Refurb Renovation News - Issue 61

Upward extensions with Eurobrick

ECOMERCHANT: 12 WAYS TO REDUCE EMBODIED CARBON IN REFURBISHMENT

AQUALISA ADDS ELEGANT MATT BLACK OPTIONS TO AQ MIXER SHOWER COLLECTION

McCaffrey Design Group: Interior Inspired by Peacocks

Boasts Bold Glamour

Bradite moves into top gear

Editorial Assistant Francesca

Sales Assistant Jane Parker jane@rrnews.co.uk

Designer Laura Whitehead laura@rrnews.co.uk

Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@rrnews.co.uk

Accounts Richard Lapthorn accountsdept@rrnews.co.uk Publishing Director Paul

MHK

CELEBRATES ITS 5TH ANNIVERSARY IN THE UK WITH FIVE-FOLD MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

MHK, Europe’s leading buying group for independent kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retailers, celebrates its fifth anniversary of operation in the UK market.

The buying group, which officially launched in January 2018, has grown exponentially in the UK as awareness of the outstanding benefits of membership have become wider spread. More importantly, there is incontrovertible proof that these benefits are very much as good as they sound, as the business model has now been tried, tested and proven in the UK for five years by some of the UK’s leading premium independent KBB retailers across the country.

The benefits are so significant for KBB retailers, that one of the biggest obstacles MHK has had to overcome was a belief that they were simply too good to be true. The group now has a strong and fast-growing membership base in the UK who will happily confirm that the benefits are indeed all good and all true. In a recent survey this month carried out by MHK of its members, 100% of respondents stated

being a member of MHK has transformed their business and that everything that was promised prior to signing has happened.

Among other benefits, MHK’s Central Payment System is unique and only available to its members. This system streamlines the payments process for both retail and supplier members, minimising credit risks for suppliers in the process. Lower risk means lower prices for MHK members. For premium retailers who are serious about growing their business, membership will help transform their business in so many ways. Indeed, this is confirmed by the recent member survey where the vast majority agree membership has transformed their business.

In addition to the first-class purchasing conditions, MHK UK supports its members with an extensive range of services developed over nearly 45 years.

Globally, MHK’s success story continues as it recently announces on the back of its financial year end (Dec 22) that 3,877 members generated sales of 9.727 billion euros (+9.1% YoY). In 2023, MHK will host its AGM in which both retail and supplier members across Europe will meet 2-4 June for a major summit in Berlin.

LOW

CARBON CONCRETE

TO BECOME STANDARD ON ALL LAING O’ROURKE UK PROJECTS

New approach will accelerate net zero push and help clients meet their sustainability goals

Laing O’Rourke today announced it is mandating the switch to low carbon concrete on all of its new UK projects. The exclusive use of low carbon concrete from 1 April this year will accelerate the company’s progress towards its net zero targets.

The change will be introduced with immediate effect and applies to all new projects that begin main construction on or after 1 April 2023. It will result in a significant reduction in the company’s scope 3 carbon emissions.

Following a long-term research programme co-funded by Laing O’Rourke and Innovate UK, and in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and Sheffield University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), the business has proven that a range of low carbon concrete options can be successfully deployed on projects as a like-for-like substitute for traditional concrete.

The overall carbon reduction will be 28 per cent when compared with the company’s concrete usage in 2022. This equates to a saving of 14.4 million kgCO2e, which is the same as planting 120,000 trees or 94 hectares of forest.

Cathal O’Rourke, Laing O’Rourke’s newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, said: “We’ve committed to being a net zero company before 2050 and we are looking at every possible measure to accelerate our progress. In construction, the greatest challenge is reducing scope 3 emissions – the embodied carbon in purchased materials.

“Reducing all carbon emissions is a priority for our business. The built environment makes a significant contribution to global warming and constructors must work with clients and design partners to deploy new

GILBERT-ASH APPOINTED MAIN CONTRACTOR ON BARNFIELD COLLEGE REDEVELOPMENT

Project to provide new facilities for construction and engineering students

Leading construction and fit-out company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed main contractor for a £26million redevelopment at Barnfield College in Luton, part of the West Herts College Group.

The works, which are due to begin in late May, will mark the second phase of a major project to transform the existing Barnfield College into one campus, with scope for future growth.

Gilbert-Ash’s contract includes the design and build of a four-storey concrete frame specialist teaching block, providing teaching spaces, staff spaces and break-out areas.

In addition, the project will include landscaping, car parking and external walkways.

The new building will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the College’s construction and engineering students. It is also set to create employment opportunities with student numbers expected to rise significantly as a result of the new campus.

Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the company was delighted to be working on a project which will deliver a stand-out teaching resource for Barnfield College for generations to come.

He said: “Gilbert-Ash has a reputation for delivering world class teaching facilities with a growing portfolio of excellent projects in the education sector.

technologies and innovations that make modern methods the norm and enable us to build in less carbon intensive ways.”

Laing O’Rourke became a founding member of Concrete Zero in 2022 and is already decarbonising beyond the programme’s nearterm objectives.

Laing O’Rourke’s low carbon concrete uses lower carbon alternatives to Portland cement. These include GGBS (Ground Granulated Blastfurnace Slag) and PFA (Pulverised Fly Ash),

“We view projects like this as not only delivering new buildings but instead creating opportunities for young people to receive the best training so they can build rewarding careers through securing high value jobs.

“It is also particularly pleasing that the new Barnfield College campus will cater for the next generation joining the construction and engineering industries.

both of which are industrial by-products with a much lower carbon footprint. The company recognises that this is the first step in a longer journey to decarbonisation. Its ongoing

“At Gilbert-Ash we are committed to attracting people into our industry and one way we can do this is by constructing buildings which help inspire them.”

Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration.

Sustainability is a key focus for Gilbert-Ash with a number of initiatives underway to help the company to drive down its carbon footprint.

research programme focuses on wider scale deployment of cement-free options, which are ultra-low carbon, and it expects to introduce more of these materials going forward.

ELECOSOFT ACHIEVES CPD ACCREDITATION ON UK TRAINING COURSES

Users of Elecosoft solutions now have extended access to CPD training and qualifications

Elecosoft, the international building software specialist, has officially been awarded accreditation from the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certification Service for its entire range of UK training courses.

Elecosoft has been providing training programmes to its customers in a variety of formats for over 35 years, some of which were already CPD accredited. Now the CPD accreditations have been extended to encompass all UK training courses.

The CPD certification across the full course programme recognises Elecosoft’s commitment to providing high-quality training to the construction professionals working in the built environment industry.

In a recent report published by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), it was noted that it is critical to invest in new skills for workers to ensure they stay in the construction industry.

Shawn Ackermann, Elecosoft’s professional services director comments, “The team has worked extremely hard to ensure our courses are delivered to the highest of standards and we are very proud to have gained CPD Accreditation.”

The CPD certification assures Elecosoft’s customers that the training their colleagues undertake supports the obligations and policies of professional bodies and academic institutes.

Ackermann continues, “With the CPD accreditation, Elecosoft is now industry recognised to service its customers with the latest skills and knowledge needed to use our software in the ever-evolving built environment industry.

“Each UK training course, including training on our ShireSystem Maintenance (CMMS) and Facilities Management (CAFM) software, reinforces knowledge and practical implications for customers of our extremely powerful tools.”

LEEDS COLLEGE OF BUILDING CELEBRATES ELECTRICIAN TRAINING MILESTONE

One hundred electricans have benefitted from free Level 3 ‘18th Edition Wiring Regulations’ training at Leeds College of Building thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

Delivered through the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, re[boot] and subsequent Skills Connect training is designed for adult learners looking to upskill, re-skill, and gain sectorspecific qualifications within regional skill shortage areas.

Since July 2020, one hundred employed and self-employed electricians have completed the specialist training at Leeds College of Building. Re[boot] funding from July 2020March 2022 helped to upskill 70 electricians; a further 30 qualified through Skills Connect funding from January - March this year, with the latest cohort completing in Spring.

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations programme is aimed at practicing electricians with relevant experience and allied professionals needing to update and enhance their understanding of current wiring regulations. This is an essential qualification for anyone looking to certify that their installation work meets current building and wiring regulation guidelines.

Colleges from the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, including Leeds College of Building, have delivered training to over 700 people in the region so far, and provided a springboard for careers in priority areas such as Digital, Engineering, Manufacturing, Green Skills, and Construction sectors.

Yasmin Ali, Business Engagement Manager at Leeds College of Building, said: “We’re delighted that 100 individuals have gained sought-after qualifications through our partnership with the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Tutor Adrian Holland has been exceptional in delivering training on the latest electrical industry standards, helping students attain excellent pass marks. As a result, uptake for the training has been superb. This work is essential to help sustain in-demand professions such as these.”

Georgia Williams, Project Manager at West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, said: “It’s great to see that the work of our colleges, in partnership with WYCA, has made such an impact on the region. Leeds College of Building has worked hard to deliver the 18th Edition to electricians and through the Skills Connect and [re]boot projects, we’ve been able to allocate funding to make the course accessible and remove some of the barriers to learning for those wanting to progress within the sector.

“We are continuing to work with WYCA, local employers, and our colleges to offer more opportunities to people who want to progress in their careers through Skills Connect and Skills Bootcamps programmes whilst addressing skills gaps for employers in the region.”

To find out more about construction and built environment training for adults (18+), visit the Leeds College of Building website

AQUALISA ADDS ELEGANT MATT BLACK OPTIONS TO AQ MIXER SHOWER COLLECTION

Shower specialist Aqualisa has extended its popular AQ mixer shower collection with the addition of three new models in a sleek matt black finish.

Designed to make a striking statement in any contemporary bathroom setting, the AQ Matt Black showers are available in a choice of round or square dual outlet shower column, or a round bar valve option with adjustable handset.

Recognised for its quality and reliability, the Aqualisa AQ series combines attractive styling with excellent performance, durability and safety features, including a maximum water temperature setting, with override button if a hotter shower is desired.

Recognised for its quality and reliability, the Aqualisa AQ series combines attractive styling with excellent performance, durability and safety features, including a maximum water temperature setting, with override button if a hotter shower is desired. Each bar valve is engineered from brass, and is equipped with safe touch thermostatic technology. The dual outlet models come with a telescopic column enabling flexible installation, and all include a pushbutton handset holder for extra convenience. Smooth turn controls for both flow and temperature allow effortless operation, ensuring precise, dependable and safe showering for the whole family.

Available now from approved Aqualisa stockists, the AQ Matt Black range comprises:

• AQ Round Bar Valve – single outlet with adjustable, multi-mode 110mm handset, 1.5m smooth hose

• AQ Round Shower Column – dual outlet with 192mm drencher and

adjustable, multi-mode 110mm handset, 1.5m smooth hose

• AQ Square Shower Column – dual outlet 200mm drencher and adjustable 89mm square handset, 1.5m smooth hose

All AQ showers are supplied with easy-fit wall brackets, facilitating straightforward installation. Both round models include a multi-mode adjustable handset with easy click spray control, delivering further versatility, and all handsets incorporate soft, rub-clean nozzles for quick and simple maintenance.

Providing full peace of mind, the AQ range is Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approved and covered by a five year guarantee on registration. For further details, please visit: www.aqualisa.co.uk

The Aqualisa AQ collection is also available in chrome.

BATHROOM DÉCOR TRENDS: WHAT WE CAN EXPECT IN 2023

The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home, and as homeowners continue to invest more money and time into the home, we are seeing some emerging trends that look set to take the market by storm in 2023.

Lidia Cetrangolo, Marketing Manager, Multipanel, explores the upcoming trends:

Natural textures

“One of the key trends that will continue to make an impact in 2023 is homeowners embracing natural textures in their bathrooms. Natural textures bring warmth into a space, creating a peaceful sanctuary, with a relaxed, subdued, earthy feel.

