Water Control and System Safety at the Heart of High-Rise Residential Construction
Perry Barr, one of Birmingham’s largest and most ambitious residential developments, comprises six multi-storey blocks ranging from five to fifteen floors. As part of the wider regeneration of the area, Plot 7 was developed into a 270-unit residential complex requiring a comprehensive plumbing and water management solution that combined ease of installation with long-term reliability and occupant safety.
The main contractor, Briggs & Forrester Living, selected RWC and its portfolio of brands—including John Guest, Reliance Valves, and SharkBite—as their preferred supplier, leveraging advanced piping solutions to meet demanding installation conditions and system performance criteria.
Addressing Modern Construction Challenges with Advanced Polymer Solutions
Concrete-frame high-rise developments such as Perry Barr pose a unique set of challenges. These include confined installation spaces, coordination between trades, pressure management, and the necessity for robust water safety and leak mitigation measures.
To meet these demands, RWC proposed a suite of integrated solutions:
- JG Speedfit PB-1 Push-Fit Pipe and Fittings: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and WRAS-approved, the PB-1-based push-fit system offered rapid, tool-free installation—ideal for high-density installations where time and space are critical. Speedfit’s 4-way manifolds provided efficient water distribution, reducing the need for complex branching.
- Reliance Valves MultiSafe Leak Detector: Installed during the construction phase, this smart valve monitored unoccupied periods, offering real-time protection from unexpected water discharge. This was key in reducing the risk of water damage and project delays—a vital factor on large-scale developments.
- Tenant Valve Advance: These combination valves provided compact control and monitoring of the water supply in each apartment. Their single-cartridge design not only reduced leak points but also saved valuable space within utility cupboards.
- Ausimix Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV2/3-approved): Installed to ensure scald protection and precise temperature control for domestic hot water, Ausimix valves contributed to both safety and thermal comfort.
- Chrome-Plated Push-Fit Ball Valves and Lockshield Radiator Valves: Used across central heating runs, these valves provided isolation and system balancing, improving maintenance access and ensuring consistent radiator performance.
- SharkBite Washing Machine Valves: Each apartment was equipped with a push-fit, chrome-plated valve incorporating an isolator and double check valve—simplifying installation and improving protection against backflow.
A Partnered Approach to Technical Delivery
In addition to a robust product specification, RWC delivered on-site technical support and tailored training for installation teams—ensuring the correct application of fittings and systems throughout the project lifecycle.
“RWC and its family of brands were appointed on the strength of their innovative product range and expert product advice and guidance, meeting all the project’s plumbing requirements and standards. The on-site technical support, coupled with valuable on-site training, played a pivotal role in helping us complete the project safely and on time.”
– Ian Mackenzie, Construction Manager, Briggs & Forrester Living
The Role of PB-1 in Large-Scale Residential Construction
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) continues to play a critical role in modern plumbing design, particularly in residential and mixed-use developments. Its unique performance profile—including inherent flexibility, corrosion resistance, and superior creep resistance—makes it ideally suited for pressurised hot and cold water systems across multi-storey buildings.
By replacing traditional materials such as copper with advanced polymer systems, contractors gain key advantages:
- Faster installation with minimal tooling
- Reduced material theft risk
- Improved occupant safety
- Lower embodied carbon and waste
Conclusion
Perry Barr exemplifies the value of integrated polymer piping systems in today’s complex residential construction. Through the use of WRAS-approved PB-1 pipework and advanced valve technologies, Briggs & Forrester Living delivered a high-performing, future-proof plumbing system with built-in safety, reliability, and ease of maintenance—hallmarks of next-generation building services engineering.
Water Control and System Safety at the Heart of High-Rise Residential Construction
Perry Barr, one of Birmingham’s largest and most ambitious residential developments, comprises six multi-storey blocks ranging from five to fifteen floors. As part of the wider regeneration of the area, Plot 7 was developed into a 270-unit residential complex requiring a comprehensive plumbing and water management solution that combined ease of installation with long-term reliability and occupant safety.
The main contractor, Briggs & Forrester Living, selected RWC and its portfolio of brands—including John Guest, Reliance Valves, and SharkBite—as their preferred supplier, leveraging advanced piping solutions to meet demanding installation conditions and system performance criteria.
Addressing Modern Construction Challenges with Advanced Polymer Solutions
Concrete-frame high-rise developments such as Perry Barr pose a unique set of challenges. These include confined installation spaces, coordination between trades, pressure management, and the necessity for robust water safety and leak mitigation measures.
To meet these demands, RWC proposed a suite of integrated solutions:
- JG Speedfit PB-1 Push-Fit Pipe and Fittings: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and WRAS-approved, the PB-1-based push-fit system offered rapid, tool-free installation—ideal for high-density installations where time and space are critical. Speedfit’s 4-way manifolds provided efficient water distribution, reducing the need for complex branching.
- Reliance Valves MultiSafe Leak Detector: Installed during the construction phase, this smart valve monitored unoccupied periods, offering real-time protection from unexpected water discharge. This was key in reducing the risk of water damage and project delays—a vital factor on large-scale developments.
- Tenant Valve Advance: These combination valves provided compact control and monitoring of the water supply in each apartment. Their single-cartridge design not only reduced leak points but also saved valuable space within utility cupboards.
- Ausimix Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV2/3-approved): Installed to ensure scald protection and precise temperature control for domestic hot water, Ausimix valves contributed to both safety and thermal comfort.
- Chrome-Plated Push-Fit Ball Valves and Lockshield Radiator Valves: Used across central heating runs, these valves provided isolation and system balancing, improving maintenance access and ensuring consistent radiator performance.
- SharkBite Washing Machine Valves: Each apartment was equipped with a push-fit, chrome-plated valve incorporating an isolator and double check valve—simplifying installation and improving protection against backflow.
A Partnered Approach to Technical Delivery
In addition to a robust product specification, RWC delivered on-site technical support and tailored training for installation teams—ensuring the correct application of fittings and systems throughout the project lifecycle.
“RWC and its family of brands were appointed on the strength of their innovative product range and expert product advice and guidance, meeting all the project’s plumbing requirements and standards. The on-site technical support, coupled with valuable on-site training, played a pivotal role in helping us complete the project safely and on time.”
– Ian Mackenzie, Construction Manager, Briggs & Forrester Living
The Role of PB-1 in Large-Scale Residential Construction
Polybutene-1 (PB-1) continues to play a critical role in modern plumbing design, particularly in residential and mixed-use developments. Its unique performance profile—including inherent flexibility, corrosion resistance, and superior creep resistance—makes it ideally suited for pressurised hot and cold water systems across multi-storey buildings.
By replacing traditional materials such as copper with advanced polymer systems, contractors gain key advantages:
- Faster installation with minimal tooling
- Reduced material theft risk
- Improved occupant safety
- Lower embodied carbon and waste
Conclusion
Perry Barr exemplifies the value of integrated polymer piping systems in today’s complex residential construction. Through the use of WRAS-approved PB-1 pipework and advanced valve technologies, Briggs & Forrester Living delivered a high-performing, future-proof plumbing system with built-in safety, reliability, and ease of maintenance—hallmarks of next-generation building services engineering.
