Refurb Renovation News - Issue 59

OJMAR: LOCKING IN ON HYBRID WORKING

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.

Golden Giveaway for 50th RAG®

Anniversary

TR Studio extend home with single-story brick and Crittall-style glazed extension

FISHER & PAYKEL SHARES THE OPTIMAL WAY TO USE APPLIANCES IN AN OPEN PLAN KITCHEN

BENOY ID DISCUSS INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

Schöck Isokorb for iconic Nestlé factory site regeneration

Issue 59 2023

To discuss your requirements or to request a quote: Call us: 0845 900 3969 Email us: sales@ahci.co.uk or visit our website: www.ahci.co.uk

WITH YOU ALL THE WAY

Whether you’re working with an architect and interior designer to create your dream home, or are planning a stylish conversion project, or require retrospective cover for a new build property, a structural warranty will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your new abode to the fullest.

Advantage Home Construction Insurance, which has its headquarters in the North West and offices throughout the UK, is a leading provider of structural warranties and is trusted by individual self-builders and leading developers alike.

PAGABO APPOINTS G F TOMLINSON FOR £1BILLION NATIONAL FRAMEWORK

Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, has been announced as a successful partner for Pagabo’s National Framework for Medium Works, which launched this month.

Running from January 2023 until January 2027, the next-generation framework is one of Pagabo’s most popular and active construction procurement routes for clients, with 148 projects having completed to date.

As part of the partnership, G F Tomlinson has been appointed to deliver projects from £500,000 up to £10million, throughout Yorkshire, and the East and West Midlands.

G F Tomlinson will deliver public sector projects across the education, healthcare, civic, leisure, housing, blue light, highways and infrastructure sectors.

In order to be successful, G F Tomlinson’s bid demonstrated relevant experience, financial stability and a strong commitment to social value and the carbon reduction agenda. As well as providing value for money for clients, delivering quality builds on time and on budget, and managing supply chain to a high standard.

Since 2020, G F Tomlinson has partnered with Pagabo on several frameworks including the Major Works Framework, the Framework for Refit and Refurbishment Solutions, and the previous Medium Works Framework, which the new iteration now supersedes.

BE PART OF A NET-ZERO FUTURE –BEIS FUNDED TRAINING AVAILABLE THROUGH THE RETROFIT ACADEMY

The Retrofit Academy secures funding to deliver over 1200 retrofit courses in England to help the UK achieve its net zero goals by building a highly skilled retrofit workforce.

The Retrofit Academy (TRA), a leading provider in retrofit training, has been awarded funding from the Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to upskill and provide employment in the retrofit sector across England. Those seeking to take advantage of the part funded training are being asked to register their interest now.

This funding is part of the BEIS £9.2m Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition (HDSTC). The scheme enables thousands of people to take advantage of the growth

and jobs potential created by the national push to switch to low carbon heating and improving the energy performance of the nation’s housing stock.

The courses are ideal for experienced built environment professionals such as architects, surveyors and construction site managers, social housing providers, those working in the energy efficiency sector (such as Domestic Energy Assessors), and SMEs (e.g. contractors installing insulation, glazing, doors and heating systems) looking to deliver high quality and sustainable retrofit projects.

The online courses are aligned with both PAS 2030 and PAS 2035, which support the UK Government’s 2050 net-zero target. TRA is calling for anyone interested to register, so why not be the first to access the funding?

Training ranges from 4 - 12 weeks in duration depending on the course, with a range of online exams, multiple choice questions and written assignments.

Funding is currently available for those living or working in England for the following qualifications:

• Level 2 Award in Understanding

Domestic Retrofit

• Level 3 Award in Domestic Retrofit Advice

• Level 4 Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment

• Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management

The courses are ideal for experienced built environment professionals such as architects, surveyors and construction site managers, social housing providers, those working in the energy efficiency sector (such as Domestic Energy Assessors), and SMEs (e.g. contractors installing insulation, glazing, doors and heating systems) looking to deliver high quality and sustainable retrofit projects.

NEW RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIAL

DEMAND OF 150,000 INSTALLERS – A MAIN BARRIER TO 2028 HEAT PUMP TARGET

The widely promoted 50,000 installers required to meet the Government’s ambitious annual heat pump installation target of 600,000 may be three times lower than the number required, research has revealed.

Developing from discussions within the HHIC Systems Group, chaired by Steve Keeton, the organisation has conducted extensive investigations of working practices through the membership. It has revealed a figure of circa 150,000 workers is required to meet the Government’s target if today’s working model is followed.

Not only does this finding triple current predictions, it also reveals the need for 100,000 new entrants to the industry – a figure almost equivalent to the entire current Gas Safe Register.

To align with net zero by 2050 there is an urgent requirement to decarbonise UK heating systems, with many leaning on the promise of increasing heat pump installation. Whilst a positive initiative, data from the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) suggests the actual workforce requirement to attain 600,000 new installations per year could heavily outweigh current estimates, by as much as 200%.

Commenting on these findings, Steve said: “The industry is at a pivotal point, with an ageing workforce and exacerbated demand for modernised skillsets we really must look to new entrants as fundamental in providing the solution. The Government must push harder than ever to engage and incentivise existing heating engineers to build skills in renewable technologies. In addition, it must attract more new people to enter the industry and appeal to the younger generation to proactively include low-carbon technologies in their portfolio. It is the cornerstone we need in order to achieve our nation’s emissions goals.”

Whilst heat pump installation is a priority, the HHIC says there is no one silver bullet approach to decarbonisation. Collectively, the UK must look towards supplementary alternatives if its to hit 2028, and 2050 sustainable heating targets. A hydrogen economy is cited as the next step in heating system developments, with the HHIC noting the importance of recent government proposals to mandate hydrogen-ready boilers. This government initiative is backed by UK manufacturer’s ‘price promise,’ meaning the boilers installed in 1.7 million homes each year could be ready for net zero at no extra cost to consumers compared to equivalent models today.

Steve added:” It is imperative that the UK’s heating strategy looks at a multi-dimensional approach. This gives the Installer options and the customer choice. If we are to successfully meet our 2050 ambitions, Heat Networks and hydrogen must be part of the strategy in tandem with heat pump initiatives.

“This is inevitably going to require an upskilling, and incentivisation, of the workforce, so we must work from the grassroots up in order to create the bedrock of multi-skilled installers to successfully decarbonise the heating economy.”

To download the report and find out more about the research, visit the HHIC Website here

Prowood Bergs Timber

SCHÖCK ISOKORB FOR ICONIC NESTLÉ FACTORY SITE REGENERATION

No other UK product for concrete-to-steel applications satisfies the necessary loadbearing requirements, or meets the current and future thermal performance required by building standards (Part L), than the Schöck Isokorb structural thermal break T type SK.

It is a complete system

structural thermal break and is used widely on Block B, a collection of nine buildings which make up around a third of the 1400 hundred or so new properties at the Hayes Village development. This is an extensive regeneration programme in Hayes, West London and is built on the original site of the locally iconic Nestlé Factory, which dominated the area for some 80 years before production relocated to Derbyshire. Hayes Village is situated along the Grand Union Canal, surrounded by nine acres of green space and includes play areas and allotments.

The Schöck Isokorb range of structural thermal break solutions is the largest in Europe and in the UK helps projects meet full compliance with the necessary Building Regulations (and the impending Future Homes Standard criteria where relevant).

LEFT The restored art deco main Nestle building adjacent to Block B

Original features from the Nestlé factory, including one of the listed art deco style buildings, are carefully woven into the fabric of the new development and although all the buildings have distinct characteristics, the existing factory buildings have inspired the overall design. As a result, the nine buildings that make up Block B are broken up into a series of elements and layers, each of a different brick tone and although very different in character, have façades with common themes. As a counterpoint to the solid masonry walls which wrap the primary steel frame, the metalwork of the balconies is used as a feature to enrich the façades.

Minimising thermal bridging is critical

The entire project is built with sustainability in mind and minimising any risk of thermal bridging at the balcony detailing is critical for a number of reasons. Local heat loss will result in more energy being required to maintain the internal temperature of the building, while low internal surface temperatures in the area of any thermal bridge can cause condensation. This in turn is likely to result in structural integrity problems. Mould growth too is a possible risk, which in a residential situation can cause asthma and allergies. Incorporating the Schöck Isokorb T type SK minimises any chance of these outcomes, as it prevents the risk of thermal bridging between cantilevered steel constructions on reinforced concrete components.

A dependable and fully compliant product range

The Schöck Isokorb range of structural thermal break solutions is the largest in Europe and in the UK helps projects meet full compliance with the necessary Building Regulations (and the impending Future Homes Standard criteria where relevant). In addition to the Isokorb type used on this project, there are also so-lutions for concrete-to-concrete, steel-tosteel, renovation projects – and even a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets. All products have the security of independent BBA Certification, which provides NHBC approval. The tem-perature factor requirement (fRSI) used to indicate condensation risk at localised junctions, which must be equal to, or greater than 0.75 for residential buildings, is also easily met by incorporating the Isokorb.

ABOVE Part of Block B. Image courtesy of Makower Architects

RIGHT Graphic of the T type SK in position

Floors & Flooring

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

How contractors can benefit from advances in floor stripping technology

We all love to get the most for our money. As a result, many businesses develop goods that combine multiple products into one — from washer-dryers to a baby grow that doubles as a mop. While some multipurpose consumer products seem more like a novelty than a useful tool, in industrial applications, combining the capabilities of two systems can bring great return on investment. Here Connie Hardy, vice president of marketing at surface preparation equipment manufacturer, National Flooring Equipment, explores how the next generation of walk-behind flooring removal equipment can benefit contractors.

Before installing a floor during a renovation project, contractors must first remove the existing flooring and prepare what’s underneath. Choosing the right floor stripper is integral to effectively preparing the substrate ready for new flooring, so contractors must take the time to choose what equipment, or combination of equipment, will work best for the job at hand.

Choosing a floor stripper

Existing floor covering, power availability and site size and layout are some of the parameters to consider when selecting a floor stripper. In most instances, equipment distributors will recommend using a ride-on stripper to remove hard goods, such as hardwood and ceramic tile and for sites with a large and open square footage. To remove soft goods, such as carpet, work in smaller spaces or to prepare floors where there are weight limitations, walk-behinds work best.

