PSBJ February 2022 by Red Hut Media Ltd

Public Sector Build Journal February 2022

Healthcare

Education

The benefits of installing ground source heat pumps in social housing

Leisure

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Issue 114

THE FUTURE FACE OF FASHION Buro Happold outlines the new inclusive and sustainable site for the University of the Arts London (UAL)

Housing

How is BIM helping to deliver a better built environment?

Exploring the origins of the U-value and how readings are reached

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WELCOME NOTE

Editor

Hannah Woodger

hannah@redhutmedia.com

Rebecca Kemp

rebecca@redhutmedia.com

Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball

sam@redhutmedia.com London College of Fashion is moving from six separate buildings to a sustainable, new single site. See page 26.

Jim Moore

jim@redhutmedia.com

Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb

jack@redhutmedia.com

Digital Design Manager Matt Morse

matt@redhutmedia.com

Accounts

Rachel Pike

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Sales Support & Statistics

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Publisher Sam Ball

Welcome to the February issue of PSBJ... Now that the settling in period of 2022 has been and gone, it’s time to get stuck into what we hope will be a year full of innovation, achievements and meeting or exceeding the targets we have set ourselves. As always, Futurebuild arrives fairly promptly in our calendars, and acts as a reminder to us all that a sustainable built environment is what we are all striving for. This year’s line-up of seminars, programmes and panel speakers will once again endeavour to challenge our perceptions and encourage us to embark on new ways of thinking. The event will also invite us to celebrate those companies who are developing the most innovative technologies in our bid to reach net zero. Turn to page 34 to read why London’s ExCeL from 1st to 3rd March should be your must-attend event next month.

Red Hut Media Ltd.

On the topic of reflection, there seems to be a lot to embrace in the year ahead. Notably, for social housing providers, the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda will be a dominant theme in the built environment. In this month’s edition, law firm Winckworth Sherwood looks at the seven factors facing the social housing sector throughout 2022. Head over to page 24 to find out more.

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Elsewhere in this issue, we look at the proposed plans submitted by Holmes Miller for a new Rugby League training and education facility, the NBS explores how digital technologies are helping to deliver a better built environment and Kensa Heat Pumps discusses the benefits of installing ground source heat pumps in existing housing stock.

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I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information on PSBJ’s user-friendly and engaging website. Fully responsive, the website allows you to read all the latest stories on-the-go either on your phone or tablet. Simply visit www.psbjmagazine.com.

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Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor's hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Red Hut Media Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Hannah

Hannah Woodger • Editor • hannah@redhutmedia.com Find us on Social Media:      @psbjmagazine

CONTENTS

06 News

A round up of the latest industry news, including charity events, awarded contracts, completed projects and much more.

08 Upfront

Nicola Herring at Gleeds, one of Perfect Circle’s founding partners, explores the ways that construction supply chains add value to the design and delivery of SEND schools.

12 Leisure

Architecture firm Holmes Miller has submitted a planning application on behalf of the Rugby Football League for its proposed new education and training facility.

14 Healthcare

Shanco Contracts explains the importance of effective groundworks for modular buildings and how the healthcare sector can avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

16 Housing

John Moss, Sales Director at Home at EnviroVent, looks at how landlords are being encouraged to take a more proactive approach to condensation and mould growth.

08 18 Doors, Windows & Balustrades

22 Legal & Business

UAP discusses the importance of a partnership approach to testing in order to maximise the likelihood of passing the PAS 24 testing process first time.

Mark Edgerley, Associate Director at Boyer (Colchester), comments on the changes needed to benefit the Local Plan process and the current problems with the system.

20 Lighting & Electricals

24 Talking Point

While emergency lighting is a necessary element of the wiring systems of any public building, self-test units are not; yet they offer many advantages, Knightsbridge explains.

Whilst the social housing sector has led the UK property industry in defining the ESG landscape, there is much registered providers will need to embrace in 2022.

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CONTENTS

26 Education

London College of Fashion, part of University of the Arts London (UAL), is moving from six separate buildings currently spread across London to a sustainable, new single site.

28 Renewable Technology

By installing ground source heat pumps, housing providers can deliver the double benefit of reducing residents’ heating bills and cutting the carbon footprint of their stock.

30 BIM

David Bain, Research Manager at NBS, looks at how digital technologies improve building standards and which areas are moving the needle, in terms of safety and sustainability.

32 Technical Focus

Gradient explores the origins of the U-value, whilst providing a more simplified explanation of how its readings are reached, in order to measure a structure’s energy performance.

34 Futurebuild Preview

Taking place from 1st to 3rd March, Futurebuild, previously Ecobuild, is perfectly timed to address the current environmental challenges and global climate strategy.

36 Product Showcase

A dedicated focus of industry news, products and case studies to help specifiers and local authorities make informed decisions.

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NEWS

INDUSTRY UPDATES Each month PSBJ rounds up the latest public sector construction updates, from new contracts to industry awards.

Diamond Build appointed for primary school revamp Following a successful tender process, Haringey Council has appointed building contractor Diamond Build to refurbish and remodel elements of a primary school in Tottenham, London. The £3.7m of onsite works will provide Chestnuts Primary School with two new classrooms, which will enable decanting during the programme and be retained on completion. Diamond Build will also be responsible for refurbishing sections of the building’s fabric, including the school’s roof, and installing new windows and repairing brickwork. To improve energy efficiency, the team will upgrade the heating and water system along with new loft insulation and install new emergency lighting, fire alarms and data cabling. Matthew Thomas, Operations Director at Diamond Build, said: “This is a crucial project for the school, which will overhaul many of the existing services. All the work will be carried out while the school remains open, so will require a carefully-managed decanting programme. This will enable the staff to continue with the day-today delivery of education on site while we deliver the upgrades.” The works are scheduled to be completed by autumn 2022.

The UK’s first co-funded, industry-led construction school opens its doors AccXel is welcoming its VIP guests to celebrate the launch and success of a collaboration of the public and private sector as it pioneers the way in construction education. AccXel has been co-funded by HM Government, GFirst LEP and the family-owned construction business, K W Bell Group. The school has been established to tackle the severe skills shortage plaguing the construction industry, by recruiting new talent to the sector, helping the existing workforce progress to the next phase of their career and connecting both the education and industry sector to accelerate new skills. Nicola Bird, AccXel’s Founder and Managing Director, said: “We are so pleased to be finally opening the doors to AccXel. Over the past year, we have garnered a huge amount of support from within the construction industry, which has highlighted how desperately an education facility, like AccXel, is needed. We are so excited that our school has completed its construction phase, and we can finally put our plans to support the future of the construction workforce into fruition.”

G F Tomlinson appointed to £7bn DfE framework G F Tomlinson is celebrating its re-appointment as an approved partner for the new £7bn Department for Education 2021 Construction Framework, a four-year framework for the delivery of both education and non-education projects in the public sector. The framework supports the delivery of the Department for Education’s school building programmes, with an emphasis on achieving net-zero carbon in operation. Following a rigorous selection process, G F Tomlinson is one of only 26 contractors to be selected nationally, and will deliver projects valued between £0.5m and £6.0m across the East and West Midlands. This is the third consecutive Department for Education framework the regional contractor has been appointed to since 2014. Over the last eight years, the company has delivered more than £55m of new-build and refurbished primary, secondary, SEND and alternative provision schools, providing 4467 new pupil places across the Midlands. The new framework will be available to local authorities, schools, academies, FE colleges, universities and other public bodies which provide educational facilities in England, whilst also being available to central Government, including Government agencies.

Suppliers appointed to £500m public sector framework Worth £500m over six years, the Multi-disciplinary Consultancy Services framework (MDC1) is available to public sector organisations across two of LHC’s divisions; CPC, which covers the north of England, the Midlands and Anglia, and LSE, covering London and South East. Gary Cawley, CPC Regional Director, welcomes the new construction framework with 12 workstreams – which can be used by a wide range of public sector clients including local authorities, registered social landlords, tenant management organisations and arm’s length management organisations, health authorities, councils, boards and trusts, publicly-funded schools and further education establishments, and registered charities. He comments: “This framework enables these organisations to access high-quality, pre-approved suppliers to achieve a compliant asset management regime across a range of buildings including education, healthcare and service stations, community buildings, residential properties (when part of a mixed-use development), commercial to residential conversions, and their associated works.”

NEWS

Construction underway as former Slough council block gets set for residential transformation Slough Borough Council’s former high street contact centre is undergoing a £26m transformation after property developer Kings Oak Capital secured support from Shawbrook Bank. Landmark Place, which used to house the council’s MyCouncil customer drop-in centre, is being redeveloped into 89 apartments with work due to complete by the end of 2022. A mix of studio, one- and two-bed flats will be listed from £260,000. The four-storey development will provide residents with car parking spaces, cycle lock-ups and extra storage space, while the ground floor will also include new retail space. Kings Oak Capital turned to Shawbrook Bank to help finance the project, securing a £26m finance package to help buy and redevelop the building. It’s the developer’s largest project to date. The firm, run by brothers Deepak and Sumeet Khullar, specialises in the conversion of former office spaces and recently completed a 73-apartment scheme in Harrow and a 40unit project in Staines.

SCAPE unveils £4bn national civil engineering frameworks Up to £4bn of new public sector civil engineering projects for local communities across the UK are set to be accelerated as part of a new set of frameworks being launched by SCAPE. The new format puts net-zero carbon construction and work for local SMEs at the heart of delivery. The public sector procurement authority has published details for its third generation civil engineering frameworks, with major contractors from across the UK invited to take part in the re-procurement in 2022. The re-procurement includes a £3.25bn framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate £750m framework for Scotland, managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland. Running for a period of four years from 2023, with an option to be extended for a further two years until 2029, the fully-managed frameworks will more than double the capacity of infrastructure-focused activity procured through SCAPE. This follows the success of its existing frameworks which have commissioned more than 250 projects to date for public sector clients across the UK. The current frameworks are due to expire in January 2023.

Morgan Sindall Construction grows new SEMH school in Essex woodland Morgan Sindall Construction has completed work on a comprehensive refurbishment and expansion project at Ramsden Hall Academy in Billericay, Essex. The transformational project was delivered by the main contractor for the Department for Education (DfE), and is managed by the multi-academy trust, Parallel Learning Trust, whose mission is to build cultures of ambition for pupils from all backgrounds. Through this project, the trust aims to contribute to a vibrant population of thinkers, voters and entrepreneurs, especially within those groups historically excluded by deprivation and low attainment. Works included the construction of a brand-new threestorey residential block which will provide beds for 40 students, bolstering the academy’s ability to develop the pupil’s independent living skills. Peter Whitmore, Managing Director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s East region, said: “We’re delighted to have handed over this significant project, providing Ramsden Hall Academy with the space and facilities within which to provide a first-class education for those more vulnerable pupils for years to come.”

