PSBJ June 2022

Public Sector Build Journal June 2022

Healthcare

Education

Leisure

psbjmagazine.com

Issue 118

SENSITIVE RESTORATION Hobson & Porter discusses the careful transformation of historic public lesiure facilities

Housing

How to prepare and budget for the eventual failure of RAAC planks

The importance of healthy design for schools and universities

How Project 80 is paving the way for the future of UK homes

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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

Jim Moore

jim@redhutmedia.com

Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb

jack@redhutmedia.com

Digital Design Manager Matt Morse

matt@redhutmedia.com

Hobson & Porter has recently refurbished the historic Beverley Road baths in Hull and is now transforming the city’s Albert Avenue Pools and restoring its much-loved lido.

See page 20.

Welcome to the June issue of PSBJ...

Accounts

Rachel Pike

accounts@redhutmedia.com

Sales Support & Statistics

Klare Ball

Last month, we discussed at length the overwhelming benefits that modern methods of construction had on the speed and efficiency of public sector projects. From healthcare projects that met the urgent demand for critical facilities right through to educational buildings that responded to the increasing intake of pupils.

klare@redhutmedia.com

Publisher Sam Ball

sam@redhutmedia.com

However, today, we cannot disregard the new wave of innovative products that come from more traditional building methods. Brick and block masonry construction is still a common method of building throughout the industry and, thanks to research and development, masonry homes nowadays can still deliver energy-efficient buildings, with substantial levels of air quality and airtightness.

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Red Hut Media Ltd. 5 Mansion Row, Brompton, Kent, ME7 5SE

In this month’s issue, we explore one of the industry’s most pioneering housing projects to date, Project 80, which is meeting the Future Homes Standard (FHS) almost three years before it comes into effect. Jenny Smith-Andrews from one of the scheme’s partners, aircrete block specialist H+H, discusses how Project 80 is paving the way for the future of UK homes with masonry construction. Turn to page 32 to find out more.

psbjmagazine.com Elsewhere in this issue, we unveil a plethora of industry talking points. In our Legal & Business focus, law firm Browne Jacobson timely addresses the inevitable failure of RAAC planks and how best to prepare for that. Meanwhile, in our Leisure showcase, Hobson & Porter presents its magnificent restoration of the historic Beverley Road baths in Hull and discusses how to sensitively approach historic leisure facilities. We also take a closer look at the importance of healthy design for schools and universities.

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PSBJ is a proud supporter of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

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.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all 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.

Hannah

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

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CONTENTS

06 News

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

08 Upfront

Hundreds of new primary school places have been created from the extensive refurbishment and expansion of Nanaksar Primary School in Hillingdon, west London.

12 Housing

Managing Director of Edgeley Construction, James Brett, discusses the improvements that can be delivered to social housing properties as part of routine maintenance.

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14 Legal & Business

18 Inclusive Design

22 Street Furniture

16 Education

20 Leisure

24 Talking Point

What are the new changes to planning and Building Regulations in relation to RAAC planks and how will this impact local Governments and authorities?

Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, discusses the importance of creating schools and universities that are ‘healthy by design’.

Stuart Reynolds at AKW discusses some of the key issues for disabled users in public washrooms and how to ensure that compliance is achieved when designing such a space.

Hobson & Porter has recently refurbished the historic Beverley Road baths in Hull and is now transforming the city’s Albert Avenue Pools and restoring its much-loved lido.

The search for sustainable materials: is timber the key? Here, All Urban talks to Public Sector Build Journal about the use and suitability of timber in our urban landscapes.

Richard Besant of Powdertech (Corby) talks to PSBJ about how important it is that specifications are understood and adhered to throughout the entire supply chain.

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CONTENTS

16 26 Healthcare

Pick Everard discusses the value of full-time secondment experienced during the £15m relocation of the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre to its new city centre home.

28 Roofing, Cladding & Insulation The South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT), one of the newest IoTs, has selected Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite system to articulate the establishment’s prestige.

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30 Technical Focus

Philip Moors of Firestone Building Products discusses the need to consider future modifications or improvements during the service life of a flat roof.

32 Bricks & Blocks

Jenny Smith-Andrews, Head of Marketing at H+H, discusses how Project 80, a sustainable housing project, is paving the way for the future of UK homes with masonry construction.

28 34 Product Showcase

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NEWS

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

Council appoints hub South West to deliver new school

Henry Brothers hands over first net-zero building

Dumfries and Galloway Council has appointed hub South West Scotland, the construction and infrastructure-focused partnership that works with local authorities and private-sector enterprises in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, to develop the new Dumfries High School. One of 25 projects selected as part of phase two of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), the new school will accommodate a school roll of 796 pupils with construction on the existing site. The project will deliver enhanced science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) learning, embedded within the curricular offering and facilities shaped to support this and enhance the pupil experience. Neil McIntyre, Project Management Lead for Phase 2 of Dumfries Learning Town at Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “The new Dumfries High School will be recognised as a landmark community investment, which will enhance the learning experience of our young people and will be also a beacon of community sports and leisure activity.” Chief Executive of hub South West, Michael Ross, said: “The new school building will achieve the highest standards of construction in line with the Scottish Government’s key measures of energy consumption, condition, digital and economic growth, and we believe that, when completed, it will be a continuing source of pride for the people of Dumfries for generations to come.”

Contractor Henry Brothers has handed over its first net-zero carbon building, a new £4.4m nursery and forest school at Staffordshire University. The Woodlands Day Nursery and Forest School, a single-storey building, is timber frame with timber cladding and features an external timber canopy covered walkway for social interaction. It is highly energy efficient and airtight, and is targeting net-zero whole-life carbon. Other sustainable features of the building include REHAU earth tubes and air source heat pumps which use passive cooling/heating rather than mechanical ventilation; along with roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels to offset carbon emissions. David Henry, Managing Director of Henry Brothers, said: “We are delighted to hand over our first carbon-neutral project, providing Staffordshire University with a futureproof building that will be sustainable for many years to come. With exceptional teamwork from Henry Brothers and the estates department at the university, we have overcome the challenges of the pandemic to deliver a superb modern nursery and forest school on campus.”

Prestigious Welsh Government commission for Bruton Knowles Prominent chartered surveyor firm, Bruton Knowles, has been commissioned to advise the Ystadau Cymru, the Welsh Government public assets network, as the public sector in Wales strives to fulfil its ambition to reach a target of net zero by 2030. Experts from Bruton Knowles’ National Building Consultancy Team, based out of the Cardiff office, are gearing up to support the Ystadau Cymru in their work to decarbonise the public estate. Specifically, the focus for Bruton Knowles will be to deliver a pilot study, focusing on the north Wales region. The team will help to identify those types of public buildings where quick wins can be achieved in the decarbonisation of assets, as well as those which are likely to be more problematic to retrofit measures. Ystadau Cymru will use this study to work with public-sector partners to find appropriate solutions. The objective of the work is to identify where investment can best be directed across the estate to ensure progress along the trajectory towards the netzero-by-2030 target is achieved. Bruton Knowles’ Managing Partner, James Bailey, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Welsh public sector on their decarbonisation agenda as they set the pace in delivering their net-zero targets.”

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Beard marks new community premises with donation Bristol-based construction firm Beard has marked the completion of new premises for The Park Centre in Knowle with a donation to the community. The project included construction of two new buildings that will be home to a number of community groups, and the donation from Beard’s charitable foundation will provide £10,000 for new furniture. Commenting on the completion of the project, Matthew Cooper, Director at Beard Bristol, said: “The park is a central part of the local community. From football teams to tattoo artists, there are so many people who call the centre home. It was crucial for us to deliver a space that meets their aspirations. We are proud to have achieved this, and to have received very positive feedback from the community about the new buildings and facilities.” The project, which began in November 2020, has meant The Park Centre has moved from its previous site just metres away at the former Merrywood School on Daventry Road, which will be demolished to make way for a new 900-place secondary school. The old Merrywood School building was closed in 2000, and then turned into The Park Centre community hub, providing space for a variety of local businesses and groups, including a nursery, gym, an animal welfare group and a disability charity. It was also used as the location for a number television productions, including the Channel 4 comedy-drama series, Teachers.

NEWS

GRAHAM appointed to £40m West Cumberland Hospital redevelopment GRAHAM has been appointed through the ProCure22 (P22) framework to undertake phase two of works at the West Cumberland Hospital (WCH) in Whitehaven for North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. GRAHAM will be responsible for the design and build of a new extension to the existing hospital. Phase two will deliver upgraded facilities for both patients and staff to create a much-improved environment while retaining bed capacity and services. Once complete, the hospital will accommodate a new paediatric ward and assessment area, a care of the elderly ward, specialist palliative care ward, and a stroke and rehabilitation ward. Peter Reavey, GRAHAM Construction Director, said: “We’re looking forward to working with the trust to help deliver this latest phase of development, which will improve the provision of healthcare services locally.

Using up to 70% modern methods of construction, an area we have embraced and worked hard to integrate with proven benefits and results, our team has the skills and experience to bring this development forward to timescale and budget.”

HLM develops pioneering design concept for new Cardiff education campus Working in collaboration with ISG, ARUP and Austin Smith Lord, HLM Architects has developed a design concept for a new joint education campus in the Fairwater area of Cardiff, Wales. Capturing Cardiff Council’s vision, the Fairwater Campus will co-locate Cantonian High School, Woodlands Secondary Additional Learning Needs (ALN) School and Riverbank Primary ALN School, all onto the existing Cantonian High School site in Fairwater. The development will form a fully-inclusive state-ofthe-art campus for over 2000 pupils and staff, which will also offer comprehensive facilities to the wider community outside of school hours. It will be the largest project delivered under the Cardiff Council and Welsh Government’s Band B Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme to date, in terms of scale and investment. Leading the way with its sustainability credentials, the project will significantly reduce its embodied carbon during the build stage and, once complete, it will be the city’s first school campus to be operationally net-zero carbon. To achieve this, the campus has been designed to be rich in biodiversity and integrate renewable energy sources, to significantly improve energy efficiency.

Soho Estates brings new affordable homes to central London Soho Housing, soon to celebrate 50 years of providing social and affordable homes in the capital’s West End, has announced that it is letting eight new homes in the heart of Soho. As part of the Ilona Rose House development, Soho Estates has developed these contemporary two-bedroom apartments set in historic Greek Street, which will have a range of new amenities nearby. Each flat offers a modern living and dining area, a separate kitchen and access to private outdoor space and has been constructed with high-quality fittings and fixtures. The properties range in size from 72 to 84m2 and are accompanied by an accessible lift, bicycle storage and a secure access system. Environmental sustainability, a key feature of Soho Housing’s development standards, also sits at the heart of the project. The development will be highly energy efficient, with key measures including an air-sourced heating system, ensuring that every flat is EPC rated C or above. Now the project is complete, all eight homes will be let at a sub-market rent to ensure affordability for local working people. Soho Housing is partnering with Pinnacle Letting Agents to identify tenants who meet these criteria.