There are always exceptions to the rule. For example, if contractors discover from the client that the space has a large square footage, they may assume that a ride-on stripper would provide the best production rate. However, if the space is divided into small units, the doorway is small or the space is on a higher floor with no access to a lift, a ride on machine might become impractical.

In these instances, contractors can look at using a more compact walkbehind stripper. However, if they usually operate rideons, they might experience some differences.

Walk-behind limitations

Unlike all-electric ride-on strippers, legacy selfpropelled walk-behind machines are controlled using hydraulics, making the equipment heavy and sometimes difficult to steer. This makes it particularly

difficult to effectively remove hard goods, where contractors need a powerful machine. To overcome this, an operator might push their whole weight into a walkbehind to remove the covering, which can be tiring, time consuming and can lead to operators digging into the substrate.

Contractors often choose walk-behinds for floor removal jobs on higher storeys. Before starting work, contractors can visit the site to see how they can access these higher storeys. Is there a lift? Does it have the capacity for the machine?

If the answer is no, contractors will then need to consider how to get the equipment to the work area. Though walk-behinds are more compact than ride-ons, contractors may still find it difficult to safely manoeuvre the machine upstairs. If it is not possible to safely transport equipment to the work site, contractors may be forced to complete the surface preparation job with manual tools.

Meet in the middle

Advances in floor stripper machinery means that contractors can now have the best of both worlds. The new fully electric walkbehind stripper, the Rogue, for example, has all the benefits of a larger ride-on in a compact machine.

The machine offers reduced machine weight, increased power capabilities and simplified controls. For example, there are toggles on the handle for steering, which reduces operator input, and enables the operator to quickly manoeuvre the machine with less strain. Reducing the weight also makes the equipment quicker — traditional walk-behind strippers typically work to three feet per minute, where the Rogue can do up to 150 ft at the same time.

Contractors concerned about how to equipment on sites that are difficult to access can benefit from choosing a modular machine. Modular machines mean contractors can remove weights or split the machine into multiple parts, making it easier to safely carry the machine onto transport or to a higher floor.

Whether it’s to make someone’s life easier or to create a novelty product, two-in-one products are popular in the consumer market. Similarly, when developing surface preparation equipment, taking the power of a ride-on floor stripper and the compactness of a walk-behind can give operators what they need to deliver quality floors in a range of applications.

INSET Connie Hardy

GOLDEN GIVEAWAY FOR 50TH RAG® ANNIVERSARY

F. Ball and Co. Ltd. is celebrating the launch of the 50th issue of its industryacclaimed Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG®) with a golden giveaway.

THE NATURAL CHOICE...

Golden tickets have been hidden inside 50 copies of the 2023 edition of the guide, with the lucky recipients entitled to claim one of a range of prizes. Copies will automatically be sent to members of F. Ball’s Ball Rewards scheme and can also be requested for free.

F. Ball’s sales director, Darren Kenyon, explained: “It is always recommended that flooring professionals check the compatibility of chosen floorcoverings and adhesives to ensure that the resulting bond will perform as required for the lifetime of the installation. For 50 years, the RAG® has made this process effortless. We wanted to celebrate the milestone by giving contractors the chance to win a range of prizes.”

The origins of the RAG® can be traced back to 1973. Each year since, F. Ball has published an update to what has evolved into the industry’s leading guide to floorcovering-adhesive compatibility.

The RAG® enables contractors and specifiers to quickly check the compatibility of

F. Ball adhesives with over 6,000 branded floorcoverings from over 200 leading international floorcovering manufacturers – offering flooring professionals the most comprehensive guide to floorcoveringadhesive compatibility available.

In addition to an A5 printed book, a constantly updated version of the guide is available on the F. Ball website, and as a mobile app, which is free to download from the Apple App store or Google Play.

Recommendations are only included in the guide after the completion of a rigorous 56-day testing programme at F. Ball’s stateof-the-art testing facilities and following endorsement by the relevant floorcovering manufacturer. Furthermore, every recommendation listed guarantees the resulting bond performance for the entire lifetime of the flooring installation – as long as the advised subfloor preparation and installation procedures are followed – giving flooring professionals peace of mind.

Copies can be requested by e-mailing mail@f-ball.co.uk or calling 01538 361633.

For further information on F. Ball and Co. Ltd., call 01583 361 633 or visit www.f-ball.co.uk

THE BIG INNOVATION PITCH RETURNS TO FUTUREBUILD IN 2023

The search is on for the newest and brightest solutions to an array of built environment challenges. The Big Innovation Pitch will be back in action at Futurebuild 2023 and is where the industry’s most exciting innovators will battle it out to showcase their latest game-changing innovations and revolutionary ideas in front of a live audience.

Futurebuild’s annual innovation competition will provide the stage for the very best industry innovations. An exclusive platform for exhibitors, The Big Innovation Pitch will give them the opportunity to submit their innovation for consideration, with all entries then being shortlisted by a panel of expert judges, led by Dr Oliver Jones, Research and Innovation Director at Ryder Architecture.

A shortlist of six innovations will then be pitched live in front of the industry’s top architects, housebuilders and investors at Futurebuild 2023, before one is crowned champion.

This year’s event has a new and added live session with The Big Ideas Pitch being a motivator for any startups and SMEs out there who would like to pitch their new innovation to a wider audience. Run in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Big Ideas Pitch is a fantastic chance for new businesses to show how their game-changing innovation can potentially disrupt the built environment.

To enter, the innovations across the Big Innovation Pitch and Big Ideas Pitch are about solving real problems and addressing the net

zero challenge. Entrants can submit a product or service that can potentially shift behaviours and help solve net zero, either by supporting the circular economy, reducing emissions or providing new ways to improve how we design and build. These solutions will not only have an impact on our built environment but also on our planet.

Commenting on the Big Innovation Pitch, Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild said: “Our industry relies on innovation and faced with the challenges of net zero, companies that innovate will always stay ahead of the curve. At Futurebuild, this innovation is part of our ethos which is why the Big Innovation Pitch is such a great platform to highlight these innovations. We are also delighted this year to be able to open up the field even further with start-ups and SMEs being able to bring their breakthrough ideas to a wider audience through the Big Ideas Pitch. There is wealth of talent across the UK and finding solutions that have the potential to meet wider industry issues is truly amazing, and we are excited to see the companies present their ideas in front of a live audience and get the attention they deserve.”

Last year’s hotly contested live final saw Sunamp win the Big Innovation Pitch with their product Thermino Thermal Storage Battery for Domestic Hot Water. It uses food-grade phase change materials for more efficient heat storage, delivering instant

hot water while reducing carbon emissions. While the battery is up to four times smaller than an equivalent hot water cylinder, the battery has an energy density around five time greater than water.

As a result of the win, Toby Morris, specification sales manager at Sunamp said: “Winning helped increase our profile at the event and beyond, raised brand awareness and started conversations. Sales of Thermino units are strong and are moving into the mainstream. They are now being installed in large scale housing projects across the country and international sales are rising. Our recommendation to other innovators is to go for it and enter, why shouldn’t you?”

All entrants to the Big Innovation Pitch will be featured in the Futurebuild Innovation Gallery and showcased to the top judging panel, as well as over 2.8 million industry professionals via Futurebuild’s extensive marketing and PR campaign.

The closing date for entries is 19th December 2022, with twelve entries selected to supply additional information prior to six finalists that will be announced on 23rd January 2023. The finalists will then pitch live at Futurebuild 2023 on Wednesday 8th March, with one being crowned champion.

Find out more about the Big Innovation Pitch and register today

Futurebuild 2023 will take place from March 7th to March 9th London’s ExCeL.

To exhibit click here

“Our industry relies on innovation and faced with the challenges of net zero, companies that innovate will always stay ahead of the curve.”

Events & Awards News

GLEEDS NAMED GREAT PLACE TO WORK

International property and construction consultancy Gleeds has announced that its UK business has been awarded coveted Great Place to Work® certification by the global authority on workplace culture.

Certification acknowledges employers who deliver a consistently positive employee experience. During the certification process, the Great Place to Work® team captures valuable feedback using its research-driven Trust Index™ survey and details the programmes and practises that make workplaces unique.

Commenting on Gleeds’ new accreditation, Kate Williams, UK people director said, “Our survey results were overwhelmingly positive -

showing that 90% of our people feel colleagues care about one another, that the business is committed to ensuring everyone is treated fairly, inclusively, and respectfully, and that everyone can be themselves at work. These are just a few of the aspects of our culture that make Gleeds a Great Place to Work®. I look forward to continuing our journey to becoming one of the UK’s Best Workplaces.”

Managing director of Gleeds UK, Anthony Cork added, “Our people are our most important asset, so I am thrilled that the effort we devote to improving their experience is paying dividends. It is rewarding to know that we’re creating a workplace where people are made to feel welcome when they join us, and where they feel valued throughout their careers here.”

The results of the Great Place to Work® survey reveal that nine out of ten respondents agree they were made to feel welcome when joining Gleeds, while over 90% agree that the business is committed to treating everyone fairly, inclusively, and respectfully. As a result, 87% feel they can be themselves at work and four out of five would consider it a truly Great Place to Work.

ABLOY UK ANNOUNCES NEW DIGITAL ACCESS SOLUTIONS ACADEMY DATES FOR 2023

Abloy UK has released new 2023 dates for courses at its Digital Access Solutions Academy, with training available for solutions such as Incedo, SMARTair, Aperio, and the ePED Escape Door System.

Launched in 2022, the Digital Access Solutions Academy is a purposebuilt facility to showcase, work with, install and test Abloy’s extensive range of products, with particular focus on new digital solutions and ecosystems.

Pip Courcoux, Head of Product, Technical and Digital Transformation at Abloy UK, said: “The way we live, work and move is always evolving, and at Abloy we understand that the secure and convenient movement of people is a challenge increasingly evident throughout the built environment.

“The way we move and use today’s smarter buildings is becoming more fluid, and different people require different access times and entry points. With change comes the need for more agile security systems that keep us safe, while keeping us moving.

CEREMONY MARKS THE OPENING OF £4.8M LICHFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Fradley Park Primary School in Lichfield, Staffordshire, celebrated the official opening of its £4.8m free school with the local community last week.

The two-storey building, which was constructed by Midlandsbased contractor G F Tomlinson and completed in summer 2022, opened to 210 primary and 26 nursery pupils in autumn last year – being the first school to be built in the area in over 40 years.