Design services appointment to see Pick Everard deliver key schemes for Surrey County Council Independent property, construction and infrastructure firm, Pick Everard, is celebrating its latest strategic appointment, having been selected as a supplier of choice by Surrey County Council. The council is driving forward with its ambitious programme of transformation. This is being supported by a significant capital programme across Surrey over the coming years, which has seen the local authority seek strategic partners from across the construction supply chain. The council has set out an ambitious £1bn capital investment programme over the next four years over a number of directorates. Pick Everard will be supplying architecture, lead design, interior design, landscape design and principal designer services for all of the council’s upcoming major and education projects. This range of design services will be available to support all manner of education schemes, as well as larger-scale programmes under the major projects appointment. John Sharp, Operations Director at Pick Everard, said: “This was a competitive tender process, which saw the council seeking strategic partners from across the construction supply chain to support it in delivering excellent, high-quality new schemes for its constituents. We are thrilled to have been identified as the design services supplier of choice for major works and education projects, which will allow us to bring forward our extensive experience to assist the council in creating the best possible facilities for its people.”

UPFRONT

SHAPING THE FUTURE: INNOVATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS WITHIN SEND SCHOOL DESIGN School building design must create spaces that enhance the learning experience of pupils. To cater for those with diverse needs, design must factor in several different elements to support SEND. Nicola Herring, Associate Director at Gleeds, one of Perfect Circle’s shareholders and founding partners, explores the ways that construction supply chains add value to the design and delivery of SEND schools.

reating a positive learning environment for young students has never been so important – particularly coming off the back of such a challenging 18 months for schools. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were increasing concerns around school places and the outdated sites some schools were operating in. During the most recent Government budget and spending review on 27th October last year, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced an extra £4.7bn for the school budget in England by 2024/25. The chancellor also set out new funding of £1.8bn to help schools and colleges in education recovery following the COVID crisis. This brings the Government’s total funding for school catch-up efforts after coronavirus lockdowns to £4.9bn. Investment in schools is welcome and to help achieve the best learning environments for pupils, wiser decisions about schools must be made. Construction industry supply chains can support this through well thought-out and planned design, planning and delivery for the next generation of school buildings.

Design for wellbeing Taking into consideration the needs of staff as well as pupils, to create better designed working areas and social spaces, all aids in providing a better working environment, meaning the core focus of learning, creativity and independence can flourish. These sorts of benefits can also be a factor in recruitment and retention, by ensuring staff want to work there, and can do so effectively.

UPFRONT It is well documented that ‘design for wellbeing’ promotes positive academic achievement. Even before the pandemic, Public Health England published a report about the link between pupil health and wellbeing and attainment. It summarised the key evidence as follows: 1. Pupils with better health and wellbeing are likely to achieve better academically 2. Effective social and emotional competencies are associated with greater health and wellbeing, and better achievement 3. The culture, ethos and environment of a school influences the health and wellbeing of pupils and their readiness to learn 4. A positive association exists between academic attainment and physical activity levels of pupils. There are various design elements that need to be considered to support pupil wellbeing while enhancing learning. *Gleeds, one of Perfect Circle’s shareholders and founding partners, in collaboration with ArchitecturePLB breaks this down into the following areas:

Physical activity: It’s been well established that regular physical activity positively affects brain development and correlates with higher attainment. But it’s not just formal facilities for sports and external play that are important, as access to the outside at break times and even movement between lessons needs to be considered as part of this. Biophilic design: The theory that a connection to nature improves our lives has been scientifically-proven to reduce blood pressure and improve attention and focus. Providing views of green spaces has also been shown to be effective in addressing the incidence of depression. Lighting: Good daylighting and artificial lighting that responds to our circadian rhythms – moderating the quantity and quality of artificial light to mimic daylight – can help to maintain alertness during the day and aid relaxation towards the evening. Air quality: Recent research indicates that reduced levels of CO 2 , volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and pollution have

significant positive impacts on the cognitive function of a building’s occupants. Good ventilation and careful selection of materials and finishes should, therefore, be considered. This has become significantly more important since the pandemic to reduce the risk of infection, promoting a public health message. Sound: Reducing noise pollution, enhanced acoustic separation and effective reverberation control can increase speech intelligibility. These factors make it easier for pupils to hear and understand what’s being said,

and also reduces vocal strain for teachers.

Thermal performance: Improving insulation, avoiding temperature extremes and maintaining a controllable, even temperature can improve physical comfort. This helps both teachers and pupils to focus. Water: Maintaining hydration aids health and wellbeing and can be encouraged by providing local access to potable water, both indoors and outside. This can be helped by a sufficient, even distribution of water fountains. 

UPFRONT While all school design benefits from the adoption of these healthy building cornerstones, for SEND school design, the requirements can be more complex.

SEND school design The requirements of SEND pupils are extremely diverse, covering a whole range of physical and cognitive difficulties that require support. It’s critical for education providers to have the facilities to address these needs and this is where building design expertise comes in. With regards to physical disabilities, provisions for alternative ways for pupils to be able to move around and interact with spaces are crucial. Accessibility goes beyond the bare bones of the space and should be distilled further to the provision of furniture, fixtures and equipment to promote and encourage independence. Less consideration is often given to social, emotional and spectrum conditions,

which are often not visible or obvious and can be more varied between individuals with the same diagnosis, making it more challenging for built environment designers to create suitable spaces for all. The most acute example of this are autistic spectrum conditions, which have some common and consistent traits (often referred to as the triad of impairments) and are based around sensory needs. Subtle and, often inexpensive, provision can be made to every single school – whether mainstream or specialist, existing or new buildings. Examples include providing diffusion filters to light fittings, clear and consistent wayfinding, access control, increasing sound-absorbing materials for improved acoustics, spatial layout and adjacencies, and provision of sensory or withdrawal spaces. Practically, SEND schools often benefit from being built to ground level only to avoid the unnecessary installation of ramps and lifts in corridors and automatically opening doors

– all of which must be taken into account when cogitating fire safety. Contrasting floor colours can be extremely helpful for the partially sighted to avoid trips and falls. Perfect Circle understands that consultation with stakeholders including parents, staff, local authorities, healthcare professionals and the pupils themselves is essential to form a solid brief, that will ultimately create a suitable, yet inspiring and positive, environment for all. Wherever possible, it is important to observe how they operate or aspire to operate in their physical space. This is where communication is key. It is through this consultative process that designers and the client’s pedagogical expertise can be leveraged together.

In practice Perfect Circle has extensive experience in the educational building sector, including a portfolio of SEND school developments in partnership with local authorities. Using Perfect Circle’s extensive

supply chain and advisory expertise, state-of-the-art SEND teaching facilities are carefully designed to ensure the needs of pupils are met and exceeded. A recent example is the creation of a two-storey, purpose-built Polden Bower SEN school, which features fully-accessible classrooms equipped with the latest teaching technology. Specialist facilities include a warm water pool for physiotherapy and therapy rooms, a new sports hall, external sensory spaces and a cafe to help students develop vocational skills and encourage engagement. The school was successfully delivered through integrated collaboration between Perfect Circle, contractor Willmott Dixon and Somerset County Council. Perfect Circle provided project and cost management, design, technical advice, architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, planning consultancy, fire consultancy and acoustic consultancy services for the project.

UPFRONT

A bright future To secure the future of SEND schools and make a tangible difference, professionals must understand and factor in the complexity of requirements early in the planning and design process. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, so being able to collaborate across supply chains for specific learners is essential. Gleeds/ArchitecturePLB – Wellbeing in School gleeds_a-spotlight-on-wellbeing-in-schools_ final.pdf  *

www.perfectcircle.co.uk

LEISURE

PROPOSED HUB IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN Architecture firm Holmes Miller has submitted a planning application on behalf of the Rugby Football League (RFL) to Manchester City Council for its proposed new education and training facility in the Beswick area of the city.

n 2019, the Rugby Football League (RFL) received an independent report setting out that due to the Rugby League having a reach, visibility and value beyond its core followers, it has an opportunity to make a major contribution to health outcomes, crime reduction, improved education and employment outcomes, volunteering opportunities and improved life satisfaction. The OurLeague Life (OLL) concept was born out of this strategic ambition to capitalise on Rugby League as not just a great sport but also a vehicle for social mobility.

OurLeague Life will be a hub and spoke model: celebrating, expanding and rolling out existing good practices in Rugby League communities across the north of England, adding value and providing coordination. Land off Grey Mare Lane is the proposed site for the unique facility to be shared between Rugby League’s elite athletes, community players, coaches and match officials, and young people and adults from the local area.

Facility details The submitted plans detail a two-storey building and adjacent grass pitch, plus a small pitch-facing stand attached to the main building, which would serve as an education and training base for people to begin developing their ‘big match’ skills. Teaching and seminar spaces will also provide additional space for locals, sports professionals and community groups to participate in the range of

training and support which will be on offer as part of the RFL’s outreach effort. On the first floor, a conference room and servery with a capacity of 200 people has been designed. This space will serve as a highquality teaching and event space for the RFL to use during its outreach programme. Meanwhile, on the ground floor, the hub’s kitchen is designed to provide catering facilities to the maximum occupancy of 200 people. This kitchen will be served with both mechanical supply and extract ventilation. Both units will be demand-controlled and will create a negative pressure to ensure odours are effectively carried from the building.

Pitch and external lighting OurLeague Life’s Manchester hub will be illuminated for sports using LED floodlights mounted on aluminium columns circa 20m in height. The lighting will be designed in accordance with the sector’s Sports Lighting standards to provide Class One level lighting for international and national competition with illumination levels of 500 lux on the pitch. The lighting scheme will also account for guidelines on the Limitation of the Effects of Obtrusive Light from Outdoor Lighting Installations with an effort being made to protect well-inhabited rural and urban settlements from light pollution.

LEISURE

Benefit to the community RFL Project Lead, Tony Sutton, explains: “For 125 years, Rugby League has brought a huge range of social and economic benefits to communities in the north of England and beyond. It is a sport with a massive social impact – and now we want to make an impact in east Manchester. “OurLeague Life is an exciting concept, which we hope will become a local focal point for adult education, training and skills, and a catalyst for driving up social mobility through sport. As well as offering a new facility for people in east Manchester, this will be a key educational facility for all the England Rugby League squads such as our men’s, wheelchair and women’s teams. “Our plans were warmly received by the vast majority of residents who attended our recent consultation event at Beswick Library, and feedback has been positive from other stakeholders in the city such as those people involved in education and skills provision.” OurLeague Life is the name given to the RFL’s proposed series of learning and development ‘hubs’ across the north of England and, in time, possibly nationwide. OurLeague Life hubs will offer: education courses; returningto-work and employability courses; professional development education (for example, CPD for Match Officials, coaches and volunteers in sport; and a wide range of Rugby League and sport-related education and development programmes). The planned OurLeague Life facility, alongside these hubs, will serve as a strong support to Manchester City Council on implementing its Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy. Akin to the

strategy’s focus, the facility will create well-designed accessible outdoor space at the heart of the local community and will highlight that elite sport alongside local people can enjoy social benefits from exercising and accessing outdoors. The RFL is working in partnership with architectural practice Holmes Miller on the Beswick project, which will be the first and main OurLeague Life facility. Ryan Holmes, Director at Holmes Miller, adds: “The plans submitted detail a sports facility achieving something distinctly different than the status quo. By having elite athletes walking the halls and using the shared facilities alongside the aspiring local young people, the new centre will provide a lot more than simply being a place to train.