Bringing elements of the outdoors inside can also help homeowners

bring warmth into the home and as people continue to spend more time in their homes with hybrid working, homeowners want to make every room a place that they want to spend time in. Darker wooden textures will bring a rich warmth into bathrooms, with a more dramatic and luxe effect, while paler woodeffects promote a Scandi feel—a light, calm and inviting bathroom.

Beyond wood effect decors, we expect to see a rise in other natural textures such as stone, in neutral, subdued colours. When used correctly stone-effect designs

can instantly create an impact in a bathroom, even in small spaces.

At Multipanel, we have seen our natural textured wall panels such as the Salvaged Plank Elm WoodEffect panel, and the Stone Elements panels become popular choices for homeowners who want a softly weathered, natural look in their bathroom.

Minimalism

While life has continued to get busier post-covid, people are continuing to spend more time at home with hybrid working. As a result, homeowners are looking to maximise serenity within the home, this will see the increased popularity of minimalist interior design. Minimalist bathrooms are all about creating a serene, peaceful atmosphere with few to no distractions—less truly is more.

We can expect pared-back, neutral colour palettes, which will be combined with crisp, clear lines. Clutter will be hidden from view, so that the focus stays on the neutral surfaces. A minimalist bathroom is also the perfect style choice for small rooms, as clean, neutral pallets will maximise the illusion of space.

Achieving a minimalist bathroom doesn’t mean only opting for white walls, ceilings, and floors. While white is a great, timeless colour for small bathrooms, there are many other colour pallets that can be used to achieve a minimalist look with some colour. We have seen homeowners opting for a dove grey, creamy white or even clay-effect wall panel for something a little different whilst maintaining a neutral décor overall.

Mixing materials

Marble has been a design staple for years, having stood the test of time for centuries in some of the world’s most timeless landmarks.

Marble has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners who want to bring a bit of luxury and elegance into their bathrooms, with colour tones ranging from white to dark greys and blacks.

2023, however, will be all about mixing marble with other natural materials to create depth in the

bathroom. Pairing a granite floor with marble walls will be a popular choice for bathrooms. The gloss of marble contrasts perfectly with dark matt granite, elevating the bathroom and creating a luxurious, yet modern feel.

Convenience and practicality

Beyond aesthetics, convenience and practicality in bathrooms will continue to be a driving force behind interior design choices. The continuation of home working and people spending more time at home, means people want maximum comfort, and minimal hassle.

Homeowners who want to maximise convenience are choosing alternative solutions to traditional materials for their bathrooms. Wall panels are proving a popular choice into 2023— not only do they come in a wide range of stylish decors such as marble and stone they are extremely low maintenance and easy-to-maintain as they do not require grout. Bathroom wall panels are also waterproof, hardwearing and long-lasting and can be cleaned simply with soap and water.”

Marble has been a design staple for years, having stood the test of time for centuries in some of the world’s most timeless landmarks.

MIDDLETONS HOTEL IN YORK – LATEST REFURBISHMENT PHASE

COMPLETE

Historic Middletons Hotel based in central York and part of the nationwide group of hotels, spas and inns, Daniel Thwaites, is delighted to unveil its recent refurbishment.

The four-star property which boasts 56 bedrooms within five impressive, listed buildings, complete with pretty central courtyard, focused its latest renovation project on the Grade II* listed Lady Anne building. Eighteen characterful bedrooms, bathrooms and public spaces have been upgraded to lively playful places, while air-conditioning, windows and insulation have also all been refurbished or replaced.

The transformation of Middletons combines quirky British sensibility, blending the old with the new. Refined and comfortable, the design

vision – brought to life by interior designer Rachel Wootton - gives a nod to both the history and unique location of the property. This investment to the building, erected in 1829 as Anne Middletons Hospital, now better reflects its Georgian heritage, preserving and restoring the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.

The Heritage Suite and House Suite rooms have all been given a fresh and modern yet luxurious look, while the wildlife-inspired décor found in the Cosy Rooms reflects the nature found in the nearby courtyard garden. Medicinal plant design details also link back to the heritage of the house.

The latest project to be completed within this extensive Middletons renovation programme, the Lady Anne building has been sensitively transformed by building contractor Murray and Willis, which has also previously refurbished Cromwell House, originally an old sawmill, plus the hotel’s two Sir Joseph Terry Alms Cottages and more recently, The Sawmill restaurant, bar and lounge areas.

Local York-based tradespersons were also employed for painting and decorating work as well as electrical works.

As part of the project, the hotel donated around 185 pieces of furniture to St Leonards Hospice’s shops, including mattresses, dressing tables, and mirrors.

Although close to the bustling city, Middletons is also fortunate to boast green spaces and therefore no detail has been overlooked within this latest phase of the refurbishment programme, with the addition of bird boxes in heritage colours outside Lady Anne House also added to encourage more wildlife to the hotel’s garden.

REFURBISHMENT COMPLETES AT CHESTERFIELD’S FIRST FLEXIBLE WORKING SPACE

Leading property and asset management firm, FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), has completed all phases of a full refurbishment of The HQ, Rowland Hill House to reveal 44,000 sq ft of modern open-plan office space.

The £1.2m project has seen FIREM upgrade the former Royal Mail building to Grade A office space specifically designed for flexible working, offering bespoke and turnkey packages tailored to meet specific business needs and requirements.

After the completion of the first phase in April 2022, FIREM began a second phase of works to the ground and third floors, completing in February 2023. The rise of hybrid working has created a shift in office requirements for businesses across the region, with The HQ pioneering a new approach in the Chesterfield business community.

Award-winning commercial vehicle hire company, Northgate Vehicle Hire, has recently signed a lease of 8,000 sq ft, alongside other tenants, Derbyshire Police and Reed in Partnership, demonstrating the diversified offering of the office facilities to suit a range of businesses.

Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FIREM commented: “The HQ’s office concept has never been seen before in Chesterfield and reflects the work we are doing to progress Chesterfield’s business offering in line with nearby cities. It is arguably the most competitive office product in the Chesterfield market, offering businesses a bespoke turnkey service from day one that can be modified to suit their changing needs and requirements.”

MIDLANDS CONTRACTOR G F TOMLINSON LOOKS FORWARD TO A STRONG PIPELINE OF WORK WITHIN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson is celebrating success on several local schemes it has secured preferred contractor status on via a number of public sector frameworks, including Pagabo, Scape and the Department of Education, giving the firm a forward pipeline of work for the second half of 2023 and through to 2024 of £60 million.

These schemes include 90 new council houses in Worksop for Bassetlaw District Council valued at £21million which will comprise of a mix of two, three and four-bed houses and two-bed bungalows. The scheme contains a host of green credentials including energy efficient air source pumps, solar panels, high insulation and electric vehicle charging points. There will also be cycle routes to encourage health and wellbeing.

George Betts Primary Academy in Smethwick valued at £9 million comprises a newbuild replacement school for 420 pupils and 26

nursery places. Once on site the works will be phased so that the existing school can continue to operate whilst the new school is being built.

Another high-profile scheme is the refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses both the Pomegranate Theatre and Museum, for Chesterfield Borough Council valued at £16.0million. The project aims to enhance the building by creating a modern visitor experience in the heart of the town centre and extend the life of an important heritage asset – creating a gateway impact and a ‘sense of arrival’ to the town. Works comprise refurbishment, refit and extension to the listed building, which stands within a conservation area. This includes creation of a new café bar to enhance the theatre and museum experience and the installation of new lifts and a changing places toilet to improve accessibility. The scheme also includes improvements to Corporation Street with new paving and lighting that will revamp this key gateway to the town centre and provide a welcoming environment for visitors to the refurbished theatre and museum.

CLEGG CONSTRUCTION STARTS WORK ON MALTBY GRAMMAR SCHOOL RENOVATION PROJECT

Contractor Clegg Construction has started work on an exciting £5.9m renovation scheme to repurpose the derelict Maltby Grammar School near Rotherham into a community resource and education facility

Contractor Clegg Construction has started work on an exciting £5.9m renovation scheme to repurpose the derelict Maltby Grammar School near Rotherham into a community resource and education facility.

The company has pledged to support a range of local health and wellbeing projects and employment and skills development opportunities during the contract, and it is estimated that up to £1.25m will be pumped into the local economy after Clegg Construction committed to use as many local sub-contractors, suppliers and enterprises as possible.

Built in the early 1930s, the school closed in 2012 and had fallen into a state of disrepair after being mothballed.

Maltby Learning Trust is now bringing the historic building back into use with plans which include the creation of incubator space for training and apprenticeships, bookable workspaces and serviced hot-desking, and start-up support for the leisure and hospitality sectors.

The re-purposed building – known for its impressive clock tower – will also extend Maltby Learning Trust’s Post 16 specialist facilities for students who attend Maltby Academy and Sir Thomas Wharton Academy sixth form provision.

Clegg Construction has just started work on site to refurbish the building and also to build a new steel frame extension in the existing courtyard to provide space for an exhibition hall.

The final project to highlight is the Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre in Sutton in Ashfield, valued at £5 million, which will transform a disused underground Victorian reservoir, dating back to 1880, into an education centre for school and group visits. The scheme will feature an exhibition hall, classroom, a cafe and meeting rooms as well as the state-of-the-art planetarium. It is hoped the new facility will increase annual visitor numbers from 3,000 to 20,000.

The company’s strategy has been to concentrate on the public sector, particularly through frameworks, which continues to provide ongoing opportunities in buoyant markets such as education, healthcare and bespoke civic schemes being funded by Government Spending initiatives including Towns Fund, the Levelling Up Agenda and Department for Education.

G F Tomlinson is also providing sustainable employment for its local supply chain, helping to generate social, economic and environmental benefits to the surrounding communities in which they work in.

The company is also exploring opportunities to work with the school’s estates team to create outdoor space for tree and flower planting, along with bee and butterfly corridors.

The redevelopment project was part of a winning bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund secured by Rotherham Council, which focused on boosting the leisure and hospitality sectors in the area. The Levelling Up Fund will provide £4.5m towards the project.

The renovation is due to be completed at the end of this year. Other members of the team working alongside Clegg Construction include Self Architects, engineer GCA Ltd and employer’s agent and project manager Cube.

DERBY MARKET HALL SECOND PHASE OF BUILDING WORK IN FULL SWING

The Victorian Market Hall on Tennant Street is set to become a vibrant retail and leisure destination, linking the Derbion shopping centre and St Peter’s Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter and the Becketwell regeneration scheme. When complete, the refurbished Market Hall will pay homage to its heritage while evolving to meet modern needs and consumer demand.

A vital part of this next phase is to develop the public space at Osnabruck Square, a key entrance to the Grade II listed building, as well as reinstating the north entrance.

The refurbishment is being led by Wates Group, which is working in collaboration with Derby City Council. The project team is made

up of specialists operating within the region, including Lathams Architects, structural engineers Rodgers Leask, and M&E consultants Clancy.

The Guildhall Yard will also be enhanced to resurface the existing tarmac and the entire courtyard will be re-paved following the demolition of the existing 1980s stair and lift tower.

Internal works will focus on the new flexible market hall space featuring free-standing mobile stalls to create an accessible space for events and activities such as food and music festivals. To accommodate a high-quality food and drink offer, the balcony will have a bottle bar and an emphasis will be placed on street

food but with the flexibility to adapt to future trends.

Further work in this phase includes refurbishments made to the first-floor shops, new durable flooring, improved back-of-house storage, improvements to fire safety, and new WC facilities. A new, grand central staircase is also proposed to the north of the Market Hall, replacing an existing stairwell and removing any potential for anti-social behaviour.

This grand staircase will reflect the position and form of the original 1864 stair, connecting to the balcony in a contemporary, light and inviting route. It will feature a glass balustrade designed to contrast with, yet complement, the historic metal balustrade across the balcony.

