RESIDENTIAL FOCUS Welcome to In the Frame – providing the latest updates from the light steel framing sector by leading manufacturer EOS.
EOS NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11 MARCH 2021
IN THE
FRAME
EOS operate across all construction sectors but with the media and government attention centred around housing and safety – in this issue we focus on the residential sector and how manufacturers can not only add critical value but also help mitigate risks in housing developments.
IN THIS ISSUE... Demonstrating Critical Value Pg 2 Company News
Pg 3
Building Safety Performance
Pg 4
Wembley Regeneration
Pg 5
Viewpoint Pg 6 Technical Talks
Pg 7
Ram Quarter
Pg 8
MINIMISING RISKS AND MAXIMISING OPPORTUNITIES The Hackitt report highlights the failings within the construction industry and sets out recommendations for a major shakeup of the current regulatory framework governing building control and fire safety in high-rise residential buildings. Information and record-keeping around construction projects is often fragmented - I believe ‘the golden thread’ is a step towards true transparency. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is now acknowledged as crucial in the design and construction process, but it goes beyond that - it provides a significant and lasting legacy of digital information from all those involved. EOS operate to BIM Level 2 and this technology is seen as fundamental to not only our business operation but how we collaborate with our construction partners. In addition to BIM, with our Etex group partners we consider taking a systems approach, as recommended in the Hackitt report – backed by rigorous testing regimes and certification is also a critical factor in determining building performance and safety across the medium to high-rise residential sectors. In this issue we focus on mitigating risks and please remember that as part of Etex, we have some of the best fire experts in the UK on our team and technical support is there for specifiers throughout the lifecycle of the project, from concept to completion – in person, online, or by phone.
Steve Thompson Managing Director, EOS Part of Etex NW
VIDEO VAULT Have you ever wanted to find out more about advanced offsite manufacturing processes and follow the journey from factory to site? Our Video Vault offers insight into not only our advanced light steel framing manufacturing facility but also a site study tour of the prestigious Gardiner Place residential development. You can also hear direct from our clients about our products and services and discover more about the projects we have been involved in through our case study videos. To find out more go to: www.eosframing.co.uk/informationcentre/video-vault
IN THE FRAME
RESIDENTIAL FOCUS Build-to-Rent (BTR) Demonstrating Critical Value to Clients and Investors The meteoric rise of BTR presents major opportunities for offsite innovators such as EOS. This sector is far from the ‘buy them cheap stack them high’ mentality of the rental homes of the past and is about demonstrating critical value to tenants and investors. A key appeal of the BTR model for institutional funders and developers is its ability to provide long-term investment opportunities.
PRODUCTIVITY IS KING So, what does this mean for the design and construction of BTR buildings? Firstly, boosting productivity is essential. The faster a BTR project can be built and let, the faster investors can begin recovering their initial capital outlay. The productivity gains offered by fast-track offsite construction methods are vital to project success.
LONG-TERM VALUE The second and perhaps the most important, is to maximise returns by ensuring a steady income from residents through customer satisfaction – safeguarding long-term occupancy rates. Upfront investment in build quality pays dividends in the long run. One of the more obvious places to invest in is the building fabric. Installing more durable materials for walls and partitions can bring efficiencies in both maintenance and energy costs together with enhanced acoustic and fire performance. Ensuring peace of mind on fire safety by installing tested and accredited systems is also crucial. When it comes to quality of life, these materials have a vital role to play by providing residents with a high-quality finish as well as a comfortable and safe living environment.
WEMBLEY REGENERATION One such scheme that illustrates this clearly is Quintain’s north-west London project with outline planning consent for an 85-acre mixed-use development with major BTR elements. This development allowed the team at EOS to demonstrate our understanding of the BTR sector as a long-term asset class, and evidence how we can maximise returns for investors by putting the customer front and centre of our approach. Turn to page 5 to read the case study on this project.
Read the Wembley Regeneration case study here: www.eosframing.co.uk/case_study/wembley-regeneration
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IN THE FRAME
COMPANY NEWS EOS Reaching Award Winning Heights After picking up a trophy at the Offsite Awards in the Product Innovation category – EOS has been Highly Commended at the Tall Buildings Awards for River Street Tower, Mancunian Way. The £110 million scheme encompasses 791 student bedrooms within a 32-storey building, bringing high quality, affordable student accommodation to Manchester.
Managing Director Steve Thompson said of the commendation: “This is a first for EOS, we have been honoured with many awards over the years, but we have never been recognised for our involvement in developing a tall building. I would like to send my congratulations to the EOS team and our construction partners Downing Construction, Alumet and The Alan Johnston Partnership.” The construction solution for River Street Tower comprises a main frame concrete structure with infill panels. The offsite manufactured Pre-Assembled Panel (PAF) systems were pre-boarded and insulated in our quality-controlled factory using light steel frames from EOS and Weather Defence boarding from Siniat as part of an Etex package. The Pre-Assembled Panels were tested inside and outside with options for 60, 90 and 120-minutes fire resistance.
CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS Client: Downing Architect: Simpson Haugh and Partners Contractor: Downing Construction Contractor: Alumet Structural Engineer: The Alan Johnston Partnership To read the full River Street Tower case study here: www.eosframing.co.uk/case_study/river-street-tower
PROTECTED BY In collaboration with our Etex group partners, EOS has launched a new ‘protected by’ logo to promote our building safety approach. Our Thrubuild® (loadbearing), Thruwall® (non-loadbearing) and Pre-Assembled Panels systems will be supported and promoted by this new distinct branding which will also be available for our construction partners to use on brochures and site hoarding to demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety. These systems meet the requirements of the External Wall Fire Review, known as the EWS1 form which is intended to record in a consistent and universal manner what assessments have been carried out on the external wall construction of residential apartment buildings.
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BUILDING SAFETY PERFORMANCE Reducing the Fire Load in Residential Buildings Damage during construction through moisture or fire leads to potential delays to contract, losses and expensive remediation works or even complete loss of a structure. A key advantage of light steel frame is its fire performance and protection from weather during the construction process. MITIGATING RISKS The amount of combustible materials in a light steel framed building is much lower, therefore the fire risk during construction and when in use is vastly reduced. Steel is non-combustible and does not add to the fire load of a building – reducing the fuel for a potential fire limits risk of damage and injury. This risk is further decreased by replacing some combustible materials with a concrete or screed deck on a steel frame rather than a timber deck.
1
Framing:
Min. 100mm x 1.2mm (SS10012) EOS Stud* 2
Sheathing:
2x 12.5mm Weather Defence externally. 3
Internal Boarding:
2x 12.5mm Siniat Frameboard internally. 4
Insulation:
100mm 45kg/m3 Rock Mineral Wool.
Improving levels of occupants’ safety and increasing the quality of the build are under the microscope. Our research and perspective interviews with sector experts have equipped us with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by housing specifiers. Lack of performance testing is a major concern. Developed in partnership with our Etex group partners, Siniat a leading expert in plasterboard and drylining systems and fire protection specialists Promat and FSi – our Thrubuild® complete loadbearing system range combines our technical and manufacturing expertise to deliver tested and certified solutions for light steel frame construction – all from one supplier. This approach mitigates risk for housing developers because all components in our unitised walling and flooring system are rigorously tested together to verify compatibility and certify technical performance. Our Thrubuild® range provides a 30-year warranty – offering total confidence and peace of mind for residential specifiers.
To download our Thrubuild® Specification Guide go to: www.eosframing.co.uk/information-centre
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BUILD-TO-RENT CASE STUDY Wembley Regeneration The largescale regeneration of Wembley Park and the surrounding areas has been ongoing since the stadium was built in 2007 – wide-ranging schemes and facilities are emerging from the ground around the home of English football. Spearheaded by the developer Quintain, the masterplan sees a £billion plus investment with a planned 7,000 new homes and the regeneration of the entire retail, cultural and civic environment.
NW07 & NW08
CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS
Our brief for the schemes was to rapidly deliver fully-engineered steel framing infill solutions to BIM Level 2 – executed with high precision and finished to an outstanding quality. Ahead of schedule and on budget, EOS fulfilled the brief with cost-effective offsite manufactured steel framing systems for different building types, across one of the UK’s largest construction sites.
Client: Downing Architect: Simpson Haugh and Partners Contractor: Downing Construction Contractor: Alumet Structural Engineer: The Alan Johnston Partnership
Located in the heart of Wembley Park, NW07 is a contemporary residential and retail development which sits between Page Place and Elvin Square. With 187 units of build-to-rent accommodation, the architecture is defined by four stepped buildings, echoing the form of the adjacent, Flanagan Lawrence designed Alto building. The facade is composed of tall vertical frames, punctuated with balconies that allow each apartment to enjoy wide and open views. NW08 is a contemporary mixed-use scheme of residential and retail units which sits between Olympic Way and Page Place. With 174 residential units, comprising 108 build-to-rent units and 66 affordable housing apartments which are all located above retail space at ground level. The facades create a dynamic form with roof terraces and large projecting balconies on the southern elevation which provides dramatic views of the stadium. Tall vertical recesses have been carved into the thick blade walls to provide locations for windows and balconies. Both projects create key focal points on the approach to the stadium.