Guinness to build more affordable homes on land gifted

by Glastonbury Festival Founder Housing Association, The Guinness Partnership, has held an event to celebrate breaking ground on the second phase of its development in Pilton, Somerset. Michael Eavis, the Founder of the Glastonbury Festival, has donated part of his land to help meet local housing need. The first phase of 19 social rent homes at Margaret Bondfield Close was completed in 2018 and planning consent has now been granted for an additional 20 homes, which will also be for social rent. Mr Eavis has donated the land on condition that the homes will serve the local community in perpetuity. The development is supported by Strategic Partnership funding from Homes England and, as well as donating the additional land, Michael Eavis has also contributed £275,000 to the scheme. Guinness is working with the contractor EG Carter & Co which has commenced works on site. Mathew Vye, Associate Director at EG Carter & Co, said: “We are delighted to be working on the second phase of this development alongside Guinness and Glastonbury Festival. These new homes will not only be built to the highest quality but also provide much-needed homes for residents with strong connections to the village of Pilton. We are looking forward to working with both Guinness and Glastonbury Festivals as we continue to change people’s lives.”

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UPFRONT

REVAMP OF NATUREFOCUSED PRIMARY SCHOOL CREATES ADDITIONAL PUPIL PLACES Hundreds of new primary school places have been created from the extensive refurbishment and expansion of Nanaksar Primary School in Hillingdon, west London.

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anaksar Primary School is part of the Guru Nanak Multi-Academy Trust, which has an exceptional track record of establishing successful schools. Its Founder – Sant Baba Amar Singh Ji – believes that education is a human right for children, and has established 19 schools worldwide, including the UKbased Guru Nanak Sikh Academy and Nanaksar Primary School. These schools aspire to provide the highest standard of education for all pupils.

Designed by architecture firm CPMG Architects, and delivered by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, the £14m project includes new, purpose-built facilities to accommodate up to 840 pupils across all primary years.

The new school space – built for the Department of Education – provides a warm, friendly and inclusive environment, accompanied by excellent outdoor sporting, social and learning spaces.

Externally, the school’s designs make use of traditional brickwork in an understated and contemporary way to create a light and welcoming visual appearance that balances a fresh and independent identity for the school.

However, it is the specific elements of the school’s teaching ethos and how the new designs reflect this that set the school apart.

Reflecting the school’s unique curriculum focus Maximising the outdoor curriculum is of particular importance for the new Nanaksar Primary School, with a close focus on maximising the opportunities for horticulture and outdoor learning. In turn, this approach to horticulture has been reflected in the school’s design and layout, providing invaluable space for learning about plants and plant care, along with the production of fruit and vegetables as healthy food choices.

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This starts with the three-storey massing, which ensures that external social and learning space is maximised, while also staying in keeping with the adjacent secondary school facilities. The new school designs also feature a generouslysized greenhouse for pupils to make use of, along with a series of raised beds designed for cultivation – something that is not typically critical to a primary school design brief.

The tapering geometry of the southern tip of the existing site created an awkwardly-shaped area.

This area, rather than creating dead space, has been maximised with the creation of a new orchard. This offers additional opportunity to further broaden the horticultural emphasis of the school and is located to provide that valuable asset offering to the wider Guru Nanak Sihk Academy site to support the secondary school too.

In addition, as the orchard matures, it will become an important extension to the existing woodland within the Minet Country Park, benefitting the wider area with expanded ecological corridors and greater biodiversity.

UPFRONT particularly important for children living in dense urban areas.

Shelter has also been built into the designs to maximise the outdoor space usage. A significant area of external canopy is included to the reception cluster, which runs the full length of the southern elevation. This provides covered activity space outside the four clustered classrooms and their associated WC and cloak facilities. This covered space means that there is external shelter from both sun and rain, allowing activities to continue no matter the weather.

Internal building organisation reflects student progression

Ensuring the close physical connection with outdoor space The T-shaped form of the building maximises visual and physical connectivity to the landscape, along with the views to the south over the sports fields to the Minet Country Park beyond. Meanwhile, the east-west orientation of the teaching wing also ensures that all classrooms face either north or south to avoid problematic glare and solar gain.

The halls open directly from the eastern lobby to provide straightforward and safe access to the external dining areas. In addition, the small hall and

studio spaces are both located with great views south and west across the wider landscape, accompanied by double-door access to the outside.

The new designs have created a wider variety of outdoor spaces to support both informal and formal use, suitable for all age groups supported by the school. The building organisation has been arranged to allow teaching and learning to easily expand into the external landscape and enrich the curriculum experience, while also providing the health and wellbeing benefits that come from a closer connection to nature, which can be

The arrangement within the teaching wing has been developed to cluster the four classrooms associated with each year group with a dedicated small group room, meeting the trust’s need for breakout space and pastoral support. The teaching corridors are segregated into year group ‘home zones’, which are identified by different interior palettes and reflect the age and stage progression of students through the school.

The youngest children in early years and year one are prioritised at ground level, with direct and safe access from the four reception classrooms to outdoor terraces to allow that simple integration of indoor and outdoor activity, while reducing their need to use stairs. 

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UPFRONT

UPFRONT

Practical designs for practical circulation and pastoral support

From this, classroom organisation establishes progression up through the building as pupils move up through the year groups, reflecting their increasing independence and focus on specialist subjects and more formal learning processes.

This culminates with year six looking out from the top floor across the wider campus, with a symbolic view of the secondary school within the Guru Nanak campus.

Each ‘home zone’ environment is tailored to the changing needs of its age group, including size, finishes, furniture and fittings. For example, the WCs for the reception pupils are accessed directly from within classrooms, whereas they are located off corridors for older pupils.

Meanwhile, large L-shaped layouts for younger pupils fit the practical activities that take place within the classrooms, which evolve to more compact, straight classrooms for Key Stage 2 pupils.

The classroom cluster arrangements for early years have been tailored to foster collaborative teaching and learning opportunities, with shared cloak and WC areas providing links between the pairs of class bases. Not only does this careful arrangement facilitate the sense of progression, but also creates a smaller scale pastoral setting for students, improving safety and limiting distraction at staggered breaktimes.

The head’s office is located immediately inside the principal entrance to ensure a central presence for both pupils and visitors. Other staff spaces are distributed across all floors at the head of the main staircase and centrally within the teaching corridor.

This arrangement positions the staff areas at key confluences in the circulation and adjacent to stairs and pupil WC areas to provide a presence for simple and effective passive supervision of all teaching areas.

Large, glazed side panels to all classroom and office doors also allow this easy and passive supervision even when doors are closed, and potential hiding spaces in circulation routes have been minimised by careful planning and extending rooms areas into the corridor line wherever possible.

The school’s shared practical ICT and food technology facilities are found on the first floor at the head of the main staircase for ease of access from all areas without disruption to ongoing lessons, while also minimising potential congestion.

The project team consists of landscape architect Ares, planning consultant DPP, structural engineer and highways consultant Curtins, building services engineer CPW, technical advisor MACE and main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland. 

www.cpmg-architects.com

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HOUSING

HOW CAN SOCIAL HOUSING PROVIDERS USE MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADE PROGRAMMES TO TACKLE FUEL POVERTY? James Brett, Managing Director of construction and property maintenance company Edgeley Construction, discusses the importance of EPC upgrades in tackling fuel poverty for social housing tenants.

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t’s been a busy few months for news. While international headlines have been full of the horrors of the war in Ukraine, closer to home, the impact of the cost of living crisis has been equally distressing for many. Rising energy prices, escalating food bills and the cost of fuel are at the eye of a perfect storm, with increased National Insurance and VAT rates and an end to the Universal Credit uplift putting pressure on household budgets from all sides.

The social housing sector is at the frontline of this crisis. Many social housing tenants are on low incomes and may have already been living with fuel poverty before the current jump in prices.

Now, with increasing numbers of tenants facing the difficult choice between heating and eating, urgent and drastic action is needed to help reduce the impact of galloping costs.

Against this backdrop, social housing providers are also under pressure to consider costs of another kind: the price

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paid by the environment when housing is energy inefficient. The Government has set ambitious targets for the UK to become net-zero carbon by 2050 – an ambition that is achievable only if substantial improvements are made to both social and private housing stock.

Carbon emissions from residential properties account for around 20% of the UK’s emissions total, and reducing the environmental impact of homes requires a combination of measures, including investment in renewables and driving down consumption.

The EPC upgrade initiative The Government’s EPC (energy performance certificate) upgrade programme for the social housing sector has the potential to make a significant difference to both the financial and environmental costs of poorly-insulated housing stock. The initiative has seen a pledge for £179m of funding to improve the energy efficiency of 20,000 social

housing homes, providing resilience against additional anticipated energy price rises in the autumn, while updating housing stock to extend its service life and contribute to the battle against climate change.

Many of the properties involved in the EPC upgrades programme are homes constructed with solid walls, which makes them unsuitable for external or cavity wall insulation improvements. Where this is the case, internal wall insulation (IWI) is an excellent alternative that will help to keep homes warmer so that less energy is required to keep tenants comfortable, helping them to turn down their thermostats or switch off their heating, which, in turn, will enable them to save energy and reduce their bills or top up their prepayment meters less often.

Meanwhile, upgrades to heating systems are also key to reducing consumption. Where possible, renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels or air source heat pumps, can be installed to reduce tenants’ reliance

HOUSING on the grid and, as a result, bring down their bills. But even where renewables are cost prohibitive or impractical, conventional technologies can be used to reduce both consumption and bills. For example, for the properties Edgeley Construction will be working on, storage heaters are being installed that will use cheap electricity during the night to keep the homes warm all day. Meanwhile, new ventilation systems will improve air quality and reduce the risk of condensation, enhancing the living environment and extending the service life of the property and interior finishes.

A considerate approach to carrying out EPC upgrades Edgeley Construction is one of many construction and maintenance companies working with the social housing sector to deliver EPC upgrades.

A project to upgrade 1700 homes over the next two years will draw on the expertise of Edgeley maintenance teams trained in the specialist skills required to carry out the scope of work, and experienced in delivering refurbishment projects in occupied residential properties. This is a critical factor in the rollout of the EPC upgrades programme, because the benefits to tenants need to be balanced with the disruption of having substantial work carried out in their home while they are still living there. There is an urgency to the upgrades, not only because energy prices are set to rise again just as we all start to reach for the thermostat in the autumn, but also because the summer months provide the ideal drier, warmer weather to carry out the work.

An in-house team also enables contractors involved in EPC upgrade projects to

schedule work flexibly around the needs of the social housing provider and individual tenants. Communicating clearly with tenants and managing their expectations is an important aspect of the brief and will help tenants to feel more in control of the upgrade process. This includes working collaboratively with the social housing provider to communicate to the tenants the benefits of the improvements to their property and ask for their patience while the work is carried out. For Edgeley Construction, this involves engaging with tenants to keep them informed about the programme and how it will affect them while keeping disruption to a minimum.

A meticulous approach to health and safety is also an essential requirement for delivering EPC upgrade projects to a high standard. Contractors will need to be accountable for the safety training and best practice of their teams, along with the skills deployed. For this reason, contractors with an in-house team of skilled tradespeople are ideally placed to carry out the work, because they can be accountable for both the quality of workmanship and the required level of health and safety training.

