?

Seasonality, weather effects?

criteria examples

Advantages of proposition?

Capabilities?

Competitive advantages?

USP's (unique selling points)?

Resources, Assets, People?

Experience, knowledge, data?

Financial reserves, likely returns?

Marketing - reach, distribution,

awareness?

Innovative aspects?

Location and geographical?

Price, value, quality?

Accreditations, qualifications,

certifications?

Processes, systems, IT,

communications?

Cultural, attitudinal, behavioural?

Management cover, succession?

Philosophy and values?

SWOT Analysis

Strategic Need for “Can Float Homes”

Budget and Programme Predictions

Budget

Waterside Care Limited has brought together a strong partnership of companies, both internally from the Planet Matters Business Club and companies that have partnered in existing projects to ensure that ‘Can Float’ living is not the privilege of the few, but a long term solution to providing affordable housing for all. In order to utilise the investment made to date, the company envisages providing all aspects of the project before the construction phase can commence, and to that end has met all budget requirements to date.

The pre-feasibility study has determined the total unit cost should not exceed £120,000, including all associated procurement. This will be reviewed on completion of a full QS review.

Programme

The programme for this project is crucial to capitlise on the many cost benefits particular to this venture. These include a lack of organised competition and the current value of Flood Plain Lande without planning permission.

Waterside Care has taken expert advice and when this alternative form of house construction becomes viable main stream, the UK will see the value of appropriate land increase thereby reducing the margins to be made by such a venture.

Waterside Care has achieved a concurrent program to ensure that the design aspect of the project is ahead of competition, with WSC’s architect working on the Developed Designs according to RIBA’s Plan of Work. This will enable WSC to mobilise expediently when the correct construction partner is engaged in the process, it also allows WSC to establish a full cost analysis in the shortest possible time.

The current programme indicates by Q1 2015 WSC will be able to provide the necessary information required to push the project forward in accordance with relevant legal and planning regulations.

Considered Project Qualities

1. Design –(See attached design pack)

2. Affordability

2.1. Affordable to first time buyers, rural areas and approval for any government rent to buy schemes

3. Sustainability

4. Ecofficient

5. Planning Considerations

5.1. Identify a partner with relevant experience to navigate planning

6. Incorporate renewable energy and services in accordance with support from the National grid (see

appendix)

6.1. Solar/Battery Solutions

6.2. Cave Maker Compressed Air Storage

6.3. Waste to Energy system to provide necessary services

7. Functional Requirements

7.1. Dimension’s 14ft x 40 ft or sections thereof to comply with UK Road Safety provisions.

7.2. 14ft x 40 ft is the design of the hull that was fabricated by RRL Shipyards and has full UK Marine

Accreditation

7.3. Float as required

7.4. Static Mooring

7.5. Living area space to be above UK “average”

7.6. Lifespan of no less than 60 years

8. Departmental structure

8.1. Waterside Care engages sub contractors for Design and Procurement

8.2. Waterside Care partners with Planning/Construction Company

9. Technical Requirements required for full planning feasibility study to be completed

9.1. Identify key sites

9.2. Local Authority Requirements and liaison

9.3. FSA

9.4. Feedback from planners to determine required for homes, infrastructure and access

9.5. Planning Lobbying

9.6. Test Site

9.7. Feedback to design team

9.8. Full design and technical report

10. Reporting Procedure

11. Environmental Assessments

12. CDM Requirements

13. Access Implications

13.1. Access for people with disabilities

13.2. Transport and parking strategy

Procurement

Project Team

Waterside Care works with a network of trusted partners and companies within the Planet Matters Business Club to create a first class design and engineering team to make “Can Float Homes” a reality.

These companies will provide the necessary resources to design and procure a self-sufficient and fully integrated housing solution to ensure project considerations are met.

The following section of this report illustrates the expertise brought to the project by our various partners.

1. CompressEnergy Limited

2. Y Design Group

3. WIC Engineering

4. RLL Shipyard Limited

5. CaveMaker

6. Energy Respect Partnership

COMPRESSENERGY

CompressEnergy is a simple energy solution that should return significant profits for its investors.

Compress Energy Limited will supply the energy required to power and heat the “Can Float” Units. The supply of services to the units is a consideration that could cause a major hurdle to the deliverability of the project. The locations of flood plains is often away from main use services and it was decided during the specification stage to create a micro-grid, an aspect supported by the National Grid.