“There is also demand for data and connectivity to open new doors and make our everyday lives simpler, while at the same time meeting the needs of our fast-changing market for smarter security. With this in mind, we recognised a need to create a new area of our Academy for our growing customer base, to focus specifically on our expanding range of digital access solutions.

“Since its launch last year, the Digital Access Solutions Academy has been incredibly popular, and we anticipate a similar response to this year’s courses – so don’t delay in booking your free place.”

To find out more about these courses and other training at the Abloy Academy and Digital Access Solutions facility, and to book your place, go to https://bit.ly/3IBTahh

The opening ceremony was attended by Ben Robinson, High Sheriff and County Councillor Jonathan Price from Staffordshire County Council, Construction Director Kevin Dodds from G F Tomlinson, and CEO of John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust Mike Donoghue. As well as approximately 50 guests, comprising school staff and governors, John Taylor MAT directors and members, and colleagues from the local authority and other partner and community organisations.

The occasion was marked with speeches and a presentation of the school’s journey, before the school was officially opened by Ben Robinson, High Sheriff of Staffordshire County Council and County Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND.

The school was delivered through the Staffordshire County Council Framework, and project managed by Entrust, and is now being managed by the John Taylor Multi Academy Trust.

This is one of six educational schemes that G F Tomlinson has delivered within Staffordshire alongside Entrust, with the Derby-headquartered firm recently completing the latest scheme - Bramshall Meadows First School in Uttoxeter.

what will you take a stand for?

Build a better future for the built environment

Futurebuild provides the stage for inspiring ideas, innovative solutions & knowledge sharing to drive sustainable construction and help us reach our goal of net zero. The exhibition brings together the entire supply chain to showcase, debate and understand the advancements in sustainable construction and the emerging technologies that will make net zero possible.

Futurebuild is taking a stand for a better built environment and is urging companies and professionals throughout the construction supply chain to make a similar commitment by ‘taking a stand’ on an issue they passionately believe will help propel the industry towards a more sustainable future. Join us in taking a stand.

SCAN HERE

BOILER ALERT: How to specify the right UFH system to help solve the boiler crisis

As gas boilers are phased out, now is the time to re-think domestic heating, says Richard Bateman, Product Marketing Manager at RWC. By pairing modern heat pumps with underfloor heating, homes can become more efficient, more comfortable, and cheaper to run.

When it comes to keeping homes warm, we know that change is on the horizon. Over the coming years, traditional gas boilers will be phased out in a bid to reduce the emissions produced by the UK’s housing stock. This has made way for alternatives such as low-carbon heat pumps, which will soon become commonplace and fundamentally change how we heat our homes. That’s because these modern technologies open up new opportunities for domestic heating systems, leveraging their potential to improve energy efficiency and future-proof homes.

heating can be fitted in almost any home, but factors like the construction of the existing floor do need to be factored into installation.”

Already a popular option – particularly on renovation projects where enhancing energy efficiency is important – underfloor heating (UFH) provides a convenient and stylish option for keeping rooms comfortable. Working particularly well in conjunction with heat pumps, UFH systems require operating temperatures of just 35°C to 40°C to heat rooms. Plus, with no need for radiators, wall space is freed up to allow greater interior design freedom, and occupants can enjoy convenient operation with modern thermostats and smart controls.

But getting the most out of an UFH system starts at specification, taking into account factors such as the existing floor height build up and ensuring that the most efficient piping layout is achieved during the design stage.

Specifying for comfort and efficiency

When selecting a new type of heating system for a project, there are two key factors to keep in mind: how the system will underpin comfort and how it will improve efficiency.

Utilising a network of pipes beneath the floor, UFH allows heat to be consistently distributed across a space – rather than originating from a single source on one wall,

“Underfloor

as is typically the case with radiators. While this set up helps to eliminate hot and cold patches to create more comfortable spaces, it also means the system can operate at a much lower temperature, typically around 30°C less than required of gas boilers.

This makes it an ideal pairing for the air-source and ground-source heat pumps which are largely replacing gas boilers, which themselves operate at lower temperatures. Additionally, by creating zones when installing UFH, heat can be delivered to specific areas of a home to further maximise the efficiency of the system, saving energy and even bringing down monthly heating bills.

Aiding this functionality, smart thermostats, such as those in the JG Underfloor Controls range, offer precise heating control over the temperature of specific rooms. The controls can also be accessed via a free app, which allows for greater user control even when people are away from their homes.

Low-profile UFH delivers efficient warmth without compromise

With UFH leading the way in efficient domestic heating moving forward, it is important to consider the practicality of installation –particularly on retrofit projects.

Underfloor heating can be fitted in almost any home, but factors like the construction of the existing floor do

need to be factored into installation. For instance, where concrete or timber floors are already in place, an UFH system may be laid directly onto it, saving time and expense by negating the need to remove the existing floor. Beyond this, the depth of screed and the desired floor finish must be factored in, ensuring the installation of UFH does not adversely affect the room in terms of space and functionality. This makes the specification of low-profile UFH a desirable option.

Designed to keep floor height to a minimum while maintaining adequate heat output, JG LowFit is an UFH panelling solution which ranges from 16 to 20mm in thickness. Designed specifically for installation over existing flooring, its foil and mesh panels can be laid quickly and easily, accommodating 12-15mm pipe. Once screeded, the total floor height will be 21-25mm –around the same as the diameter of a £1 coin.

In addition to providing a lowheight system which delivers discreet domestic heating, JG LowFit also supports multiple pipe layouts, including serpentine and counterflow. With layout contributing towards the system’s efficiency and effectiveness, it is important to consider this in the initial design and planning stages. RWC’s technical team is able to provide advice in this area, mitigating risks and helping to maximise long-term efficiency.

Once fully installed and screeded, homeowners can take their pick of floor finishes, safe in the knowledge that their low-profile UFH system will efficiently keep every room comfortable. From carpet and laminate right the way through to ceramic tiles – the most suitable material for heat transfer –homeowners can enjoy complete design freedom, with their heating hidden out of sight.

Future-proofing domestic heating

Facilitating the installation of a highly efficient heating system without compromising floor height and aesthetics, low-profile UFH is particularly well suited to retrofit projects. As well as minimising disruption during the installation phase, it enables existing properties to adopt technologies which help them adapt to future requirements.

As traditional gas boilers are phased out from 2025, now is the time to re-think domestic heating systems as a whole – and underfloor heating has a key role to play. By specifying UFH today, we can make sure homes are well prepared to tackle future challenges, such as the rising cost of energy, and put homeowners on track to enjoy homes which are more efficient, more comfortable, and cheaper to run.

To find out more about RWC’s JG Underfloor heating solutions, please visit http://speedfitufh.co.uk

“In addition to providing a low-height system which delivers discreet domestic heating, JG LowFit also supports multiple pipe layouts, including serpentine and counterflow. With layout contributing towards the system’s efficiency and effectiveness, it is important to consider this in the initial design and planning stages.”

Heating, Ventilation & Insulation

PANASONIC PROVIDES SUSTAINABLE HEATING AND COOLING FOR KEMSLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE

In line with the UK’s Net-Zero targets, local governments are transitioning communities to a greener future. Kemsley Community Centre, based in Sittingbourne, Kent, were looking for a more energy efficient and sustainable system to heat and cool their large and multiple areas of the Community Centre to replace a 1960’s oil-fired system. Phoenix ACR, specialists in AC and Refrigeration, specified a Panasonic R32 split system with 4 x 20kW PACi outdoor units and 11 of the Panasonic PACi NX Elite range of wall mounted indoor units with nanoeTM X.

The new system needed to meet the needs of the entire community centre, covering the main hall, bar area and reception area. Each section required units suited to the individual area, which could seamlessly combine and function under a single control system.

The Panasonic PACi NX Elite range was specified by installer, Nathan Bell, Managing Director of Phoenix ACR, who explains “We have worked with Panasonic a lot in the past, so we knew its range was the best to deliver the efficiency, reliability and value for money that was key to this installation. The energy-saving design and high efficiency makes the Panasonic units ideal for this project.

The PACi NX Elite range allows a great amount of flexibility in design and install, which was crucial to ensuring we could adapt to the needs of each room, providing the perfect solution for the customer.

“The addition of nanoe™X technology, which inhibits viruses and bacteria, was a key benefit of the Panasonic units, to help provide a better indoor environment for the community centre staff and its users in a post-pandemic world.”

In the main hall and bar area, 11 Panasonic PACi NX Elite wall-mounted units with nanoe™X were installed, these are especially beneficial for high ceiling areas such as found in the community centre. The reception area has two PACi ceiling suspended units, the slim design making them more discreet for the smaller room along with being one of the quietest units currently on the market.

Facilities Trustee of Kemsley Community Centre, David Grawler added “It is so important that we provide a sustainable future for our community. Phoenix ACR recommended this solution, and we are very happy with how it meets our energy efficiency needs.

“With our old system, if we hired out a single room, we would end up having to heat the entire building. The new Panasonic system allows us to control all units as one for the entire building but also enables us isolate the individual spaces, adding a new way for us to function in a more energy efficient way, without having to compromise on comfort.”

The PACi NX Standard and PACi NX Elite ranges provide high quality heating and cooling, boasting top class SEER ratings of A++ and SCOP ratings of A+ and A++ at 10kW respectively. Both provide slim, lightweight and compact designs.

The PACi Elite offers greater design flexibility, making it adaptable to various building types and sizes, key to delivering the perfect solution across larger projects. The design allows for high quality under a wide range of conditions, with cooling possible in temperatures as lows as -15 degrees or as high as 46 degrees, and heating in temperatures as low as -20 degrees.

Kemsley Community Centre has a touch screen centralised controller installed behind the bar, allowing the management of the entire system from a single point. Additionally, the system utilises WIFI adaptors which connects the units to the Panasonic comfort cloud App, allowing for remote management and monitoring of the multiple air conditioning units required for this project.