Sustainable future Whether a social housing landlord has secured part of the Government’s £179m pot or not, upgrading the energy performance of social housing properties as part of routine maintenance activities will play a vital role in tackling fuel poverty.

It is an opportunity to improve both living environments and our natural environment for a more sustainable future. 

www.edgeley.co

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LEGAL & BUSINESS

THE LIFESPAN OF RAAC PLANKS IS UP – HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR THEIR FAILURE? Alistair Taylor, Trainee Solicitor at Browne Jacobson, discusses the new changes to planning and Building Regulations in relation to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) planks and how will this impact local Governments and authorities.

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mployers owe a duty of care to ensure that their premises are safe and without risks to the health of their employees and members of the public with access to their premises under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Institutions also have a duty to take reasonable care to ensure the safety of lawful visitors, such as school pupils, hospital patients and contractors, under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957.

In May 2019, the Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) issued an alert relating to the failure of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) planks used in roof construction.

RAAC planks were widely used for the construction of flat roofs in the 1960s to ‘80s and have an expected lifespan

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of 30 years. Recent reports of flat roofs constructed using RAAC planks collapsing without warning prompted the SCOSS alert, which was aimed at owners of schools and similar buildings dating from the 1960s to ‘80s with flat roofs, Government departments and local authorities with schools and similar buildings in their asset portfolios, national health trusts, dioceses/parishes, building surveyors, architects, structural engineers, facilities managers and maintenance organisations.

The Local Government Association (LGA) and the Department for Education (DfE) have contacted all school building owners advising on the steps that responsible bodies should take in relation to RAAC.

Structural issues relating to the use of RAAC planks have been identified at West Suffolk Hospital, and in November 2019, NHS England advised that checks were being carried out at seven affected hospitals: West Suffolk, Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire, James Paget and Queen Elizabeth in Norfolk, Airedale in West Yorkshire, Leighton in Cheshire and Frimley Park in Surrey.

Legal issues As outlined above, RAAC planks have failed with little or no warning and represent a significant risk to employees, visitors in affected premises, and operations. Many building owners and managers will not know whether or not they have RAAC planks in the roofs of buildings they are responsible for.

Alistair Taylor is a Trainee Solicitor at Browne Jacobson working in the public, environment and planning team, having previously completed seats in the criminal compliance and regulatory (CCR) team, advising on fire, health and safety and environmental regulation and enforcement, and in the construction team, working for public- and private-sector clients.

We recommend that the owners of potentially-affected buildings consider as a matter of urgency: Insurance coverage for risks from RAAC Emergency responses to structural failure Employee awareness of the issue, vigilance and preparedness Building owners will also need to consider the financial implications of RAAC if it is found in the buildings they are responsible for.

We would be very happy to assist with any aspect of planning for or addressing the risks posed

by RAAC in your buildings. 

www.brownejacobson.com

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15

EDUCATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY DESIGN FOR SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, discusses the importance of creating schools and universities that are ‘healthy by design’, to both fall in line with net-zero targets and uphold student performance and wellbeing.

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he intrinsic link between the quality of educational buildings and the academic performance of the students who occupy them has been increasingly recognised in recent years. As long ago as 2002, The Guardian reported on a study which found that “the quality of school buildings can help or hinder learning and teaching”, with lighting, space, furnishings and equipment all weighing in on student attitudes and behaviours.

Buildings and learning: 20 years on Given this connection, it is important to assess how attitudes to school and university design may have shifted and developed in the past 20 years, particularly given the ever-growing importance of environmental commitments.

In order to successfully reach net zero by 2050, reducing carbon emissions for the built environment is now a cornerstone of the green transition, with this priority weighing in on all aspects of building design going forwards.

As such, REHAU recently conducted a number of reports – the Designing Healthy series – spanning education, apartments, hotels and healthcare. Within the reports, REHAU surveyed 520 M&E designers and architects, 25% of which worked primarily with schools and universities.

The headline finding here makes for compelling reading. A staggering 97% of respondents said that leaving high-quality buildings

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for future generations was a medium-to-high priority.

However, in direct contrast with this, 77% believed that wellbeing is being ‘value-engineered’ out of a building’s original design, with cost-cutting measures now beginning to encroach on healthy design principles.

These shifting priorities are currently being compounded by a number of burgeoning market challenges. Primarily, the UK’s higher education student population is expected to grow between 12.3% between the 2020-21 and 2024-25 academic years.

Despite this, the National Audit Office estimates that around 60% of current academic building stock was built before 1976. As such, there is a clear need to construct new schools and universities that are ‘healthy by design’.

Ventilation and thermal comfort The Oslo Manifesto, a 2017 report by the Royal Institute of British Architects, is the landmark piece of research concerning the impact of building design on student and teacher wellbeing.

It concluded that good design can support better learning outcomes for students, increase teachers’ productivity, and even make schools more cost effective to run.

It also ascertained the main factors that bear an influence on occupant performance – namely, ventilation, natural

light, acoustics, thermal comfort and temperature control. Guidance on these factors is detailed in the Government’s Building Bulletin 101, which was updated in 2018 to recognise how extreme thermal conditions can affect learning.

For new structures replacing old, existing building stock, the solution may lie in thermally-activated building structures (TABS) that offer a means of regulating indoor temperatures beyond traditional HVAC systems.

This technology uses the building’s concrete thermal

mass as a buffer for changing temperature demands, running hot or cold water through slabs to heat or cool as appropriate.

This ensures the removal of any cold draughts, and crucially allows temperature change to take place gradually over a 24-hour period. This is opposed to inefficiently blast heating or chilling the space, which can invite the risk of humidity, in turn promoting the growth of dangerous mould.

However, options also need to be identified that can be implemented into current educational facilities. In this

EDUCATION

in education believing that demand for this technology will rise in the next five years.

At present, most heat networks are third generation, using gas combined heat and power (CHP) to circulate water at 70 to 95°C. However, the latest fourth-generation networks use lower flow temperatures of 40 to 60°C, facilitating a significant reduction in both carbon emissions and heat loss.

Despite the position of steel as the current industrystandard material for district heating pipework, it should be noted that fourthgeneration networks are best suited to polymer solutions, such as REHAU’s RAUVITHERM and RAUTHERMEX. PE-Xa pipework is far quicker to install thanks to its reliable compression sleeve jointing system, with no need to weld pipework together – this is a crucial consideration, given that ease of install is a key priority for sustainable installation projects. The bonded-foam structure also ensures that there is no need to compensate for thermal expansion. Moreover, recent research from REHAU indicates that due to the lightweight nature of polymer pipework, opting for PE-Xa solutions over steel can deliver a 67% saving on carbon emissions during transport. Resultantly, contractors can benefit from lower embodied emissions for each project undertaken.

Final thoughts

sense, older buildings may instead benefit through retrofitting a smart control system, such as REHAU’s NEA SMART 2.0. When coupled with underfloor heating, this offers a more efficient approach to heat distribution, heating the space evenly for maximum comfort and using around 15% less fuel than radiators.

This system synergises well with low-carbon technologies, such as water, ground and air source heat pumps, providing an avenue through which the education sector may decarbonise its building stock.

Underfloor heating systems

are virtually silent during operation, offer no burn risks, and reduce unnecessary air movement for allergy sufferers.

A case for district heating systems Alongside ensuring occupant wellbeing, sustainability is the other vital element of healthy building design. For this reason, it is vital that schools and universities are equipped with futureproof low-carbon technologies that will help minimise environmental impact for years to come.

One of the more popular developments that meets

this criteria is district heating, wherein heat and hot water is provided via an underground pre-insulated pipe network to a number of buildings via a singular heat source, resulting in more optimised energy usage.

This technology has been supported by a number of recent Government schemes, such as the £288m Green Heat Network Fund and £338m Heat Network Transformation Programme, indicating the key role that it is set to play in the green transition. This has also been recognised by those surveyed by REHAU, with 60% of respondents working

Design for schools and universities is currently at a juncture. While occupant wellbeing has long been a primary consideration during the construction of new buildings, sustainability now weighs in heavily on the agenda, in the face of ever-growing pressures to decarbonise the built environment in line with net-zero targets. By making informed choices and specifying products that cater to both of these needs, contractors and M&E designers working in this sector can continue to create buildings that are ‘healthy by design’. 

www.rehau.com/uk-en

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INCLUSIVE DESIGN

MAKING DOC M WASHROOM COMPLIANCE EASIER Here, Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, discusses some of the key issues for disabled users in public washrooms and how to ensure that compliance is achieved when designing such a space.

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ccording to Scope, there are 14.1 million disabled people in the UK and more than 4.4 million of them are in work. Although the range of disabilities is wide, private- and public-sector businesses and services have a responsibility, under the 2010 Equality Act, to ensure that disabled people are not put at a substantial disadvantage. When it comes to disabled washrooms, the Building Regulations lay out guidance on how to ensure inclusivity in both new and existing buildings.

No ‘one size fits all’ Doc M of the Building Regulations was introduced to provide specifiers and installers alike with practical guidance on how to create more accessible washroom spaces. The regulations are a legal requirement in new

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construction projects and for guidance in existing buildings.

Although Doc M aims to advise on the minimum standard for an accessible washroom, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for disabled users. For example, a washroom that is billed as ‘wheelchair accessible’ might not be straightforward for someone in a motorised wheelchair, who has no ability to stand and support themselves using the grab rails during transference to the toilet and back again.

Despite it being impossible to tailor accessible washrooms to meet everyone’s needs, there are some basics that can be incorporated to improve the washroom experience for a wide range of disabled people.

According to one wheelchair user, thinking about disabled people as ‘people’ is a good place to start. So, ensuring

that there are mirrors for those at both standing and wheelchair height is nice to have. A more essential design flaw experienced by many is an insufficient turning circle space in the disabled washroom for those in a wheelchair.

Doc M compliance So, how can public space washrooms ensure that they are as accessible as possible?

As well as following the Doc M guidelines, specifiers for commercial and public properties should also refer to BS 8300-2 2018, which gives even further guidance on the size, layout and fittings appropriate to disabled toilet facilities. To ensure Doc M compliance, specifiers need to use Doc M-compliant sanitaryware, toilets, grab rails, hand dryers and soap dispensers etc. alongside the

Doc M room layouts that offer guidance on designing the space, turning circles and the positioning of the sanitaryware and accessibility features.

AKW has recently ugraded its Doc M sanitaryware range for public-use accessible toilets and washrooms, to ensure that compliance is as straightforward as possible. A design advice guide has also been created to make the design and installation process even easier. There are 10 AKW Doc M packs to choose from and they range from fullycompliant Doc M washrooms (including hand dryers, soap dispensers etc.), to individual toilet cubicles. As well as traditional styling, there are two contemporary Doc M packs that feature stainless-steel rails to fit in with any modern design aesthetic.