The designs also include sustainable focused upgrades such as on-site energy generation through solar thermal and PV panels, battery storage, combined heat and power, and disposal of food waste through anaerobic digestion.

Wates was appointed via SCAPE’s Major Works framework. The second phase of development is set to complete at the end of 2024.

The highly anticipated Derby Market Hall refurbishment has commenced its second phase of work, making drastic internal and external improvements.

FUTURE PROOFING BUILDINGS THROUGH T THICK AND

Premium performance internal wall insulation

In these challenging times, the drive to achieve a net zero carbon built environment is an ever-increasing focus in the construction industry. Recent and upcoming changes to the Building Regulations and Standards in England, Wales and Scotland require more demanding levels of thermal performance.

The Kingspan Kooltherm® range of phenolic insulation comprises the thinnest commonly used insulation products for any specific U-value. Kingspan Kooltherm® K118 Insulated Plasterboard for mechanically fixed & adhesively bonded insulated drylining allows for thin wall constructions providing insulation, drylining and vapour control in one board.

LOOP LAUNCHES SURVEY TO TRULY REVEAL THE STATE OF SOCIAL VALUE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Leading social value experts at Loop are launching a survey for the construction market, which aims to identify where the wider industry sits on social value, and where things can be improved.

When analysed, the results will reveal how much organisations are focusing on social value, how they are approaching it now, and how it integrates with procurement and tender processes.

The survey will also delve into individual mindset, gaining an insight into how social value impacts people’s day-to-day job roles –and how knowledgeable and prepared they feel for working in this realm.

NEW EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST REGIONAL WELDING SKILLS

Bradford College has become the first education partner in the UK to launch the Energas Fabrication Excellence Student Support Scheme.

The programme is part of a wider initiative by Energas, a Air Liquide Group company specialising in cylinder gases and equipment, to address the global shortage of welders that governments and industry bodies are urgently trying to reverse.

In the UK, Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have worsened a national skills shortage, with the number of welders falling by a quarter in five years. Nearly half the nation’s welders are expected to retire by 2027.

The new Energas initiative is helping to stem this decline and support welding educational establishments, such as Bradford College and its students. The partnership will enhance existing college welding equipment, offer grassroots exposure to Energas products and services, and deliver safety and technical advice.

Safety is a crucial focus for the content of support materials designed for all skill sets and which enhance awareness of gases, equipment, storage, handling, and transportation used in metal fabrication processes.

Bradford College Trinity Green Campus currently offers Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications in Welding and a Level 1 Certificate in Engineering Fabrication and Welding alongside other Level 2 and 3 Engineering qualifications.

Bradford College has placed a large order with Andrew Bamford, Account Manager for Energas Bradford, for eight high-quality Lincoln Electric welding machines for MIG and TIG applications, plus a range of other metal fabrication cutting and welding equipment.

The state-of-the-art equipment will be used to train students at all levels - from those starting out in the field to experienced

welders looking to upskill in new techniques, including individuals joining new part-time/night classes at Trinity Green Campus.

In recognition of the collaboration, Bradford College has also placed the Energas logo on welding marketing materials, new learner welcome packs, departmental banners, and safety posters to boost the Bradford Energas branch presence within student learning spaces. Students will also benefit from an Energas discount scheme and QR codes for quick access to offers and support in a dedicated section of the Energas website.

To find out more about welding or engineering training at Bradford College, contact a.huison@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

A crucial question will also examine the figures attached to social value measurement, and whether monetised values are important – and crucially if they are at risk of overinflation.

Angus Townsend, director of social value at Loop, said: “The construction industry is certainly one of the most progressive when it comes to social value and understanding its importance. However, there’s still a long way to go to even the playing field for organisations of all sizes and kinds, and make sure that we’re taking the right approach to social value.

“The sheer scale of the built environment means there are people at every stage of the social value journey. What we want to do is see what this looks like on an industry-wide scale and get a picture of understanding and drive for social value, as well as where things can be done better. Since the Social Value Act was introduced ten years ago, there have been growing developments with numerous pieces of legislation, government procurement policy notes and a big focus on social value in the Construction Playbook.

“Momentum is growing significantly, especially as we continue to adapt to a post-pandemic world while tackling the climate crisis. This can even be seen in the volume of Google searches for ‘social value’ for example, which have more than doubled in the past five years. Our mission is to help organisations understand social value, measure the impacts they have, continually improve and make a real difference to real people. We look forward to seeing the results of this survey – we know they will be incredibly eye opening for us all.”

The survey will be open to responses until Friday 26 May, and attendees at the UKREiiF conference in Leeds will be able to submit responses at Loop’s ‘The Future of Social Value’ Pavilion at the Royal Armouries.

For more information, please visit https://www.loop.org.uk

Events & Awards News

SBS TAKES HOME A

RETROFIT CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD FOLLOWING A WEEK OF WINS

Adding to a brimming trophy cabinet, specialist retrofit decarbonisation turnkey provider Sustainable Building Services (SBS) has been named Retrofit Contractor of the Year by The Retrofit Academy.

The expertise and collaborative approach of SBS’s team has been recognised with the retrofit decarbonisation sector’s most acclaimed national accolade.

The Retrofit Contractor of the Year award endorses excellence, meeting PAS 2035 principles, consistent delivery of high-quality resident engagement, innovation, high-quality whole house retrofit projects, and providing career pathways within the retrofit sector.

SBS holds a wealth of specialist experience in delivering housing decarbonisation work and is one of a small number of contractors that have delivered projects at scale under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Demonstrator and Wave 1, the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) and the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG).

It provides full ‘turnkey’ large-scale retrofit services to social housing providers and owneroccupiers, upgrading the energy efficiency of thousands of homes every year – delivered to PAS2035:2019 compliance standards.

The prestigious national win follows swiftly from EEM’s Building Communities Awards, at which SBS won both ‘Carbon Reduction Project of the Year’ and ‘Refurbishment Project of the Year’.

EEM’s award submission was a joint entry with Rykneld Homes for the expansive work being delivered on more than 400 homes for North East Derbyshire District Council. With funding from the Local Authority Delivery Fund, SBS was appointed by Rykneld as principal contractors on a two-year, £12m multi-phase, multimeasure retrofit decarbonisation scheme. This work has led to a £23m Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 application.

The Building Communities Awards are highly esteemed within the industry and is entered by leading property and construction organisations every year, vying for a win. SBS and Rykneld Homes was also named runner up for the ‘Collaborative Working Award’.

Read about Sustainable Building Service’s mission to decarbonise the UK’s housing stock at: www.sustainablebuildinguk.com

NOTTINGHAM WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION EVENT RETURNS CELEBRATING ITS 20TH YEAR

Held last month at Baresca in the city, the event saw over 60 professionals in attendance, who enjoyed welcome drinks sponsored by Millwards, lunch and the opportunity to network.

Amembership group bringing together women in the sector, Nottingham Women in Construction was originally founded in 2003 by Nicola Millward, managing director of Millward Engineering, a Nottingham-based integrated engineering consultancy.

Nicola welcomed guests with a speech which brought to life the 20-year history of the group and all it has achieved, including raising funds for many local charities and providing hands-on volunteering. The group is currently looking for a local charity partner to support in 2023.

In the speech, Nicola paid tribute to the lives of three remarkable members who played a huge role in Nottingham Women in Construction - Gemma Petrie, Hilary Taylor, and Dianne Allen – who have sadly passed away.

Following the events return, Women in Construction will be held quarterly with the next being scheduled for June. Committee members include Carrie Booth from BSP Consulting, Karen Hargreaves at KH Legal and Maria Coulter from Construction Coach.

On the successful reunion launch event, Nicola said:

“20 years on, it is fantastic to see so many women in the industry coming together to work together, celebrate success and create new connections.”

Women in the construction industry came together for the reunion launch of Nottingham Women in Construction, following a four-year hiatus.

HUNDREDS SIGN UP FOR UKREIIF SPOKE-TACULAR CYCLING EVENT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDRENS CHARITY

Hundreds of participants from the UK’s built environment sector took to two wheels to raise vital money for the Yorkshire Children’s Charity and its Great Yorkshire Build 2023 project through a charity cycling sportive.

Starting from a hub in North Leeds, the event took place on Thursday 18 May, to coincide with the return of the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) to the city centre for a second year.

The UKREiiF conference aims to connect people, places and businesses to accelerate the levelling up agenda while unlocking sustainable and inclusive investment across the UK – and a recent report from social value specialists Loop showed that the 2022 conference generated more than £1 million in social value.

100% of sponsorship and entry fees to the event will go to the Yorkshire Children’s Charity, which was founded with a clear mission to ensure no child or young person is left behind due to ill health, disability or financial circumstance. The funds raised will go towards its Great Yorkshire Build.

The Great Yorkshire Build scheme allows the charity to deliver state-of-the-art school facilities, creating environments within which staff feel re-energised to teach and children are excited to learn.

The UKREiiF Charity Cycling Sportive co-organisation and co-sponsorship is equally supported by: Gardiner & Theobald, Hexa Consulting, Hoare Lea, MODA, Overbury, Quod, RBA, DLA Architecture, Vinci and Walker Morris, for which both Hexa and the Yorkshire Children’s Charity are extremely grateful. All stakeholders are looking forward to an excellent day’s cycling raising money for a fantastic local charity.

The UKREiiF Charity Cycling Sportive co-organisation and co-sponsorship is equally supported by: Gardiner & Theobald, Hexa Consulting, Hoare Lea, MODA, Overbury, Quod, RBA, DLA Architecture, Vinci and Walker Morris, for which both Hexa and the Yorkshire Children’s Charity are extremely grateful.

The cycling fundraiser has been designed with multiple distances to suit all levels of cycling ability, from 60km to more than 100km.

For more information please visit https://ridethestruggle.com/ products/ukreiif-sportif

Doors, Windows & Fittings

COMPOSITE WINDOWS AND DOORS TO IMPROVE BUILDING DESIGN

The $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill promises to retrofit hundreds of thousands of homes across the USA with new heating and cooling systems to make them more energy efficient. While certainly a commendable step, the bill doesn’t go far enough. What’s missing is a focus of building materials, which will increase efficiency yield. Here, John Mertic, area sales manager for North America at global composite materials expert Exel Composites, explores how composite materials in window and door profiles can contribute to a greener future.

According to the U.S Department of Energy, 40 per cent of all primary energy use can be attributed to the buildings sector. Another report by the Department estimates that up to 30 per cent of the energy used to heat and cool a building is lost through the windows. This means that during colder months, the money and energy to keep the building at a desirable temperature goes to waste.

Therefore, the buildings sector must tackle energy inefficiency across the entire building lifecycle. One area that contributes to a large portion of wasted energy is through a building’s windows and doors.

Stop heat escaping

To hold in heat, window manufacturers might use aluminum or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) frames with added thermal breaks. These are continuous barriers between the inside and outside window frames that prevent thermal energy loss. While effective, this insulation method requires thicker frames, which can alter the desired appearance of windows. uPVC is a superior thermal insulator compared to aluminum, but it has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion and much lower mechanics compared to fiberglass.

The combined aesthetic and functional benefits of fiberglass are increasing its popularity. Unlike aluminum, which is

highly conductive, fiberglass composites are effective thermal insulators, making them the ideal candidate for window frames. The insulating properties of composite materials like fiberglass mean that there is no need for a thermal break, as the material alone can ensure thermal efficiency.

Building doors to last

Composites can also be used in door frames, as a suitable alternative to wood, which can warp, swell, and rot in damp, humid environments. As well as causing damage to the frame, this can create a draught space for warm air to escape and cold air to leak out. PVC might be chosen in this instance, because it doesn’t expand or contract when exposed to moisture. However, it lacks the natural stiffness of wood and often requires metal reinforcements and seal bindings. Problems arise when the seal bindings are inadequately maintained, allowing more thermal energy to be lost. Therefore, companies and households might be paying the price for wasted energy and footing the bills for higher maintenance costs.

