Creative Build Magazine - January Issue by The Little Publishing House

January Issue Construction migrant workforce numbers fall whilst demand, costs and wages surge

How to address the labour and skills shortages in the construction industry

Does listening to music while working improve your motivation and mental health?

Pages 14-15

Pages 16-17

Pages 18-19

creativebuildmagazine.com

Contents 4

SMEs step up their role as green business champions

Zentia systems help VELUX® reach for the sky

Endurance achieve a zero landfill mark

Top tips for adding natural light into a home

Planning delays ‘threaten the demise’ of more SME builders

Builders donate £10,000 sensory room to Tipton family

Gold medallists excel at “UK’s Construction Olympics”

How temporary offices can change the landscape of workspaces

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SMEs step up their role as green business champions A third of firms to join the Construction Leadership Council’s, CLC, latest round of net-zero champions are SMEs. These include Benfield Timber Buildings who supply timber frames for housebuilders, solar panel and battery supplier EvoEnergy and Zed pods which builds micro-homes above car parks. CLC co-chair Andy Mitchell said: “The power of the CLC comes from its ability to reflect and engage with the whole industry. CO2nstruct Zero has provided a standard for the whole industry to get behind.” The initiative enables organisations leading the way in carbon reduction to share good practice across the construction industry enabling the sector to measure its net-zero progress.

Benfield Timber Buildings managing director Carl Benfield said: “Businesses have a huge part to play in making the changes themselves which can improve your business model.” He said his company was working on producing a carbon passport for its timber frames detailing the materials, what should happen at the end of life and carbon-offsetting. The green drive picks up a head of steam The Environment Agency has become the first client organisation to join the initiative along with PwC UK as a partner. Other champions include engineering

consultancy AESG, regeneration developer Galliford Try, industrial builder Henry Brothers, software provider Kerridge Commercial Systems, property developerOsborne, multidisciplinary contractor VolkerWessels UK and thermal insulation manufacturer Xtratherm. Since forming in March 2021 CO2nstruct Zero now has 50 business champions committed to targeting reduction and sharing how they are achieving this with the wider sector. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said an SME builder’s green credentials were increasingly something development finance lenders were weighing up when looking at potential borrowers’ business plans.

Majority of motorists putting themselves at risk of drink driving A survey commissioned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has revealed that the majority of motorists are unaware of the amount of alcohol that will tip them over the limit, while half admit they are prepared to drive the morning after festive drinks or their Christmas party. Indeed, of over 1,000 motorists surveyed, 50% confessed they were likely to get behind the wheel the next morning following festive drinks, even though it takes many hours before large amounts of alcohol leave the blood stream. Perhaps even more worryingly, when respondents were asked how many micrograms of alcohol are permitted in 100 millilitres of breath before they would fail a police breathalyser, on average, the answer was 52. This is despite the fact the actual threshold is only 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. Perhaps even more worryingly, when respondents were asked how many micrograms of alcohol are permitted in 100 millilitres of breath before they would fail a police breathalyser, on average,

the answer was 52. This is despite the fact the actual threshold is only 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath. These admissions have concerned IAM RoadSmart, leading the charity to call for drivers to take more responsibility this festive period, plan ahead and be extra careful. Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “Drinking and driving simply does not mix and every driver should plan to leave the keys at home rather than face a fine, lengthy ban or time in a police cell.

limit. It is always best to make it none for the road.” The charity has also reiterated its plea to the government to roll out a smarter package of longer-term measures to help drive down the number of drink drivers on Britain’s roads into the new year. This includes a lower drink-drive limit to reinforce good behaviour, fast-track of evidential roadside testing machines to release police resources and tailored approaches to help drivers with alcohol problems.

“Worryingly, the research also highlights that there is still real ignorance regarding how much alcohol is enough before it is illegal to drive. Although motorists may well think they know how many drinks will typically tip them over the limit, individual characteristics such as body weight, food consumption, gender and metabolism will also determine the reading.

Neil concluded with a warning for those considering getting behind the wheel this festive season: “A prosecution for drink driving this month will not only ruin your Christmas but also impact the rest of your life through public humiliation, loss of job, family break up and a criminal record. At IAM RoadSmart we estimate that last drink that takes you over the limit could cost you up to £70,000! If that isn’t a sobering thought then nothing is.”

“So, if you’re planning to drink alcohol at a Christmas celebration, do not try to calculate whether or not you are over the

To learn more about IAM RoadSmart, including their drink driving safety initiatives, visit www.iamroadsmart.com

Endurance achieve a zero landfill mark After a period of implementing process change throughout the business, Endurance Doors have now achieved an audited zero landfill mark, working in partnership with waste processing specialist Ellgia.

including wood, card, plastics and metals etc. These items are removed and sent for processing into other materials and go through a mechanical sorting system including screening/sizing, air separation and use of magnets to recover any materials suitable for recycling or re-use.

Fuel) or SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel) and sent to either cement kilns or to a local incineration plant, providing heat and power to nearby local communities and homes.

With sustainability now high on the agenda for businesses across the industry and following the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), consumers are increasingly socially conscious about their purchasing decisions and habits. This move by Endurance Doors will help reassure homeowners and is part of a wider sustainability programme that will be delivered during the course of 2022.

Timber is reused into other wood products or for animal bedding, while the low-grade material is sent for biomass and plastics are re-processed after they have been granulated. Metals are shredded, melted and made into other grades of steel, while all card is re-processed for packaging and paperbased applications, and is also used for animal bedding.