Accessibility should never be an afterthought and with the help of Doc M-specific washroom products, it is more straightforward than ever before. To see what compliance looks like, why not download the guide at www.akw-ltd.co.uk/ documentation/cataloguesbrochures-guides? 

www.akw-ltd.co.uk

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LEISURE

ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS KEY TO MAKING A SPLASH IN THE LEISURE SECTOR Yorkshire-based construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has recently refurbished the historic Beverley Road baths in Hull and is now transforming the city’s Albert Avenue Pools and restoring its much-loved lido. Richard Hunter, Managing Director at Hobson & Porter, talks to PSBJ about key considerations in the sensitive restoration of historic leisure facilities.

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ast year, we completed work on the refurbishment of one of Hull’s most characterful buildings that was built more than a century ago.

Beverley Road Baths opened to the public in May 1905 and ever since, it has been a focal point for families and individuals in the heart of a popular community, as well as playing an important role in Hull’s heritage.

However, it was in need of major upgrades and became part of Hull City Council’s £18.5m investment programme into its leisure facilities across the city, which is being delivered by Hull Esteem Consortium LEP, the council’s pre-procured framework.

The Grade II Listed building and its many original features have now benefitted from extensive upgrades that all complement its rich history. Major improvements were made to the main reception area and essential repairs to the fabric of the Grade II Listed building, including a new roof and rooflights as well as refurbishing its windows. Specialist external remedial stoneworks were also undertaken to restore the facade to its former glory; completed by one of the only conservation stonemasons in the region.

The mechanical and electrical systems were completely replaced, and a new ventilation system was installed. As part of the £3.7m project, we also built a new gym, as well as refurbishing the existing one, and installed new and improved steam and sauna facilities.

In addition, we refurbished the poolside area and all changing facilities to create a high-specification and modern facility that will benefit the local community for many decades to come.

LEISURE Beverley Road Baths closed to the public in June 2020 and reopened in August 2021. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the council’s conservation team to ensure the refurbishment remained sympathetic to the building’s history and in a combined effort to preserve as much of the original structure, and its features, as possible.

A key challenge during the project was a lack of ‘as-built’ information given the age of the building, so we had to carry out extensive surveys in the pre-construction phase to understand what was behind and beneath in terms of drainage, services, build materials and structural information.

Throughout the project, it was necessary to strike a fine balance between delicate ‘as-original’ restoration and modernisation of the facility to maximise operational efficiency and access for all.

This often meant keeping as much of the necessary modernisation ‘behind closed doors’ in service areas and plant rooms so not to impact the user experience or distract from the enormous historic importance the building has.

We also had to ‘make good’ some aged remedial works that did not complement the historic attributes of the building. For example, the original roof glazing had been overlaid with polycarbonate sheets some decades ago. These were removed and the original window frames were repaired and re-fitted with sympathetic solarattenuating glazing panels, which were in keeping with the building, whilst also optimising its energy performance.

In addition, we had to construct a timber, suspended floor over a decommissioned baths structure to form the new gym area.

Following the project’s success, earlier this year we started work on the £10.5m refurbishment of Hull’s Albert Avenue Pools and the rebuild of its historic lido.

The project will see the construction of a large new gym and fitness studio that will offer aerobic classes for the first time, remodelling, refurbishment and redecoration of the existing building, replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems, alongside new heating and ventilation systems.

The scheme also includes the construction of a brand-new outdoor heated lido, replacing the original one which closed more than 30 years ago. The lido will meet international standards to accommodate top-level kayak polo and competitive swimming.

Again, the project is being delivered

by Hull Esteem Consortium LEP, and it’s set to become the final piece of Hull City Council’s investment in its leisure assets.

Starting work follows many months of hard work to design and develop the project. Again, it’s been vital to conduct extensive surveys to learn as much about the building and its external areas as is practically possible during the preconstruction phase in the absence of ‘as-built’ information given it dates back to at least the 1930s.

We’ve worked hard to plan, co-ordinate and integrate what is essentially three projects into one, with the new extension,

the extensive building refurbishment and the rebuilt lido each forming a multimillion-pound complex construction project in its own right.

We’re also working in exceptionally-poor ground conditions, which is typical in Hull, and near to existing building structures, some of which are near 100 years old, and local residents. There are four areas of driven piling to complete spanning the new gym extension, new changing village extension, new plant room extension and the new lido structure.

Prior to these works, Albert Avenue Pools was already one of the largest wet leisure facilities in the region with both a 30m and 20m heated indoor pool. With the addition of the large, new heated lido, the volume of heated, filtered swimming water at the facility will increase from around 750,000 litres to over two million litres, which gives some indication of the scale of the plant rooms required to run the facility.

I was lucky enough to be involved in the last major refurbishment of Albert Avenue Pools in the mid ‘90s, although it did not reflect the scale of the project we are delivering now.

When it reopens in 2023, it promises to be a superb facility. The lido will undoubtedly become the jewel in the crown and will attract visitors from across the region and beyond, which all combines to make it one of the most significant leisure projects currently underway in the north of England. 

www.hobsonporter.com

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STREET FURNITURE

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS: IS TIMBER THE KEY? We all want to protect the earth and its resources for generations to come, so using sustainable materials is now a high priority for us personally and professionally.

Here, All Urban talks to PSBJ about the use of timber in our urban landscapes.

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here are multiple materials to choose from nowadays but one that has been around since the beginning is wood. It is a natural resource that can be repurposed due to its density and longevity. But where is it coming from?

How is it treated? And most importantly, is it sustainable? These have all become key questions when considering wood as a material in the urban landscape.

One of its benefits is that it comes from and returns to the ground, and in production, (i.e. growing) trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Plus, compared to other materials, very little processing is needed to turn the tree into something else. This means fewer emissions are produced through manufacturing.

Many types of wood can be reused but what we really need is longevity, which means using hardwearing, weatherresistant wood with a high rot resistance.

With its fast-growing and well-maintained forests, Accoya is becoming an increasingly popular choice. As a Gold Cradle to Cradle-certified product, Accoya is fully biodegradable and, at the end of its life, it can be disposed of in the same way as untreated wood, or preferably reused and recycled for different purposes. Accoya, which is made from Radiata Pine, is described as having “minimal environmental impact throughout its entire life”.

Accoya is sourced from fast-growing, sustainably-certified forests, meaning they are well managed, continuously

replenished, and no damage is caused to the surrounding environment, or to native flora and fauna when harvesting the timber.

An even more eco-friendly option is to use local timber. Low-impact forestry and sawmills can be right on your doorstep.

Local timber removal, by a tree surgeon, for example, is happening for a reason and not just for production.

Dominic Bailey, Director of DB Tree Care, an Arboricultural Association-approved tree surgeon, comments: “A really sustainable option for wood is locally-grown sources.

People and companies looking to source timber with a low-carbon footprint should simply contact their local tree surgeons or small-scale foresters. Many have their own milling service and might be right on your doorstep. Lots of people don’t know this is even an option when it comes to making things such as furniture.”

Forestry, when done correctly, is beneficial to woodlands. It can’t just be planted and left to its own devices, as this allows it to become too dense. Managed and thinned woodland encourages biodiversity and opens pockets of light to allow smaller flowers and other trees to develop which might not have had a chance beforehand.

Whilst using local timber may be one of the most sustainable options, it isn’t without its challenges and isn’t readily available for mass use just yet. Perhaps one day this will be the new norm but for now, at least, choosing sustainable timber, such as Accoya, is going to be much better for the environment. 

www.allurban.co.uk

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TALKING POINT

WHAT THE ‘GOLDEN THREAD’ WILL MEAN FOR POWDER COATING Richard Besant, Director of Powdertech (Corby), a specialist architectural powder coater, talks to PSBJ about how important it is that specifications are understood and adhered to throughout the entire supply chain, even more so now in light of the forthcoming Building Safety Bill.

Richard Besant is Director of Powdertech (Corby), a specialist architectural powder coater.

Powdertech is a member of Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) and Aluminium Federation (ALFED) and Richard is a member of the committee for EN 13438 – the European standard for powder coating on galvanised steel.

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t Powdertech, we have spoken frequently about the importance of building specifications being established for all components at the outset of the project and adhered to throughout the supply chain.

Now, the latest Building Safety Bill, set to become law in 2022, has an objective to put in place enhanced regulatory regimes and accountability for building safety and construction products, and to ensure residents have a stronger voice in the system.

At the heart of this more stringent regulatory regime lies the requirement to create and maintain a golden thread of information. The new bill recognises the importance of rigorous record keeping. The Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC) has summarised as follows: “The golden thread is both the information that allows you to understand a building and the steps needed to keep both the building and people safe, now and in the future.”

Construction specifications will form part of the information required at each stage of the project to demonstrate that the building is compliant with applicable Building Regulations, and to identify and mitigate any risks of fire spread or structural collapse.

This is very good news, and particularly for powder coaters.

Specifications for many building components are strictly defined and

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TALKING POINT rightly so. But for the final coating to the building envelope, be it powder coating, paint or anodising, we find that terms, such as ‘equal or equivalent to’, are often used. With this vague start point, problems begin to mount up as the components are moved down the supply chain. Since the building envelope is rarely made entirely by a single contractor, different elements from different sub-contractors end up at a variety of metal finishers, all using different pre-treatment processes and different makes of paint or powder.

‘Equal or equivalent to’ is a term that should be used with caution when one considers the critical issue of building safety with relation to fire. High-performance architectural powder coatings, such as those used by Powdertech, meet all current fire regulations, including Reaction to Fire Specification A2-s1, d0. However, ‘equal or equivalent’ not only relates to the product but also the method and control of application. Apart from the powder product itself which has its own characteristics of, notably, calorific value, the results of fire testing are dependent on applied coating thickness to the usual powder coating standard. Therefore, it is important that your specification includes reference to the need for application to be of a standard that ensures that the actual finish on a building meets the performance of those samples used in the regulated test facility.

Loose specifications can also cause serious delays in the build schedule as

a result of confusion and discrepancies on different documents and different elements of the development. Orders or works instructions may disagree entirely with the original drawing annotations and time is wasted (at a point when time is in short supply) going back up through the specification chain to determine which is the actual finish required. Later, when new parts or repairs are needed, no one is clear as to the exact colour, shade or gloss level that has been used on various components.

Serious delays to a refurbishment or extension project can occur whilst documentation is tracked down.

False economies can arise; the project brief may have specified a rigorouslytested aluminium system but left the coating poorly specified, resulting in the high-performance metal being coated with low-grade materials. The thousands of pounds spent on technically-advanced aluminium are squandered through using a coating that will not provide adequate long-term protection. In the worst cases, corroded elements will become a structural weak point, and time-consuming and costly repairs will be needed. A desire for short-term cost savings can result in smaller components, such as window cills and flashings, being finished to a lower quality. If these elements are peeling and corroding, within four to five years the building will begin to look unsightly and need maintenance, irrespective of the main cladding having a lifespan of over 25 years.

In the past, we have written that these issues, and others, indicate an urgent need for more rigorous specification of metal finishing at the start of a project, and strict record keeping by metal finishers on completion of the job. National Building Specification (NBS), the UK-based business providing construction specification information used by architects, engineers and other building professionals to describe the materials, standards and workmanship of a construction project, will be invaluable.