Because of its light weight and stiffness, both of which contribute to its longer service life, fiberglass is a better alternative for door frames. Fiberglass profiles do not require structural inserts, as the stiff material is manufactured in a single profile. Furthermore, fiberglass is naturally

rot resistant, a property determined by choosing high performance premium grade resins, which ensures no water absorption and protection from aggressive weather conditions.

A forward-thinking approach

These mechanical properties are clearly beneficial for construction companies looking to improve the thermal efficiencies of their window and door frames. Through a process called pultrusion, fibers are pulled through a resin bath and cured in a heated die, before being cut to their desired lengths. The process is highly automated compared to manual manufacturing techniques, and ensures continuous, high-volume production of composite profiles at a consistent quality.

Exel Composites combines a local manufacturing footprint from its factory in Erlanger, Kentucky, with the expertise of a global company to provide efficient sales support and technical consultancy. The team’s collaborative approach gives engineers total design flexibility to produce window and door profiles that meet the desired aesthetic, and which help to prevent unnecessary energy losses.

So, while President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill is a step towards improving the energy efficiency in buildings, it’s important that the buildings sector is incorporating the right building materials for tackling energy inefficiency.

Find out more about Exel Composites’ pultrusion expertise and composite solutions for buildings by visiting the www.exelcomposites.com/windows-anddoors today.

The combined aesthetic and functional benefits of fiberglass are increasing its popularity. Unlike aluminum, which is highly conductive, fiberglass composites are effective thermal insulators, making them the ideal candidate for window frames.

Doors, Windows & Fittings

GARADOR LEADS THE WAY WITH ITS BLUESECUR APP

Garador leads the automated garage door market with its range of innovative electric operators, controllable through a smartphone app. Its exciting Series 4 GaraMatic electric operators work in conjunction with the BlueSecur app, developed specifically by Garador so that garage doors can be fully controlled through a smartphone.

The integrated Bluetooth receiver, for the GaraMatic 10 and GaraMatic 20 models, enables homeowners to control the operator using the Garador BlueSecur app on their smartphone. The HCP-bus connection also allows you to connect the operator to external smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home Hub.

“After 75 years leading the way in garage doors, we are delighted to still be at the forefront in exciting new technology,” said Garador’s Marketing Manager Paul Eddleston.

Find out more about Garador’s latest range of garage door designs and operators by visiting www.garador.co.uk

Doors, Windows & Fittings

CLOSING THE GAP ON HEAT LOSS

The cost-of-living crisis, rising energy prices, plus the changes to Approved Document Part L of the Building Regulations, is putting a spotlight on materials that can give better energy efficiency in buildings. One way to improve efficiency and reduce heat loss is through the use of airtight tapes and membranes around windows and doors.

Steve Wild, Technical Consultant at CPG UK, said “we expect to see an increased demand for airtight tapes and membranes as specifiers, contractors, builders, and homeowners look to solutions that can help improve thermal efficiency in buildings. The focus is mainly on new builds, but also retrofitting of windows in existing properties. Ultimately a window sealed properly with an airtight tape can help reduce heat loss, which is important as rising energy costs is a big concern for many people heating their homes this winter.”

This drive to efficiency is also being pushed through with new regulation changeswithin Approved Document Part L Edition 2021, the use of an airtight tape is specifically recommended within the documentation to help meet the new air permeability values. Under the new regulations, time stamped photographic evidence of the construction, including key elements and detailing of the build such as thermal bridging and interfaces, are required prior to the building being signed off.

Steve continued, “Silicone and standard gunned out foams on their own are not sufficient; installers and contractors need to use tapes and membranes when installing

windows and doors to ensure that buildings are complying with the new standards and delivering on improved energy performance. We would recommend fitting using a three-part sealing system, such as illbruck’s i3 system, which includes an impregnated foam tape, air seal foam, and internal airtight membrane. Using the right products to seal the window helps you to comply with the new regulations as well as Passiv Haus standards, gives long lasting guaranteed performance, and reduces heat loss.”

For new builds, incorporating a fabric first approach into the building design can help future proof the building, particularly with the drive towards net-zero by 2030 and the implementation of the Future Homes Standard in 2025.

However, as housing stock is re-used and people are looking at ways to improve energy performance within an existing building, there is likely to be an increase in the use of tapes and membranes in older properties. Retrofitting can be a cost-effective way to improve airtightness around windows in existing properties for homeowners and Housing Associations, without needing to build new. Part L applies to both new builds and renovations/ extensions – so fitters

still need to be using the right tapes and membranes to give a good perimeter seal around windows and doors.

Steve concluded, “The move to improved energy efficiency in buildings is a positive one – but, as with any change, it’s important to understand what the changes mean and what the impact is for the industry. Myself, and the illbruck team, are on hand to help. We can offer coffee chats about the changes, full CPD seminar, as well as onsite application demonstration to show how tapes and membranes should be correctly applied.”

illbruck, a part of CPG UK, have created an overview of the impact of Part L for specifiers, contractors, and installers in their whitepaper ‘Understanding the changes and how it affects you’, which is free to download from their website: https://www.illbruck.com/en-gb/stay-upto-date/latest-news/important-changes-toapproved-documents-f-l-o/

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Reimagining the home’s outdoor space, a custom outdoor kitchen and lounge area was designed including tiled floor, fire pit and glass wind barriers for privacy. Relax here under bright blue skies and impeccable mountainous views.

INTERIOR INSPIRED BY PEACOCKS BOASTS BOLD GLAMOUR

McCaffrey Design Group created an oasis of blues and greens in this Mission District condo that was inspired by the client’s Indian heritage, love of color and fashion.

Katie McCaffrey, Founder and Principal Designer of McCaffrey Design Group, recalls her first meeting with this tech-industry client and her husband— specifically that her Indian heritage was a main source of inspiration for their interior design desires. With no aversion to bold color, the client made it clear that she wanted her home to reflect the vibrancy of her home country while still infusing the sophistication of western design and her love of fashion.

Located in the Mission District, which is an area of San Francisco’s center that is known for its community of artists and cultural aficionados, this condo speaks the story of a couple who is young, connected to their cultural roots as well as the hip scene of the bustling arts district in which they live.

“[The Client’s] personality is as vibrant as the colors in her home,” says McCaffrey.

“It really turned out to be a reflection of her, which is always a goal for us,” The living room pictured above swims in an ocean of rich blues and greens, with accenting pattern from the malachite Jim Thompson window coverings, a ceramic tileinspired Scott Group Studio custom rug and a chartreuse velvet Michael Felix Madda chair.

In the kitchen, Calacatta Oro counters and custom cabinetry are complimentary only to the La Cornue CornuFé series blue range. A Lucretia Lighting chandelier hangs above the Jonathan Adler dining table, and an emerald green and brass bar cart is accented by vintage green fluted glassware, while the dining table is adorned with elaborately decorated Serpi dishware by Laboratorio Paravicini and a colorful glass carafe and drinkware.

One of the very first decisions the home-owner made was to go with the “little blue Cornue” in the kitchen, says McCaffrey. The kitchen was designed in collaboration with senior designer of M.D.G., Courtney Ferry, with buildout by Jeff Brown Construction.

“She loves blue, so we had various shades to work with in this open area. You don’t want it to look too

matchy-matchy or to fight one another,” McCaffrey says of curating the multitude of cerulean tones, from the Gubi Beetle dining chairs covered in a deep teal velvet to a custom barn door painted Slate Teal by Benjamin Moore, which conceals a dual laundry-pantry.

The third bedroom, converted to a workout space, is swathed in Polished Slate by Benjamin Moore. In the primary bedroom, the client’s Indian heritage truly sings. A pale blue glass vintage Murano chandelier shimmers with light, illuminating a hand-painted triptych of de Gournay wall panels that feature an exotic flora and fauna. Peacocks, which are a national symbol of India and a symbol of royalty, are a main motif in the panels. Accented with a zebrawood and velvet headboard and teal velvet pillows, this bedroom has whimsy coupled with elevated luxury that tells a narrative that is reminiscent of a classical Mughal miniature painting of a royal palace courtyard and its lush gardens.

Continuing notes on a theme of luxurious whimsy is the walk-in primary closet, which is crowned with roaring tiger wallpaper by Gucci, and the powder room outfitted in Schumacher’s Chiang

“She loves blue, so we had various shades to work with in this open area. You don’t want it to look too matchy-matchy or to fight one another.”

Mai pattern contrasted with a rich black marble with white veining and white-and-black tile flooring.

Reimagining the home’s outdoor space, a custom outdoor kitchen and lounge area was designed including tiled floor, fire pit and glass wind barriers for privacy. Relax here under bright blue skies and impeccable mountainous views.

Accented with a zebrawood and velvet headboard and teal velvet pillows, this bedroom has whimsy coupled with elevated luxury that tells a narrative that is reminiscent of a classical Mughal miniature painting of a royal palace courtyard and its lush gardens.

Heating, Ventilation & Insulation

FABRIC-FIRST BUILDING A SOLUTION TO IMPROVED PROPERTY ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REDUCED FUEL POVERTY

By Paul Simpson, Commercial Director at Recticel Insulation

The cost-of-living crisis has forced households in the UK and Europe to adopt new domestic habits that prior to 2022 would have seemed extremely improbable. With spiraling gas and electricity bills playing a significant part in the ongoing financial woes, where once home heating systems blazed away for many hours of the day, boilers and other mechanical appliances are becoming a last line of defense against the cold for cashstrapped residents.

Families up and down the country are turning to hot water bottles, draught excluders, electric blankets - and in extreme cases wearing outdoors clothes indoors, before daring to turn on the heating. Whilst a grin and bear it attitude to the enduring thermostat-phobia may stand us in good stead as we pray for spring’s early arrival, it’s no smiling matter for those less fortunate. Indeed, it’s feared that strict abstinence from domestic energy usage during the year’s coldest months will cost lives – particularly among the elderly. As was tragically the case in January, when the death of an 87-year-old woman from Bury made the news headlines. The pensioner died of hypothermia as a result of not being able to afford her heating bill. Sadly, it’s likely there will be reports of deaths in similar circumstances before winter’s end.

Office for National Statistics records show UK gas prices rose by a record 128.9% in the 12 months leading to December 2022. As a consequence, fuel poverty has also risen. UK charity, National Energy Action, estimates

Global events, such as the Russia/Ukraine war, are reportedly the main trigger for the current energy crisis. However, in terms of the sky-high bills it’s resulted in, UK residents are also paying a price for the country’s energy deficient housing stock.

that 6.7million households are unable to afford heating, compared to the 4.5million thought to be fuel-poor in October 2021. It’s led to many impoverished UK communities facing the most distressing of binary dilemmas: do we heat or eat?

Global events, such as the Russia/Ukraine war, are reportedly the main trigger for the current energy crisis. However, in terms of the sky-high bills it’s resulted in, UK residents are also paying a price for the country’s energy deficient housing stock. A report by independent climate change think tank, E3G, found that two-thirds of rented properties were below the minimum ‘C’ rating for energy efficiency. According to the report, bringing these dwellings up to the minimum standard

would save bill payers about £570 a year. In an interview with the Guardian website, Colm Britchfield, policy adviser at E3G, called the poor state of rented homes a ‘national scandal’. I cannot contradict his summation of this desperate situation.

Part L embraces fabric-first approach

The amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations, which came into force in June 2022, are a move in the right direction to achieving better-built, energy-proficient properties. The new legislation puts a focus on improving the fabric energy efficiency of new-homes, with the overall aim to reduce their carbon output by 31%. Crucially, the updated regulations include a tightening of standards for already-built homes in relation to extensions, replacements and repairs.

