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Homes and housing are never far from the headlines, whether that’s rocketing prices, lack of affordable homes or, more recently, sustainability.

With green issues and fuel costs at the forefront of everyone’s minds, as well as high on the political agenda in the pathway to net zero, it’s never been more important to consider the environmental impact and energy efficiency of any building project.

New homes are no exception; with the increasing pressure of a growing population, national housing shortage and government building targets to meet, alongside the demand on natural resources, it’s vital that they are built sustainably.

Sustainable properties provide a variety of benefits for those that live in them, not to mention the wider planet. Currently, homes are responsible for 16 per cent of total UK carbon emissions, so with the Government committing to achieving Net Zero by 2050, it is vital that the housing market plays its part in reducing its carbon footprint.

As we celebrate New Homes Week, which runs from February 27^th to March 3^rd, we take a look at why it’s important that the new homes being built now are done so with sustainability as a priority. Modern schemes may include a variety green components such as thermal insulation, eco-friendly heating, water recycling systems, reclaimed or particularly durable materials, or charging points for electric vehicles.

For homeowners

The Uk is currently experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, with sky-high utility bills, fuel and food costs, all rocketing due to factors such as the war in Ukraine and record inflation levels.

Sustainable homes, as well as providing benefits for the planet, deliver saving advantages for householders’ wallets too – a win-win situation.

By using naturally available resources for energy, homeowners can save over £2,000 on household bills each year: a significant reduction with other day-to-day costs spiralling.

When building homes, simple switches such as fitting low-energy light fittings can make a significant difference throughout a major project, while bigger alternatives like heating and ventilation systems can be considered when designing a project from scratch.

Examples of these could include geothermal heating, ventilation, and cooling systems, which use the temperature of the soil to heat and cool homes.

On its recent development in Pudsey, Mandale Homes used air source heat pumps, which instead of generating heat, transfer existing heat energy from outside to heat inside – far more energy efficient than the typical fossil fuel or electric-based systems.

Solar panels are another popular choice, offering a significant saving on bills, as well as the potential to actually sell power back to the National Grid.

Sustainable materials

Sustainable homes also benefit the wider community, through saving resources, energy and contributing towards cleaner air.

Building homes using reclaimed or circular materials is possible; long-lasting substances such as steel can be reused multiple times. Reclaimed wood, meanwhile, can also clean up nicely and has a distinctive look and feel which lends a building an eco-friendly character.

However, if reuse isn’t an option, fresh wood is also considered a sustainable choice. Properly managed forests, where trees are regularly replanted, don’t just provide a ready supply of building material – they also create a habitat for wildlife.

And while plastic has been previously painted very much as the enemy of the environment, in building terms though, the opposite is becoming true. That’s because the very fact that it doesn’t degrade, makes it a great choice for building long-lasting structures and components which need less maintenance and upkeep. 

How are we doing

At Mandale, we pride ourselves on our commitment to the environment. The majority of our developments are built on brownfield sites and we are experts at large regeneration projects.

The most recent was Ochre Yard in Gateshead, which was named best residential renovation/redevelopment in the UK at the UK Property Awards in October 2022.

The development was given the highest 5* rating for Best in the Region for Renovation/Redevelopment and went on to compete against other regional finalists in the category to win Best in the UK. Ochre Yards was also an award winner in the Residential Development of 20+ units category.

Richard Harriman, Director Mandale Homes commented: “We are incredibly proud of the Ochre Yards development in Gateshead. To be named best in the UK is true testament to the team’s professionalism, passion and the care and attention that goes into building perfect homes for our customers.”

“Mandale Homes is one of the North East’s largest, privately owned property developers with over 40 years experience of building luxury homes and boasts a growing portfolio of stylish residential developments across the North East, Yorkshire, North West and Scotland.”

Over the years, The Hickory has proved to be one of our most popular house types with customers ranging from first time buyers and young couples to families and downsizers.

The three bedroom home features a modern open-plan kitchen and dining area whilst benefiting from a private living room overlooking the front of the home. The many impressive features of The Hickory are what make this house type so welcomed amongst our buyers; beautiful bi-folding doors flood the kitchen and dining area with an abundance of natural light and fully open to allow the outside in during those warm summer days, perfect for family gatherings. The handy utility room is a staple in any busy family home, allowing for chores like washing and ironing to be kept out of sight (but never out of mind…).

The master suite of The Hickory spans the entire width of the house providing a great level of functionality to allow you to curate the perfect sanctury for a good nights rest.

You can own your very own Hickory house type at our popular development Hebble Brook View in Halifax! We have incredible offers and schemes to get you moving so that your next move is a seamless one.

Take a look at The Hickory below!

Last Thursday, we launched our brand new Stockton-based headquarters to support the rapid expansion of our growing business and commitment to growth and innovation in Teesside, providing a modern and efficient workspace for our employees.

Having outgrown our previous office premises close to the A19 on the Stockton North Tees Industrial Estate, our purpose built HQ at Urlay Nook gives us 30% more space to allow for the future expansion of the business both in terms of staff requirements and material storage.

Maurice Moore, Commercial Director at Mandale Group, said: “The transformation of the new office and warehouse space has not only made working for Mandale so comfortable, but has also allowed staff to socialise together, making for a better environment for the whole team. The wellbeing of all the staff is reflected in the number of attendees using the excellent facilities provided by Mandale and I’m sure will lead to the retained growth of the company in Teesside and beyond.”