Combined with building information modelling (BIM), input into the ‘golden thread’ required by the new bill is available and ready to access, and the new, stricter requirements should mean that coating specification is treated more seriously and becomes better defined. An approved metal finishing company can be selected to meet that specification across all elements of the building envelope, giving uniform quality and appearance of coating.

Metal finishers can do a lot to help this process by ensuring that they have their product and process details in BIM format ready to be uploaded as required. In this way, they can support their customers with regard to ‘the golden thread’. It is heartening to know that finally the construction industry will be moving forward to even better documentation and recording of the process and products that end up within and on the external face of every building we see. 

www.powdertechcorby.co.uk

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HEALTHCARE

BREATHING NEW LIFE: SECONDMENT AIDS IN MAJOR UPGRADE AT LIVE HOSPITAL SITE When it comes to settings that are considered ‘live’, such as in healthcare, being at the heart of the process can only aid in a smooth operation. These complex projects often require a different approach to management, which is where seconding roles can be beneficial for both the client and consultant. Josh Sandbach, Project Manager at Pick Everard, discusses the benefits of this approach having delivered major works for the University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) NHS Trust through a full-time secondment.

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llowing the project manager to be fully embedded in the organisation means they are more available to jump in at short notice, have a greater awareness of the project by being able to communicate directly with the client and key stakeholders, can share expert knowledge to drive the project forward and allow for access to further input from colleagues on the secondee’s side.

Pick Everard successfully completed work on the £15m relocation of the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre (EMCHC) from Glenfield Hospital to its new city-centre home at Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI).

The relocation was carried out across three phases of construction – a new-build extension to the Kensington Building being the largest, followed by a new cardiac ward on the first floor of the existing Kensington Building and, finally, installation of the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), brandnew to the fifth floor.

Due to the complexities of working on a live acute hospital site and the number of stakeholders that require regular engagement, the decision was made to fully second the project management.

Josh explained: “With the existing Kensington Building being at the centre of the new heart facility, it was necessary to relocate the services previously housed here while work was carried out. To achieve this, we worked to refurbish two existing clinical areas on the LRI estate to re-house the maternity department and the gynaecology assessment and outpatients’ services.”

HEALTHCARE Seconding Josh meant he was available consistently throughout the project to provide onsite project management, contract administration and procurement advice. Initially, the secondment was for delivering the refurbishment and then for the EMCHC relocation, with the role becoming full-time after an initial three-month period.

He said: “Working closely with all the stakeholders also ensured a smoother project in terms of handling any issues that came up and it has also helped to develop my knowledge and understanding of clinical needs while undertaking design and construction works – especially in light of COVID-19.”

Working around patients The main consideration of the secondment was working around a construction site that also needed to care for patients. Detailed planning was crucial due to the profound consequences that could arise.

During the creation of the PICU on the fifth floor, due to its location directly above the delivery suite, Josh also had to arrange access to replace and renew drainage connections. As well as the obvious technicalities around this work, the team also had to work around the nature of women going into labour, which is always unpredictable on when and how quickly things will progress. However, through close work with the matron, Josh and the team were able to agree a programme of works with minimal disruption.

A new air handling unit (AHU) and chiller was also craned in onto the roof of the Kensington Building for the PICU, which required a partial road closure. This meant that traffic had to be redirected to ensure those in labour could still get to the reception of the building quickly and easily. While this work was in motion, Josh was on site with a colleague as trust representatives to support this and help direct patients to where they needed to go.

Similarly, for another project as part of the gynaecology department refurbishment, a new AHU had to be craned into a courtyard. The position of that crane meant the main entrance for the maternity building – which is where neonatal transfers happen – had to close for a short time. To overcome the associated risks, Josh collaborated with the clinical and estates teams to agree the crane lift from 5am on a Saturday morning, with Josh being present on site to manage the process from a trust perspective.

Josh said: “Overall, being on secondment was integral to the delivery of this work. I was able to form much closer working relationships and work in true collaboration with the teams needed to tackle any given

situation throughout the project.

Being closer to the clinical team and services and being on the ground to have that true understanding of the impact of any construction work was completely invaluable to me and how we made sure we kept the patients at the heart of every decision made for the construction work.”

Pick Everard provided principal designer services for all works, and electrical and mechanical design services for the PICU and cardiac ward.

These services were also provided for work on the Kensington Building infrastructure, including phased stripout, refurbishment and replacement of various features. 

www.pickeverard.co.uk

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ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION

COMBINING HERITAGE AND INNOVATION AT THE SOUTH WEST INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY As the UK targets a high-tech future of world-leading innovation and industrial excellence, we need the skills and knowledge to provide employers with the resources they require to achieve those ambitions. A key part of the Government’s strategy for skill development in digital and engineering disciplines is the establishment of 12 Institutes of Technology (IoTs); collaborative partnerships between FE colleges, universities and employers that focus on education in STEM subjects to offer businesses the skills they need to grow.

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ne of the new IoTs is the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT), which is based at Exeter College and is partnered by the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, along with a number of FE colleges in the region and employers including the Met Office, babcock and TDK. The new IoT is located in an existing building on the Exeter College campus, which has been refurbished and extended in a project designed by AWW Architects, and forms the first development in a proposed 15-year masterplan at the college.

The building not only needs to attract talented and ambitious students; it also has to articulate the prestige of the IoT and provide a learning and research environment with which corporate partners want to be associated. As a result, the facade chosen for the project had to meet the requirement for a forward-focused, dynamic education environment. However, the contemporary

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building is located within a conservation area and opposite a Grade I Listed church, with other listed heritage buildings in close proximity. As a result, Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite system was selected in a creamy beige, natural Lopar colourway to offer a clean, contemporary facade that complements the pale stone tones of the surrounding architectural environment. This was used in combination with glazing and copper-coloured panels that create contrast and enhance the building’s contemporary aesthetic.

Charles Jordan, Project Director at AWW, explains: “The extension creates a new showpiece entrance to the college and sits in a prominent location on the edge of the campus. The three-storey atrium links the IoT to the existing Hele building with a 40m glazed rooflight to allow natural light into the space and showcase the dynamic curriculum being delivered.

“We needed a facade design and specification that respected the project’s heritage surroundings, while reflecting the focus on technology and the future that sits at the heart of the IoT. We also needed a system that offered buildability and long-term maintenance advantages and the Shackerley SureClad Ceramic Granite system ticked all the boxes on all counts.”

Design highlights The east elevation of the new building is both the front of the development and the new entrance for the college. It has been designed as the gateway to the campus and has an active frontage for pedestrians with a heavily-glazed front elevation at ground-floor level. This elevation tapers towards the entrance from the north and south elevations, drawing the eye to the feature entrance in the centre.

ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION It is the south elevation that reveals the subtly-sympathetic references to local buildings in the design. This area of the building envelope also highlights the versatility of the SureClad Ceramic Granite system.

Charles Jordan explains: “We included fins in the facade design, which have been clad using Shackerley’s SureClad Ceramic Granite system. These provide a contemporary interpretation of the window details on the nearby Grade I Listed St David’s Church.

We have also reimagined the splayed window reveals seen on the church as chamfered window returns on the new building, connecting the modern college building with its surroundings.”

Having worked with Shackerley before on previous projects, the AWW Architects team was aware that the cladding producer has the technical expertise and specialist manufacturing capabilities to accurately recreate these design elements at its ISO 9001-accredited factories in Lancashire. Shackerley manufactured bespoke cladding details for the sloping recessed window soffits, cills and angled window returns to create splayed window reveals, along with bespoke bracketry to ensure a neat finish to the installation.

Buildability The design and specification of the SWIoT building had to take into consideration the need to construct the extension and refurbish the existing building on a tight site within an operational campus. As a result, the new-build project was designed with a lightweight frame and the Shackerley SureClad Ceramic Granite facade, installed using the SureClad Hang On installation system, was compatible with the loading requirements for this construction strategy, thanks to the slim and lightweight large format (1198 x 598mm) panels.

“Use of the Shackerley SureClad system not only enabled us to specify a building envelope that was compatible with the lightweight frame,” Charles Jordan continues, “it also allowed us to avoid the use of a full scaffold, which had both cost and programme benefits for the project.”

In addition to buildability requirements, the AWW Architects team also had to consider the long-term maintenance properties of the Shackerley SureClad Ceramic Granite system. As a prominent

and prestigious building on the campus, the SWIoT extension must retain its high-end appearance over time, while avoiding excessive cleaning and maintenance regimes for the college.

“Pale-coloured facades can be a risk for the long-term aesthetics of a building like this one, but Shackerley’s ceramic granite is nonporous, which ensures excellent resistance to algae and graffiti, and overcomes the potential for discolouration due to contaminants,” Charles Jordan continues.

“SureClad Ceramic Granite is also A1-rated non-combustible to BS EN 13501-1 and this also provides reassurance for the client in terms of both safety and long-term maintenance by futureproofing the facades in anticipation of future fire safety specification requirements.”

Flexibility Shackerley manufactured SureClad Ceramic Granite panels for a total facade area of 708m 2 and was able to schedule delivery of each numbered consignment to site, aligned to the installation programme.

The building is now complete and the new IoT will play a key role in supporting digital and engineering businesses while providing rewarding career paths for current and future generations. 

www.shackerley.com

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TECHNICAL FOCUS

BUILDING FUTURE FLEXIBILITY INTO PUBLIC SECTOR ROOFS Philip Moors, UK & Ireland Managing Director of Firestone Building Products, discusses the need to consider future modifications or improvements during the service life of a flat roof when specifying the roofcovering for public sector buildings.

A

s the UK grapples with rising energy costs and ambitious carbon reduction targets, the public sector faces the task of ensuring its built assets waste less energy and capitalise on renewable technologies wherever possible. In this way, property strategies not only have the potential to address the causes of climate change, but also to reduce its impacts on the environments in which people live and work.

Meanwhile, addressing energy waste and making built assets more energy self-sufficient is also central to the goals of reducing operating costs for publiclyfunded buildings, such as hospitals, schools and libraries, and preventing fuel poverty for thousands of social housing tenants.

Energy strategy improvements are just one way in which additions to a roof can be transformative for public sector built assets. Roofs can also be used to drive aesthetic, wellbeing and biophilia improvements to the public sector estate: but only if they are robust enough for modifications to be retrofitted as and when upgrades are funded, or projects are approved. If additions to the roof require a roof refurbishment, the project budget and programme length escalates, potentially making the initiative cost prohibitive and too disruptive. Consequently, it’s important to consider the potential for future

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modifications as part of every new-build or refurbishment specification to ensure that future flexibility is built into the roof in anticipation of later modifications.

One of the ways in which we can do that is by using roofing systems with a low environmental impact, that offer an extended service life while providing a robust weatherproof covering, capable of withstanding additional load and varied uses. RubberGard EPDM by Firestone Building Products is the ideal solution to the challenges required of the ‘future roof’.