“Community and supporting development is core to the design focus of this building. Building on Manchester City Council’s Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy, we want visitors to interact with each other and the space in a way that promotes cohesion and a collective focus on the positive benefits of outdoors space and sports as championed by the Rugby Football League.” The OurLeague Life facility will be open on weekdays for education and training and at the weekends for community sport. Events will be planned to ensure that there will be no clash with events at the Etihad Stadium or the Co-op Arena, or with any large events held across the Etihad Campus more widely. 

www.holmesmiller.com

HEALTHCARE

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL MODULAR BUILDINGS Declan Armour, Managing Director of Shanco Contracts, explains the importance of effective groundworks for modular buildings and how the healthcare sector can avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

he speed and ease of modular construction are two of its major benefits for the healthcare sector. However, the success of a modular building project relies on several elements and one of the most important is the groundworks. Difficulties with planning and inadequate site research can diminish some of the benefits of offsite construction, leading to programme delays and unexpected costs. To avoid these risks and drive efficiencies across the project, there are several factors to consider.

Early engagement An experienced groundworks contractor should be involved in a modular build project at the earliest opportunity – ideally the tender stage. This enables any potential challenges, which could affect the construction programme and costs, to be identified from the outset. To assist with this process, a groundworks contractor should be provided with

as much information as possible about the site and the building’s design. This means all eventualities can be considered and, if necessary, incorporated into the budget and the projected duration of the project. For example, limited site access may affect the type of plant and equipment that could be used for groundworks, which, in turn, may impact the overall construction programme. Similarly, constrained sites may present difficulties for work further down the line, limiting space for jobs, such as the building installation or cladding and roofing, as well as the crane and access equipment required to carry them out. Like most large construction projects, modular builds are likely to require alterations to the site’s entry, surrounding roads and drainage connections. These elements, including the required approvals, should also be considered during the planning stage to avoid costly delays.

Ground conditions No matter how poor the ground conditions, it should be possible to create a foundation solution that supports the modular structure. However, it is essential to investigate the site at the earliest opportunity to identify any potential problems and how these can be resolved. The type and condition of the ground will determine what foundations will be required to support the structure. For example, if the ground consists of clay, this can be problematic for water retention and drainage. This may require additional measures to be put in place to control surface water, such as the installation of attenuation tanks and SUDS designs. Some clays may also mean the ground has less load-bearing capacity, so specialist piling solutions could be required. Similarly, sandy and loose soils can present comparable challenges in terms of the stability of foundations.

A modular project for a Bolton hospital highlights the potential impact of ground conditions on projects. Working within a highly constrained site next to the main hospital building, we had to overcome several challenges to deliver the groundworks for the modular build. As ground conditions were poor, it was not possible to lay pad foundations. Instead, a reinforced concrete raft slab had to be laid under the building’s entire footprint followed by plinths for levelling. Adding to the complexity of the work, a service tunnel ran diagonally through the site under the concrete slab providing electricity as well as medical gases into the hospital. To reduce the heavy loadings over the tunnel from plant and machinery, a temporary crossing bridge was built over it for the construction phase. We worked closely with the structural engineers to create and install the bridge, and ensured the concrete foundation slab could adequately support the building over the tunnel.

HEALTHCARE

Logistics Sequencing is crucial when working on a live site to avoid any potential disruption and prioritise health and safety. This will often require deliveries and plant movements to be carefully timed. Some aspects of the work may also need to be carried out outside normal working hours, including at weekends. A groundworks contractor will need to take a proactive approach, working closely with estates managers to agree a comprehensive logistics plan outlining how the site will be set up and managed. Every hospital site is unique and will bring its own set of challenges as evidenced by recent projects we have delivered. In Stockport, Greater Manchester, we completed a groundworks solution for a new modular facility within three weeks. This structure was located on existing parking bays at the side of a road and adjacent to an accident and emergency (A&E) department. Prior to beginning the groundworks, we worked with the hospital to devise a pedestrian and traffic management system so that patients, visitors and staff were directed along a safe route away from the construction area. Deliveries and vehicle movements were carefully sequenced to prevent the road from being

blocked, with only one vehicle permitted to visit the site at any one time. Our team also worked longer shifts and at weekends to deliver the groundworks within the tight timescales. A similar approach was adopted in Cambridge where a modular building was constructed between two existing buildings in the heart of the hospital’s complex. The highly-constrained space required stringent planning and sequencing to avoid any disruption to emergency services, including ambulance access to the A&E department. All deliveries were carefully coordinated, with suppliers redirected to the working area via the back of the hospital complex. We also had to ensure that a fire tender vehicle could access the site at all times in case of an emergency, which further restricted the team’s working area and the job sequencing, including contingency measures that had to be in place.

Partnership working The need to build more quickly and effectively is driving the use of modern methods of construction across the healthcare sector. With a growing number of hospitals seeking to create modular buildings, groundworks contractors have a broad

and crucial role to play in the process. A collaborative approach with the right level of planning, knowledge and research should result in a tailored groundworks

solution that establishes greater cost certainty and efficiencies for modular buildings of all sizes and complexities. 

www.shancocontracts.co.uk

HOUSING

LATEST REPORT REINFORCES IMPORTANCE OF GOOD VENTILATION IN HOMES John Moss, Sales Director of Home at EnviroVent, looks at how landlords are being encouraged to take a more proactive approach to condensation and mould growth, following the release of the housing ombudsman’s report on damp and mould.

t’s that time of year when landlords, both private and in social housing, are facing increasing numbers of complaints from residents when levels of relative humidity increase as the temperature outside drops, which can lead to condensation and mould growth in inadequately-ventilated properties. The housing ombudsman’s report has again raised the very important issue of what needs to be done about damp and mould growth. The report highlights very clearly that landlords should adopt a zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould interventions and work much more proactively to overcome any of these problems for residents. Landlords have long been aware how damp and mould are serious issues if left untreated and many housing associations and local authorities have taken proactive measures to address these. They recognise that these issues are often not caused by residents but there may be other issues which are contributing, for example, the property may have been upgraded with wall and loft insulation or fitted with more thermally-efficient windows and doors, without adequate consideration given to ventilation.

HOUSING The housing ombudsman’s report gives a series of recommendations about how landlords must tackle the issue of damp and mould. Most of these involve a much more proactive approach to actively manage any ventilation issues now or in the future. Working with our social housing landlords for over 20 years, we have helped them to introduce ventilation systems that are retrofitted into existing homes. Positive input ventilation (PIV) systems work by delivering clean, fresh, filtered air into the home from a central position. Systems, such as ATMOS, gently ventilate a property and dilute high levels of humidity so that condensation and mould cannot form. This also reduces the level of harmful household contaminants, thus improving indoor air quality and creating a healthy all-yearround living environment. This latest guidance supports the findings of the ‘Breaking the Mould – should landlords be doing more?’ report (2018) which challenged the traditional assumptions about mould in homes being directly linked to resident

behaviour. The study showed that key underlying causes of black mould, such as occupant density and changes to the building fabric, are beyond the control of residents. The study encouraged social landlords to work proactively to tackle damp and mould. There was found to be a strong correlation between household size and mould – due to more breathing, showering, clothes washing and cooking taking place – and effective ventilation systems are critical in controlling and removing this extra moisture. Social landlords are, therefore, being challenged to review their mould complaint procedures and to introduce better ventilation into buildings, as well as to improve training for staff to increase understanding of these issues throughout their organisations. A review of the Decent Homes Standard is still being undertaken by the Government, but the housing ombudsman’s report highlights the fact that ventilation needs to be given priority in the future. No one knows yet what the recommendations of the Decent Homes Review will be,

but it is likely that it could have greater focus on mitigating mould, condensation and wider indoor air pollution issues due to their risks to our health and wellbeing. It may also be recommended that continuous mechanical extract ventilation be used more widely in properties to maximise the health and wellbeing of occupants. The installation of the ventilation systems – for example, with the correct ducting – is just as important as the system itself. There are growing calls for trained ventilation installers to be recognised members of a Competent Person’s scheme.

This would be something that we would be very much in favour of, to ensure that not only are energy-efficient, sustainable systems chosen but also that they work in the way they were designed to, through correct installation, for the benefit of all. Many landlords are already re-thinking their processes and taking a more proactive and preventative approach to improving ventilation across their housing stock and the housing ombudsman’s report on damp and mould should go a long way to raise awareness of this very real issue. 

www.envirovent.com

DOORS, WINDOWS & BALUSTRADES

UAP PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN HELPING DOOR MANUFACTURERS PASS THE TEST With more people working from home and staying in during the evening due to the pandemic, burglary figures have reduced over the past two years. But the downward trend is an anomaly. Expensive and portable tech, car keys, bank cards and even correspondence from which thieves can harvest data are all lucrative reasons for the criminal fraternity to keep developing techniques for breaking into others’ homes.

s things return to normal and the nights draw in for winter, we’re reminded that there are plenty who will take a risk on being caught for these rich pickings, often even audaciously breaking in while a property’s residents are at home in bed or watching TV. To help protect homeowners and tenants from this threat, the Government introduced Approved Document Q: Security, Dwellings in 2015; statutory Building Regulations guidance, which outlines the standards required for doors and windows in new properties to protect the occupier from the threat of burglary. To comply with Document Q, doors installed in new homes must pass PAS 24 testing, a rigorous testing process that requires the fully-finished door, including all hardware and locks, to withstand attempt to gain access. Barry Halpin, Sales Director at UAP, explains: “Mandatory testing is integral to product

development costs for door manufacturers and any door that does not pass first time must be re-tested until it meets the required standard. Consequently, any element of the door that does not pass, no matter what it might be, can cause the whole door to fail, incurring the costs associated with re-testing and delays in bringing the finished door to market. “UAP’s approach is to work in partnership with door manufacturers to provide a complete set of door hardware and the locking system, combining products that have already undergone substantial testing and quality assurance, to enable a first-time pass for newly-developed doors. We also ensure that the hardware we provide delivers a coordinated aesthetic, aligned to the design of the door and provide full technical support and guidance during production selection, installation and throughout the testing process.”