As a supplier of insulation products which are proven to create energy-smart, healthy comfortable homes, Recticel Insulation has been a long-term advocate for a fabric-first approach to house building. About 35% of a home’s heat loss is through its walls, whilst roofs account for an estimated 25% of domestic energy escape. It stands to reason, therefore, that prioritising the design and composition of these key building elements is the most effective and sustainable route to delivering thermally-assured properties.

It may have a taken a while, but the construction industry would appear to be on the threshold of fully-embracing the benefits of fabric-first design and build, thanks to the latest Part L amendments. It bodes well for the quality of our future built environment, as well as the population’s health and prosperity. Because whatever the country’s cost-ofliving situation in years to come, a significant increase in the availability of well-designed, well-insulated homes should significantly reduce the number of households currently struggling for an answer to the ‘heat or eat?’ question.

Find out your building’s elemental thermal performance via our U-value calculator.

It may have a taken a while, but the construction industry would appear to be on the threshold of fullyembracing the benefits of fabric-first design and build, thanks to the latest Part L amendments.

CONSORT CLAUDGEN LAUNCHES 2023 HEAT BROCHURE

Consort Claudgen has launched its 2023 Heat brochure featuring new products and innovations.

The new Consort Connect app allows complete remote control over heating via smartphones or tablets. The PVE panel heaters have a timer battery backup that retains all settings when turning off the heater. They are also more affordable and have the same features as the PLE panel heater range. The CHMC controller offers energy-saving features like an electronic lock to prevent unauthorised changes and accurate temperature control. When used with the CHES occupancy sensor, it conserves energy when it detects no movement within a given range.

The redesigned Screenzone air curtains are easy to install, with a new width of 2 metres.

An optional ACMC controller is available featuring different air curtain operation modes with varying airflow and heating control levels, emphasising energy efficiency.

To download a copy, visit www.consortepl.com

Available from electric wholesalers and NICEIC engineers

Ecolec have been designing, manufacturing and developing state-of-the-art electric heating systems in the West Midlands, England for the last 25 years.

For Offices, Homes, Apartments, Sheltered Housing, Assisted Living, Nurseries, School, Rest and Care Homes, Healthcare Buildings and Public Areas where potentially vulnerable people and children might be living, working or visiting.

To help reduce environmental waste, and as part of its sustainability policy, Ecolec offer a Do Not Scrap return-to-base full refit and refurbishment service.

CEILING RADIATORS

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CEILING RADIATORS

WITH 433 MHZ WIRELESS THERMOSTATPRESET AT 80°C STANDARD

www.ecolec.co.uk

Ecolec have been designing, manufacturing and developing state-of-the-art electric heating systems in the West Midlands, England for the last 25 years. To help reduce environmental waste, and as part of its sustainability policy, Ecolec offer a Do Not Scrap return-to-base full refit and refurbishment service.

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You can always count on Ecolec to offer Good Design with Safe Function.

“The Ecolec mantra is to save electricity by using it wisely and with electronic precision. Most electric heating products are seen to be expensive in their running costs due to the fact the heaters do not switch off automatically when the room air temperature has been achieved.”

BAXI SUPPORTS REVOLUTIONARY HOUSE DESIGN PLATFORM WITH PREFABRICATED HEATING SOLUTIONS

Baxi has supplied a new range of prefabricated understairs heating solutions to Travis Perkins’ WholeHouse®, an industryfirst platform that allows smaller regional housebuilders and developers across the UK to plan and design a complete, bespoke digital model of a house before beginning construction.

Based on the BIM process, the new platform ensures detailed and accurate design, plans and material pricing of developments from the first day. From start to finish, the process can be completed in under an hour, saving weeks of work.

Baxi has supplied over 160 tried-and-tested configurations using its specialist heating range so that WholeHouse users can select the most suitable, fully compliant low carbon heating solution for their properties.

By including Baxi Assure’s ASHP, the platform is future proofed to comply with the Future Homes Standard set to come into effect from 2025. For projects built before 2025 that are more suited to a gas boiler, units are available with the latest and most efficient Baxi Assure combi boilers. Controls and accessories are also available to ensure optimal efficiency in line with latest Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) regulations.

The prefabricated understairs unit provides a quick and easy way to install the system into each property that improves its carbon footprint by reducing waste. WholeHouse platform users can also access Baxi’s design and engineering expertise throughout the project, from initial installation training to final commissioning, to help ensure best performance from the appropriate system.

Nick Platt, Commercial and Marketing Director at Baxi, said: “The WholeHouse platform is a powerful tool for small to medium sized housebuilders, who are under mounting pressure

to build new homes quickly while adhering to sustainability requirements. Regional developers using the platform will get access to the very best in efficient heating technologies, and expert support to give them the confidence that their chosen design is fully optimised for the new home.”

Lee Jackson, Director of WholeHouse® said: “We are delighted to be working with Baxi and take great pride in supporting our customers with new value-added services that help them to navigate an increasingly complex construction landscape with new legislation and decarbonisation targets.

“WholeHouse will do just that, and help SME housebuilders, who are the lifeblood of regional property markets, to build better, more sustainable homes quickly and safely, whilst retaining control over the creative design elements and saving time and money.”

The first two homes built through WholeHouse and using Baxi’s air source heat pumps and prefabricated understairs units will be ready by September.

For more information about Baxi’s range of solutions and expertise for the housebuilding sector, visit the Baxi Assure page here. For details of its prefabricated solutions service, visit the Baxi Packaged Solutions page here

WHOLE HOUSE VENTILATION: COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Paul Williams,

Ventilation has moved from simple mechanical extract fans to whole house ventilation, frequently with heat recovery. The more complex ventilation systems become, the more opportunity for errors to creep in. Here, we identify the four most common mistakes we regularly see when it comes to whole house ventilation systems.

Mistake 1: Using the wrong size MVHR unit

MVHR units come in different sizes to meet different sized properties. Choose the wrong MVHR size and either it’s too big and therefore not energy efficient; or it’s too small and not going to deliver the ventilation required under Building Regulations, but will deliver excess noise.

Mistake 2: Not following the ventilation drawing on site

If the ducting drawing is not adhered to on site the ventilation system can be compromised. Mostly this is a result of installers trying to make the duct runs simpler or replacing rigid ducting with flexible duct work, to save time and money.

Mistake 3: Inadequate ducting insulation

A common mistake is using insufficient insulation, using standard building insulation materials that are unsuitable, or not using any insulation at all. The problem with this is that condensation forms, leaving ugly stains on ceilings and the growth of mould.

Mistake 4: Incorrect MVHR system commissioning

There are two pitfalls to be avoided when it comes to commissioning: avoid using a poor quality anemometer, or one that hasn’t been

recently calibrated, as it will provide incorrect airflow readings; and don’t assume that each apartment within a block of the same size will require the same setting.

A common mistake is using insufficient insulation, using standard building insulation materials that are unsuitable, or not using any insulation at all. The problem with this is that condensation forms, leaving ugly stains on ceilings and the growth of mould.

By

Domus Ventilation Product Manager

The prefabricated understairs unit provides a quick and easy way to install the system into each property that improves its carbon footprint by reducing waste.

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.

People On The Move

HARDIES APPOINTED LEAD CONSULTANT TO NEW RETAIL PARK IN BANCHORY

Hardies Property & Construction Consultants has been appointed lead consultant on the construction of a new retail park on the outskirts of Banchory.

GRIPPLE UK & IRELAND APPOINTS NEW MD AND NEW BOARD DIRECTORS

Gripple, the market-leading manufacturer of wire joiners and tensioners for agriculture, innovative suspension solutions for construction and engineered solutions for civil, solar and infrastructure applications, has appointed a new Managing Director for the UK & Ireland and new board Directors.

Kevin St Clair takes up the role of UK Managing Director, following 21 years at Gripple, Charlotte Hill will replace Kevin in his former role as Operations Director and Sam Ryall, joins the UK board as Supply Chain Director.

Kevin started his career at Gripple in 2002 as the company’s first Quality Manager, responsible for implementing ISO9001 and ISO14001 Certification, before moving into a broader quality and supply chain management role and later becoming Site Manager at Gripple’s Riverside Works facility in Sheffield.

Five years ago, Kevin was promoted to Group Operations Director, where he had full operational responsibility for Gripple’s six UK manufacturing sites.

Charlotte Hill and Sam Ryall have both being promoted from their roles as Operations Manager and Supply Chain Manager, respectively and join the Gripple UK & Ireland Board.

The board also comprises Sales Director

Chris Bugg, Head of Digital Transformation

Darren Cork, People & Culture Director

Katrina Ritchie and Finance Director Clare Legg.

Charlotte joined Gripple eight years ago as Product Manager and during this time has gained significant knowledge of the business, through her work in new product introduction, continuous improvement, engineering management and most recently as Operations Manager for Gripple’s Hellaby, Hawke Street and Riverside Works facilities. Charlotte has a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Manufacturing Strategy.

Sam Ryall joined Gripple four years ago from B Braun Medical in Sheffield, where she had worked for 18 years, most recently in the role of Purchasing Manager.

Since she joined Gripple, Sam has developed an excellent supply chain team and has played a key role in guiding Gripple through unprecedented supply chain challenges, including Brexit, Covid-19 and the Ukraine war.

Kevin will continue to report to Ed Stubbs, who as Group managing Director will dedicate more time to the development of the Gripple group worldwide - focusing on driving new product development and overseeing the creation of new operational facilities at the company’s newest Don Road facility in Sheffield.

The instruction follows Aberdeenshire Council granting planning permission to Banchory Estates to build three retail units and a drive-thru cafe on land behind the town’s Tesco store.

It is anticipated that the development will bring Lidl, Home Bargains, Starbucks and M&S Food to Banchory.

Hardies Managing Partner Martin McConnell said:

“As lead consultant on this exciting project we will undertake a range of project management duties, including full Quantity Surveying, Principal Designer and Energy services.”

As part of the design team, Hardies will work alongside IDA, Architects, Goodsons, Structural Engineers and Horizon, M+E Engineers.

Work is anticipated to start on site this summer.

GROHE ANNOUNCES NEW UK HEAD IN 2023 LEADERSHIP UPDATE

GROHE is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristine Skauge as its new leader for the UK as of April 2023.

Kristine joins from within the GROHE business following a ten-year rise through the ranks in which she most recently led the brand’s marketing efforts across the Middle East and North Africa region. Kristine has also held senior posts within GROHE’s marketing functions in Northern Europe, spearheading the planning, development and implementation of major marketing strategies and initiatives.

GROHE is also pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Dodds as its new UK Commercial Leader who will steer strategy across multiple sales channels. Chris brings a wealth of industry experience and most recently was Managing Director of Davroc Ltd, a major independent distributor of bathrooms.

Previously, Chris has held senior posts in sales and management at Coalbrook and Ideal Bathrooms. Chris joins the business from 1st March 2023 and will report to Kristine.

Commenting on her appointment, Kristine Skauge says “I look forward to leading the UK business after years of developing the GROHE brand in other markets. The UK has always stood out to me as a particularly exciting, fastpaced, multi-channel market and I look forward to continuing to build on the good work of my predecessors and the current leadership team.”

Rogier van Dis, Leader, North West Europe, LIXIL EMENA said: “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Kristine and Chris, whose arrivals mark the start of a new and promising era for our UK team. Kristine has been a rising talent within the GROHE family and her

astute marketing background across multiple territories makes her expertly placed to drive the brand forwards.

“Both Kristine and Chris bring vast amounts of industry-relevant experience, which will enable us to continue to cement our status as a strong commercial partner for our UK customers.”

Stone & Stonework

HOW A 150-MILLION-YEAR-OLD STONE COULD ROCK YOUR WORLD

“It doesn’t need chemical treatment to make it waterproof, and with the appropriate fixing material, is an environmentally friendly option.”