The units came with nanoe™X technology as standard, a unique and proven technology to help improve air hygiene by preventing transmission of airborne pathogens, to create a safer and healthier indoor environment. nanoe™X works independently from the heating and cooling operation when the unit is in fan mode, improving protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

David Gawler concludes, “The Panasonic units have proven to be a great addition to the community centre, they helped us cope during the summer heat wave of 2022, and heating capabilities this winter. It is great that we can still provide comfort in the centre to all those who use it whilst also taking a big step to a greener future”

For more information on Panasonic’s wide range of AC units please visit www.aircon. panasonic.eu. Or to find out more about Phoenix ACR visit www.phoenix-acr.co.uk/

“The new Panasonic system allows us to control all units as one for the entire building but also enables us isolate the individual spaces, adding a new way for us to function in a more energy efficient way, without having to compromise on comfort.”

Heating, Ventilation & Insulation

THE AQUAREA AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP - PANASONIC’S QUIET REVOLUTION IN PROVIDING HEATING…

As many of us get used to the reality of spending more time at home, the benefits of having a quiet, yet extremely efficient heating and domestic hot water system have become more obvious.

Switching technologies from traditional systems powered by Mains Gas, Oil or L.P.G. to an Air Source Heat Pump can deliver significant cost savings, improvements to heating performance and low sound levels, thanks to Panasonic’s Aquarea Heat Pump Range this is possible.

According to independent tests, the Panasonic Aquarea J Generation R32 Mini Monobloc range and 16kW Bi-Bloc T-Cap Super Quiet air-to water heat pumps have been confirmed to have impressively low levels of noise when in operation.

The independent testing was carried out by the Danish Technological Institute in Denmark with results confirming that the new Aquarea Monobloc 5kW, 7kW and 9kW Super-Quiet Bi-bloc 16kW T-CAP Aquarea Airto-water heat pumps came out with market leading low noise levels, with 60dB(A) whilst operating at full load. The tests were carried out for the sound power level according to EN 12102-1:2017 for full load and Quiet mode 3 at A7/W55. In Quiet mode operation, Aquarea heat pumps can operate at a further 4dB(A) reduced noise level.

Aquarea Super Quiet 16kW T-CAP (Total Capacity) delivers outstanding efficiency in heating and domestic hot water supply. This unit can supply all the heating and domestic hot water to a 450m2 new build property. Panasonic Aquarea Heat pumps can be connected to radiators, underfloor and fan assisted radiators to deliver heating in the winter, plus dedicated cooling can be provided during the summer if required from the units. The wide range from 3kW to 16kW in Monobloc, Bi-Bloc or All In One, ensures the right model is available for all requirements and designs.

To find out more about the Panasonic Aquarea range of air source heat pumps, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu

UNDERFLOOR HEATING CPD, DISCOVER THE BENEFITS

With green energy high on the UK agenda, now is the time to look at introducing underfloor heating and understanding the benefits at the specification stage.

Underfloor heating is suitable for all forms of construction and can be incorporated into any type of floor structure, it is therefore suitable for new-build, retrofit and refurbishment projects.

Taking our underfloor heating CPD will ensure that you are qualified to

specify the correct type of system, and that you understand the installation process.

We offer a variety of underfloor heating CPD material on Electric and Wet underfloor heating systems and Frost Protection, designed to improve your professional knowledge and enable you to make decisions on the heat source for any building. We will share with you our expertise and wealth of knowledge built up over 30 years in the industry on each heating system.

All across the UK and Ireland we are installing Underfloor Heating in new developments and properties undergoing renovation.

Our CPD session covers the following:

Structure – Floors, floor finishes and insulation

• Space heating

• Design of systems, construction and technology

We aim to provide all attendees with a detailed history of underfloor heating and frost protection systems and an overview of the innovation and advances in the market.

Following the course, this will enable attendees to understand the benefits of underfloor heating, the benefits of underfloor heating over traditional radiator systems, energy efficiencies and environment benefits.

Our seminars are all held virtually and last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. We can set up Zoom, Teams or Skype; whichever is your preference we’ll work with you and your team.

To find out more visit: https://www.gaia.co.uk/resource-centre/ underfloor-heating-cpd/ and complete the contact form.

01359 242 400 www.gaia.co.uk

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

As we come to the end of 2022, Benoy’s Interior Design (ID) team is celebrating a successful and productive first year. Having grown from just four people to a 30-strong team of diverse and creative individuals, Benoy ID are looking to 2023 with confidence. Here, Director Jon Grant considers key trends for interior design in the coming year.

Over the last year, we’ve seen a number of emerging design trends in our client projects around the world. The following are those we believe will feature strongly in 2023, shaping our approaches as we continue to deliver creative and commercial ID solutions across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the US and the Middle East.

The future’s green

One of the major interior design legacies of Covid-19 is the expansion of biophilia in retail, work and public environments. As we know, the pandemic trigged a major reconnection with nature. And with the lifting of lockdown restrictions and the repopulating of offices, malls and hospitality venues, developers are seeking to ‘bring the outdoors indoors’ by embracing biophilic design.

The use of plants, trees and green walls in buildings has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental and physical wellbeing, and the postCovid focus on wellness is driving widespread innovation in this area. Biophilia is also becoming popular as it connects health and sustainability, which resonates strongly with younger generations of employees and consumers.

Across the regions in which we operate, we’re seeing increased efforts to bring greenery, water and open space into interior design. Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore – a former Benoy project – is a prime example, with a live rainforest and waterfall at the heart of a luxury retail complex. Indeed, clients are becoming bold and aspirational in their visions for these ‘externalised interiors’ – particularly in hot climates (where warm air can be cooled through transpiration), but also here in Europe.

Currently, the Benoy ID team is working with a top London retailer on a major biophilic design scheme. Looking to convert a cold and shiny consumer environment into a softer, leafier, more family-oriented experience, this project reflects the general trend for the greening of urban interiors.

Research tells us that the workfrom-home model can leave people feeling cut off from their colleagues, which weakens workplace culture and cohesion. Interior design solutions therefore need to enhance opportunities for social contact when people are on site. Centralised communal areas and breakout spaces can help to reinforce social connections and enhance collaboration.

The Loft in Benoy’s London studio is a case in point; a communal interior that combines creative workspace with an open kitchen and coffee zone, enabling seamless interaction that’s both social and professional.

Creating flexible and collaborative space

As people continue to adjust to hybrid working arrangements, ongoing flexibility in interior design will be vital. Across our projects, we’re seeing increased need for flexible design schemes that can provide both privacy and collaboration within office environments. Fixed desking and private meeting spaces, for example, combined with collaborative work zones and open areas, enable a blended workplace approach.

Research tells us that the workfrom-home model can leave people feeling cut off from their colleagues, which weakens workplace culture and cohesion. Interior design solutions therefore need to enhance opportunities for social contact when people are on site. Centralised communal areas and breakout spaces can help to reinforce social connections and enhance collaboration. The Loft in Benoy’s London studio is a case in point; a communal interior that combines creative workspace with an open kitchen and coffee zone, enabling seamless interaction that’s both social and professional.

As companies reduce their office footprints, capacity control will be key issue. Clients often struggle to manage the peaks and troughs of remote and on-site working. Interior design therefore needs to allow for a smooth flow of people in and out of office environments – for example, by supporting tech systems that enable the pre-booking of desks and meetings rooms, or by creating spaces that can expand and contract to accommodate shifting workforce numbers.

Going local

Across multiple sectors, brands are looking to reflect and promote local culture. In a deliberate shift away from the cultural homogeneity of globalisation, interior design is championing diversity and individualism.

In our design concepts, we spend a lot of time researching local trends and influences. Seeking to achieve what we call the ‘localisation of experience’, we draw on indigenous culture and architecture, incorporating uniquely local patterns and shapes into our design schemes. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, the Red Sea Airport is inspired by the surrounding desert, mimicking the curvilinear forms of the landscape in its external and interior design.

Through localism and individualism, brands can build distinctive design narratives that help to reinforce local identity and pride. In the UK, through initiatives such as the Northern Powerhouse and the Towns Fund, we’ve seen a vigorous celebration of local heritage and history. And with regional distinctiveness remaining high on the political agenda, we expect localisation to become further entrenched within the design landscape.

Experience is live

With retail, aviation and hospitality now fully reopened post-Covid, experience is live once more. Across sectors, we’re seeing experiential design as a key driver of engagement, helping to boost footfall in retail, attract talent into workspace, and secure bookings in travel and hospitality.

More and more, people are looking for physical space to provide a powerful and positive brand experience. Through brand-led, experiential placemaking, design can help to forge a sense of place, bringing interiors to life and enabling people to feel more connected to the space around them. As ever, for a range of sectors and building typologies, hospitality provides a successful template to maximise the end-user experience.

By reimagining interior spaces through the lens of hospitality, with a core focus on service, comfort and convenience, developers can create vibrant destinations that inspire and delight. Our design work with both Mercedes-Benz and the Red Sea Airport follows this model, creating luxury hospitality-based experiences in the heart of automotive and aviation environments.

Above all, creating opportunities for ‘sharable moments’ will be essential. With the static ‘Kodak capture’ a thing of the past, people want to leverage the immediacy and fluidity of social media to record their live experiences. By building clear vistas and ‘milliondollar views’ into our design schemes, we can enable those ‘Instagrammable moments’ that define modern interactions with the world around us.

Improving efficiencies

Soaring energy costs are likely to influence people’s utilisation of building interiors for some time to come. Design therefore needs to consider how organisations and individuals heat and power the spaces they inhabit, and how efficiency gains and savings can be made.

As designers, we work closely with our analytics sister company Pragma, leveraging data that helps us understand how people move around and use interiors. In this way, we can define how buildings need to respond, in terms of heating, cooling, lighting and air quality, in an efficient, systematic way. Maximising the use of motion sensors and insulation, energy efficient lighting and materials, are just some of the small but impactful interventions we can make.

Companies are likely to continue downsizing their building interiors, shifting towards more open, collaborative spaces over single floorplates. As they do so, we need to find alternative means of powering these spaces by looking at a building’s potential to harness renewable energy sources. Exposure to sunlight and wind, or proximity to water, can all be exploited to make building occupancy more financially viable and environmentally sustainable.

Through localism and individualism, brands can build distinctive design narratives that help to reinforce local identity and pride. In the UK, through initiatives such as the Northern Powerhouse and the Towns Fund, we’ve seen a vigorous celebration of local heritage and history. And with regional distinctiveness remaining high on the political agenda, we expect localisation to become further entrenched within the design landscape.

COPPER SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES THREE NEW MEMBERS

The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP), an association promoting the environmental benefits of copper in the construction and plumbing industries, has welcomed three new members.