Improving homes The UK Government has announced £179m in funding to provide energy-efficiency upgrades to social housing, including the installation of solar panels. The money forms part of the £3.8bn Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, which aims to improve the EPC ratings of social housing stock. Making those improvements will take time, and any new-build projects or social housing refurbishment that takes place in the meantime needs to be specified with a view to enabling solar panels to be retrofitted to any suitable property eventually.

Solar PV panels could be expected to deliver around 80% of a building’s energy consumption over 20 to 25 years, which makes them an ideal investment for reducing fuel bills for tenants and delivering

best value for social housing providers.

Whether they are specified as part of a new build or refurbishment, or added at a later date, consideration needs to be given to what happens if the roofcovering fails after the solar panels have been installed, or when it simply comes to the end of its service life. 1.5mm RubberGard EPDM is robust enough to withstand retrofitting of solar panels and their support system has excellent resistance to heat ageing and is proven to perform under PV panels, lasting last much longer than the investment horizon of the PV system. Moreover, the solar installation will not compromise the product warranty because 1.5mm RubberGard EPDM has been designed to enable such modifications.

Conversely, a less robust roofing system could be damaged during the solar installation or could reach the end of its service life and need to be replaced, which would involve disconnecting and removing the solar panels while the roof refurbishment was carried out.

The same thinking needs to be applied to other publicly-owned buildings, including schools, libraries and offices, where solar panels have the potential to be a key element of energy cost reduction and sustainability strategies.

They may not form part of the initial build or refurbishment plan, but those plans should allow for retrofitting in the future.

TECHNICAL FOCUS

Planting wellbeing principles in public sector properties Away from the topic of energy efficiency, wellbeing is also a major strategic priority for public sector built assets. The pandemic has highlighted the value of outdoor space for mental health and, where space is limited, the roof provides an ideal location for seating, outdoor dining, greenery and even recreation. To build sufficient flexibility into a roof installation or refurbishment to allow these facilities to be added immediately or at some point in the future, a roofing system is required that will be robust enough to tolerate footfall associated with periodic maintenance activities, but also the subsequent installation of a variety of surface finishes as diverse as planted areas, timber decking, tiles, pavers and pebbles.

Biophilia is now a key objective of many new-build and refurbishment projects in the private sector because plants absorb CO2, improve aesthetics and enhance wellbeing. The same principles can be applied in the public sector. For example, in a healthcare setting, roofs can be used to create wellbeing areas where patients can benefit from being outside and spending time in green spaces. Meanwhile, rooftop allotments can be installed at office buildings to provide a place to get away from desks and socialise with colleagues.

More robust, less impact Aside from the obvious lifecycle cost and reduced disruption benefits of selecting a roofcovering that is robust and long-

wearing, this approach to futureproofing also reduces waste and environmental impact. EPDM is already the most environmentally-friendly flat and low-slope roofing material available, with an extended service life and excellent recyclability, but the ability to withstand adaptations on the roof and continue to offer high levels of resilience and performance adds to this.

For example, when a solar installation is installed, a 1.5mm RubberGard EPDM membrane ensures excellent puncture resistance during the project, heat resistance to cope with the heat generated

by the panels and a service life far greater than the panels themselves.

When capex budgets are tight, it can be tempting to make specification decisions on cost alone, but the principles of best value demand that the lifecycle costs and benefits be considered. When it comes to both service life – which is warranted for up to 20 years and with an anticipated service life of 50+ years – and future flexibility, a 1.5mm EPDM membrane presents a compelling case for value. 

www.firestonebpe.co.uk

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BRICKS & BLOCKS

MASONRY COLLABORATION LEADS THE WAY FOR FUTURE HOMES STANDARD Jenny Smith-Andrews, Head of Marketing at H+H, discusses how Project 80, a pioneering sustainable housing project, is paving the way for the future of UK homes with masonry construction.

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roject 80 is leading the charge towards sustainable housing in the UK with the construction of 12 masonry homes that meet the Future Homes Standard (FHS) three years before it comes into effect.

In collaboration with Tricas Construction, Birmingham City University and industry suppliers, social housing provider, Midland Heart Housing Association, plans to build 80 homes that meet or exceed the 2025 FHS. This requires a reduction of 75 to 80% in carbon emissions over current standards.

H+H was happy to supply its aircrete blocks for the project’s first phase – building the initial 12 houses. The aim was to design standard housing using locally-sourced materials and labour, and compare the performance of different methods, materials and technologies to see which produce the best results at what cost.

The goal of Project 80 is to pave the way for the FHS by producing evidence to support the construction of the most sustainable and resilient homes.

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Research and resilience Birmingham City University is conducting the research. It tested each home’s energy efficiency pre-occupancy and will be monitoring how each home performs as residents move in and start to live in the homes.

Energy-efficiency standards required by FHS have been met by a combination of extremely high fabric efficiency and lowcarbon heating. The technologies that are being trialled include air source heat pumps, solar panels, MVHR and more.

Along with the monitoring of the homes’ performance, several other research projects are being conducted in conjunction with Project 80 by PhD researchers. These include a study into air quality and airtightness as well as one looking into overheating.

These will be important studies to help understand how we can build homes that are not only sustainable now but will be resilient in the future. For example, overheating will increasingly become a problem as the effects of global warming worsen and average temperatures rise.

In masonry builds, the overall temperature is cooler as masonry blocks absorb heat in the daytime and release this stored heat during cooler night-time periods. Aircrete, in particular, with its high thermal mass is an excellent material to help mitigate overheating and regulate temperature extremes.

Project 80 also involves teaching and supporting residents to use the homes and new technologies in the most efficient way possible. For if we are to reduce the carbon emissions we and our homes produce, changing our behaviour is essential.

Key to supporting us in making these necessary changes will be constructing buildings that do as much of the work for us as possible. Project 80 has been planned with this in mind.

Fabric first At the Project 80 launch event in March 2022, Tom Hall, Technical Design Manager at Tricas Construction, noted that the new masonry homes were designed with a “fabric-first approach”. The performance characteristics of the materials chosen for Project 80 are such that, no matter what heating solutions

BRICKS & BLOCKS are installed, the buildings will be able to function as efficiently as possible.

This very much aligns with the ‘fabric-first’ approach to energy efficiency that H+H has always maintained. Our aircrete blocks help create efficient, airtight structures that can enhance the performance of energy-saving technologies like underfloor heating and air source heat pumps. The latter of which were installed in most of these first 12 homes.

Reassuringly, incorporating innovative design solutions and new technologies to the masonry structures, only resulted in a 15% cost increase on a traditional tender. Unsurprisingly, the cost of an all-electric scheme increased the cost of creating the site’s electricity infrastructure by 300%.

However, this also meant that no gas supply was needed for the properties, avoiding the cost of installing gas mains entirely.

Looking to the future The homes we build now need to be long lasting and sustainable, and when people talk about new technologies and sustainable housing, it is often assumed they mean modular construction or MMC.

Yet, if the Government is to meet its target of building 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s, then more traditional building methods will account for a significant proportion of these. This is why the initial phases of Midland Heart’s Project 80 combined new, sustainable technologies with brick and block masonry construction.

When planning Project 80, MMC methods like I-House (the offsite solution based on aircrete panels) were considered. But, given that brick and block construction is still more commonly used throughout the industry, it made sense to first try to understand how this can be optimised for the 2025 FHS. Tricas Construction has said that MMC methods, like I-House, may be considered for later phases of the project. If this proves to be the case, H+H would be delighted to continue its involvement by supplying the Celcon Elements needed for the I-House system.

H+H has a track record of working collaboratively to achieve ever higher performance standards. As long ago as 2007, the company was involved in the first prototype zero-carbon

homes. H+H also collaborated with several developers and the Building Research Establishment in the AIMC4 project to understand the impact of a fabric-first approach on energyefficient homes.

It was, therefore, unsurprising that H+H was keen to get involved with a project that looked to not only pave the

way for future construction, but also set an example for industry collaboration. Especially one that contributes to the vision of a better, more sustainable future with masonry building at its core.

To stay up to date with Project 80, visit the news section on the website below. 

www.hhcelcon.co.uk/news

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COATINGS & FINISHES Aged-Metal/Evolution ‘Firebox’, Leicester University

LOOKING GOOD, INSIDE AND OUT The ‘aged-metal industrial’ look, popular for exterior architectural metalwork, is making its move into interiors. Powdertech’s Aged-Metal/ Evolution range of ‘patinated’ finishes are user friendly and easily cleaned.

Increasingly, architects, designers and developers are bringing exciting artistic features to building exteriors. Colour and texture play a prominent role, and one of the most popular trends is to create an ‘aged industrial’ look but, importantly, one that is bright, fresh and clean. ‘Clean’ is where Powdertech’s Rust finishes stand out over other finishes, such as Corten. With an Evolution finish, there is no runoff and staining on nearby surfaces. Nothing comes off on to hands or clothing. The finish has the appearance and texture of aged metal without any of the downsides. The images shown here demonstrate how Evolution finishes are bringing style and energy to retail parks, commercial developments and residential developments to name a few.

For interiors, using aged-metal finishes creates an on-trend, somewhat daringly different look. There is a certain pleasure in encountering an indoor finish that looks old and weatherworn, but is brand new, clean and user friendly.

Richard Besant, Director of Powdertech (Corby), explains: “Our Aged-Metal/ Evolution finishes – and it’s not just ‘rust’

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– include bronze, copper, copper-verdigris, gold and silver, which means that patinated metal finishes can be safely brought inside.

Corten can not easily be used in areas where people are brushing up against walls or touching surfaces – the rust effect would certainly end up on their clothes, but Evolution powder coatings stay where they are – and can be cleaned with water or a detergent with no colour lift at all.”

All these shades can be viewed on the Powdertech Corby website in the Colour Library. Bespoke shades are also available.

In line with all architectural powders used by Powdertech, Aged-Metal/ Evolution finishes meet the Reaction to Fire Standards for fire classification A2s1,d0, and are suitable for use on multistorey residential buildings.

The finishes also have 25-year guarantees for gloss, colour and adhesion, and Powdertech’s rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the panelling free from corrosion for up to 40 years.

www.powdertechcorby.co.uk 01536 400890 pcl@powdertech.co.uk

Aged-Metal/Evolution ’Sandstorm’, Queen’s Quay Energy Centre, Glasgow

25

Year Warranty

Introducing SprayCork.

The Ultimate Building Coating.

Harnessing the power of natural cork, SprayCork wall & roof coatings are an innovative and eco-friendly solution for new build and retrofit buildings.

Cork is one of the world’s most sustainable natural resources with a negative carbon footprint. No trees are felled during its harvest - in fact the bark grows back each time, absorbing much more carbon dioxide than usual, making it a powerful ally against climate change.

It is a strong thermal insulator reducing the dependence on heating systems, which also helps reduce condensation and black spot mould. It has sound dampening properties to improve acoustic comfort, whilst offering natural resistance to fire and high temperatures. Added to this, as it is hypoallegenic it helps to improve air quality against airbourne particles.

Applications: > Mould reduction in social housing > Safe encapsulation of asbestos > Refurbishment of all types of buildings > Fire protection up to 18m

Better for you.

Better for the planet.