Watch the Wembley Regeneration video case study here: www.eosframing.co.uk/information-centre/video-vault
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VIEWPOINT – OSCO HOMES
Intelligent Supply Chain Partners Driven by new thinking, engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology – OSCO Homes custom design and build new homes predominately for the social housing sector. Their solutions are based on building to a high specification in quality-controlled factory environments. Here, Gwen Beeken, Director, talks about how EOS has become an integral part of the team.
We don’t think our clients should ever settle for anything less than the best, so neither do we and that means we are a demanding customer. Everything we do is bespoke and to the highest quality, we therefore required a light steel frame partner that was not only able to manufacture custom-made solutions to exacting standards but could offer continuous support and sound technical advice. Our client offer is different to many offsite house builders. Being panelised, we can productionise their house types, pilot low numbers cost effectively, deliver on infill sites and take responsibility for the whole project – delivering a turnkey solution from field to finished front door. Combining control and responsibility, we are proud of our team and all they do. Our partnership with EOS goes back a long way. I first met Steve Thompson at an offsite event – his informed and practical approach made an impact. Initially we invited EOS to a competitive tender but once appointed, they helped us set up our operation. As a business, we always strive to do more with the resources we have, and part of our journey has been building our own, skilled workforce. We wanted to build a culture that was supportive, created opportunity, drove continuous improvement, and valued everyone. So four years ago, supported by EOS, we established a training facility in HMP Hindley where we prepared prisoners for employment on release through the building of OSCO panels. Highly successful, it has reduced re-offending in that group to below 10% against a national average of 60% but even better, it’s contributed to building our own, skilled workforce, many of whom continue to progress in the company today. We refer to EOS as our ‘intelligent supply chain partner’ and when things do not go to plan – regardless of whether it is related to their elements or not – support and technical advice is always available. With the backing of the EOS team, we have come a long way and we are now looking to break into the private housing and build-to-rent sectors.
Gwen Beeken Director, OSCO Homes Read the OSCO Homes Pennine Close Case Study here: www.eosframing.co.uk/case_study/pennine-close
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TECHNICAL TALKS Rigorous Testing and Technical Competence
As part of Etex, EOS have access to some of the best fire protection experts in the UK. Here, Technical Director Nigel Morrey considers how we ensure that materials are tested and fit for purpose. Specialising in passive fire protection for over 30 years, Nigel is a qualified fire engineer and Chair of the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) Fire Safety Group and sits on the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) Council and Strategy Group. Our products, processes and whole business philosophy show that as a manufacturer we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. At the heart of this is rigorous testing, technically competent people and a systems-based approach to our solutions. Current regulations tend to deal with individual products and how they perform in a laboratory test. This is not enough. Material providers should have comprehensive, full-scale testing regimes that study the performance of products working together to see how they interact under ‘real’ conditions, like fire or when exposed to wind and rain. We need to assess how all of the products in the system – boards, metals, screws, insulation – react under these circumstances. Annually we conduct over 500 tests in Europe alone. We have three Innovation and Technology Centres where we have our own fire, acoustic, mechanical, structural and thermal testing facilities, equipment and laboratories. We also fully support and endorse third party certification systems such as BBA, BRE Global and Certifire. We work closely with certification bodies to jointly develop and design technical solutions. Our range of technical support is there for specifiers throughout the lifecycle of the project. We also invest heavily in technical training – for instance, it is compulsory for every single person in a technical or specification role to have taken our Technical Expert Programme.
Nigel Morrey Technical Director, Etex Building Performance To gain more insights from the Etex Building Performance team go to: etex-bp.co.uk/insights
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RESIDENTIAL CASE STUDY Ram Quarter Transforming the former Young’s Brewery site where beer has been brewed since 1581, the Ram Quarter sensitively integrates historic Grade II buildings which provide accommodation for boutiques, restaurants, a craft-brewery, a brewery museum into a contemporary residential scheme to provide 650 exclusive loft-style apartments.
VINTAGE AND MODERN
CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS
The architects in close collaboration with the planners and conservation advisers have created a contemporary build which reflects and respects the heritage of the site. Steel framing systems had to be developed to consider the integrity of the existing buildings to enhance rather than detract from the original architecture. Working in partnership with Ardmore, EOS designed and manufactured a range of around 15,000m2 of steel framing system infill walling and 280m2 loadbearing steel systems for the project. From SFS infill for five new medium to high-rise concrete framed blocks to a bespoke load-bearing system of internal pods within the listed brewery house, EOS worked in close collaboration with all construction partners to develop systems that meet the exacting project requirements.
Architects: EPR Architects (listed buildings) Avanti Architects (new build) Client: Greenland Group Main Contractor: Ardmore Installer: Ardmore
The site emerged from the ground on schedule. BIM Level 2 delivered a rapid manufacturing turn around facilitated by making best use of design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) protocols, combined with innovative offsite technologies.
Watch the Ram Quarter video case study here: www.eosframing.co.uk/information-centre/video-vault
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