Inspired by the aesthetics of designer Axel Vervoordt, whose work combines contemporary and old materials, Dan personally sourced 2.4m³ block of Portland stone from Dorset to be used as a hearth as part of a restoration project in London’s Mayfair.

stone, Dan, along with architect Reginald Verspreeùwen from RV Architecture, visited Albion Stone on the Isle of Portland to identify the bed and cut they were looking for and then set about finding a block of a suitable size.

“We spent two or three amazing hours – like kids in a sweet shop – looking at all the different stones, before hitting upon a 1.2 tonne piece of premium quality, fine grain basebed stone that ticked all the boxes.”

t may be old as the hills but is still a viable option for eco-conscious builds and can still play a significant role in an increasingly high-tech industry, says Dan from Beam Development, who has been working on premium residential projects for more than 15 years,

“The mining of stone for building material is a relatively green process because there is no trapped carbon released during extraction. Unlike with some building materials, greenhouse gas emission is limited to the equipment used and does not produce any wastes.

“Stone is a natural building material, free from pollutants that can cause various symptoms among workers in some modern buildings.

“This beautiful, ornamental stone is classic but contemporary and its neutral colour allow it to work with a variety of colours and furnishings, and is at home whether in a minimalist apartment or a Georgian town house,” added Dan.

“We chose Portland stone for this project, because of its soft grey tones which create a natural, pared back but aesthetic look that fits with the feel of the house, and that can be cut easily and shaped into various sizes and designs.”

Portland stone is used extensively in some of Britain’s most notable structures from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Apple store on London’s Regent Street, and continues to be used in homes today, particularly for fireplaces, staircases, and flooring.

When it came to choosing the right

The Portland stone hearth which will be the centre piece of a two-storey atrium with a biofuel heater and chimney stack above, is set to be marked and cut and then transported to Mayfair where it will be lowered into place.

Portland stone is a limestone formed from the slow compaction of calcium carbonate and organic seafloor matter, like shell fragments, deposited during the late Jurassic period when the UK was situated in a more sub-tropical latitude.

Dan Grimshaw is a design and construction specialist based in Bath and London. He is a mentor to the British Library’s prestigious Innovating for Growth programme and is a jury member for the BLT Built Design Awards. For further information visit: www.beamdevelopment.co.uk

Traditional materials such as Portland stone may have been pushed out of the mainstream by concrete and steel, but nothing beats this natural material, says design and construction specialist Dan Grimshaw.

BRADITE MOVES INTO TOP GEAR

provide details of the product range. The company also runs competitions regularly on both Instagram and Twitter. They have also collaborated with the Facebook Forum, Brush Wizards with giveaway samples of One Can for members to review and provide feedback.

P&D Show - the place to be

etting a big player to add our products to their core range has been a big win for us,” says Operations Director, Ben Mottershead.

The “big player” is Dulux Decorator Centre; the UK’s largest network of decorators’ merchants with 233 stores nationwide. The Bradite products added to its core off-the-shelf and online range are One Can and Floor-it.

“Engaging with our customers as part of our Specialist paints range review showed that there was a clear desire for quick drying time saving solutions, says Sarah Atkins Head of DDC Commercial. “Bradite One Can & Floor-It meets the needs our customers through water based multi surface solutions in a wide range of colours “.

Specialist coatings manufacturer Bradite has seen a positive start to 2023 and is looking forward to the year ahead. Engaging with our customers as part of our Specialist paints range review showed that there was a clear desire for quick drying time saving solutions.

Beyond The Tipping Point

The coatings marketplace features a range of well-known products that have been around for quite a while. “It’s taken us a while to get to a tipping point, to get a following,” says Ben. “Our long-time partnership with our existing merchant customers has proved invaluable in establishing the credentials of One Can and continues to do so “.

Now, some five years on from the launch of One Can, that following among professional painters and decorators has grown as the product’s qualities have become appreciated.

Its use as a primer, undercoat and finish all in one, its low-odour, quick drying nature and its ability to adhere to almost any substrate might have been greeted with professional scepticism originally, but now it has more than proved itself.

Merchants have been getting more and more requests for both One Can and Floor-it and whereas previously they would order a few cans for a specific customer they have now realised that it makes sense to have them available on the shelf.

Advice and Training

Stocking the product goes hand in hand with advice concerning its use. This involves point of sale technical information and staff training at the merchants but explains, Ben, “There’s more and more engagement on social media which has been developed over the last year or so.”

Bradite now has an Instagram presence that is used to showcase before and after transformations and

The importance of feedback from professional users is a key component of the company’s longterm support for the P&D Show. Ben says: “It’s certainly the best show for dealing with the trade. There’s no doubt about that. Whether it’s one- or two-men decorating teams or big corporate firms, or students, I don’t think you get access to those demographics at any other show.”

“People are coming, and they are wanting to have conversations. It’s a great platform for manufacturers to ask questions of users and they will give you some real honest feedback and what the marketplace is like. It’s an informed clientele.”

Now that the UK has entered the post-Covid environment, the outlook for Bradite is positive. Although the British Coating Federation indicated that January’s figures of activity showed a 12% reduction in the market overall from the previous year Bradite was holding steady with the wider availability of its key products.

“One Can and Floor-it have different attributes, but we sell them into the same type of decorator through Dulux Decorator Centre,” says Ben. “Both products are advanced water-based systems.” Floor-it, for example, could be used in warehouse or general shopfloor situations where its single pack, quick drying and robust characteristics would ensure that customers could finish a refurb job and be back in full operation in double quick time.

Meeting the demand

Another key decision by Bradite has been to slim down dramatically the product range while greatly enhancing the quality of the products that remain. “A few years ago we had a product list of 50, now we’ve cut it down to six or seven,” says Ben. “We’ve retained products that perform very, very highly. The products are not about cheap and cheerful. It’s about working out what the customer needs and giving them a specific, highly developed, highly engineered product that works.”

For more information, please visit www.bradite.com.

A-NRD STUDIO COMPLETE THE REFURBISHMENT AND INTERIOR DESIGN OF BIRCH (SELSDON), THE SECOND LOCATION FROM AWARD-WINNING LIFESTYLE HOTEL CONCEPT BIRCH

Founded by Alessio Nardi and together with creative partner Lukas Persakovas, London-based interior design studio A-nrd have completed the major refurbishment and design of Birch (Selsdon), the new ‘sister’ hotel to the award-winning Birch (Cheshunt). The interior design studio’s first hotel project, the historic 19th century manor which is now home to the 181-guest room hotel is set within the 200-acre Selsdon Park, just 30 minutes from Central London.

Following an extensive refurbishment of the gothic manor which began by stripping away numerous and unsympathetic modifications and additions which the building had seen, A-nrd studio uncovered many hidden gems including rarely seen mosaic parquet flooring, hidden round bay niches and old decorative stone façades.

Following their restorative approach, A-nrd began to craft an interior for the expansive manor with a homeaway-from-home feel by rationalising the layout to create a better customer journey for guests. A-nrd have designed communal areas including the lobby, Orangery, the Meadow Bar, Vervain - the all-day restaurant, the Snug, The Hive Co-Working Space, meeting rooms and all 181 bedrooms and suites.

Lobby

Bringing the outside in was the concept behind the design for the entrance lobby. Creating a connection between the impressive and historic 200-acre estate and the redesigned interior was established through a considered material and

colour palette which sees natural textures and warm earthy tones combine to create a reception lobby that is all at once impressive, welcoming, and homely.

In the lobby, original stonework walls and a decorative bas-relief ceiling featuring colourful floral detailing is illuminated by vintage Murano glass petal shaped pendant lights sourced by A-nrd studio. On each side of the original grand stone fireplace hang bespoke artworks by London-based artist Olly Fathers. Crafted from veneer, the abstract pieces are directly inspired by the bas-relief ceiling. Solid timber flooring underfoot is broken up by areas of terracotta tiles. Zoned areas for guests to wait during check-in and check-out are punctuated by a selection of varying low profile lounge seats upholstered in moss green bouclé and rich velvet. Here jute and sisal rugs add a visual and textural softness with a mix of contemporary occasional tables, floor lights and greenery adding ambience and functional decoration.

Reception desks designed by A-nrd studio feature a timber shakes finish which have been crafted by award-

In the lobby, original stonework walls and a decorative bas-relief ceiling featuring colourful floral detailing is illuminated by vintage Murano glass petal shaped pendant lights sourced by A-nrd studio.

winning furniture designer, maker and environmentalist Sebastian Cox and made from timber cut from the estate’s land to facilitate the re-wilding initiative at Birch (Selsdon) which Cox leads. With a large scale diffused ombré wall hanging from Casamance as a backdrop, chosen for its soft tonal colours which echo that of the estate’s fields during seasonal change, the reception area feels fresh and modern.

RIGHT A-nrd founder Alessio Nardi and creative partner Lukas Persakovas

The Orangery

Original paned glass windows and doors take guests through to the light filled Orangery with captivating views across the estate’s land. Mirroring the natural colours of the landscape, sage green limewash walls add a softness and a contemporary texture to the space with a darker green chosen to offset woodwork and the ceiling, from which hangs a curving bird inspired pendant light handmade by Parisian artist Celine Wright. Large terracotta tiles on the floor nod to the space’s Victorian history in a classic chequered design with a twist.

Bespoke furniture, a signature of A-nrd studio, features across the project. Here a bespoke curved sofa upholstered in a bold Klein blue bouclé by Kvadrat/Raf Simons provides seating and allows the room to be zoned with curated semi lounge seating arranged around the edge of the space featuring a mix of upholstered contemporary shapes and vintage pieces reupholstered in soft leather. Together with varied terrazzo bistro tables the Orangery provides areas to eat, work and dwell. Artwork curated by Despina Wotton and greenery provide decoration.

Meadow Bar, All-Day Bar

From the Orangery, guest’s journey to the Meadow Bar, an all-day bar which has a casual and communal feel. Here the mood changes with the introduction of warm apricot limewashed walls. Upcycled, the bar itself features new architrave to add detailing whilst the back bar has been decorated with glossy chequered tiles - a modern interpretation on a design Victorian classic. Niche booth seating designed by A-nrd offers intimate and cosy corner spots whilst a mix of lounge, dining and bar seating offers complete flexibility for guests.

Upcycled, the bar itself features new architrave to add detailing whilst the back bar has been decorated with glossy chequered tiles - a modern interpretation on a design Victorian classic.

BELOW AND RIGHT Meadow Bar, All-Day Bar

Vervain, All-Day Dining Room

Vervain, the main dining area of Birch (Selsdon) is a large, grand room with sweeping original windows. Limewashed walls in a soft stone colour ground the original bas relief and glass paned ceiling which has been painted in the same vibrant apricot as the Meadow bar to create a cohesive link. Oversized globe lanterns made from rice paper with bamboo framing hang across the space.

Cleverly dividing the expansive area, A-nrd studio have designed two curved booths with rough sawn timber backs crafted from wood sourced from the estate by Sebastian Cox and upholstered in an abstract camouflage by Kirkby Design and complimentary caramel toned leather. Together with oversized palms the design feature creates privacy and intimacy. Terrazzo tables and a mix of bistro style chairs are grouped to seat 4 and 2 across the main space. Lining the walls at the back of the room booth seating has been designed with back rests that sit against each other creating a symmetry across the wall area. The bespoke booths are made from oak and feature rattan and corduroy velvet upholstery from Kirkby Design. Long-arm wall lights with opaline shades provide individual illumination at each table and showcase more contemporary artwork.