Uniting with CuSP are AIM Solder, Materials in Mind and Safe Piping Matters.

In pursuit of a more sustainable world, CuSP along with the new members will fight against the plastics and synthetics greenwash, while championing copper’s sustainable qualities.

With facilities around the world, AIM Solder is a leading manufacturer of high-quality standard and custom industrial-grade metals and alloys for casting, plating and soldering.

Materials in Mind supports built environment organisations in refining and redefining business practices to meet changing industry

standards, with a particular focus on circular economy thinking.

Based in the United States, Safe Piping Matters represents experts from academia and partners from the plumbing and water industries. It works to encourage architects, engineers and community leaders to prioritise the specification and construction of safe, healthy and resilient piping systems in buildings.

Paul Hagar, Executive Director of Safe Piping Matters, said: “Safe Piping Matters appreciates the collaborative approach, shared vision and deep knowledge that CuSP brings to plumbing and building professionals across the UK and

beyond. We look forward to working with their outstanding team.”

Speaking of the new partnerships, Oliver Lawton, Co-founder of CuSP, said: “Welcoming three new like-minded companies as CuSP members, who are aligned with our passion for improving the sustainability of the industry, is a triumph.

“Joining forces with companies who operate across borders is a great step forward for CuSP and allows us to grow our global footprint and spread our message as far as possible. We’re eager to begin collaborating with these forward-thinking companies.”

ADDISON HUNT LOOKS BACK ON SUCCESSFUL YEAR AS IT SETS SIGHTS ON 2023

Chartered quantity surveyor and project managers, Addison Hunt, is reflecting on a year of success with key milestones reached and sets sights on further growth in 2023.

Founded in 2016 and led by directors Chris Hunt and Simon Collin, the firm – which has a head office in Loughborough - delivers its services on multimillion-pound projects nationwide in a range of sectors including education, residential, healthcare, commercial and industrial.

Currently in the last quarter of its financial year, Addison Hunt secured and delivered a strong portfolio of work in 2022 – increasing its turnover by 30% compared to 2021.

Addison Hunt completed a number of key projects, including the award-winning Abbey Meadows residential development in Leicester, which won ‘Residential Regeneration Project of the Year’ at the East Midlands Property Dinner Awards 2022.

Other projects completed include a new preschool, trade desk park and laboratory facility.

Work is currently getting underway on mixeduse development Granite Way and an office refurbishment for the Liversage Trust.

These projects were delivered alongside Addison Hunt’s work supporting contractors and subcontractors with estimating and post contract QS services.

To support its pipeline of work, apprentice Matt Worthy and senior quantity surveyors Hannah Vasey and Kym Godward-Large have recently joined the company.

The new hires will be supporting and working across a number of projects within Addison Hunt’s portfolio, which has expanded its services into the bank monitoring sector and plans to secure further projects within the public sector in 2023.

HALTON COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF UK COMPANY, FLAMGARD CALIDAIR

Indoor air company Halton Marine Oy has become the 100% shareholder in the UK-based damper and fire damper designer and manufacturer, Flamgard Calidair. The acquisition, which was completed mid-January 2022, is a follow-up to Halton’s purchase of a 55 percent holding in the company in September 2020.

Flamgard Calidair specialises in the design and manufacture of highquality specialist HVAC dampers and the associated equipment for demanding industrial and energy production environments, such as nuclear power plants and underground construction (tunnels). Founded in 1981, the company is a former competitor of Halton’s and has delivered solutions for several demanding projects around the world.

“Close co-operation and fantastic synergies developed over the 2 years since the majority purchase convinced Halton that moving forward to 100% acquisition provided even further potential for Halton to grow in strategic market segments in which we see great forward potential,” says Director of Halton Marine Sami Piirainen.

The management of Flamgard Calidair agree and trust that the arrangement and close cooperation between the companies significantly enhance the business of both organizations since 2020 and this is the natural progression to bigger and better things to come.

The companies’ joint markets have so far been spared the worst impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s War on Ukraine and the challenging economic conditions.

“The joint strategy decisions and quickly adapting to market conditions have put us in a strong position to gain a substantial order pipeline in the heavy industry segment and will be the foundation of growth in the green transition, nuclear power and underground infrastructure space where there has been great opportunities to provide Halton’s sustainable market leading solutions. We have always recognised Flamgard Calidair’s expertise in this area and the 100% acquisition will take us to the next level” says Halton’s Director for Heavy Industry Shuresh Maran.

BAXI PARENT COMPANY BDR THERMEA GROUP ACQUIRES FORTES ENERGY SYSTEMS

BDR Thermea Group, a leading global manufacturer of smart indoor climate solutions and parent company of the UK heating solutions manufacturer Baxi, has acquired heat network company Fortes Energy Systems.

Fortes Energy Systems is an internationally active specialist in collective heat and cold networks for residential, utility and industrial use and the acquisition represents the group’s expansion of its energy transition solutions portfolio for customers. Its solutions combine a comfortable indoor climate, high hot water comfort, optimal system efficiency and low energy consumption.

Strengthening BDR Thermea’s expertise in heat networks, Fortes Energy Systems’ product portfolio includes heat interface units, delivery stations for heat and cold distribution systems, and distributors for underfloor heating and cooling. For Baxi in the UK, the acquisition represents a strengthening of its sustainable heating expertise and technologies to support with the energy transition in homes and commercial premises.

Heat networks are among the most costeffective ways of reducing carbon emissions from heating, benefiting from economies of

scale and taking advantage of local waste heat opportunities. Heat networks will play a key role in decarbonising heating, alongside heat pumps, hybrids and in time, hydrogen technologies.

Karen Boswell, Managing Director of Baxi UK and Ireland, said: “At Baxi, we are well equipped to drive forward sustainable development across the full range of low carbon heating and hot water solutions thanks to the expertise here and from BDR Thermea in Europe. With acquisitions such as these, we can strengthen across multiple solutions and provide our customers with the products, expertise and training they require to decarbonise heat in the UK. We know there is no silver bullet technology to decarbonise heat, so the stronger we can be across heat networks, heat pumps, hybrid systems and hydrogen technology, the better we can support in the energy transition.”

Bertrand Schmitt, CEO of BDR Thermea Group, said:

“The world needs a mix of technologies if we are to successfully decarbonise heating. In fact, at BDR Thermea we often talk about what we call 4H: heat pumps, hybrids, hydrogen and heat networks. Bringing Fortes Energy Systems into BDR Thermea means we can offer the full range of options to help accelerate the energy transition for heating.”

TR STUDIO EXTEND ARTS & CRAFTS FAMILY HOME WITH SINGLE-STORY BRICK AND CRITTALL-STYLE GLAZED EXTENSION

London based architecture and interior studio, TR Studio, have transformed the ground floor of a three-bedroom semi-detached family home located in Hampstead, North London with a 28 sq meter brick extension.

With a need for extra living space and a kitchen and dining room in which the family could spend time together and entertain friends, the studio was briefed by the private residential client to refurbish, and extend the 1910 property, adding a single-storey extension that was sympathetic to the main home.

The area compromises a series of Arts and Craft houses built by a disciple of Lutyens. The houses are largely unaltered and feature some typical details such as red brick, decorative chimneys, and clay creasing tile detailing both in the render detail and the eaves. Wanting to respect and take design cues from the Arts & Crafts property, TR Studio worked closely with the client to add a single-storey extension with subtle brick banding, terracotta-coloured coping detail and large format Crittall-

style glazing. The result is an exterior that is a sympathetic yet contemporary interpretation of a movement that champions traditional craftsmanship using simple forms.

With the clients being keen gardeners, the studio wanted to ensure the southfacing garden was integrated with the elegant new extension, bringing a feeling of the outdoors inside. Adding a natural slate patio, the studio created a simple but effective transition.

Maximising natural light through architecture is fundamental to the studio’s work. Utilising the large metal framed glazing and a sky light, natural light from the garden is pulled through the interior creating a bright and airy living space. With carefully considered design, TR Studio completely changed the character of the rear of the property with a subtle modernity.

Photography: Billy Bolton

Project: NJM House

Client: Private Residential

Architect: TR Studio

Interior design: TR Studio

Location: Hampstead, London

Area: 155 sqm

Year: 2017

Photography: Billy Bolton

Inside the property, the approach set by TR Studio was to create a more efficient layout, moving the original footprint of the kitchen into the new extension, and reconfiguring the rest of the ground floor space to create a lateral living arrangement. Retaining an open plan interior within the extension and utilising a strong off-white for walls to enhance light refraction, TR Studio were able to create an airy, light-filled setting for the kitchen, connected to a formal dining area.

In the kitchen, materiality was key to creating a timeless look. Working with DeVOL, the studio created a bespoke Shaker style kitchen in a deep inky blue hue with Carrara marble work surfaces. A mix of cabinetry with open-shelving, large stainless-steel appliances, brass detailing, bone china lighting and a Belfast sink; all work harmoniously in a modern, classic style. Adding a richness to the space, mid-century oak furniture complements herringbone wooden flooring used across the ground floor.

Relocating the kitchen into the new extension, the studio subtly enlarged the main living room, and incorporated a shaker style entry lobby with discreet coat cupboards and a hidden utility room space, effortlessly blending new and old.

Working collaboratively with the client at every stage and respecting the buildings heritage and original style, TR Studio have created an enhanced way of life for the client utilising natural light, bespoke joinery and a classic material and colour palette, successfully extending the property to create a fresh interior for a modern family lifestyle.

Commenting on the project, founder and lead architect Tom Rutt says: The original building was our primary ideas reference as it was a rich source of details. We looked to re-interpret those original materials, using modern engineering along with original craft to create large sheets of clay to form coping stones, and very subtle brick articulation to express the hidden structure. For the client the house was all about the garden, so it was important that our work did not overpower the garden or the original building but had its own subtle sense of modernity whilst also appearing timeless.

“For the client the house was all about the garden, so it was important that our work did not overpower the garden or the original building but had its own subtle sense of modernity whilst also appearing timeless.”

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People On The Move

STEPNELL CREATES BRAND NEW ENERGY LEAD ROLE

Simon Briggs has been appointed as the very first ‘energy lead’ for complete construction partner Stepnell. In the new role, Simon will be responsible for designing and implementing renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies for clients, which will underpin Stepnell’s long-term “Step to Zero” carbon strategy.