Multiple tests One of the UK door manufacturers that has benefitted from this approach is PDS Doorsets, a specialist in composite doors and fire doors for residential properties. UAP supports PDS’ R&D and testing regimes by providing complete sets of hardware as test samples, including Fullex multipoint locks TS008 Soterian letterplates, Duo door handles and Kinetica 3-star cylinders. For fire door products, UAP provides locks and hardware from its Firemongery range of fire safety products, which have already been thoroughly tested and certified for firerated installations. Ben Davies, Testing Compliance Manager at PDS, comments: “The hardware elements installed in a door are often the most vulnerable points for burglars seeking to gain access. While the lock is the obvious focus for

security, the letterplate and other fixtures could also be a potential weakness if the products are not welldesigned, manufactured to a high standard, compliant and installed properly. “When we work with UAP, we are dealing with a company that has worked in the sector for 25 years and is constantly investing in new product development, so we know we can trust them to offer us the right combination of security, fire safety and aesthetics for each door we need to test. PAS 24 involves destructive testing, so having a partner that will provide us with enough complete sets of samples to put the required number of doors through their paces to prove compliance is a big help. It also means we can be confident of avoiding spiralling costs and delays due to re-testing.” The PAS 24 testing process includes scrutiny of both robust door fabrication and the

DOORS, WINDOWS & BALUSTRADES hardware. The test procedures include a manipulation test, with attempts made to gain entry by the hardware being operated, released or disengaged, and a security hardware and cylinder test, which assesses the door furniture, hardware and cylinder’s resistance to manual attack. This testing process includes attempts to remove, dislodge or gain access to the cylinder, attempts to break or defeat the cylinder by applying a twisting or bending force and, should access to the internal workings of the cylinder be achieved, it also includes attempts to defeat the lock and gain access by operating any accessible mechanism. Testing on the door hardware also includes attempts to screw a self-cutting traction screw into any part of the exposed cylinder and then attempt to break and disable the cylinder by applying a nominally axial force to the screw, using a hooked-head attachment and torque gauge. The door furniture and cylinder also have to remain intact and firmly fixed in place during a series of loading and impact tests designed to ensure the door can withstand various forms of attack. Ben continues: “Before we submit any door for testing, we need to be confident that all the door hardware is compliant and robust enough to withstand

the test process, and that it is correctly installed to maximise performance. Not only are we confident that UAP will provide a full set of hardware to meet these requirements and complement the aesthetic of the door design, we also know that their products are developed for ease of installation and that their technical team is on hand to assist us in checking correct installation prior to testing, providing further assurance of a first-time pass.”

Fire safety UAP also provides products, support and guidance to door manufacturers in preparation for fire door testing, offering complete sets of hardware samples for the tests along with the company’s expertise. This includes UAP’s TS008compliant Soterian letterplates, the only TS008 letterplates with a Certifire certification, along with its Firemongery range of Document Q-compliant, firerated hardware. Barry continues: “The boom in multi-occupancy residential developments and student accommodation means there is an increasing demand for domestic fire doors, and our range is designed to prevent fire and smoke from spreading into individual dwellings from common areas, as well as the other way around.

“While Certifire-approved TS008 letterplates can be fitted to timber fire doors with no further testing, composite or steel fire doors must be tested as part of a complete door configuration prior to approval of the door’s fire rating, and this is another way in which we support door manufacturers to achieve rapid and costeffective approval for their products.” 

www.uapcorporate.com

LIGHTING & ELECTRICALS

Turn the mains supply back on and check that the luminaires are charging An annual full discharge test.

TIME TO BE ‘SELF’ CONSCIOUS While emergency lighting is a necessary element of the wiring systems of any public building, self-test units are not; yet they offer many advantages in respect of the building owner or operator’s duty of care. Scott Brewer, Head of Technical at Knightsbridge, reports.

mergency lighting systems are a statutory requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which places a duty of care on building owners of non-domestic premises to ensure the safety of everyone on the premises whether a resident, employee or visitor. The provision for emergency escape lighting – which shows the way out in the event of an electrical supply failure – is spelt out in Section 14.2 (h): “Emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.” What is not proscribed is the maintenance and inspection of these systems, despite the

fact that all emergency escape lighting systems should be regularly tested and properly maintained to an appropriate standard. Testing and maintenance is described in BS 5266-1: 2016 Code of Practice for Emergency Lighting. As implied by the title, the code is not mandatory yet compliance with it provides an automatic, ‘state-of-the-art’ defence in the case of problems with emergency escape lighting. Obviously, existing emergency systems can be manually tested but this is labour intensive and prone to omission or error. Furthermore, BS 5266-1: 2016 calls for a function test once a month and that an annual full-rated duration discharge is performed and logged

for all emergency lighting installations. Inevitably, the costs of employing an engineer to do this can be prohibitive. And it’s not just the cost of an engineer, but the hidden costs of downtime, loss of productivity and inconvenience to building users or staff. Thus, it is prudent now to source modern systems that have self-testing facilities that reduce routine checks to a minimum. Typically, a routine test would involve the following: Turn off the local supply Daily visual check of any central controls A monthly function test by operating the test facility (key switches) for a period sufficient to ensure that each emergency lamp illuminates

It is good practice to record all results in an emergency test schedule report. Emergency lighting fitted with self-testing control gear, which can perform some of these actions, is clearly beneficial. As the name implies, an emergency light fitted with self-testing control gear can carry out the mandatory tests in accordance with national legislation, then report back the results via LED indicators, and, in some cases, an audible alarm. Importantly, all faults will continue to be indicated until they are rectified. Therefore, the building owner or facilities manager now only has to check the LED status indicators and record the results on the test schedule. This results in a less labourintensive testing procedure, leading to lower costs, on the initial cost of installation (especially if you have a large complex building), as these also perform the required commissioning checks. In addition to the reduced labour required to perform monthly checks, self-test luminaires also have the added benefits of: Reducing human error in tests Instant fault indication Self-diagnosis identifies any component failure No more delays in testing, as it can be carried out within normal business hours. At Knightsbridge, our own self-test emergency lighting products offer the same all-important considerations of convenience, compliance, cost savings and ease of fault identification. It’s a comprehensive, LED-powered range, which is ideal for retail, commercial, industrial and HMO applications, and comprises a robust bulkhead unit, a contemporary downlight, highlumen twin spotlights and two lightweight exit signs. When it comes to emergency lighting, our range of self-test luminaires puts safety first, while requiring minimum manual intervention post installation, therefore, keeping costs down. 

www.mlaccessories.co.uk

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LEGAL & BUSINESS

CHANGES TO BENEFIT THE LOCAL PLAN PROCESS Following suggestions from ministers that the call for sites process could be changed, Mark Edgerley, Associate Director at Boyer (Colchester), discusses how this might be implemented.

ppearing before the House of Lords’ Built Environment Committee in November, the Housing Minister Christopher Pincher addressed the thorny issue of housing demand by stating that there are “some questions…about whether the call for sites system works particularly effectively and consistently” and concluded, “clearly that’s something that we will want to look at”. The current call for sites process is the point in the planning process at which local planning authorities encourage those wishing to promote land for development

to put sites forward for consideration. It occurs at an early stage in the creation of a new Local Plan. Boyer, and the land team at our parent company Leaders Romans Group, has considerable experience in guiding landowners and developers through this process and we agree that the status quo is not the most appropriate way to identify potential sites for future development. The process identifies land in an open manner that is open to all. However, there can be considerable disparity and inconsistency in the information submitted.

And there are other problems. Once sites are submitted and then published by the local planning authority, the level of speculation increases dramatically. This can raise hope value, create panic among local communities and, because of the large number of sites that come forward, can result in considerable work for already over-stretched planning departments. Additionally, the approach is piecemeal, resulting in local authorities having to deal with a larger number of sites than are actually needed – many of which can be unsuitable. There are changes that can be made to the existing system which could avoid these difficulties. The first concerns the point at which the call for sites appears in the Local Plan process: if this stage were to be undertaken once the strategic objectives of the Local Plan (i.e., the local authority’s broader objectives for future development) were established, it would better enable submissions to address their ability to deliver on the strategy. Secondly, the system would benefit from more consistency and transparency in the information sought. A

Mark Edgerley is Associate Director at Boyer (Colchester). In March 2020, Mark joined Boyer’s Colchester office as an Associate Director and uses his local authority experience to provide advice to a range of clients on projects across the east of England.

simple checklist to consider sites against the strategic objectives, would achieve this. It would also result in a more considered range of sites coming forward and cool panic in relation to unsuitable sites. Ultimately, these changes would speed up the planning process because they would result in fewer inappropriate sites coming forward. They would not only benefit local authorities: with a good understanding of the Local Plan’s strategic objectives, a landowner (or their advisor) is better placed to select land in a way that meets the local authority’s objectives and has a greater likelihood of success. The long-term impact of such a change would be more development taking place on larger sites – sites which are generally more efficient and offer numerous advantages to both local authorities and local communities: including Section 106 and CIL contributions, sustainable transport and provision for biodiversity net gain and ecological advantages. It’s a win-win solution which could significantly help in speeding up Local Plan preparation and, ultimately, tackling the housing crisis. 

www.boyerplanning.co.uk

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TALKING POINT

WHAT ARE THE SEVEN FACTORS FACING THE SOCIAL HOUSING SECTOR IN 2022? It is no secret that the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda will be one of the dominant themes for the built environment. And whilst the social housing sector has led the UK property industry in defining the ESG landscape, there is much registered providers will need to embrace this year. Winckworth Sherwood’s Charlie Proddow points to seven things social housing providers will need to consider in the year ahead.

1. Sustainable finance – affordable housing first Rishi Sunak at COP26 set out his vision for the UK to be the first “net-zero-aligned financial centre”. Financial institutions and investors will need to deploy capital in a way to help the UK meet its net-zero commitments. There are natural synergies between affordable housing and sustainable finance, but upcoming regulations will need careful consideration to avoid discussions about greenwashing. All social housing providers, their funders and asset managers will soon be required by law to make ‘sustainability disclosures’ at some level. They will need to understand changes to legislation in 2022.

These disclosures will be confirmations about their business and its impact on climate change and other sustainability issues. Any RP seeking funding will ultimately need to show that they are having a positive impact on the UK’s sustainability agenda in a measurable and quantifiable way.

2. ESG – governance in the spotlight The ‘G’ in ESG will be a new focus for senior executives throughout 2022. A series of consultations on the implementation of ‘E’, ‘S’ and ‘G’ will exercise minds as organisations work out how to implement, measure and report on ESG initiatives. It is

important for organisations to participate in this process, rather than rely solely on industry sector representative bodies, as the ESG system is designed to encourage bespoke ESG programmes for each organisation rather than treating ESG as another topdown accounting standard or the adoption of existing sector approved governance models. The challenge for housing associations will be to imbed organisational year-on-year ESG improvements through new vertical governance models. This includes the governance of joint ventures as well. In 2022, this will involve how governance issues will be scoped, adopted and reported to deliver environmental and

Charlie Proddow is a Partner in the Social Housing and Real Estate Team at Winckworth Sherwood.

social outcomes beyond financial sustainability compliance.

3. ESG – retrofitting and stock swaps Retrofitting housing stock is likely to prove expensive and challenging for many housing associations fuelling a wave of stock rationalisation programmes. Stock disposal and swap programmes have been largely driven by geographic considerations allowing housing associations to better manage homes, often as a result of mergers. That will undoubtedly continue in 2022. However, housing associations are facing significant costs in meeting building safety requirements and the

TALKING POINT looming decarbonisation agenda. Housing associations will have homes that are just too expensive to adapt and that will drive further rationalisation in the new year and beyond.

4. Building safety 2021 was another huge year for fire and building safety, with a raft of primary and secondary legislation being enacted or proposed, the most recent being further changes to the Building Regulations. Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, has promised to look at the issue of building safety with ‘fresh eyes’ in 2022. Indications are that he intends to be much tougher on the construction parties deemed responsible for cladding and external wall defects. Gove has just excluded Rydon Homes from the Help to Buy scheme and shot a warning across the bows of the wider industry stating that: “The development and construction industry should be in no doubt: I will continue to go after those who put lives at risk, are responsible for the building safety crisis and are failing to play their part in fixing it.” With that and the further passage of the Building Safety Bill, 2022 is bound to be an even bigger year for construction safety and regulation.”