Elsewhere pleated paper wall lights breakup columns in the restaurant space and create a warm diffused light, whilst colourful and abstract handmade paper mâché wall lights by Maria Fiter are interspersed between windows and feel almost like works of art in their own right. A hidden curved niche discovered during renovation was refurbished by A-nrd studio to create a nook. Painted in a soft rose pink with booth seating upholstered in a prune recycled yarn bouclé and oval tables seating 6, the area is a cosy but inclusive corner. A sharing table in scorched wood designed by A-nrd and again crafted by Sebastian Cox celebrates conviviality and materiality, Snug

A richly toned, comfortable space featuring a concealed bar, the Snug features original wall panelling in a dark finish which provides an element of grandeur to the laid-back ambience of the space. A bold indigo blue used

ABOVE The Orangery

across walls and the bas-relief ceiling from which large, oversized globe lights hang adds a contemporary and stylish edge. Booth seating on either side of the original timber and stone fireplace are upholstered in a geometric jacquard and create the perfect spot for a late-night cocktail.

Mixing and layering textures and styles, vignettes of seating are zoned with soft rugs to break up the timber flooring. Refurbished vintage lounge chairs sit alongside more modern designs all in shades of green, ochre and prune with vintage travertine coffee tables scattered across the space.

A dramatic original stained-glass window depicting an ancient tree with sweeping branches and orange flowers inspired the creation of an abstract 9-meter-long neon light sculpture. Hanging from the decorative basrelief ceiling and surrounded by the colourful stained-glass and dark timber panelling, the piece designed by A-nrd creates a great juxtaposition of styles.

The Hive, Co-Working Space

Comfort, flexibility, and functionality are pillars of The Hive, Co-Working Space at Birch (Selsdon). With a warm neutral palette, walls are painted in a light stone with apricot and terracotta hues used around window and door frames. Large oak communal tables made in collaboration with Sebastian Cox allow for interactivity and group meetings. Deep booth seating designed by A-nrd has been created to allow users to sit and work comfortably with their legs raised in a lounge home-away-from-home style, whilst 7 phone booths are ideal for calls and privacy. Elsewhere in the space smaller tables with terrazzo surfaces, peach

bouclé sofas and leather chairs feature. Focal to the space is a colourful art installation by Daniel Eatock which lines the back of the area and features 38 diptychs painted on plywood.

Guest rooms

There are 5 types of guest room, small which are suitable for solo guests or couples, through to multi-room suites for large groups of friends or families. Central to the design of the guest rooms was the feeling of a relaxed, residential aesthetic that taps into the non-conventional nature of the Birch group. Soft tones and a textural palette create immediately comfortable surroundings.

Standard rooms feature walls which are limewashed in a soft peach hue to add warmth and a sunshine appeal. Larger rooms feature a carbon negative light cork floor, whilst smaller rooms feature sisal in a limestone green. Suites are limewashed in a fresh minty green for contrast. Recycled linen curtains from the Yarn Collective feature in mustard or burnt orange tones across all 181 guest rooms.

With a paired back, unfussy approach to styling the detailing of furniture was key. Designed by A-nrd bespoke wardrobes are sculptural forms with shelving and storage made from green veneer with oak detailing and raw steel accents. A curtain in recycled linen by the Yarn Collective adds a softness to the design with a round marquetry detail made of veneer off cuts by London-based artist Chelsea Vivash adds decoration. Mirroring this palette, headboards also utilise sage veneer and natural oak. Integrated bespoke wall lights featuring hand blown recycled glass have been designed in collaboration with London-based Michael Ruh Studio. With an organic texture the lighting produces water like reflections when illuminated which is accentuated by amber and olive-green speckles in the glass.

Most guest rooms feature side tables designed by A-nrd and made by Sebastian Cox with wood from the estate, oversized armchairs upholstered in recycled bouclé by the Yarn Collective in moss green and mustard tones, wicker floor lamps and greenery. Celebrating artistry where possible, each room features bespoke artworks by Weronika Marianna and Laurie Maun. Suites feature separate lounge areas with comfortable sofas and vintage coffee tables. Family rooms also feature bunk beds created from oak and sage green accents designed by A-nrd.

BELOW Snug

There are three different kinds of bathroom. Two are repurposed from the previous life of the building in line with the sustainability-first approach to the project. Upgraded and redecorated, existing wall tiles were kept whilst floor tiles were replaced. These bathrooms feature either terracotta tiles with matching walls and ceiling or green tiles with matching walls and ceiling. The fully refurbished bathrooms feature dark blue tiling, peach walls and ceiling and feature sustainable plastic free sanitaryware from Kaldawei creating a contemporary contrast to the everpresent original Victorian architecture.

With a relaxed yet elevated interior concept which is inspired by nature and the building’s Victorian heritage and one that mixes contemporary and vintage elements with a sophisticated palette of colours and sustainable, and recycled materials wherever possible; spaces at Birch (Selsdon) feel fresh and

new whilst having a cohesiveness and a sense of familiarity and continuity that allows transitioning between areas to feel natural and fluid.

In Birch (Selsdon), A-nrd studio have created a modern luxury escape to work, rest and play which showcases on a whole new level A-nrd studio’s creativity, sustainable ethos, bespoke furniture design and their desire to champion like-minded skilled artisans, craftspeople, and contemporary artists.

On Birch (Selsdon), Alessio Nardi comments: “With Birch (Selsdon) the approach to the design has been restorative with loose furniture and items complementing the existing architecture instead of overbuilding - in line with our studio values. We have repurposed where possible and made good, and with the new furniture and accessories, we have purposely chosen a mix of recycled fabrics, vintage furniture and lighting, a carbon negative light cork floor, artwork and marquetry which utilises off cuts and of course furniture made from wood from the estate’s rewilding project.

“We wanted to inject a contemporary layer to the estate which is visible through the bespoke items we have designed such as the free form booth seating in the Orangery or the deconstructed wardrobes in guest rooms. This was also achieved through the bold colour choices we made to brush off the staleness of the previous refurbishment, from the vivid sage green tones of the Orangery to the warm peachy hues of Vervain, the All-Day restaurant, and the deep blue of the Snug; every room has his own character interlinked by a distinct design language, colour palette and materiality.”

Images

Interior: © Adam Lynk

Exterior: © Inna YurchukKostukovsky

A richly toned, comfortable space featuring a concealed bar, the Snug features original wall panelling in a dark finish which provides an element of grandeur to the laid-back ambience of the space.

ABOVE Vervain, AllDay Dining Room

12 WAYS TO REDUCE EMBODIED CARBON IN REFURBISHMENT AND RETROFIT PROJECTS

“There is currently a climate emergency caused by greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere and we emit huge amounts of carbon dioxide by heating and using hot water in our homes. What may not be as obvious is that our existing homes are by far the worst polluters in the housing sector.”

This are the opening words of the executive summary of the ‘LETI Climate Emergency Retrofit Guide. How existing homes can be adapted to meet UK climate targets’

It is widely accepted that retrofitting our existing buildings is absolutely critical if we are to achieve Net Zero. Around 18% of our annual national CO2e emissions come from existing homes - homes that will still be standing in 2050. 80% of 2050’s homes have already been built. It is also widely acknowledged that the retrofit challenge is monumental. Over one million homes every year for the next 30 years will need to be retrofitted. We cannot afford to retrofit them twice. But if we retrofit them well, we can enjoy many environmental, social and economic benefits.

Refurbishment improves the energy efficiency of existing buildings by adding insulation or replacing old systems with more energy-efficient ones, such as low energy lighting or better boilers. Refurbishment means occupants use less energy day-to-day, but it also means more embodied carbon as more material is added to the building and older systems are thrown away. These additions can extend the lifespan of the building and so they help avoid the embodied carbon needed to replace an old building with a new one.

Good retrofit for existing homes should target energy consumption reductions of 60-80% for the average UK home.

Refurbishment improves the energy efficiency of existing buildings by adding insulation or replacing old systems with more energyefficient ones, such as low energy lighting or better boilers.

This is achievable through a whole house approach upgrading the building fabric, incorporating energy efficiency measures, improving ventilation, and fitting low carbon or renewable heat generation.

HOW TO REDUCE EMBODIED CARBON IN BUILDINGS

1. USE LOW CARBON MATERIALS AND SOLUTIONS

Focus on the elements of the building with highest impact. The most basic strategy requires the use of materials that have low embodied carbon emissions. This can be achieved by using:

A. NATURAL PRODUCTS OR THOSE WITH LOW ENERGY MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.

For example, timber, timber derivatives like Woodfibre insulation or materials with natural fibres that come from renewal sources such as wool or hemp; use products that require low energy processing.

B. MATERIALS WITH RECYCLED CONTENT.

The impact from raw material extraction is accounted only the first time that material is processed. Afterward, the recycled material includes only the impacts from its reprocessing. This strategy has the added value of keeping the material inside the economy and lowering the pressure for extracting virgin materials.

C. REUSE MATERIALS.

Similar to using materials with recycled content, reusing materials that still have a service life is another way to reduce new material extraction. The impacts of dismantling those materials and making them fit for reuse can be lower than creating new materials.

2. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS/ ELEMENTS THAT CAN DO THE SAME JOB.

There are plenty of examples such as timber for structural elements or insulation instead of steel or petrochemical derived insulation, lime to replace gypsum products, GBBS to replace cement. The use of materials with low embodied energy is the most effective way to reducing embodied carbon from the construction phase of any project.

3. INCLUDE SEQUESTERED CARBON IN YOUR TARGETS

We often hear of embodied carbon which normally encompasses both CO2 and other greenhouse gases, and includes emissions to produce building materials. It includes all the extraction, transport and manufacturing processes required before products are ready at the factory for delivery to the customer – such an assessment is known as “cradle to gate”.

Sequestered carbon (aka biogenic carbon) is carbon locked up in the material for its lifetime of the build, such as carbon in timber. Locked into the material, this carbon is prevented from entering the atmosphere as a gas. Although there are complex accounting reasons to exclude this from an LCA, the fact that the carbon is locked away and that replacement trees are planted, ends up with sequestered carbon being able to more than offset much of the upfront carbon emissions at completion of the project where natural materials are used, especially when obtained from renewable resources.

4. BUILD OFF SITE OR USE MODULAR ELEMENTS

The embodied carbon of a building element includes its material footprint and the waste that was generated during its construction. Prefabrication under controlled conditions allows reduction of waste and its associated carbon emissions. Similarly, modular elements permit the efficient use of materials and facilitate the industrialisation/prefabrication of these elements.

5. SET ENERGY AND CARBON TARGETS

Setting carbon performance requirements or other measures can help you to compare options. And, while the overall goal is finding solutions with lower impacts, these options most perform in a similar fashion to make the comparison valid.

6. BUY LOCAL MATERIALS

Transportation of materials from the manufacturing facility to the building site adds to the account of your building. By buying from local sources, you are reducing the emissions produced during transportation and support the local economy.

ABOVE A 1930s detached house dep retrofit to passive standards using wood fibre insulation and natural materials for internal wall insulation and a replacement roof.

BELOW Steico wood fibre insulation boards external wall insulation with lime render.

7.

DESIGN FOR LONG LIFE

The building envelope is critical for the energy performance of the building. The retrofit of building elements is one of the major strategies in reducing operational energy consumption. Yet, the walls and roof are under constant wear from natural elements that can lead to frequent repairs and maintenance. By using durable materials, you not only reduce the cost and frequency of refurbishment but also reduce the use of material replacement and its associated carbon footprint.

8.

DESIGN A BUILDING SHELL THAT IS EASY TO MAINTAIN

It is not enough that you use durable materials in your façade, you need to be able to service it, and replace elements when necessary. This can only be done when the system can easily be taken apart. In this way, you guarantee a longer life and fewer future greenhouse gas emissions.

9.