Simon joins Stepnell as energy lead following close to 20 years in the construction industry delivering projects spanning the education, hotel, leisure and industrial sectors. Having started his career working on maintenance and refurbishment projects for the Ministry of Defence, Simon then progressed into engineering and building services.

As energy lead, Simon will be managing and collaborating with the sustainability team to provide added value support on projects across all regions. He will also be overseeing sustainable installations through Step Energy - Stepnell’s new, embedded energy and renewables business.

Simon commented: “This is an exciting new role that reflects Stepnell’s unfaltering commitment to sustainable solutions, which is so important to embrace in the current climate. With net zero ambitions across the entire construction industry, Stepnell continues to be a pioneer through forward-thinking strategies including our ‘Step to Zero’ carbon strategy.

“As energy lead, my goal is to see a reduction in the ‘copy & paste’ design culture in the construction industry and replace outdated technologies. I look forward to using my expertise to deliver renewable energy solutions that help the business embrace change and make significant contributions to a carbon neutral construction industry by 2030.”

Tom Wakeford, managing director at Stepnell said: “The new energy lead role underpins Stepnell’s strategy to invest in and deliver sustainable project solutions.

“Through Simon’s expertise and enthusiasm, we know he shares our commitment as an industryleading, complete construction partner, to achieve energy efficiency and carbon reduction in the built environment. Simon will be engaging with clients in the early design stages to enable them to make realistic and informed decisions regarding energy use and renewable integration. We pride ourselves on this engagement approach to maximise the added value we can deliver.”

RODGERS LEASK ANNOUNCES

NEW INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED REGIONAL DIRECTOR

National engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask has announced the appointment of a new, highly experienced regional director for its Bristol office in order to grow its presence in the South West.

Dave Bathurst joins the firm to head up the civil engineering team in the region and will be using his extensive international track record of working in different disciplines, sectors and countries to make Rodgers Leask the leading engineering consultancy in the area.

A fellow of the Institute of Highway Engineers, Dave boasts more than 30 years of industry experience having worked for local government, Thames Water and multiple engineering consultancies on projects in the UK, Europe, Middle East and USA. Starting as a trainee technician, his career path has been varied with roles focussing on residential, commercial, industrial, education, public realm and strategic land developments.

In the South West, Dave played a part in the delivery of well-recognised projects including The Eden Project and Shrewsbury Sports Village. Since this earlier stage of his career, his international work as a principal engineer

has included a university in Kuwait, a golf resort in Russia and a hospital in Qatar.

More recently, working with urban design specialists on projects funded by the government’s Future High Street Fund, Dave Bathurst’s reputation in the public realm sector has been growing through his work, which is contributing towards the UK’s changing town centres.

Civil, structural, geo-environmental and transport planning consultancy Rodgers Leask has maintained a presence in the South West since 2015 and has been in its current location in Bristol since 2018 – which has led to involvement in various successful projects in the region and across the border in South Wales. For example, geo-environmental services were provided on the award-winning Access 18 scheme on the site of the former smelting plant in Avonmouth, while all Rodgers Leask’s services were provided on the billion-pound regeneration of the former steelworks site to create Glan Llyn mixed-use scheme in Llanwern.

People On The Move

EQUANS APPOINTS FROM WITHIN TO RUN NORTH WEST OPERATING UNIT

Leading energy, services and regeneration company Equans has appointed Steven Gregory to run its North West Operating Unit, based in Salford.

HILTI’S NORTH AMERICA MARKETING DIRECTOR MAKES MOVE TO GB AND TAKES ROLE ON NORTHERN EUROPEAN LEADERSHIP TEAM

Hilti’s North American Marketing Director Thibaud Lefebvre has begun 2023 with a move to the UK to take up senior leadership positions in the company’s GB and E1 (Northern European) regions, now sitting as GB vice president and a member of the E1 leadership team covering GB, Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.

Beginning his career with Hilti back in 2001 in his native France, Lefebvre worked in various sales roles before relocating to Spain in 2012 as a sales director for the south of Spain and Canary Islands.

He joined Hilti Canada in 2018 as sales director for the largest division in Hilti North America, going on to lead the business unit for tool services and software in 2020 as marketing director and member of the North America marketing leadership team. His responsibilities included the tool repair network, warranty and service concepts as well as Hilti’s software and internet of things (IoT) business in the region.

Lefebvre’s move to Hilti GB sees him sit alongside long-standing sales director and fellow VP Gareth Prosser.

A passionate advocate of digitisation across the industry, Lefebvre’s position will be heavily focused on modernisation for Hilti’s customers via technology.

He commented: “Productivity in construction lags behind other sectors, and has stagnated for over 20 years as a result. Construction is one of the least digitised sectors, but this means there is huge opportunity. The construction sector can make significant gains in productivity and thus profitability by embracing the advantages of new technologies, IoT and digitalisation. As an example, our customers have tried many things to manage, optimise and track small tools and equipment, but it’s still one of the

biggest challenges they face today. Our research shows that each jobsite loses on average 2 days per month of productivity due to workers searching for tools, or not having the right performing tools. I strongly believe we can make construction better, and we, at Hilti, deliver productive solutions, software and services to make it so. We have what is needed to become the best productivity partner of our customers.”

Steven joined the business at the beginning of 2019 and led the new build and construction operations in the North West, before becoming the Director of core operations in the region.

His work in the region led to his promotion as Regional Director for the North West business at the end of 2022 as part of Equans’ strategy of investing in and supporting its people.

Steven said: “Equans is an excellent company to be part of, with great values, great prospects, and great people. This opportunity is testament to how the business invests in their people. I’m very excited for the challenge ahead and look forward to working closer with our people, our customers, and the communities we operate in by safely and successfully delivering on our commitments.”

John Haynes, Managing Director of Equans’ Places and Communities North region, said: “I’m delighted that Steven has been promoted to Regional Director, overseeing activity across the North West region. 2023 is an important year for Equans as we work to support our partners with their construction and decarbonisation needs, and the region is in safe hands with Steven at the helm.”

FORMER BRITISH RESIDENCY IN INDIA, NOW THE OSMANIA WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, RESTORED IN FIRST PROJECT BY LARGEST COMMONWEALTH HERITAGE CONSERVATION PROGRAMME IN HISTORY

20-year restoration project completes at former British Residency, the first of 20 projects under the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme, a £4.5million Commonwealth-wide conservation programme funded by UK charity.

The final phase of restorative work has been completed at the Osmania Women’s University College in Hyderabad, formerly the British Residency and one of the most at-risk heritage buildings in the world, in the first project completed in the largest Commonwealth heritage conversation programme in history.

Launched in May 2022 at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London and backed by £4.5million in funding from UK charity, the Hamish Ogston Foundation, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme is the largest Commonwealth conservation programme in history. Managed by the Commonwealth Heritage

Forum, over the next 5 years the programme will train over 600 people from disadvantaged communities in a wide range of skills, from stonemasonry and joinery to mud brick and thatch, helping to revive traditional crafts and skills to deliver jobs and life-changing opportunities in places of real need.

The magnificent c.216-year-old building, the second largest palace in Hyderabad, has been undergoing restoration for almost 20 years. Heavy local traffic, poor maintenance and faulty repairs had left the building in acute disrepair. In 2002 it was added to the World Monuments Fund’s Watch list which champions heritage places in critical need of protection. At last, in January 2023, the former British Residency has been restored to its original splendour thanks to years of painstaking conservation work by

the World Monuments Fund and a partnership of international and local charities and private donors.

The latest group of experts to work on the historic building were trainees provided under the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme. 16 young people from the UK and Hyderabad trained side by side learning both practical and conceptual conservation skills. Learning to slake lime in the classroom, for example, was subsequently practiced in replastering the South Porch. Sessions on jack-arch roof construction were followed by practical reconstruction work on the Lansdowne Gate – one of the three, monumental historic gateways at the entrance to the Residency’s grounds. The trainees, the majority of them women, received instruction from worldleading architects and heritage professionals, developing important new skills in heritage conservation and management while working on a live conservation project.

The restored building will add to the University facilities, which educates more than 2,500 women every year at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate levels across Science, Commerce and Arts, with Engineering courses planned for the future.

Hamish Ogston, Founder and Chair of the Hamish Ogston Foundation said: “The completion of restoration works at the former British Residency in Hyderabad is a major milestone in our Commonwealth heritage conservation programme, which is the largest of its kind in history. As the first of 20 projects to be completed, I hope this beautiful building in Hyderabad will bring joy to those local to it, and indeed the women who come from far and wide to be educated in it, for generations to come.

“Our first Hyderabad project shows what Commonwealth citizens can achieve together, and what the benefit to local communities can be, in this case literally, carved out of our shared Commonwealth heritage.

“This programme is securing the heritage champions of the future by building local skills capacity and creating jobs for life. I look forward to the next phase of our programme starting in Barbados, so we can continue to make a meaningful difference to more people around the Commonwealth.”

Speaking at the completion ceremony in Hyderabad, Philip Davies, Founder and Consultant Executive Director of the

Commonwealth Heritage Forum said: “The former British Residency is one of the most spectacular European historic buildings in India; an outstanding example of what is a truly shared heritage – designed by a British military engineer but constructed by local craftsmen.

Continued >>>

“This programme is securing the heritage champions of the future by building local skills capacity and creating jobs for life.”

“The completion of restoration works at the former British Residency in Hyderabad is a major milestone in our Commonwealth heritage conservation programme, which is the largest of its kind in history.“

“For over 50 years it has been slowly decaying. To see it finally restored to its former glory and used as test bed for heritage skills training for both local and international trainees is exactly in line with the mission of the Commonwealth Heritage Forum and our Commonwealth Heritage Skills programme.

“This is just the first of many similar projects we envisage across the globe working in conjunction with international and local partners to conserve and adapt the heritage that local people value.”

Completion of the work in Hyderabad marks the first of 20 projects to be undertaken under the Commonwealth Heritage Skills Programme. By repairing historic buildings and places around the Commonwealth, it will equip the next generation of heritage conservation craftsmen and provide significant social, economic and educational benefits to local people.