5. Greater regulation of exempt accommodation Greater and tighter regulation is needed to protect vulnerable tenants in 2022. Exempt accommodation is often used to house those most vulnerable in society and with few alternative options – rough sleepers, prison leavers and those troubled by

substance abuse. As landlords provide care and support services, such accommodation can fall outside of the ‘normal’ housing benefit rules. This has seen this provision attract less scrupulous providers, often operating under long chains of leases or even rolling short-term leases. Whilst the regulator has now picked up on these issues, we would like to see the sector subject to greater and tighter regulation to ensure those who are at their most vulnerable receive the care and support they need. More widely, Government should in 2022 take steps to recognise the enormous contribution the assisted living, the care sector and the staff it employs has made (and especially over the past two years). It is a sector struggling to recruit and retain staff and steps need to be taken to address this.

6. New for-profit entrants in 2022 2022 will see new for-profit social housing providers enter the market. They will be a welcome addition offering new partnership opportunities. In November, we advised Optivo on its ground-breaking partnership with the for-profit provider Sage Housing. Sage will develop 420 homes across London and the South East with Optivo managing them. We are expecting new for-profit entrants into the market backed by major investors and with more partnership agreements to follow. They facilitate new homes and greater access to affordable homes, opening up new revenue streams for traditional providers that, in turn, will enable them to develop and deliver new homes.

7. Regulator’s Rent Policy Statement – rent caps removed The four-year policy requiring registered providers (RPs) to cap rent for their tenants finally expired in March 2020 in the depths of the pandemic leaving RPs the ability to return to raising rents at CPI plus 1%. But will they take advantage? Registered providers need to decide if they are to raise the yearly rent to offset the rising costs of retrofitting and building safety work, subsequently adding to the tenant’s cost of living crisis? With a background of reduced housebuilding and fewer surplus sales due to the pandemic, social housing providers are finding less in the coffers. Tenants are also struggling with the removal of coronavirus financial assistance, less universal credit, increased energy bills and now an unexpected rise in inflation to 5.2% pa. Early anecdotal evidence and announcements from the regulators suggest providers are reluctantly increasing rents, generating an additional £0.2bn surplus in the first year across the sector. However, as registered providers spend less on maintenance, capital investment in properties and major repairs, 2022 will be a balance between rent increases and cheap finance, with RPs borrowing a solid £15.1bn in the last financial year. How will this play out for all concerned if further lockdowns follow and bills keep rising remains to be seen? 

www.wslaw.co.uk

EDUCATION

THE FUTURE FACE OF FASHION London College of Fashion, part of University of the Arts London (UAL), is moving from six separate buildings currently spread across London to an inclusive and sustainable new, single site. Opening in autumn 2023, it will be one of the largest higher education buildings in an urban location to be BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and deploy natural ventilation.

ondon College of Fashion (LCF), UAL, leads the world in fashion business, media and design education, and has nurtured creative talent for over a century by offering courses in all things fashion. Its new home – set at the core of the vibrant East Bank regeneration – will sit among global cultural brands such as Sadler’s Wells, the BBC and V&A East. The landmark development will offer 36,000m² of inspirational space for learning with lecture theatres, studios, galleries and interactive showcase areas across 15 floors. This new building, which will be a hub for the future of fashion research, education and innovation, is the work of a design and delivery team including architect firm Allies and Morrison, cost consultant Gardiner & Theobald and construction project manager Mace. It will be capable of accommodating a variety of different uses and specialist zones, thanks to innovative, integrated solutions from global engineering consultancy Buro Happold.

Spearheading sustainability Buro Happold’s involvement in the new facility builds upon its impressive knowledge of the East London area, dating back to 2003 and its involvement in the masterplan for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and legacy planning.

BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification was something the university called for in the original design brief and was met with positivity by the client – London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). The university had recently demonstrated how to deliver a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ building at the Wimbledon College of Art and continues to be committed to its buildings being leading examples of sustainable design. “We knew from day one that this was the LLDC’s goal, so it was at the forefront of our minds at every stage of design,” says Damian Wines, Associate Director at Buro Happold. The close-knit project team worked together with end-users, LLDC and its partner London College of Fashion, UAL, to understand the use of each space within the facility over a typical 10-week term. By developing an energy model for the facility, the project team was able to create a servicing strategy that would benefit productivity and creativity for each user, while optimising energy consumption. Wines adds: “From our early discussions, we learnt that certain spaces, such as practical workshop areas, might be used less intensively early in the term but increase dramatically later on when assignments and deadlines are due. With the client’s commitment to sustainability clear from the outset, building management systems and lighting controls

EDUCATION were incorporated into the design to ensure demand-led energy savings were achieved. It’s made a significant difference and means we’re on track to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’.” For example, understanding how each space would be used was crucial to delivering on the client’s wish to pursue natural ventilation where possible. Extensive energy modelling and analysis ensured the team could optimise the building orientation and window placement to allow maximum passive ventilation and take advantage of natural lighting. This combination presented a challenge, however: allowing enough windows to be fitted for natural ventilation while preventing too much solar gain. Buro Happold carried out a glaze and glare analysis to find the optimal solution, as Wines explains: “The architect’s vision was to deliver a 21st-century workshop with a Victorian-style facade, which referenced 19thcentury mill buildings commonly seen in the UK’s industrial regions, including Stratford and surrounding areas, as a nod to its industrial heritage. “Similar style facades can still be seen today in Hackney Wick and Fish Island. These types of buildings often have a generous floor-to-ceiling height, which allows a lot of natural daylight. We were keen to capitalise on this, which is why we pursued a passive energy management system from the start of the project.”

The overall strategy means the building will achieve an impressive 39% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, well above and beyond the target stipulated under Part L of the Building Regulations for Stage 4 design. Over a 60-year lifecycle, embodied carbon will be reduced by 19%.

At the ‘Heart’ of learning Allies and Morrison’s vision included a central atrium and circulation space known as the ‘Heart’, which will offer open spaces for learning and social interaction. Buro Happold brought this to life by devising a concrete frame consisting of a system of columns and beams, separating the Heart from surrounding workshop spaces. This structure not only provides primary stability for the facility, but allows the surrounding areas to remain flexible for a range of services. One of the biggest challenges presented by the design was sound. “We knew how important it was to deliver a space that would support open-plan teaching and collaborative discussion, and that meant getting the level of acoustics absolutely right,” says Wines. Buro Happold’s acoustic engineers used extensive 3D ray-tracing modelling to demonstrate to the client and key stakeholders that a little background noise is beneficial, as this allows more private or oneto-one discussions to be masked.

Where necessary, however, sound-absorbing materials were employed to ensure speech between teachers and their clusters remains intelligible without becoming a distraction to others. “We visited a range of similar facilities to set the benchmarks we needed to develop the perfect acoustic space and built this into the model,“ adds Wines. “Then it was a case of adding the required acoustic elements into the design to control background noise.”

A lesson in collaboration Once complete, this new world-leading facility will host around 6500 students and staff. It will be the realisation of a building that wouldn’t have been possible without close collaboration

between the large project team, the client LLDC, its partners, stakeholders and the end-users. “Establishing clear channels for communication really did contribute to the success of the project. With so many different disciplines involved, from facade engineering to lighting design, having consistent points of contact was essential, and getting those in place really has paid off,” says Duncan Campbell, Buro Happold’s Discipline Lead for London Building Environments. London College of Fashion’s new building is due to open its doors in 2023 and will welcome top talent from around the world to study, teach and research fashion in one of the capital’s most up-and-coming areas. 

www.burohappold.com

RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGY

By installing ground source heat pumps, housing providers deliver the double benefit of reducing residents’ heating bills and cutting the carbon footprint of their stock.

What is a ground source heat pump?

REWARDING RETROFIT Kensa Heat Pumps talks to Public Sector Build Journal about the benefits of installing ground source heat pumps in existing housing stock.

he energy efficiency of homes needs to improve to reduce fuel poverty. More than 80% of homes will still be in use in 2050, but most homes are not energy efficient (71% of homes are EPC E, F or G1) and this can lead to fuel poverty. The need to decarbonise is not directly connected to the need to resolve social deprivation, and the causes of fuel poverty are not

the same as the causes of global warming. However, there is strong overlap and the potential for ‘joinedup thinking’ in bringing solutions. Housing providers and local authorities are driven to provide quality and affordable-to-run housing. Eliminating the carbon emissions from an existing building will leave it more comfortable and more cost effective to run.

A ground source heat pump is a renewable heating system that can keep tenants comfortably warm all year round by utilising solar energy stored in the ground to provide a building with 100% of its heating and hot water. The technology is highly efficient, delivering 3 to 4kW of renewable energy for every 1kW of electrical power it consumes. Heating bills can be cut by typically 30 to 50% when switching from night storage heaters to ground source, relieving tenants of the ‘heat or eat’ ultimatum. And, ground source heat pumps emit no emissions, so offer a low-cost, low-carbon replacement for combustion fossil fuel systems, helping housing providers to deliver on climate emergency declarations. The Government recognises the vital role heat pumps will play in helping the UK hit its net-zero target and is aiming to achieve an uplift to 600,000 installations per year.

Why are heat pumps ideal for social housing? Multiple ground source heat pumps can be connected to shared ground-loop arrays – underground pipework that extracts and circulates heat energy – to deliver renewable heating to large shared residences, linking communities together. This ‘networked’ heat pump solution is infinitely flexible and scalable. Close-knit social housing communities can use shared ground-loop array systems for quicker installations and reduced groundwork costs by sharing smaller numbers of deeper boreholes to extract the heat energy. With an individual ground source heat pump installed into every home, each household has independent energy bills, heating and hot water. Residents are free to choose their own energy provider to get the best price. The decentralised approach prevents issues such as heat loss through the distribution pipework and overheating – a common problem for traditional residential district heating systems. Landlords and tenants will appreciate the minimal maintenance, lack of annual servicing requirements and 20-year longevity of the heat pump. This ensures that whole-life ownership costs and disruptions are very low. By providing resilience against rising fuel prices and energy security, housing providers can prevent future fuel poverty in homes. In conclusion, ground source heat pumps give tenants the lowest heating and hot water costs and the highest levels of energy efficiency. A lot of housing stock will require upgrading, regardless of which type of low-carbon heating is adopted in the future. Networked ground source heat pumps tackle both fuel poverty and climate change like no other communal heating system. 

www.thekensagroup.com https://www.ons.gov.uk/ peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/energy efficiencyofhousinginenglandandwales/2020-09-23ener gyefficiencyofhousinginenglandandwales/2020-09-23 1

BIM

HOW DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES ARE HELPING TO DELIVER A BETTER BUILT ENVIRONMENT As the uptake of digital technology within the construction sector gathers pace, built environment professionals are becoming aware of the benefits digital strategies can bring. David Bain, Research Manager at NBS, looks at how digital technologies improve building standards and which areas are moving the needle in terms of safety and sustainability, using NBS’s recent Digital Construction Survey.

here’s no doubt that we’ve seen a dramatic transformation from the construction industry regarding its perception of digital adoption. Outside influences, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have pushed the sector out of its comfort zone, forcing it to adopt to new working practices. Further pressures are leading to further change, such as new Building Safety Regulations requiring improved levels of accuracy, reporting and compliance. The recent COP26 event has also moved sustainability in construction even further up the priority list. These are all areas in need of urgent focus, and a robust digital strategy can offer practical support in addressing priorities such as building standards and reducing carbon emissions.