WATCH OUT FOR THE EFFECTS OF PAINTS AND FINISHES

Finishes have many purposes, as they can help with the acoustics and thermal conditions inside living spaces. They also have an important aesthetic function, that can translate into our overall wellbeing. Yet, they are amongst the elements that have the shortest lifespans in commercial buildings. For example, internal spaces are reconfigured frequently, eliminating partitions and flooring, and changing the ceiling layout. The aggregated impact of replacing these elements several times during the lifecycle of a building can have a significant overall impact. So, paints and finishes should include low-carbon materials, and allow for the easy recovery of those materials for recycling or reuse.

10. BUILD WITH FLEXIBILITY IN MIND

Space planning can benefit from centralised mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services that can easily be branched out to serve the areas based on need. Also, removable partitions make it easier to reconfigure the space for new uses, design elements to be adaptable and multifunctional.

11. CONSIDER THE LIFE CYCLE COST OF THE MATERIALS YOU USE

Cheap now can be quite expensive later as you need to replace more frequently, adding to your operational costs. Also, every time you replace a material, you add carbon emissions to your building account. Examine environmental information provided by different suppliers – such as EPD or carbon footprints. Will their products have lower impact in your building?

also avoids additional wastage. Efficient recovery of materials makes it easier to preserve the value of the material for future use.

V Faay flax core partition wall system uses a flax core located using wooden tracks, the wall can be plastered with lime or clay plaster. Flax is a carbon wonder product, strong, durable and during growth sequesters carbon, each HV84 wood fibre-faced pane (at 3m2/ panel) sequesters 90Kg of CO2. The wall is demountable for relocation or reuse.

HOW TO TACKLE EMBODIED CARBON EMISSIONS

The refurbishment or retrofitting of buildings is a necessity in our aging building stock and will continue to be so in the future. The refurbishment can be a result of physical upkeep, the need to improve their energy performance, and/ or changes in its use.

ABOVE 1960s deep retrofit designed and certified to AECB Carbonlite Silver Standard. The Specific Space Heating demand of 278 kWh/ m²a as existing, was reduced to 38 kWh/ m²a. Air leakage was improved from 9.5 air changes per hour to 2.5 air changes per hour. Improvements include external wall insulation using wood fibre, constant running mechanical extract ventilation, Katzbeck triple glazing. The works resulted in a 87% heating energy reduction. Photo courtesy Conker Conservation Ltd

is possible to measure the trade-offs from environmental and financial perspectives. The key takeaway is that to facilitate the process of refurbishment and retrofitting it is crucial to design the building and its systems for easy disassembly. That way materials can be easily recovered and reused, thus, reducing the extraction of raw materials and preserving the value of the existing ones.

For more information on using natural insulation materials of all types or Steico wood fibre insulation for roof construction please call Ecomerchant on 01793 847 444 or visit www.ecomerchant.co.uk

Also visit www.steico.co.uk

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND REFERENCES

LET Climate Emergency Retrofit Guide – A Blueprint on how to retrofit our existing domestic buildings. https://circularecology.com/carbonfootprint-calculators-for-construction. html - Tools for calculating carbon. https://www.oneclicklca.com/one click LCA life cycle assessment software that helps you calculate and reduce the environmental impacts of your building.

Inventory of Carbon & Energy database - The ICE database is a useful source of embodied carbon data, use the link to download the most recent version.

12.

DESIGN BUILDING ELEMENTS FOR RE-USE OR DISASSEMBLY

When possible, the building should be designed to be easily taken apart by sections or as a whole. This reduces the impact on other elements when recovering the building component, it

Regardless of the reason, by incorporating new materials/systems into a building, you are increasing its embodied carbon.

Only a life cycle perspective allows you to measure these impacts in time in a holistic way. So, by accounting the embodied carbon, and operational carbon if energy use is impacted, it

LEFT Faay flax core partition wall system uses a flax core located using wooden tracks, the wall can be plastered with lime or clay plaster. Flax is a carbon wonder product, strong, durable and during growth sequesters carbon, each HV84 wood fibre-faced panel (at 3m2/ panel) sequesters 90Kg of CO2. The wall is demountable for relocation or reuse.

UCL Refurbishment & Demolition of Housing. Embodied Carbon: Factsheet

Roofing & Cladding

WILL RISING COST OF BRICKLAYERS OPEN THE DOOR FOR BRICK CLADDING?

“With a gang of bricklayers usually being 2 bricklayers and a labourer, and a bricklayer laying approximately 600 bricks per day, that equates to around 50p per brick. Brick prices themselves have seen increases in excess of 40% over the past 2 years, with average prices now bring in excess of £500 per 1,000 so add this together and you’re at least £60 per sqm without pointing, access costs, etc.”

That’s the view of Julian Venus, Business Development Director of Brick façade system supplier Aquarian Cladding.

Results from a survey revealed that the charge to hire bricklayers last year increased by 130% compared to the year before – and that is only set to get steeper as a national shortage of bricklayers takes hold. It’s easy to see why brick cladding is becoming more popular as an alternative to traditional methods.

“There are regional differences, but bricklayers are charging around £250 per day, and if they employ a labourer to help then that might add an extra £80 per day,” said Julian

“Construction companies are under increasing pressure to reduce and control not just build time but build cost, and brick cladding is perfect for providing a solution for both instead of using traditional hand laid bricks on may projects.”

By its very nature, brick cladding is less labour-intensive. It is about a quarter of the weight of traditional bricks, is made in factory conditions offsite, meaning it can be delivered and applied at speed, plus it is not dependent on the weather to install.

“Dependent upon the system or product selected brick cladding is easy to install and often training in its installation takes a fraction

of the time it does to teach someone how to lay bricks, which is perfect when you have a workforce that’s diminishing,” added Julian.

“Other advantages, such as the environmental benefits, fewer deliveries to site, less waste disposal, the lack of scaffolding and masonry support needed, and its ability to provide designers and customers with almost unlimited creativity and flexibility thanks to a wide range of colours and finishes, make it hugely attractive and the smarter way to build. The choice It’s crucial when comparing that it’s a holistic cost assessment, incorporating all associated benefits but the savings that can be made on some projects are what is setting brick cladding apart and both the cost, and availability, of bricklayers can be a decisive factor.”

Aquarian Cladding Systems are key distributors of Gebrik, MechSlip and NaturAL-X and work with architects, contractors, developers and installation specialists across a wide range of sectors.

Website: www.aquariancladding.co.uk

With the price of bricklayers on the rise, architects and contractors will be encouraged to turn their attention to brick cladding as a cheaper solution.

Julian Venus, Business Development Director of Brick façade system supplier Aquarian Cladding

UPWARD EXTENSIONS WITH EUROBRICK

Eurobrick has been leading the brick slip cladding sector for over 30 years and has been involved in many such upward extension projects. Of course, each project of this type brings its own challenges but building upwards can be an effective solution where available space is limited. It enables a building to be redeveloped, maximizing its potential and extending its functional life. This is far more sustainable than demolishing the existing and constructing a new building.

Chiswick High Road

An extra floor was added to the existing 2 storey, mixed-use, end of terrace property in London which had a ground floor retail unit with residential spaces above. The upward extension allowed for an internal reconfiguration to provide 7 self-contained flats, with the extra floor allowing the contractor to add 3 more flats than the building previously contained.

Planning requirements stipulated that the building must not harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area, so a brick finish was required. The project also required a lightweight system as the new floor was being added to the existing structure and foundations.

Eurobrick’s X-Clad system provided a lightweight brick slip solution. With options available on insulation, the installed system weight of X-Clad starts from just 36kg/m2. The system was finished with BEA Burwell White

slips and Eurobrick’s Europoint pointing mortar in white, creating a fresh look in keeping with the neighbourhood.

Norwood Road

Another London based project involved the redevelopment of an existing commercial building. The original building included a large ground floor retail unit with snooker club and offices above. The proposal was to demolish the upper floors and build nine new residential apartments over the retail unit.

This project was particularly challenging because the retailer had to continue trading throughout the build. And although they wanted to add two floors above the retail unit, the existing foundations and structure of the building could not be altered.

The new parts of the building were constructed with an insulated timber frame with an exterior sheathing using Eurobrick’s P-Clad rainscreen system. This is a faster construction technique than traditional building methods and was important for minimising disruption to the retailer and its customers. P-Clad was installed with specially ordered brick slips alongside render panels to create a distinctive mixed finish to the building.

Pechiney House

This ambitious project in Slough involved the conversion and redevelopment of a 2-storey office building into residential apartments

by adding a 4-storey upward extension to the existing building. X-Clad was the lightweight solution that helped to simplify the process, as it was attached to a ply panel on the lightweight steel frame construction, reducing the overall weight of the upward extension considerably.

The resulting redevelopment contained 42 new residential units, including studios and 1 & 2 bed apartments. The mixed palette of finishes, using both bricks and timber, created a contemporary look that was sympathetic to the original building.

Eurobrick provide flexible brick slip cladding systems for many different types of projects offering a fast track, simple and robust solution. Brick slip cladding is lightweight and durable requiring little to no maintenance and is ideal for projects with engineering challenges to overcome.

For more information, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk.

Adding floors to existing buildings is economically attractive, however designs and building methods have to avoid overloading the foundations. Lightweight cladding systems can help to simplify the process.

Eurobrick provide flexible brick slip cladding systems for many different types of projects offering a fast track, simple and robust solution.

NEW ICEOTOPE HQ LAUNCHES IN SHEFFIELD DESIGNED BY APSS

Sheffield-based precision immersion cooling company Iceotope has launched its new headquarters, designed to have a positive impact on staff morale and productivity.

Designed and installed by Lincolnshirebased commercial fit out company APSS, the new office was designed for the team to better communicate their ideas and planning strategies. Break out areas allow for staff to take a break from their screen or just provide an alternative place to work which helps boost productivity.

Incorporating a biophilic design, the office interior includes greenery hanging from the ceiling as well as green feature walls acting as dividers between spaces. The greenery also acts as a sound dampener and reduces excess noise across the office in addition to the suspended ceiling rafts throughout the office.

Private soundproof meeting booths were installed with a self-irrigating planter wall on the side, providing a low maintenance connection to nature inside.

APSS Designer Emily May, who put the concept together in partnership with Iceotope explained: “The benefit of real plants in an office environment includes helping to purify the air, reduce excessive moisture and boosts productivity by providing that link to nature.

“It was great to work with a company which has such a strong brand. It made it so easy to create an amazing look for their new office.”

Tom Parker, Director of Operations for Iceotope said: “From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, the team at APSS demonstrated

exceptional professionalism, creativity, and dedication to delivering a stunning and functional workspace that exceeded our expectations.

“Despite a tight deadline and budget constraints, APSS was able to deliver the project on time and within budget, a testament to their commitment and expertise.

“Their design approach, which prioritised both aesthetics and practicality, has resulted in a workspace that fosters collaboration, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

“Our team has been absolutely thrilled with the new office space, and the positive impact on morale and productivity is evident.

“The attention to detail, clever use of space, and the seamless integration of our company’s values into the design have made our new office a source of pride for everyone.

“In fact, we have been so impressed by their work that we are already returning to APSS for support on a new project, further solidifying our confidence in their abilities.

“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of our office fit-out project, and we wholeheartedly recommend APSS for any organization seeking to create an inspiring and efficient workspace.

“Their dedication, skill, and customer-centric approach make them a standout choice for office design and fit-out services.”

“Our team has been absolutely thrilled with the new office space, and the positive impact on morale and productivity is evident. The attention to detail, clever use of space, and the seamless integration of our company’s values into the design have made our new office a source of pride for everyone.”

Once in a while a product comes along and changes everything, from the way it’s crafted to the way it works. Products are often copied and many are great ideas that never really see true success in their application. Many years are spent searching for a product that will ultimately surpass expectations, stand the test of time and become recognised as the leader in its field.

We created one of those successful products nearly two decades ago and still today it has never been equalled.

Why?

Because we have never compromised on quality.

It takes a long time to create perfection.