For more information about using cork on your project, or to book a CPD, please contact our team:

www.corksoluk.com | 01484 442420 | info@corksoluk.com

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RCI

LIQUID WATERPROOFING THAT MAKES THE GRADE Victoria Ramwell of cold-applied liquid waterproofing specialist, Kemper System, explains the benefits of liquids for the education sector.

Whether as part of a refurbishment or new build, waterproofing flat roofs on educational buildings requires a highlydurable solution. Ensuring the roof remains trouble free for years to come is essential to keep occupiers in a safe and comfortable environment, and to reduce future maintenance and costs. Liquid waterproofing systems can tick all these boxes, while also delivering additional benefits.

Liquid waterproofing: a versatile solution Fast curing times ensure the installation process is efficient, minimises disruption and helps keep wider refurbishment programmes on track. As liquids are often roller applied with minimal equipment needed on site, roof areas with lots of plant installed, such as air conditioning units, can also be easily waterproofed, as can more complex detailing.

With solvent-free options available, schools and colleges can also carry on as normal without having to worry about nuisance odours or fire risks.

As valuable, long-term assets, educational buildings demand waterproofing solutions that will stand the test of time. The versality of liquids combined with their installation and performance benefits ensure the

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refurbishment and construction of flat roofs is delivered quickly, efficiently and to the highest standards.

Case study: liquid waterproofing in action A primary school in Lincolnshire has recently benefited from a wet-on-wet liquid waterproofing system. The flat roof of the main building, which includes a large roof dome and more than 30 rooflights, had reached the end of its serviceable life.

The felt covering was leaking and there was limited insulation which meant the entire roof had to be upgraded.

To ensure a long-lasting waterproofing solution, Kemperol V210M was specified by roofing contractor East of England Roofing for an area spanning around 1300m2. The existing felt was left in place to act as a vapour control layer and new insulation installed prior to applying the polyesterbased liquid system.

Dave Worthington, from East of England Roofing, said: “The main contractor originally planned to refurbish the roof with another felt covering but when we explained the benefits of the Kemperol V210M system, the specification was changed.

“We’ve been using the product for 20 years and there are many benefits for building owners and end users. One of the

main advantages is that it has excellent elasticity so can withstand any structural movement ensuring a very durable solution.

“As the system is liquid applied, this also makes it ideal for roofs with lots of detailing. For this project, we had to waterproof numerous rooflights, pipe penetrations and upstands. There was also a large octagonal dome featuring a pyramid roof, which had to be made watertight.

“The local authority and the school now have the assurance that the roof will be very hardwearing and reliably protected for decades.”

www.kemperol.co.uk 01925 445532 enquiries@kempersystem.co.uk

ALL CHANGE: M-AR DELIVERS LEAN, GREEN TRANSPORT HUB FOR LEEDS Specialist offsite contractor M-AR has created an environmentally-friendly terminus building for the first fully solar-powered park and ride facility in the UK. The Stourton Park and Ride site, situated to the south of Leeds, is the third park and ride facility to open in the city and forms

a major part of its sustainable transport strategy to reduce traffic, congestion and pollution. The site includes 45 new solar canopies,

Easy-fit, tongue and groove insulation for warmer homes and minimal thermal idging

RCI

funded by The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). These cover an area the size of 18 tennis courts and generate enough electricity to power the entire site via an innovative smart energy system also housed on site.

A key aspect of this project, which was delivered

by BAM Nuttall for Leeds City Council, was the need to minimise its overall environmental impact in terms of construction, lifespan and ongoing operations. BAM Nuttall and M-AR worked together to create an efficient offsite hybrid build solution to meet the exacting brief, while minimising the impact of the build itself. Having previously constructed the terminus buildings for both existing park and ride facilities in Leeds at Elland Road and Temple Green, M-AR was the obvious contractor of choice.

The completed project comprises eight modules, which were manufactured off site before being installed and finished on site. Together, the modules create a fully-heated, safe and secure terminus hub building.

Another key part of the build was the green roof which was designed to increase biodiversity by creating a habitat for wildlife to thrive. M-AR worked with a specialist roofing contractor to determine the design details to make sure the factory-assembled modules could accommodate the green roof. More than 11,000 trees and 9000 shrubs were also planted around the site to create an attractive environment for people using the facilities and help minimise the overall impact of the project on the environment.

www.m-ar.co.uk 01482 635081 buildingrelationships@m-ar.co.uk

A premium, high performance full fill insulation board.

With precision cut tongue and groove joints on all four sides, you can be ensured tight locking insulation which minimises heat loss through thermal bridging. This unique feature also means greater ease and speed of installation – Now that’s joined up thinking.

www.recticelinsulation.co.uk

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DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING

PERMEABLE PAVING FOR REGENERATION & SUDS Low-intervention permeable paving overlays can transform worn-out paving and also deliver multi-functional sustainable drainage (SuDS), trees and numerous other benefits. To understand how, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the unique characteristics and attributes of modular concrete paving generally – as the trade body Interpave explains.

Concrete Block Paving technology is based on high-strength, interlocking units installed with granular material filled joints and laying course. It enables small displacements between blocks, while retaining interlock, to create a particularly durable, very long-life surface over structural layers below. Decades of use internationally have demonstrated its suitability for the most taxing applications.

A wide choice of shapes, styles, colours and finishes – including natural aggregates – add a richness, diversity, visual interest and a human scale to the urban environment.

Re-usable block paving Concrete Block Paving is slip-resistant, durable, strong and sustainable. Modular concrete paving delivers fast, low-cost installation and replacement, using weather-independent, ‘dry’ construction.

There are no curing, hot-work or noxious fume problems and only small plant and

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equipment are needed, with noise and disturbance minimised. With an extremely long lifespan, blocks can be taken up and re-used without processing for repairs, changing layouts, or new schemes – saving carbon and meeting ‘circular economy’ criteria.

Concrete Block Permeable Paving (CBPP) enhances this technology as a well-established, multi-functional SuDS technique. It simply combines self-drained, safe and attractive surfaces for a wide range of applications with attenuation, storage, pollution treatment and conveyance of rainwater runoff. The difference with CBPP is angular aggregate – not sand – used to fill enlarged joints and as a laying course.

Then, pavement layers of voided material below accommodate water whilst still providing structural performance. CBPP can also accept additional runoff from adjacent impermeable paving and roofs.

The key to successful SuDS By its very nature, CBPP requires no additional land take for water storage or management and no gulleys with related pipework. Its unique capabilities include source control and delivering a gradual flow of clean water, for example, to open SuDS features, for amenity or biodiversity, to drainage systems or into the ground.

More than 25 years of usage has proven its adaptability on projects ranging from footpaths to container terminals.

DRAINAGE & LANDSCAPING

Both construction and whole-of-life costs of CBPP have been shown to be lower than for conventional paving and drainage, and it requires only limited, straightforward maintenance without clogging problems. It’s important to remember that CBPP is unlike – and not to be confused with – permeable materials, which behave very differently.

Innovative overlays Concrete Block Permeable Paving Overlay is a deceptively-simple, innovative approach to retrofitted CBPP, delivering SuDS as part of lowintervention repair, maintenance or regeneration.

The CBPP upper layer is applied as an overlay onto the original structural road or paving base. In many cases, it can simply run kerb-tokerb to form a shared surface level with the footway and flush kerb top. This approach also enables low-cost improvement works – perhaps as part of creating traffic-calming, ‘low-traffic neighbourhoods’ or ‘homezones’.

The same blocks and grit bedding layer and jointing material as for permeable pavements generally are used. Water is attenuated, treated and conveyed within the laying course, enabling filtration of silt and retention/treatment of pollutants without clogging. A gradual flow of clean water can then be released near the surface, meeting SuDS requirements.

This approach provides numerous benefits, including: Interception losses, managing runoff during regular rainfall events Attractive, popular surfaces with no puddles or potholes for user safety Maximising re-use of existing road base and its embodied carbon Optimising the original drainage regime, but below the surface Low-intervention, low-carbon, no-heat retrofit installation Long-life with minimal maintenance and low whole-of-life cost No open gulleys – wildlife safe Integral water filtration, with debris/litter remaining on the surface Straightforward access to below-ground services Sustainable reuse of blocks for reinstatement or changed layouts.

Refurbishment and green infrastructure CBPP and trees, and other planting, have been proven to work together in synergy. CBPP – whether full-construction or in overlay form – can collect rainfall away from the canopy and convey it to the tree. It can then simply discharge horizontally into a rain garden, perhaps with overflow into an existing gulley. The rain garden stores water during heavy rain for SuDS, retains soil moisture during dry weather and provides additional water quality, as well as irrigation.

Alternatively, CBPP can be used over standard tree pits, proprietary tree planters, ‘Stockholm System’ or other structural soil installations, enabling irrigation and simple gas (oxygen/carbon dioxide) exchange essential to trees – without additional reservoir units or pipes requiring maintenance. CBPP also avoids tree root disruption common with other paved surfaces.

This approach is exemplified in Bridget Joyce Square, London, where a typical, adopted asphalt street and adjacent parking areas were transformed for community use, with CBPP overlay shared surfaces discharging to treeplanted rain garden basins. The basins provide water storage for SuDS to reduce the overloading of existing drains as well as for irrigation. Interpave revisited the project around five years after completion and noted that the permeable paving was performing well and experienced no problems during recent extreme summer storms.

Tests were also carried out demonstrating that infiltration rates of the permeable paving were more than double those recommended by ‘The SuDS Manual’ (CIRIA, 2015). The trees and other green infrastructure were healthy, substantial and particularly wellestablished. A case study exploring Bridget Joyce Square is available on Interpave’s website, and other innovative project case studies will be published shortly.

www.paving.org.uk

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FOCUS & INNOVATION

FIRESHEL HELPS SHELFORCE STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS WITH CONSTRUCTION CLIENTS Leading Birmingham window and door manufacturer Shelforce has strengthened relationships with its clients thanks to the continuing success of its fullycompliant Fireshel 30-minure fire-, smoke- and security-resistant door.

SENIOR PROVES JUST THE TICKET FOR NEW RAIL STATION DEVELOPMENT Senior Architectural Systems, a privately-owned aluminium fenestration systems house, has played a key role in the transformation of Coventry’s rail station to create a welcoming entrance to the city. The £82m redevelopment of the station has seen the creation of a new entrance building and multi-storey car park, with Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system helping to flood the concourse with natural light.

Senior’s robust SD automatic commercial sliding doors were also installed to provide secure, safe and accessible access to the thousands of passengers who use the station every day. Senior worked closely with supply chain partners Elite Aluminium Systems and Buckingham Group Contracting to deliver AHR Architects’ masterplan for the West Midlands station, which is one of the busiest outside of London. The new-look station also features a footbridge to allow easier access to the platforms and bus interchange.

01709 772600

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www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk enquiries@sasmail.co.uk

Since launching the Fireshel in 2020, Shelforce has had to increase its manufacturing capacity from a standing start of 70 fire doors a week – and the likes of construction giant Wates and double-glazing and installation company Lutley Windows have strengthened their partnerships with them as a result.

