Mail & Parcel delivery in a future proofed ‘forever home’.
As architects and house builders design in multiple features and take steps to ensure the homes of the future start to achieve a 31% reduction in carbon emissions from 2021 and in line with RIBA 2030 targets we work towards a zero carbon society, whilst reducing lifecycle emissions and operational net zero.
It is also essential to include in our thinking the buying patterns and demand for future proofing mail and parcel delivery at home.
A recently commissioned investigation into heat loss via the traditional letterflap by The Safety Letterbox Co Ltd demonstrated the unnecessary heat loss and moisture into a building through the ‘hole in the front door’ not to mention the list of unwanted risks associated with that gap; an ability to peer into someone’s property, fish items off their hall table such as car keys, deposit unwanted items, bumping of locks on front doors and intimidation are all regularly reported incidents aside from the heatloss element.
Therefore we lock our windows and doors, we insulate and design in features to control air flow and improve security and yet we still cut a hole in the front door and fix a letterflap to it. All contradictory in line with Secured By Design Homes Guide and Building a Safer Future.
So, with mail being a regular essential arrival at our home albeit of a lesser volume than previous years and the enormous growth in parcel delivery why then are we even continuing to consider this traditional method of mail delivery?
Wall mounted, recessed, freestanding mailboxes are readily available from SLB as high quality solutions but why not also consider the mail and parcel combination option too to ensure maximum peace of mind, future proofing and the ability to build in the practicalities of the stratospheric rise of ecommerce and contactless deliveries.
Individual homes and multi occupancy developments can all hugely benefit from 24/7 guaranteed first time delivery, improved security, contactless and carbon-efficient methods of mail and parcel delivery.
It is important to recognise however that mailboxes and parcelboxes both come with a range of specifications; such as Fire rated, Secured By Design, Bespoke designs conforming to EU Norms and ensuring the market uses quality solutions and is not saturated with inferior non performing products.
Being in line with RIBA 2030 targets we work towards a zero carbon society, reducing lifecycle emissions and operational net zero, it is essential to include in our thinking the buying patterns and demand for mail and parcel delivery at home.
We must ensure the market is responsibly sourced with product designed to perform and built to last – ensuring value is about longevity, durability and specification.
Alison Orrells – July 2021