The next heritage conservation project under the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Commonwealth Heritage Training Programme has just begun in Barbados. 6 UK-based trainees have joined with a dozen participants from Tulane University and trainees from the University of the West Indies to develop a conservation management plan for Roebuck Street at the heart of the Bridgetown World Heritage Site. Using drones, LiDAR, and 3D scanning, trainees will map the 650-metre historic street whilst developing partnerships with local stakeholders and heritage groups.

RIGHT

RIGHT South Portico, October 2022

FAR RIGHT South Portico, January 2023

In India, the next heritage conservation project will be the Roxburgh House Herbarium and Botanic Garden in Kolkata, where funds, provided by the Hamish Ogston Foundation have just arrived for the first stage of the project.

ABOVE LEFT Repairs to papier mache ceiling in Durbar Hall

“This is just the first of many similar projects we envisage across the globe working in conjunction with international and local partners to conserve and adapt the heritage that local people value.”

RIGHT Papier Mache ceiling

FAR

Plaque for HOF Commonwealth Programme on Koti Residency

Fire Safety

GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL FOR CHANGES TO ADB TAKES POSITIVE STEP WITH SPRINKLER REQUIREMENT IN CARE HOMES

By Iain Cox, Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance

The recent announcement from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) on proposed changes to Approved Document B (ADB) of the Building Regulations is welcomed by the BSA as a common sense step to improve fire safety in care homes.

The government is proposing several new updates to ADB including recommendations to mandate sprinklers in care homes, regardless of height, and is inviting responses to the consultation which is open until 17 March 2023.

According to Care Home UK, there are about 17,100 care homes in the UK housing nearly half a million people. Recent figures from the Home Office indicated that for the financial years 2016/17 to 2020/21 there were just over 3100 fire incidents in such homes with 589 people injured as a result of these incidents, and seven people tragically losing their lives. The majority of UK care homes have fire alarms and detection systems, the staff have to undergo fire safety training, but the majority of homes do not have sprinkler systems installed.

The vulnerability of care homes is exemplified by one of many incidents.

The fire at the New Grange Residential Care Home in Cheshunt in 2017 claimed the lives of two people and the home was substantially damaged. It led to a coroner raising the issue of the lack of fire sprinklers in such buildings as a measure to prevent future deaths. The largest such fire by far was the Beechmere Care Home fire in Crewe in 2019, a building which contained no sprinklers. If the incident commander had not overruled the ‘stay-put’ policy and ordered a full and immediate evacuation of the residents, the outcome of this fire would have had been very different. This fire also raises the question of why elderly people, many of whom need assistance, were housed in a building which was unsprinklered and so vulnerable to fire damage.

Many care home residents are not readily mobile and have difficulty in evacuating unaided. Additionally, due to age or dementia issues, many residents are easily disoriented and confused. During the same time period, financial years 2016/17 to 2020/21, the Home Office statistics indicate 203 fire incidents resulted in the need for 368 people to be rescued by the intervention of Fire and Rescue Service personnel. In three of those incidents 25 or more people needed to be rescued. For this reason and given the casualty figures noted earlier, Care Homes

are in our opinion higher risk buildings, regardless of height, and should be designed with automatic sprinklers in order to deliver life, health and property benefits.

Fire sprinkler systems are an efficient and effective way to reduce the impact of fire so that when fires start, they are quickly contained and further materials are not involved, minimising damage and fire spread. Sprinkler systems add another layer of protection and make buildings such as care homes resilient to the impact of fire because they automatically control or even put out the fire before the Fire and Rescue Service arrives. This provides a secondary benefit to the wellbeing of staff, residents and relatives knowing there are additional measures in place and reduces the likelihood of care home residents needing to be rehomed.

The BSA has long since advocated for the installation of sprinkler systems in care homes. We welcome the consultation and the proposed amendments to Approved Document B including this mandate that all new care homes are fitted with sprinklers. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fire safety and the consequences of not doing the right thing can prove tragically fatal. It is time we changed that.

For more information about the BSA visit the www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org

LOCKING IN ON HYBRID WORKING

In a post-Covid world, hybrid working has continued to be the standard work practice for most businesses in the UK. A trend closely monitored by the Office for National Statistics, they report that 84% of workers planned to work both from home and in the workplace and that employers need to accommodate that shift in working patterns.

As workspaces change and the corporate world adapts to this more dynamic and fluid way of working, this means increased hot-desking and a decline of the traditional one-person, one-desk policy. In a report on essentials of hot desking, Knight Frank mentions employees no longer ‘own a space’ within the office and they need somewhere they can store their personal and work items to feel involved with a sense of belonging. This is where smart locker management systems come into play and make locker management easy.

The perfect solution can be found with Ojmar, the world-leading European manufacturer of innovative high performance electronic and mechanical locks. The company has recently launched OTS® PULSE, the latest addition to the well-known family of locks and one which tailored specifically towards both corporate and leisure markets.

“Designed for quick and easy installation, without complex and costly hardwiring it does not require any expensive servers, just a simple standard internet connection managed through a PC, tablet or smartphone.”

OTS® PULSE is the perfect choice for companies wanting a networked locking solution that operates in highly secure cloud software. For the leisure market, lockers play an integral part of the user experience. In both wet and dry areas good lockers and locking systems gives visitors comfort and peace of mind that their belongings are secure. Smart touchless locking systems provide maximum flexibility and safety for the user reducing the need for physical contact and the associated problems of crosscontamination.

OTS® PULSE uses the latest battery technology providing a life of up to 10 years before needing a simple battery replacement.

“The cloud-based management system allows administrators to monitor and manage users and locker usage and occupancy while providing instant reports in real-time.”

This makes it one of the most efficient, longest-lasting systems available on the market. Fully plug-and-play, online, self-managed and wireless, the systems helps offices and leisure spaces be flexible at minimal cost.

Designed for quick and easy installation, without complex and costly hardwiring it does not require any expensive servers, just a simple standard internet connection managed through a PC, tablet or smartphone. It is simple to operate with no keys or codes, while each user’s App makes it easy to reserve, open and lock their lockers directly from their own device via Bluetooth or using RFID cards.

The cloud-based management system allows administrators to monitor and manage users and locker usage and occupancy while providing instant reports in real-time. It integrates with existing technologies and platforms and is designed to operate with no downtime, to work through power outages and to utilise next generation technology.

More information on locking solution along with samples, case studies and technical guidance are available from ojmar.com or look for Ojmar on NBS Source.

OTS ® PULSE

WIRELESS NETWORKED FLEXIBLE

SHARE, CONTROL, MAINTAIN, AND MANAGE LOCKERS REMOTELY.

HARDIES APPOINTED TO FIRST ENERPHIT PILOT PROJECT IN NORTH OF SCOTLAND FOR CAIRN HOUSING IN WICK

Hardies Property & Construction Consultants has been appointed to provide quantity surveying services to the first Enerphit standard pilot project in the north of Scotland, for Cairn Housing Association in Wick.

Set to start on site, the project will see the refurbishment of properties to the Enerphit standard for retrofit properties.

Enerphit takes the same principles of Passivhaus, where the design ensures; air tightness, the removal of cold bridging, high insulation levels and good air quality.

Combined with renewable heating, the standard minimises the performance gap to ensure the tenant sees real benefits of low fuel costs with a healthy home environment.

Scott Henderson, Associate Quantity Surveyor at Hardies, said: “We are delighted to be part of this important and innovative pilot scheme. The Enerphit Standard is an essential step forward in achieving Scotland’s net zero ambitions for existing housing stock.”

Mathilde MacDonald of Cairn Housing added: “Not only it is essential for Cairn Housing to carry out this project, considering the fast-approaching challenges to reach Net Zero Carbon, it is also supports the Scottish Government plan on kickstarting this transition to Net Zero, expand awareness and capabilities of local contractors and promoting the supply chains in rural areas.”

Working alongside Hardies on the project are John Gilbert Architects and contractor GMR Henderson.

BARNET COUNCIL LEADER WELCOMES £29.5M LEVELLING UP FUNDING FOR REDEVELOPING COLINDALE TUBE STATION

The Leader of Barnet Council, Cllr Barry Rawlings, has welcomed the Government’s announcement to award £29.5m of Levelling Up funding for the redevelopment of Colindale Tube station.

Colindale is one of London’s most deprived areas and the redevelopment of the Tube station will be central to enabling the building of 11,400 quality new homes for locals. Since 2011, Colindale’s population has grown by 70%, making the area around the station the second-fastest growing ward in London after the Stratford Olympic Park in Newham.

In its current state, the 1960s built station will reach passenger capacity by 2026. The redevelopment will increase the number of people the station can cope with and create step-free access, which will speed up journey times.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt used his Autumn Statement to reference the £2.1bn Levelling Up Fund earmarked for priority local infrastructure projects.

The Colindale station bid has been led by the Greater London Authority and has received broad cross-party support. Cllr Barry Rawlings said it will benefit tens of thousands of people: “The awarding of the £29.5m Levelling Up funding is a welcome New Year present for those living at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis. The Colindale

Tube station redevelopment scheme is precisely the kind of project Levelling Up should support, supporting house building and spreading opportunity for so many living in one of the capital’s most deprived areas. Better transport links means better jobs and better pay.”

Lucinda Turner, Assistant Director of Planning at the GLA and Director of Spatial Planning at TfL, said: “Making our transport network more accessible and inclusive is a top priority, as we know that a more accessible public transport network benefits everyone. These schemes are also key to supporting sustainable growth in these areas and help unlock the delivery of thousands of new homes. We’re delighted that, by working hand in hand with the boroughs, the joint bid with City Hall to fund making Colindale and Leyton Tube stations step-free has been successful. We look forward to working with the Government and local boroughs on these projects, as well as other successful bids in London that will enable increased walking, cycling and public transport.”

Barnet Council is now working with TfL to ensure that construction on the station improvements can begin as quickly as possible this year.

“The Enerphit Standard is an essential step forward in achieving Scotland’s net zero ambitions for existing housing stock.”

WHYBROW JOINS COLCHESTER NORTHERN GATEWAY LEISURE PARK DEVELOPMENT

Colchester-based chartered surveyors Whybrow, which operates under the Beresfords property group umbrella, is on the development team on the Colchester Northern Gateway Leisure Park. Its dedicated team of chartered surveyors is advising its client, Turnstone Estate, with commercial needs throughout the construction of the 200,000 sq. ft. Northern Gateway Leisure Park, having acquired this ten-acre site next to the A12 from the Council.