Helen Woods, Sales Director, added: “We purchased 44 acres in Urlay Nook to develop an industrial business park that will bring new businesses and jobs to the area. It has such great links to the major roads, Teesside airport and with the Freeport status it will be really attractive to companies looking for a base in the North East.

“The Mandale office and warehouse was the first on site, but we are already into phase one of the 23 hybrid industrial units we have planned for the site. These will be ready for occupation in the Summer of 2024.”

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, who is visiting our new office later this month, said: “Mandale Group are a true Teesside success story and it’s incredible to see their continued growth and on-going commitment to our region through this latest expansion. Their new HQ means Mandale now have space to expand, win new work and take on more staff, which is exactly what we like to see.”

The grand opening event, held on Thursday, February 2nd, was attended by Middlesbrough FC footballer Matt Clarke – we are proud partners of the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation as part of our commitment to our local community. He was joined by pupils from Eaglescliffe Elementis training academy, which we also support through sponsorship, alongside local business leaders.

Jeremy Good, director at ELG Planning attended the open day event and said the office “rivals any recently constructed office scheme in the region.”

He said: “Building on the historic planning approval, Mandale have done a great job delivering this high-quality office scheme which, for its staff facilities and build quality, must be rivalling any recently constructed office scheme in the region.

“It’s great news for Stockton that such a long-established employer has put down roots on this prestigious site and we look forward to working with them and the planning department to deliver the rest of the scheme.”

Hebble Brook View in Halifax and South Park Place in Pudsey are welcoming the launch of two new view homes on Friday 20th January. To celebrate, we’re offering a spectacular mortgage and flooring package! We will contribute towards your mortgage for a whole year and include complementary flooring throughout your home, meaning you can sit back and enjoy your home knowing you will be saving thousands in living costs.

The superior build quality and impressive specification on two of our most popular house types, The Hickory & The Prospect, will be unveiled to the public this weekend.

The Hickory at Halifax is a contemporary three-bedroom home boasting modern, industrial lighting and blinds throughout. The Hickory, along with an additional two house types on this development, have been carefully designed to consider modern family life with stunning bi-fold doors leading to the rear garden included as standard – perfect for entertaining with family and friends*. Hebble Brook View is nestled in the quiet and idyllic setting of Wheatley with picturesque views of the Hebble Brook viaduct. To view more information about this development click here.

The Prospect at Pudsey is a magnificent home featuring four double bedrooms and a further study, perfect for modern family life. You’ll feel warm and cosy in your new home at South Park Place whilst keeping your energy bills down as all our homes on this development have been built with sustainable air source heat pumps – a low carbon, environmentally friendly system which is much more efficient than a traditional boiler and eligible for Renewable Heat Incentive payments. Find out more here.

To celebrate these exciting view home openings, we are launching an unmissable mortgage and flooring package when you reserve a home with us at either Hebble Brook View or South Park Place. You can relax in the comfort of your new home knowing we will be contributing towards your mortgage for a whole year and with flooring taken care of you can turn up the heat and enjoy your new home.*

Get in touch with us today to arrange a viewing.

*Mortgage contribution as follows: £500p/m for 12 months when you reserve a home at Hebble Brook View. £750p/m for 12 months when you reserve a home at South Park Place. Incentive to be paid as cashback on completion. Flooring chosen from our standard range.

Vulnerable families in need across Teesside have been gifted Christmas food hampers thanks to the generous donations of Mandale suppliers jumping on board, we have been able to help more families than ever before. Mandale Homes has supported the Cause Foundation’s Christmas Hamper Appeal for the past three years but this year the number donated has increased to 72 hampers which will help feed 148 people and provide each of them with a gift. 

The donations, supporting 52 single people and 20 families, form part of Mandale Homes’ active community support programme, which has seen it donate more than £23,500 to worthy charitable and community causes this year.  Causes supported range from the Salvation Army, an autistic charity, bed poverty and helping those fleeing domestic violence to the Alzheimer’s Society and the Teesside Charity, of which they are Patrons. 

The Cause Foundation’s Christmas Hamper Appeal was established in 1987 and this year celebrates 35 years of gifting festive food to those families across Teesside who find themselves in genuine financial hardship.  Working with partner agencies, including schools, social workers and charitable organisations, the Foundation receives nominations to offer targeted support for families needing help.

Mandale Homes gifted £2,500 towards the community cause and also appealed to companies they work with to pledge £200 each.  18 companies from across the North East gifted cash which combined added a further £3,600 to the cause, including 62 Christmas selection boxes for the children. The hampers are particularly welcome during the current cost of living crisis where families are struggling with rising food and energy bills.

Richard Harriman, Director, Mandale Homes commented:

“This is an incredibly important local community cause and we are delighted to be able to support vulnerable families across Teesside with these festive hamper donations.  Families who are already struggling financially are facing even bigger challenges with rising food and energy costs, so we have stepped up our support this year by giving more. 

“We are very grateful to all the companies we work with who also kindly donated to this worthy cause and hope in some small way it takes the pressure off these families who face real difficulties.”

Julie from CAUSE Foundation have said ‘We would like to thank The Mandale Group and their suppliers for the amazing hampers which were dropped off at Middlesbrough Football Club.  Although the need has increased this year so has the generosity of our supporters. The nominating organisations were totally blown away today when they came to collect your hampers and were so grateful. These hampers will make a huge difference to the receiving families especially in these most difficult times’