The Fireshel is the perfect solution for local authorities that need fully EN-tested, thirdparty-accredited, replacement fire doorsets that are compliant with the latest 2020 MHCLG Annex A recommendations. All Fireshel fire doors have been fire and smoke tested from both the inside and outside and PAS 024 security tested.

As part of Birmingham City Council’s efforts to deliver its flagship responsive repairs and maintenance programme across the city, Wates turned to Shelforce and the Fireshel for a number of high-rise projects.

Andy Brown, Operations Manager of Wates, commented: “Shelforce deliver an excellent service with their Fireshel doors from start to finish and we are continuing with orders as we roll

out a wider flat entrance door replacement programme.”

Lutley Windows specialises in housing association projects across the West Midlands, and it has been going to Shelforce for the Fireshel for the last year.

Mark Taylor, Lutley Windows’ MD, commented: “Everything Shelforce do is to the highest spec and their experience in social housing and local authority projects mean they are the perfect partner.”

Shelforce’s Business Manager Howard Trotter said: “At Shelforce, we have always been about building lasting relationships with our clients and since launching the Fireshel, those have only been strengthened.

“We launched the Fireshel to set the standard for local authorities when it comes to fire doors, and sales have exceeded expectations.

With almost 35,000 fire doors to replace in Birmingham, it really has proved a gamechanger.”

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

GEZE UK UNVEILS AFTER SALES SOLUTIONS BROCHURE GEZE UK, the UK subsidiary of GEZE GmbH, a leading manufacturer of door and window control systems, has introduced the After Sales Solutions brochure that details the aftersales services GEZE UK offers for manual and automatic doors and windows.

The brochure explains the benefits of regular servicing – maintaining accessibility, minimising downtime, prolonging usability, reducing lifetime costs and fulfilling an organisation’s responsibility as a building owner or facilities manager.

The brochure is available digitally by visiting the company’s website. Alternatively, for a copy to be emailed, or for detailed information on the aftersales services available, send an email to the address below. Adam Presdee, Service Director of GEZE UK, said: “GEZE UK offers a complete ‘umbrella’ of aftersales solutions for all doors – automatic, manual and industrial. This brochure encompasses our approach whilst explaining the operational, commercial and environmental benefits of having a good maintenance regime and partner. We offer a service package that is tailored to each individual customer’s needs.”

www.geze.co.uk

01543 443000

info.uk@geze.com

FOCUS & INNOVATION

AKW’S NEW SANITARYWARE RANGE ADDS STYLE TO TENANT BATHROOMS According to housing association manager research by AKW, the key requirements for social landlords and their tenants are durable, contemporary-looking bathrooms that are easy to clean and maintain. AKW’s new Navlin sanitaryware range achieves this by combining long-lasting quality and high functionality with aesthetics, delivering a wide choice of products for the modern bathroom.

Designed with a minimal, modern aesthetic, the Navlin range includes an easy-to-keep-clean rimless toilet pan that comes with a cistern that is fully compliant with the latest, revised UK Water Regulations.

A Navlin Doc M toilet pan is also available that is fully compatible and interchangeable with the Navlin sanitaryware range for ultimate flexibility. In addition, the Navlin full and semi pedestals, and seat and flush options ensure that there is a solution for any requirement.

Within the Navlin sanitaryware range, there are also three different basin widths that all feature a level, easy-to-clean tap deck. A variety of

tap hole layouts also allow for the use of twin basin or mixer taps. The brassware available for use with the Navlin range includes the stylishlycurved AKW Denova mixer and twin taps, the straighter lines of the Monobloc mixer and peg lever twin taps and the TMV3 Thermostatic mixer and crosshead twin taps.

These have all been designed with ease of use, aesthetics and longevity in mind.

Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, comments: “Thanks to the introduction of Navlin, it is now possible to specify and install long-lasting, easy-to-use, low-maintenance sanitaryware that

is fully compliant with the latest revised UK Water Regulations. This range has been designed with high functionality and style in mind and will look just as good in 15 years as it does today.”

01905 823298

www.akw-ltd.co.uk sales@akw-ltd.co.uk

PREMIER MODULAR DELIVERS FIRST PHASE OF A NEW MODULAR CAMPUS AT CANADA WATER

PREMIER MODULAR IS AWARDED EUROPE’S FIRST ESG CERTIFICATION Premier Modular, one of the UK’s leading offsite construction specialists, has been awarded Europe’s first ESG certification.

Following a rigorous, independent audit conducted by global testing, inspection and certification specialist SGS, Premier has been assessed and certified for its management and performance in environmental, social and governance (ESG). According to David Harris, Managing Director of Premier Modular: “Our aim is to radically improve the sustainability of the built environment with our approach to construction, and to generate social value across all our building projects and operations. We are, therefore, delighted to be the very first company in Europe to receive the new certification developed by SGS.”

www.premiermodular.co.uk 0800 316 0888 info@premiermodular.co.uk

Premier Modular, a leading offsite specialist, has delivered a £2.6m contract to provide a bespoke and sustainable higher education facility at Canada Water in London. Occupied by The Engineering and Design Institute London (TEDI-London), the building is the first phase of an innovative new modular campus for research and development. The new facility was designed and built in just nine months in time for the first cohort of students. Premier’s modular solution allowed its rapid and sustainable construction, whilst minimising disruption to the local area. Designed by internationally-renowned architect firm Hawkins\Brown, the building will be in use for the next seven years to allow British Land to work with TEDI-London to develop a permanent home for its students within the Canada Water masterplan.

www.premiermodular.co.uk

0800 316 0888

info@premiermodular.co.uk

SETCRETE UNVEILS NEW PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION VIDEOS Setcrete has unveiled a new suite of product demonstration videos for its range of floorlevelling compounds and complementary preparation products. The video library, found on its website, features all of the products in the Setcrete range, including bestselling levelling compounds: Setcrete High Performance, which is suitable for application over both concrete screeds and flexible substrates; Setcrete Deep Base, which can raise floor levels up to 50mm in a single application; and Setcrete Rapid Set 30 that is ‘walk-on hard’ from only 30 minutes.

Each video explains the benefits of each product, where and how it can be used, the preparation required and the correct application process to deliver a perfect result.

www.setcrete.co.uk

01538 361633

lisa.shirley@f-ball.com

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FOCUS & INNOVATION

BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS LAUNCHES ZERO-CARBON HOME CONCEPT WITH CARBON-NEUTRAL SILESTONE SURFACES SPECIFIED Barratt Developments’ ‘Zed House’ is the first zero-carbon house by a major housebuilder to substantially surpass the Future Homes Standard by delivering a carbon reduction of 125%*.

Last year, Barratt announced that all its new homes will be zero carbon by 2030, and to help achieve this goal, carbonneutral Silestone by Cosentino’s Cincel Grey surface has been specified throughout the kitchen of this project.

Built with over 40 industry partners to showcase the future of sustainable living, the property set on the main campus at the University

of Salford will be occupied and monitored to assess its performance over time. It will also be an industry showcase home to demonstrate what is achievable, particularly from a mainstream, volume housebuilder.

The Symphony kitchen’s worksurface and splashback are made from Cosentino’s Silestone in Cincel Grey. Available in 2 and 3cm thicknesses with

a velvety, suede texture, the neutral colourway complements a wide range of kitchen styles and colours, from classic shaker designs to contemporary high-gloss slab doors. It is part of Cosentino’s Sunlit Days collection, the first carbonneutral collection in the quartz surfaces and engineered stone market, which also features the pioneering and exclusive HybriQ+ technology.

Characterised by the company’s commitment to the environment, the circular economy and sustainable management, the manufacturing process of HybriQ technology uses 99% reused water from the production processes and 100% renewable electric energy.

HybriQ+ also includes a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition, alongside mineral raw materials. The result is a timeless worksurface with high-spec performance, hygiene certification and a 25year warranty.

Further demonstrating Cosentino’s commitment to sustainable surfaces, the CO2 emissions of the entire lifecycle of the Sunlit Days series has been offset by calculating its carbon footprint, reducing impact and offsetting its emissions by continually participating in voluntary offsetting projects, which are certified and in the framework of the Voluntary Carbon Market. The initiative is also complemented by a partnership programme for the preservation of the seabed.

Designed to show just what is achievable for the housebuilding market in terms of sustainability, the Zed House is a great example of how homes could look in the next few decades. The result combines a Symphony kitchen made from 100% recycled chipboard, Silestone carbon-neutral worktops and splashback, a stainless-steel Franke sink made from 80% recycled materials and a four-inone filtered boiling water tap.

The house itself is made from a closed-panel timber frame with highly-insulated cladding and comes with EV charging points, PV solar panels and battery storage. The interior also includes electronic handsfree taps to reduce water consumption and a smart electric tariff that automatically moves energy usage to access the cheapest rates. The Zed House will be lived in and monitored over time to assess its performance.

Measured against 2013 ADL1a but using Future Homes metrics and targets. *

www.cosentino.com/en-gb 01256 761229 info.uk@cosentino.com

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F. BALL’S SYSTEM LVT RANGE DELIVERS GRAND DESIGN Products from F. Ball and Co.’s System LVT range, including the company’s fast-track, fibre-reinforced transitional adhesive, Styccobond F58 PLUS, have been used to install luxury vinyl tiles in an ambitious, modern self-build property in rural Cambridgeshire.

Contractors from 4 Floor Fittings began by thoroughly vacuuming the building’s concrete subfloor to remove dust and debris. F. Ball’s technical service team recommended treating the subfloor as a newly-installed screed for the purposes of moisture management, despite being installed months earlier, as it had been left exposed to the elements since.

Therefore, F. Ball’s Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane was used to create a barrier to prevent excess subfloor moisture attacking adhesives and floorcoverings, potentially causing floor failure.

01583 361633

FOCUS & INNOVATION

Once the waterproof surface membrane had cured, the surface was primed using F. Ball’s primer for use over non-absorbent surfaces, Stopgap P141. The company’s Stopgap 300 HD heavy-duty levelling compound was then applied over the entire ground floor to create a perfectly-smooth base for the receipt of floorcoverings. The product’s high compressive strength and excellent selflevelling properties help create a flawless finish when installing LVTs, while ensuring a long-lasting, aesthetically-pleasing floor finish even when subject to high levels of wear.

The contractors then used Styccobond F58 PLUS and F. Ball’s Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS temperaturetolerant, moisture-resistant, pressure-sensitive adhesive to install wood-effect LVTs over the 372m 2 area. Styccobond F49 was used where floor-to-ceiling windows were likely to cause temperatures to rise significantly as a result of solar gain. The adhesive will hold floorcoverings firmly in place when subject to extreme temperatures and temperature changes (from -20°C and up to +60°C), which can cause floorcoverings to expand and contract significantly, leading to tenting and gapping at the edges of LVTs over time.

Styccobond F58 PLUS was used to install vinyl tiles everywhere else. The fast-track adhesive enables floorcoverings to be installed from as little as five minutes after application, transitioning from a wetlay adhesive to become fully pressure sensitive.

www.f-ball.co.uk mail@f-ball.co.uk

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