Going for gold Whilst there are many forms and functions when we refer to digital technology, be it BIM, specification platforms or project management tools, each represents a wider step in achieving the ‘golden thread of information’. This term became part of the industry’s parlance following Dame Judith Hackitt‘s ‘Building a Safer Future’ report – an Independent Review

of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. In this seismic document, the message was hammered home; if building standards are to improve, then a traceable and trackable digital record of the entire decision-making process will need to be implemented. Only then can it achieve the transparency the sector so greatly needs. What’s promising to see is that, since the concept first gained widespread attention back in 2018, the message is being heard loud and clear. Of the 900 respondents who took part in NBS’ Digital Construction Survey (previously known as the NBS BIM Survey), 78% agreed that they ‘need to be working digitally to play their part in realising the golden thread of information’. Yet, there still appears to be a sticking point as only half were clear on how they will make this happen.

Digital technology: raising the bar Digital technologies and ways of working are helping to create better buildings and places, with 80% agreeing with this sentiment, and three quarters felt ‘it was having a positive impact on environmental sustainability’, and 74% ‘helping to create a safer built environment’.

One practical improvement is the use of detailed construction product data and BIM/digital objects. For architects involved in designing the buildings of the future, having the right information at their fingertips is crucial to making the most informed decisions possible. Eight out of 10 architects wanted manufacturers to provide them with BIM/digital objects, and, pleasingly, around 80% of manufacturers are doing this for some products. By doing so, architects and specifiers can feel confident that the products they are using are the safest and most sustainable – and it all starts with data. By

providing architects with the right digital information, it brings us one step closer to achieving the golden thread, that is, creating a digital record of the entire decision-making process from beginning to end.

Cloud computing and BIM The move to hybrid working has also impacted attitudes to the future of work, and is also shaping the direction of digital technologies. A significant proportion of the sector (58%) reported that they expect to split their time between home, and office, factory or site over the next five years. The

BIM implications are clear, that cloud computing will continue to be an essential part of this shift – in fact, three quarters (77%) already work in this way. A further uptake of BIM will also help continue this trend. With 71% of respondents already using BIM, it’s clear it remains an integral part of people’s working process, with a quarter of respondents (25%) intending to adopt it in within the next five years. Whilst BIM is a process rather than a technology, some respondents commented on how it could be deployed to the best advantage when combined with the use of clash detection software

to identify mistakes amongst components before works begins on site. Often overlooked, BIM for use in the operational phase is also helping to deliver high-impact, net-zero carbon targets.

The future is just beginning Although construction appears to be on the right track in terms of digital adoption, it still lags behind other industries in terms of digital capabilities. Yet, momentum is building, laying the path for further advancements which are set to improve the quality of builds and lower carbon emissions.

The standardisation of the construction industry, for example through modern methods of construction (MMC), is set to be a game changer. In fact, in the past 12 months, half of respondents reported that they had worked on an offsite project and with strong Government backing, this is only set to increase. Alongside this, technology, such as apps, that can assist in the quality assurance of products before they leave a factory as well as tech that can help with material recycling and waste disposal is set to dominate. A further focus on tech that can collect, store and analyse data will also be a key theme moving forward as the industry’s hunger for ‘big data’ grows. The increased use of digital twins will also enable easy access to essential building information, improving construction times by using previous data and knowledge to build more safely and efficiently. Yet currently, digital twin adoption remains relatively slow, with only 16% having worked on a project that used a digital twin in the past year. Technologies that once seemed better suited to science fiction are now being realised, becoming

a part of day-to-day operations and will continue to evolve in the coming years. NBS found that over a third of respondents already use immersive techs such as VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) and half (50%) plan to within the next five years.

Continue the momentum With so much to offer, it’s clear why digital technology is becoming the ‘go-to’ for the construction industry. We’ve seen in Government mandates that this ‘digital first’ approach is being fully supported. Initiatives, such as the Government-backed Construction Playbook, encourage the use of MMC and a total uptake of the UK BIM framework. It’s currently an exciting time for the sector, which feels on the precipice of significant change. We now need to build on that momentum and continue transforming the future of building safety and sustainability through digital means. By doing so, we’re futureproofing not just occupant health and safety but the broader environmental issues we currently face. 

www.thenbs.com

TECHNICAL FOCUS

INCORRECT U-VALUE CALCULATIONS JEOPARDISE OUR FUTURE Incorrect U-value calculation is a big problem for the industry. To provide insight as to what can be done, James Wilkinson, Design Team Manager at flat and tapered roof insulation specialist Gradient, argues why accurate and compliant U-value calculations matter, highlighting to specifiers the need to ensure they have not been mis-sold and are providing their clients with the thermal performance they require.

-values are vital. Not only do they determine the anticipated thermal efficiency of a building’s fabric, they are a must for new-build and refurbishment projects. U-values reveal whether a property has met regulation energy standards. But why are the calculations executed so carelessly? Calculations should and must be done in strict accordance and conformance to standards and regulations. Frustratingly, at present, the calculations are frequently carried out with little regard of the importance of compliance. This disregard is deeply worrying, placing homeowners

at risk and causing the increase of CO2 emissions – quite the opposite of what is intended.

Meeting U-value requirements U-values measure the transfer of heat through a structure. They feed into a building’s overall performance alongside Psi-values and renewable technologies, such as heat pumps and solar panels. The lower a U-value is, the more thermally efficient the buildup is – meaning the more cost effective homes are to heat. There are, however, high levels of inaccuracy that exist in U-values used in Building

Regulations submissions. This hefty issue is having a negative impact on compliance and the energy efficiency of the building, putting homeowners in difficult positions and increasing CO2 emissions. When it comes to achieving required U-values for domestic new-build projects, it’s a requirement to discuss the stipulated outcome with an energy consultant who can give advice based on the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). With this methodology, the thermal ratings of walls, floors, roofs, junction details and any renewable technologies are put into a metaphorical mix,

the performance of which will hopefully correspond with, or exceed, the required regulations for the building. These elements can be changed, as long as the property achieves the required dwelling performance. The alternative to carrying out the SAP assessment is to work on the notional dwelling specification, which has to be followed as a minimum to achieve a pass. Working to backstop values only, however, will result in failure. The SAP assessment is quite complex, as it allows for a compensatory approach to the elements involved. For example, if a designer is struggling to hit a U-value target due to height issues with a roof, the performance deficit can be made up by installing additional insulation in areas such as walls and floors. With new builds, therefore, adjustments to U-value outcomes can tip the balance in favour of achieving the required performance targets. For commercial properties, Simplified Building Energy Modelling (SBEM) is the approved national calculation methodology used to highlight

TECHNICAL FOCUS their energy efficiency. With the SBEM process, a property’s overall U-value compliance is determined by the thermal outcomes of individual elements such as walls, floors, pitched and flat roofs. A property’s size, location, model, shape and construction are also taken into account as part of the calculation.

The value of selecting Polyisocyanurate (PIR) panels for a building’s fabric Poorly-insulated building fabric is a major contributor to domestic energy wastage and buildings falling short of U-value requirements. To help combat this, the construction industry is increasingly turning to Polyisocyanurate (PIR) panels, rather than mineral fibre-based insulation. There are numerous benefits associated with PIR insulation. Its closed-cell structure means it doesn’t absorb water, allowing the thermal performance and reliability of the product to be retained over time. With lambda values as low as 0.022 W/mK, PIR provides excellent performance. This, coupled with its slim

composition, means it requires less space to achieve the same U-value as other insulation materials. This is of particular benefit to housebuilders looking to maximise interior living space in multi-property developments with limited plot size. Unlike fibrous insulation, which deteriorates over time when damp sets in, PIR insulation’s structural strength enables a consistent performance that will last, negating costly repairs and maintaining its thermal qualities. PIR insulation is also renowned for its adaptability. It is the ideal solution for a range of applications, such as floors, walls, pitched and flat roofing.

Expert and trusted U-value calculations Efficiency is at the forefront of people’s minds when buying anything from a fridge or TV to a car. This was born out perfectly in the ‘diesel-gate’ scandal, where thousands of car owners discovered their vehicles were not giving the level of MPG efficiency they were promised. Why should the built environment be any different? How can you be sure

that your home is as energy efficient as it was designed to be? You may keep a car for 10 years but a house will stand for far longer. One of the best ways to start is to ensure your thermal envelope has been designed correctly and the calculations involved are performed by a competent person in the correct manner. The methodology which should be used is outlined in BS EN ISO 6946:2017. In 1997, this guidance was expanded to include how tapered insulation should be calculated. This is now known as ‘Annex E’ calculations. To achieve a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K requires specifying a tapered roof system that is based on the thermal resistance and thickness each of each of its components, for example, the deck, air and vapour control layer (AVCL), insulation and waterproofing. A condensation risk analysis may also be provided. Only calculations done to Annex E methodology for tapered roofs are accurate and compliant. U-value calculations, using the average thickness of insulation only, will give wildly inaccurate and non-compliant results.

Designing the tapered insulation scheme to the target U-value is one thing, but achieving it requires the highest levels of workmanship. Once installed, if there are gaps in the insulation due to poor installation or an element, such as an AVCL, is omitted, the desired thermal performance or vapour resistance will not be met and the building will fall short of its as-designed proposal. When it comes to engaging with a specialist to carry out U-value calculations, it’s important to employ one that uses the Annex E method. However, regardless of the expert you choose, it’s imperative that the information given is accurate. If not, a rebuild could well be required, and roof refurbishment can be extremely costly. Furthermore, incorrect U-value calculations will compromise a roof, and the overall building’s, thermal performance. Ultimately, this will have a negative impact on the environment, with the increase in CO2 potentially thwarting the UK Government’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 

www.gradientuk.com

FUTUREBUILD PREVIEW

FUTUREBUILD 1ST-3RD MARCH 2022

NET-ZERO PIONEER FUTUREBUILD RETURNS FOR 2022 Futurebuild, the event that has championed a sustainable built environment for the past 16 years, has opened registrations. Taking place from 1st to 3rd March 2022, at the ExCeL, London, the event will connect specifiers, decision makers and disruptors with major brands and startups from across the built environment.

f there is one message that is loud and clear from the global climate emergency, it’s that we cannot go on as we are. The recently-announced UK Government ‘Net Zero Strategy; Build Back Greener’ and the recently-concluded COP26 conference emphasise the importance of taking action now to keep global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Futurebuild, previously Ecobuild, will be perfectly timed to focus on these key issues and the actions needed. The focus is no longer about ambition – it is about delivery. As the only event to attract 20,000+ senior professionals from right across the built environment, Futurebuild is the perfect opportunity for the industry to meet and collaborate together, to achieve the transformational change needed if the built environment is going to reach net zero.