It is envisaged that the storage of energy can be from battery and compressed air storage, when this is combine with a Waste to Energy System, it provides a totally sustainable and renewable aspect to the projects energy requirements. It also provides an added revenue stream to the project in the service,energy and waste management of “Can Float Sites”

COMPRESSBATTERY

The first pre-production model of the CompressBattery system will demonstrate a 4kW battery storage system using renewable and other sources to provide electricity during the hours of darkness or as required. This first model will be delivered in late July 2014.

COMPRESSAIR

The third prototype will demonstrate how the battery model’s energy storage capability can be dramatically increased by the simple compression of air then released as required and converted into electricity. This prototype is scheduled for delivery late September

The Y Design Group

The “Y design workshop” is a design studio where architecture is seen as a delicate process of defining space.

We are driven by passion for perfection, carefully crafted, unique ideas, smart and well -tailored function, and the best sustainable and economical solu tions.

The (why?) is for dialogue, for better understanding, and above all, for the best answers.

“Y design workshop” is a Dublin based architectural practice established by Greg Dubiel in 2010.

We are a young and creative practice with a focus on the exceptional quality of the design. We always explore our ideas and search for unique and creative solutions. We love architecture, and we have a great interest in any other "kind of design".

The Y collaborate with many architects, engineers and architectural practices in Ireland and abroad. Our f lexible structure allows us to adjust to the type and size of the project.

Waterside Care chose the Y Design Group for its experience in creating unique and inspired prefabricated designs with a commitment to sustainable and economical solutions.

WIC is the group’s engineering partner and has worked on many projects with the PMBC such as CompressEnergy.

WIC Contracting is an established engineering, design and project management company providing a complete range of services from design through to manufacture, installation and maintenance in the Water, Waste and Industrial sectors. With an enviable track record backed by an exhaust ive reference l ist the Company offers the services of it 's experienced engineering professionals and qualif ied site teams in Ireland and the UK.

RLL are an established family f irm of boat builders with substantial experience in constructing d ouble hulled steel craft for use on Brit ish waterways and sea.

It was the unique hull constructed by RLL that Waterside Care Principle, Kent Walwin, saw as the integral solution to “Can Float Homes” and partnered with RLL in the early phases of the ventures conception.

The Oceanic Warrior, the vessel which was the inspiration for the design of the hull, is such a stable and easily constructed platform that this provided the parameters for the design of the two types of homes.

CaveMaker

CAES (Compressed Air Energy Storage Systems) have become a viable method of energy storage to supply existing networks with a much-needed solution to balance demand and supply. These systems provide a stand alone means to store energy produced by green systems in order to feed this energy back to the grid as and when required. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is a way of maximising the benefits of generated energy from renewable sustainable energy and storing that energy. This has been the impetus for CaveMaker, working with Southampton University’s Engineering departments and the Energy Respect Partnership, to make the concept of providing underground compressed air energy storage a reality. Whilst some large-scale international projects such as Larne Northern Ireland are currently under development, there has been little attention paid to the significant potential of creating man made storage tanks underground for use with a CAES system. CompressEnergy has identified the following application opportunities for CaveMaker:

Community & Off-Grid collectives

Industrial & Municipal

Replacement for rural oil storage

Integrated Housing Development systems

Energy Respect Partnership

The Energy Respect Partnership (ERP). An incubator for research, development, collaboration, knowledge sharing, advocacy and adoption of best practice with the mission to achieve Energy Access, Conservation and Security for all. In the Energy Respect Partnership, National Grid and CompressEnergy, alongside like-minded partners, will support and realise their common goals, creating Innovation in Energy with community benefit. The Energy Respect Partnership will emulate organisations such as RESCoop and Energy4All, to become an enabler, building on the significant collateral and knowledge achieved by Planet Matters and CompressEnergy to date.

The ERP will support its members in seeking grant funding from the EU, UKTI, DECC, the Community Energy Fund and other sources to help achieve their Energy Respect objectives.

Key Objectives

This report has provided an outline of the progress made to date to provide a Turn Key Solution to provide affordable housing in the face of a housing crisis in the United Kingdom

The key requirements for a project of this importance and scale to be realized are identifying the key areas in which to move the project forward. These require a partner who is able to cooperate in the following key objectives.

1. Planning a. Pre Planning Discussions b. Potential Sites

2. Key Support Tasks 3. Sustainability Checkpoints 4. Construction

From the market research and feasibility studies conducted by Waterside Care, it is apparent this this is an opportunity that is time critical.

In the face of recent catastrophic rain events and growing impact of climate change, Britain’s housing shortage, the affordability of home and the tentative moves by small independent companies to create houseboats in the area of “Can Float” homes, that it is essential to create a project team to harness the significant returns that can be achieved by the potential boom of “Can Float Living”.

Kent Walwin

Managing Director

Waterside Care Limited