Research and Development comes in many forms. At Sandwood we try to be proactive in anticipating trends and understanding client requirements. One way we undertake research is by taking an active role in industry organisations. We are founder members of Build Off Site and have worked with Loughborough University on the Off Site Manufacture for Occasional Clients toolkit.

We are one of the few construction member of the Green Register and have been quick to join the UK Green Building Council.

We try to involve our clients and consultants throughout. This has included a day conference on sustainability, held on site and attended by our staff, clients and consultants. An e-mail forum of the same group devised and agreed on a water conservation specification - and we have recently arranged for clients and contractors to attend a seminar on the Code for Sustainable Homes. 

Anticipation meant that we undertook sound testing before it became an EcoHomes requirement and have taken the same route on air permeability testing, partly because we are strong advocates of post completion testing rather than relying on robust details. We recognise that the best way to become knowledgeable about a product is to use it, so we are keen to encourage innovation, particularly in MMC and sustainability areas. This has led to schemes involving Photovoltaics, Rainwater Harvesting, Solar Thermal, CHP units and our first volumetric scheme in Mackintosh Lane. We are looking at different walling and flooring systems for future use and are interested in the prospect of building to Passive House standards.