As the home of innovation, Futurebuild 2022 will be organised into six sections – Buildings, Offsite, Interiors, Resourceful Materials, Energy and Critical Infrastructure. The curated event will showcase over 250 leading brands, the companies who are developing the most innovative technologies, products and solutions. Visitors can participate in the innovation trail, which highlights the event’s innovation partners. The winners of the Big Innovation Pitch, a competition that celebrates new approaches to the biggest challenges facing the industry, will also be announced during the event. “Now, it is more important than ever to meet in person and do business face to face because our exhibitors and attendees are all working towards a common goal – achieving net zero,” explains Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild. “To ensure we can deliver a sustainable future, we’ve curated an event

www.futurebuild.co.uk

that cultivates cross-sector collaboration, addresses key industry issues and inspires transformational change.” The event will also feature six spotlights: Digital Impact in partnership with Glider, Whole House Retrofit in partnership with the Retrofit Academy, Circular Materials in partnership with 540 World, District Energy in partnership with UKDEA, Future Installer in partnership with MCS and Intelligent Buildings in partnership with KNX. These spotlights will include a mixture of presentations, discussions and practical demonstrations that will cover the fundamental issues facing the built environment. Visitors can also attend Futurebuild’s renowned knowledge programme, which includes a conference programme sponsored by Construction Innovation Hub that will explore ambition towards net zero on a macro-level, as well as two keynote stages. Each keynote stage session will be delivered by industry-leading partners and associations, such as the RIBA, Passivhaus Trust, MCS, BEIS, MPBA, ASBP, Good Homes Alliance, The Concrete Centre and many more. For those interested in visiting Futurebuild 2022 and exploring the most innovative products and solutions in the built environment, you can register for your place via the website below.

01 - 03 March 2022 ExCeL, London

The future of the built environment Join us at Futurebuild 2022 Futurebuild is the home of innovation and the essential platform connecting specifiers, decision makers and disruptors in architectural technology with major brands and start-ups from across the built environment.

www.futurebuild.co.uk

The curated exhibition alongside the world class knowledge programme will inspire the change needed to propel the construction industry to net-zero. Now is the time for you to act, join your industry by registering today.

ROOFING, CLADDING FOCUS DOORS & INNOVATION & WINDOWS & INSULATION

IMPROVING THE TRACEABILITY OF WINDOWS AND DOORS Adrian Pavey, Commercial Director at Nationwide Windows and Doors, discusses how new technology can help improve the safety of fire doors. In recent years, there have been many things which have changed the way we manufacture and install products in the construction industry. Environmental and safety standards are constantly changing, meaning we have to be agile in the way we make our products in order to adapt. It means that we have to change not only the way we make windows and doors, but also how the processes we create help us, as an industry, improve our practices to meet the correct regulations. The Grenfell tragedy highlighted the shocking lack of accountability and traceability that was previously seen in the construction supply chain. There is now a greater responsibility for manufacturers, construction companies and installers to meet the stringent regulations to keep everyone safe. There are so many different components that go into the production of windows and doors which can determine how effective they perform. The glass, the hardware and even the installation, all contribute to the overall performance of the final product, and combining all these things into one product can cause complications. This is why it is so important for there to be complete transparency across the entire supply chain to ensure that everyone contributing to a window or door meets the appropriate standards. With this in mind, we have developed Fingerprint – an app which provides complete traceability of windows and doors throughout the entire lifetime of the product. This is an app that will revolutionise the way in which construction firms operate. By simply scanning a QR code on the product, you are able to see all the certificates and standards it meets, making it easier to see if the product is as safe as possible. This doesn’t just stop at installation though. The app will let users know exactly when it’s time to replace certain parts of the window to help you in the maintenance stage of the product.

This level of traceability is especially important with fire doors. As fire doors are a legal requirement in most buildings, Fingerprint is the perfect solution for those working in public sector construction, to ensure that they’re meeting best practice and building the safest environments possible. There is such a huge importance on each fire door component, and everything needs to meet the right standards and be installed properly. Fingerprint is a great way of holding this to account and allows you to monitor windows and doors from manufacture all the way through to installation and aftercare, to ensure that there are no situations where something isn’t manufactured or installed properly. Fingerprint is the perfect example of how, at Nationwide, we are embracing technology and improving communities by making windows and doors smart, helping to improve the construction industry as a whole and ensuring we all contribute to making the safest products and buildings possible.

www.nwd.co.uk 01788 224466 enquiries@nwd.co.uk

SHELFORCE LOOKING TO INCREASE FIRE DOOR MANUFACTURING CAPACITY Birmingham window and door manufacturer Shelforce is looking to increase its capacity to cope with the demand for its Fireshel 30-minute fire-resistant door. After launching the Fireshel into the market in 2020, sales of the door exceeded expectations last year for local authority projects in Birmingham. From a standing start, Shelforce was manufacturing 70 fire doors a week from its headquarters in Erdington – and now projections for 2022 mean the company is set to be even busier this year.

FOCUS DOORS & INNOVATION & WINDOWS

Howard Trotter, Business Manager at Shelforce, proud winner of four awards last year, including the 2021 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Business of the Year, said: “With the projects we have booked in this year, plus the enquiries we are getting, we will have to increase our production capacity to cope. “With almost 35,000 fire doors to replace in Birmingham, demand is set to remain both high and constant for local authority projects both this year and into the future.” The Fireshel provides the perfect solution for local authorities who need fully EN-tested, third party-accredited replacement fire doorsets, which are compliant with the latest 2020 MHCLG Annex A recommendations. Fire- and smoke-tested from both the inside and outside and PAS 024 Security tested, the doorset – complete with fanlight glazing panel – achieved 49 minutes of fire resistance when EN1634-1 tested. The Fireshel offers the end-user assurance that all the components used in its manufacture have been tested and approved against the new 2020 Q Mark Fire and Security Composite Door Set requirements. “The reason we launched the Fireshel was to set the standard for local authorities when it comes to fire doors, as it ticks every single fire, smoke and security box,” added Howard. “We have always prided ourselves on providing products that allow our citizens and communities to enjoy a safe and comfortable environment.”

www.shelforce.com 0121 603 5262 shelforcesales@birmingham.gov.uk

Speciﬁed A fully permeable and durable resin bound surfacing, brought to Hayling Island using SureSet’s 6mm Winter Gold.

For more information, please contact SureSet:

0800 612 2083

www.sureset.co.uk

mail@sureset.co.uk 37

ROOFING, CLADDING FOCUS & INNOVATION HVAC & INSULATION

IDEAL HEATING LAUNCHES POD – A HEATING INTERFACE UNIT DESIGNED TO SUPPORT THE UK’S ROLLOUT OF HEAT NETWORKS A leading UK manufacturer of commercial heating solutions, Ideal Heating, has announced the launch of a new heat interface unit (HIU) designed to support the growth of energy-efficient heat networks in the UK. POD is a heat interface unit, designed for use in centralised heat networks, which are forecast to meet around 20% of the demand for heating and hot water in buildings by 2050. Heat networks can be as large as a whole city or as small as a block of flats and offer the opportunity for increased efficiency and reduced emissions by generating thermal energy collectively. They can be powered by a range of heat sources such as gas boilers, heat pumps, combined heat and power (CHP) engines, biomass or waste heat from industrial or commercial processes. The POD HIU provides a flexible solution for new-build homes, social housing and retrofitting legacy housing stock, because there is no need for flue routes or gas connections to individual properties and the building fabric can usually remain largely unchanged.

POD transfers the thermal energy from the heat network to the heating and hot water systems in dwellings and has a compact, space-saving design.

The unit comes in two models: POD Indirect is a twin-plate appliance to provide complete separation from the heat network for both heating and hot water. Available in nominal hot water outputs of 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70kW, with 5kW for heating. POD Direct is a single-plate appliance, enabling heat from the network directly into the heating system of a dwelling. Hot water is provided indirectly in nominal outputs of 30, 40, 50 and 60kW. Darren Finley, Chief Commercial Officer of Commercial Products at Ideal Heating, says: “With gas boilers in new-build homes

banned from 2025, forwardthinking developers are looking for energy-efficient alternatives. POD can be used in large district networks, which may cover several connected buildings, or smaller community networks, which may only incorporate a single multi-occupancy building. “They are easy to maintain and service, and heat networks can realise lower emissions, greater efficiency and, therefore, lower bills, effectively futureproofing a development for both those running and inhabiting it.” Heat networks are energy agnostic, so are not reliant on traditional fuel types, and will be an important element in the range of efficient heating solutions we’ll need to employ to achieve net zero. POD gives end-users more control over their comfort and energy use than if they were

Darren Finley is Chief Commercial Officer of Commercial Products at Ideal Heating

connected directly to a heat network, is easy to use, efficient, compact and low maintenance. For the developer or landlord, POD and a heat network provide a means to meet carbon-reduction targets, integrate renewable energy sources and, therefore, achieve better SAP and SBEM ratings. Ideal Heating considered the needs of contractors and installers at every stage of the product development, prioritising ease of install and servicing. POD is compatible with Ideal Heating’s Halo Lite smart thermostat, with an easy and intuitive design featuring a backlit colour screen with large text and icons, and simple dial and button controls.

www.idealcommercialboilers.com 01482 498376

CONTOUR SET TO LAUNCH ALL-NEW SAFE HEATING PRODUCT BROCHURE Midlands-based supplier of safe heating products, Contour Heating, is set to launch a brand-new brochure that will provide customers with a range of new options in 2022.

DOMUS VENTILATION ADDS TWO NEW CIBSE-ACCREDITED RESIDENTIAL VENTILATION CPD COURSES Following the release of its newly-updated and revised CPD CIBSEaccredited course on ‘Residential Ventilation Principles and Building Regulations’ last year, Domus Ventilation has launched two further complimentary courses: ‘MVHR Design & Best Practice’ and ‘Pre Planning Conditions & Ventilation’.