The leisure park, which is due to complete in Autumn 2023, will include a 12-screen cinema for Cine UK, 20-lane bowling alley for Hollywood Bowl, a Puttstars indoor golf centre and Jump Street indoor play park. As well as this it will have a 96-bed Travelodge, drive-thru restaurants for Greggs and Wendy’s, an EV charging station and a high-quality landscaped piazza with parking for 750 cars.

Terms have now also been agreed to let three of the restaurants, one to Kervan Kitchen and two others to a regional buffet operator (4,000 sq. Ft.) and one to a gelato and meat restaurant (3,200 sq. ft.) with terms out on several others. Practical completion is due in September 2023. Established in 1985, Whybrow has been dedicated to providing property consultancy to local, regional and national companies –particularly those with a presence in the South East and London – for nearly 40 years.

Ewan Dodds, chief executive officer of Whybrow, said: “We’re delighted to be assisting on transforming the Northern Gateway into a hub, which is a key part of our commitment to boosting the economy of the Borough.

“The whole development and Northern Gateway area will also benefit from the construction of a carbon-cutting, District Heat Network at Colchester Northern Gateway to supply heat and hot water to the developments’ homes and businesses.

A digital network will also provide ultra-fast broadband to local homes and businesses, as well as encouraging biodiversity through bio retention ponds and the planting of native trees.

Paul Beresford, chief executive officer of Beresfords said: “We are pleased that our expert team of chartered surveyors at Whybrow are working on this exciting project, to bring the very best results. Northern Gateway Leisure Park will have a great impact on the local community and beyond, and we look forward to seeing it complete next year.”

PROPERTY INVESTOR SHARES VISION OF AMBITIOUS £50 MILLION REGENERATION SCHEME FOR FORMER POSTINGS SHOPPING CENTRE PREVIOUSLY PLACED IN AUCTION FOR £1

Tahir Ali of national property development and asset management firm Evergold, who bought The Postings Shopping Centre in Kirkcaldy for £320,000 from pension fund Columbia Threadneedle three years ago, has unveiled his vision for an ambitious £50 million residential regeneration scheme for the strategic three-acre town centre gateway site.

Mr Ali plans to demolish the derelict shopping centre, which has been repeatedly ransacked and vandalised over recent months.

To enable the demolition of the former Postings Shopping Centre Mr Ali has had to acquire many other properties along the High Street over the past two years through private and often complicated negotiations.

These have included the Bank of Scotland and the large New Look and former Debenhams buildings. Whilst the closed former Debenhams store was revamped and temporarily re-opened as Fife Department Store a year ago, this unit will be closed on

October 30th 2022, to allow the demolition works to proceed.

Fife Department Store will have to be closed so that the popular fashion retailer New Look is able to continue trading on Kirkcaldy High Street. A huge sum was spent on stocking the store when it opened. All remaining stock will be donated to ‘The Cottage Family Centre’, one of the many local charities doing great work throughout the Kirkcaldy community during this time of need.

Once the demolition is complete the site will be sold to a large developer who will redevelop it with a comprehensive residential scheme comprising up to 300 flats interlinked

with green walkways designed to encourage pedestrian movement to and from the High Street and featuring landscaped public spaces.

Mr Ali has been working closely with Greg Limb of Ryden on the regeneration scheme for over two years. Ryden has been advising on the best way forward for the project and dealing with interest which has already been expressed in the re-development proposals.

FISHER & PAYKEL SHARES THE OPTIMAL WAY TO USE APPLIANCES IN AN OPEN PLAN KITCHEN

Over the last few years, we have seen kitchen designs move towards more open-plan, multi-functional designs. The kitchen is the hub of the home and is used as a place to do homework, take work calls, cook family meals and entertain. As such, this space needs to be functional and versatile, as well as having cleaner lines and a more hidden design aesthetic. From placement to functionality, open and broken plan kitchen designs require careful consideration when it comes to appliances, which is where Fisher & Paykel’s unmatched design comes in.

Jo Jackson, Product Marketing Manager at Fisher & Paykel, shares her tips on how to best use appliances in an open plan kitchen. From creating a unified and seamless look with integrated appliances, to mixing and matching styles for maximum impact, Fisher & Paykel has an option for every kitchen space.

The Wine Cooler

Jo advises, “Open plan spaces are often used as the primary entertainment space, our wine columns provide the theatre associated with a statement design and also ensure that wine collections are kept in the optimum state. One of the major problems with open plan designs is that they are often as very light open spaces with sky lights or bifold doors and hard stone floors with under-floor heating. These kitchens are stunning and become the centre-piece of people’s homes.

One way to create flow through an open plan design, is to opt for appliances which can blend seamlessly with the rest of the home.

“They do add level of complexity when you’re looking to install a wine cabinet, as both the light and the heat can affect the storage of wine. UV light can create hydrogen sulphide compounds in wine, which affect the tannins and the colour of wine, but if you source a good appliance with UV tempered glass and dimmed LED lighting you can protect against this.”

“Homeowners want an unobstructed view through the kitchen and often through bifold doors into garden space and outdoor eating areas, this has meant that the traditional hood often no longer works in an pen plan kitchen with an island, and so the need for vented hobs has risen in their place,” says Jo.

“This product offers so much flexibility since everything you need is within one place and the compact design allows more counterspace for prepping food as well as the ability to place the hob on a kitchen island, so we are expecting venting hobs to become even more popular over the next two to three years. As venting hobs are still relatively new to the market, these are currently positioned at the top of the market. However, as this product becomes more popular, it will become more affordable and widely available.”

Statement vs discreet appliances

“Everything in an open plan kitchen can be seen from other rooms so it is important to consider whether you want products which make a statement, or appliances that blend

into the kitchen cabinetry and become invisible. If you do want to make a statement, one option is to contrast your cabinetry with stainless steel panels and handles,” Jo comments.

One way to create flow through an open plan design, is to opt for appliances which can blend seamlessly with the rest of the home. Fisher & Paykel are known for iconic integrated appliance design such as their DishDrawer™ and Fridge Freezers, which can be designed to match your cabinetry, offering the freedom to blend in easily with the space.

The Island Hob

IMAGES Susan Tyldesley Case Study, Photography: © Paul Craig

“If you do want to make a statement, one option is to contrast your cabinetry with stainless steel panels and handles.”

DSP (INTERIORS) LTD DERBY COMPLETE FIT-OUT FOR SURESCREEN DIAGNOSTICS’ NEW PRODUCTION FACILITY AT SHERWOOD BUSINESS PARK

Award-winning design, refurbishment, and fitout specialists DSP (Interiors) Ltd have completed the first and second phase fit-out at Sherwood Business Park for SureScreen Diagnostics’ new lateral flow test production facility.

Over the past 18 months, the company, which is based on the Parker Industrial Estate on Mansfield Road in Derby, has partnered with SureScreen Diagnostics to support their expansion with the completion of a range of fit-out projects across Derby and Nottingham.

SureScreen remains at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19, producing antibody and antigen tests, which have been exported to 53 countries across the world. With more than 25 years’ experience in rapid diagnostic test products, SureScreen was the sole UK manufacturer to be validated by Public Health England during the Pandemic.

This growing demand and product development, which includes the recently approved dual Covid and Flu test, has perpetuated the need to expand facilities over the past 18 plus months.

In 2021, SureScreen announced its expansion to a new production facility at Lucinda House at Sherwood Business Park in Annesley, Nottinghamshire following an order for tens of millions of antigen Covid-19 tests from the Government, which created 1,000 local jobs.

DSP (Interiors) Ltd Derby was appointed principal designer

“As principal designer, DSP (Interiors) Ltd have been heavily involved in designing the spaces to accommodate the everchanging needs of the production and packing workflow. SureScreen has invested heavily in the latest technology and as such the design of the bespoke facility has been fluid and continues to be adapted to accommodate these developments.”

and contractor to fulfil a staged completion of extensive turnkey works at the facility, which is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Work undertaken as part of phases one and two has involved transforming the original warehouse which housed a small office, amenity block, mezzanine level and a large logistics space into a state-of-the-art production and packing facility.

The existing amenity block was completely gutted and fitted out to accommodate new staff including underground drainage, toilets, and showers.

Work has also involved the installation of a new circa 31,500 sq. ft mezzanine floor to extend the production and packing space.

DSP (Interiors) Ltd undertook all associated works including partitions, ceilings, flooring, and bespoke joinery, along with mechanical, electrical, fire protection measures and plumbing works including specialist dehumidification ducting for the machinery and upgrades to the mains electrical systems.

Further works on the project have included the fit-out of the new warehouse including adjustable pallet racking and the full refurbishment of the existing offices, toilets, and kitchens.

Work also just completed on Phase 3, which included a large agile office and amenity, details of which will be released in the coming weeks. Work on Phase 4, a large Laboratory area, is also due to start in the first quarter of next year.

Speaking about their partnership with SureScreen Diagnostics, Andy Priestley, director of DSP (Interiors) Ltd Derby, said: “We are delighted to have completed phases one and two at Lucinda House at Sherwood 80 for SureScreen Diagnostics on schedule and on budget.

“SureScreen Diagnostics do incredible work, and we are happy to have delivered a state-of-the-art facility where they can continue manufacturing and producing their Covid-19 antigen tests.

“As principal designer, DSP (Interiors) Ltd have been heavily involved in designing the spaces to accommodate the everchanging needs of the production and packing workflow.

“SureScreen has invested heavily in the latest technology and as such the design of the bespoke facility has been fluid and continues to be adapted to accommodate these developments.

“We are excited to be working on phases three and four of the project and look forward to continuing the strong partnership with SureScreen Diagnostics.”

Alastair Campbell, director of SureScreen Diagnostics, added: “DSP Interiors Derby have done a fantastic job on the first two phases of this project. It is obvious that they have a huge amount of experience in design, installation and fit-out projects and are always able to find the right balance of design flair and practicality for the space given.

“Andy and his team remain valuable partners in this exciting project, enabling us to keep up with the demand for test kit production, the development of new products, and realise our desire and responsibility to supply these important diagnostic products.”

“Being agile around design changes and applying out of the box thinking on a large, changing project like Lucinda House has been invaluable. On a personal note, the fact that Andy, the top man, has often been on-site is great, as you can work through the ongoing project decisions together, leading to better efficiency and slicker decision making.”

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