FOCUS & INNOVATION HVAC

With over 100 pages of the latest low surface temperature and anti-ligature heating products, Contour’s aim is to continue providing quality products for safer heating environments. Manufactured in the UK from 1.5mm steel, Contour’s radiator guards come in a range of standard sizes, while bespoke options can also be designed to suit a variety of needs. Working in close partnership with M&E consultants, healthcare design consultants, contractors and the like, the product range includes a comprehensive selection of low surface temperature and anti-ligature radiators and covers to help improve safety and hygiene standards in a range of settings. On top of this, Contour is also launching two brand-new product ranges for 2022, both of which provide additional safe heating solutions for use in public spaces, educational environments and more. These include: Covora Lite: a cost-effective, low surface temperature radiator solution. Manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal, it has a much faster lead time than other products on the market. Sovereign: a sleek and functional low surface temperature radiator available as a freestanding heater or bench, ideal for public spaces.

www.contourheating.co.uk 01952 290498 sales@contourheating.co.uk

‘MVHR Ventilation Design & Best Practice’ takes an in-depth look at how to design an MVHR system and best practice based on real-world ‘dos and don’ts’ examples. This detailed course covers airflow rates for different types of properties; sizing and selecting of ductwork; how to ensure the correct MVHR unit size is used and where to site it; minimising noise; and the importance of good system design for energy efficiency. Installation and commissioning are also addressed. The course includes a range of MVHR system drawings to help illustrate best practice, along with common mistakes to avoid. ‘Pre Planning Conditions & Ventilation’ focuses on ventilation strategies, why they are important and how to achieve planning compliance, as well as providing the best indoor air quality for occupants. It looks at ventilation in relation to Approved Document F (Ventilation), the new revision of Part F due this year, Part L1A, SAP Assessments and the Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide. Two real-world case studies are covered in-depth to illustrate how ventilation system design can be adapted early on in the build process to meet planning conditions. These two new CIBSE-accredited CPD courses join the existing Domus Ventilation ‘Residential Ventilation Principles and Building Regulations’ course, which looks at the importance of ventilation in the residential new build industry, and lays clear the considerable changes to Part F – Ventilation of the Building Regulations.

www.domusventilation.co.uk 03443 715523 megan.bennett@domusventilation.co.uk

ROOFING, CLADDING FOCUS & INNOVATION & INSULATION

THE PERFORMANCE FLOOR OF CHOICE FOR EDUCATION Harlequin is one of world’s leading authorities on the design, manufacture, supply and installation of performance floors, mirrors and ballet barres for the performing arts.

The Harlequin product range has been carefully researched and designed in collaboration with dancers, biomechanics experts and sports scientists. Safe performance is at the heart of everything it does. As a global brand with over 45 years’ experience in the performing arts, Harlequin is trusted by the world’s leading dance companies, dance professionals, architects and building contractors. Harlequin provides a turnkey solution for all education dance studio requirements with offices in Europe, the Americas and Asia. All products are referenced on RIBA NBS Source. Harlequin Activity is Harlequin’s leading sprung floor for dance in education. A ‘fully-floating’ sprung floor system without fixings to the subfloor, it features Harlequin’s proprietary ‘triple sandwich’ construction method. Harlequin Activity provides shock-dampening to avoid a ‘trampoline’ effect, plus area elasticity to ensure identical characteristics across the whole floor, offering better protection from injuries for both teachers and performers. The educator’s choice of vinyl performance top surface with Harlequin Activity is Harlequin Cascade with BioCote. Harlequin Cascade is the ultimate heavy-duty vinyl dance floor, with mineral fibre reinforcement for stability and durability. Harlequin has now produced a new, improved Cascade with BioCote antimicrobial protection. It is the Harlequin Cascade that you know and love but with an added ingredient with proven antibacterial properties that helps keep the floor hygienically clean, so reducing the risk of cross contamination by working constantly to reduce the presence of microbes on the surface of the flooring.

www.harlequinfloors.com 01892 514888 dancing@harlequinfloors.com

HYGIENE’S IN HAND WITH KNIGHTSBRIDGE ANTI-BACTERIAL ACCESSORIES At a time when there’s enhanced awareness of personal and environmental hygiene, whether in the home or in the workplace, it’s reassuring to know that the moulded range of products from Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wiring devices, accessories and lighting – possesses inherent anti-bacterial properties that can help in the fight against disease and infection. The Knightsbridge moulded range is produced using Urea Formaldehyde, a high-grade thermoset material, which has properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria. In addition, Knightsbridge’s precision manufacturing methods result in fine, scratch-free faces – avoiding dirt traps in which harmful microscopic organisms might lodge.

www.mlaccessories.co.uk

01582 887760

MARMOX THERMOBLOCK TO FIGHT COLD BRIDGING AT FUTUREBUILD 2022 Fully in step with the sustainable construction goals of Futurebuild, Marmox will be exhibiting its well-proven and versatile Thermoblocks on stand K10 from 1st to 3rd March. The easy-to-install product is widely used to tackle the issue of cold bridging around the floor/wall junction at the base of perimeter and internal walls, beneath both masonry and timber frame constructions, while it also finds applications at intermediate floor levels, beneath parapet walls and even in the construction of swimming pool surrounds. Marmox’s technical sales team will be on hand to explain how specifying Thermoblocks can avoid having to adopt the punishing default value under SAP and, therefore, help achieve Part L compliance in a practical and economic manner.

www.marmox.co.uk

01634 835290

sales@marmox.co.uk

DEANESTOR WINS 12TH FIT-OUT CONTRACT FOR MORRISON Morrison Construction has awarded a £1.8m furniture and fit-out contract to Deanestor for a new £60m multischool campus in West Lothian. The project is Deanestor’s 12th contract for Morrison. Deanestor will fit-out over 340 rooms across the campus, manufacturing bespoke furniture in a light maple wood finish. The contract includes the provision of over 300 base cabinets, 940m of white laminate worktops, over 1km of adjustable shelving, 16 teaching walls, 215 resource storage units, as well as write-on teaching aids, shoebox storage units and wall cupboards.

www.deanestor.co.uk/education 01623 420041 enquiries@deanestor.com

NEW STONE FINISHES FOR HÖRMANN SECURITY BOLLARDS The extensive range of fixed and automatic security bollards supplied by Hörmann UK has been enhanced with the introduction of new stone finishes, providing designers with the opportunity to creatively integrate hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) security equipment with existing street scenes. For bollards of 275mm in diameter, with heights of 600 or 800mm, three granite finishes have been launched – two rough and one polished, with other stone surfaces available on request. Hörmann has also developed the capability to create custom-made finishes. In a recent installation, Hörmann worked in close collaboration with the city of Milan authorities, with customised bollards specified to replace the old, fixed concrete barriers at the entrance to the city center. This included the installation of matching automatic, retractable bollards, providing access for emergency and other authorised vehicles. Designed to complement the appearance of the existing surfaces and buildings, Hörmann security bollards were supplied featuring a cladding of light stone. In addition, an individuallyengraved top plate was produced showing a map of the city centre.

www.hormann.co.uk

FOCUS & INNOVATION

TNI ROOFING SYSTEMS BRIDGE THE GAP Flat roof waterproofing systems by TN International (TNi) were specified for a primary school refurbishment because they excelled in two key areas – technical support and value for money. TNi’s Börner Hybrid Warm Roof System, including LogicPIR insulation, was used on the reroof of North Leigh Church of England Primary School Academy in Witney, Oxfordshire, during the summer term (2021). Specialist sub-contractor and TNi-approved roofing contractor Midland Felt Roofing was on site for 10 weeks, installing the TN30 Hybrid System incorporating Safe2Torch detailing, while the 190-pupil academy, a member of the Oxfordshire Diocesan Schools Trust, was operational during the works. At North Leigh school, a total of 400m2 of TNi’s high-performance bituminous waterproofing was installed. The specification also called for the existing insulation to be upgraded with TNi LogicPIR insulation to comply with current U-values and for the existing fragile rooflights to be replaced with new TNi rooflights which conform to the latest standards and regulations.

01786 451170

www.tnroofingsystems.com info@tnroofingsystems.com

01530 516868

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FOCUS & INNOVATION

£92M STUDENT ACCOMMODATION PROJECT RECEIVES ADVANCED PROTECTION Five new towers at the University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb Campus are now protected by a fault-tolerant network of MxPro 5 fire panels from global fire systems specialist, Advanced.

The 13 networked MxPro 5 panels have been installed to protect the five student accommodation towers varying between eight and 18 storeys, which will provide more than 800 student bedrooms as well as ground-floor fitness facilities and amenities for the students’ union. Responsible for the fire system design, supply and commissioning was West Sussex-based Southern Fire Alarms (SFA), which also installed the equipment alongside mechanical and electrical engineer, J&B Hopkins. The fire system is integrated with multiple third-party interfaces, including automatic opening vents (AOVs), sprinklers and access control. Careful consideration was given to the complex cause-and-effect programming that needed to be applied across the site. Each building is configured with a six-minute investigation period, with sounders on the floor of origin initiated after a single device activation. A single subsequent device activation will escalate into full evacuation of the specific tower. A master key switch has also been introduced, to allow for full evacuation of all towers if required. David Fell, Sales Director at SFA, said: “Advanced’s solutions were SFA’s first choice for this largescale installation. We rely on Advanced products to deliver powerful cause and effect that can be easily programmed and maintained, carrying all the required inputs and outputs for third-party systems. This, in turn, ensures the safety of the hundreds of students who will be living on site.”

uk.advancedco.com 0345 894 7000 jmountain@advancedco.com

PREMIER MODULAR AWARDED ITS LARGEST OFFSITE HEALTHCARE PROJECT TO DATE Premier Modular, one of the UK’s leading offsite specialists, has been awarded a £21m contract to construct a new outpatient services building at King’s College Hospital in London. The 3450m2, fourstorey scheme is Premier’s largest single healthcare project in its 65year history. Constructed off site, this large-scale building will allow the trust to free up space within the main hospital to help reduce waiting times and improve the patient experience for urgent care services. The new outpatient services building at King’s College Hospital will provide 48 purpose-designed consultation rooms and eight procedure rooms for a range of services, including dermatology, rheumatology, respiratory, neurosciences, pain management and urology, as well as other aspects of surgery and therapies.

www.premiermodular.co.uk

0800 316 0888

info@premiermodular.co.uk

KNIGHTSBRIDGE SHOWS THE WAY OUT WITH LED DOWNLIGHT Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wiring devices, accessories and lighting – has launched an LED emergency downlight, ideal for illuminating exit routes in corridors and other spaces in the event of fire, power outages or other crises. This non-maintained, 230V, 3W LED emergency downlight has an output of 120lm and a colour temperature of 6000K (Daylight). Its beam angle of 30° puts the light where it’s needed, and the powerful Lithium-ion battery ensures it far exceeds the requirements of emergency lighting regulations. The Knightsbridge LED Emergency Downlight – product code EMPOWER3 – provides an accessible, cost-effective and long-lasting emergency option for exit lighting applications and, finally, carries a three-year warranty for complete peace of mind.

www.mlaccessories.co.uk

01582 887760

MAGPLY FEATURES IN FIRE-FIGHTING ROLE AT SKY STUDIOS ELSTREE Magply boards are being used as part of Sky’s efforts to create the world’s most sustainable film and TV Studios, Sky Studios Elstree. Currently under construction by main contractor BAM and set to open in 2022, the build has recently included the use of 9mm-thick Magply boards as part of a flat roof build-up specified for the product’s proven fire-protection capabilities and all-round performance benefits. The work on the new production buildings is being carried out by London-based waterproofing specialist, Guaranteed Asphalt, which is installing its BBA Agrement-certified hot-melt flat roofing system over a reinforced concrete deck with the Magply boards being used to protect the mineral wool insulation.

www.magply.co.uk 01621 776252 philip@magply.co.uk

Creating safe spaces to live, work & learn

Call 01588 674 340 www.toughfurniture.com | sales@toughfurniture.com Tough Furniture Ltd

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PSBJ February 2022

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