Stephen Nadin, managing director of Endurance Doors commented: ‘We’ve effectively saved over 21 tonnes of CO2 already this year through our waste management programme with Ellgia and have a continual improvement programme in place to improve this further in 2022. We’re a conscientious business that understands the importance of sustainability and the recycling policy is a fundamental part of our wider green agenda.’

The process begins at the tipping stage with a manual inspection and sorting is then taken place to recover bulkier items

Any residual wastes that are not recovered for re-use or recycling are further processed into RDF (Refuse Derived

For further information please visit: www.endurancedoors.co.uk

Buyers’ rights of new homes strengthen with industry code Developers who fail to resolve snagging problems on new homes could see themselves struck off the New Homes Quality Board, NHQB, register. The board has released a new housebuilders code banning highpressure selling, requiring an after-sale ‘cooling off’ period and protecting the buyer for up to two years after purchase. MP and NHQB chair Natalie Elphicke said the code, which has been five years in the making, would be central to driving up new homes’ standards. “It fills the gaps in existing protections and puts considerably more requirements on builders in terms of how they deal with their customers and any issues that they have with their new home. “Over the coming months, we will work closely with industry to support and help

them make the transition to the new arrangements.”

the independent new homes’ ombudsman service.

Deposits paid to the builder to reserve a new home must be protected, the developer has to provide details about tenure and future management service charges during the sales process.

Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders backed the code as it would help create a level playing field for smaller developers who were less likely to engage in highpressure sales practices.

Snagging issues must be dealt with promptly The code also requires a home is complete before the buyer can move in and allows customers to ask a professional to carry out a pre-completion inspection. Builders must have an after-care service to deal with any snagging problems and a complaints process that responds to the new homeowners promptly keeping them informed throughout. If a customer is dissatisfied with how their complaint is dealt with, they can refer their case to

The new voluntary code follows concerns over the decade about the quality of new homes as highlighted by an all-party MPs report in 2016 flagging up housebuilder failings. Consultation on the code was widespread with 250 responses from consumers and other stakeholders resulting in 400 detailed changes being made to produce the final version. The NHQB said it was committed to reviewing the code as the new arrangements are implemented and ombudsman adjudications are made.

Grenfell Inquiry: Grenfell driven by “agenda of deregulation” The Fire Brigades Union lawyer for the inquiry has placed central importance on the “agenda of deregulation, privatisation and marketisation” as causing the disaster. Martin Seaward said that an agenda “which encouraged companies to behave recklessly towards building safety” was “actively and, regrettably, deliberately created by central government”. The comments were made as part of the opening statements for Module 6 of Phase 2 of the inquiry, which is set to focus on government. Seaward said that this agenda of deregulation, privatisation and marketisation had been in place for “more than four decades”, across multiple governments, and had “predictably… degraded public services such as building control and fire and rescue services, thereby [weakening] enforcement of these regimes, and led to the abolition of national bodies, ambiguity

and confusion in the guidance which has been left unclarified, a culture of complacency created towards fire safety, both during and after building works, and private companies being enabled to put profit over people”. He stated that, in turn, these factors “contributed to the systemic failure of the building and fire safety regimes, thereby enabling the installation of cheap and dangerous rainscreen cladding systems all over the UK, including at Grenfell Tower”. Seaward specifically named the evolution of building safety regulation “Approved Document B [ADB] with ever greater complexity and flexibility, bringing concomitant ambiguity and scope for manipulation” as an issue here, with confusion around the ADB being “ruthlessly exploited by manufacturing companies for their own commercial selfinterest” according to Seaward. He also pointed to the introduction of the Building Regulations 1985, which “replaced

the previously detailed technical and prescriptive regulations, covering at least 300 pages, with ‘functional requirements’ covering just 25 pages, supplemented by guidance in the ADB”. This introduction of “functional” requirements was described by Seaward as a “major change”, which brought with it “significant flexibility” that in turn “could be and was exploited by some in the construction industry”. Seaward also noted that after the Lakanal House fire, a 2009 fire in which six people died, none of the coroner’s “recommendations were implemented either effectively or at all either by Lord Pickles [Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when the recommendations were made], his successors or anyone else in government” – which Seaward said was “the consequence of the government’s deregulatory agenda”. The recommendations included ones relating to “stay put” guidance, guidance on highrise firefighting, and sprinklers.

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson appointed to £7bn Department for Education framework G F Tomlinson are celebrating their reappointment as an approved partner for the new £7bn Department for Education 2021 Construction Framework, a four year framework for the delivery of both education and non-education projects in the public sector.

The new framework will be available to local authorities, schools, academies, FE colleges, universities and other public bodies which provide educational facilities in England, whilst also being available to central government, including government agencies.

The framework supports the delivery of the Department for Education’s school building programmes, with an emphasis on achieving net zero carbon in operation.

G F Tomlinson has a strong focus on sustainability and social value, and will deliver schemes which meet stringent framework targets for local spend/labour, apprenticeships, T Level placements and reducing waste and carbon emissions.

Following a rigorous selection process, G F Tomlinson is one of only 26 contractors to be selected nationally, and will deliver projects valued between £0.5m and £6.0m across the East and West Midlands. This is the third consecutive Department for Education framework the regional contractor has been appointed to since 2014. Over the last 8 years, the company has delivered more than £55m of new build and refurbished primary, secondary, SEND and alternative provision schools, providing 4,467 new pupil places across the Midlands.

Chris Flint, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to have been re-appointed to the 2021 Construction Framework which continues our long-association with the Department for Education and expands on our delivery of high quality education facilities across the Midlands. “With our experienced and committed framework team, we are ideally placed to ensure the educational facilities delivered through the framework meet the immediate and long-term needs of users,

providing safe, healthy and productive environments. “The DfE framework places decarbonisation at the forefront of every scheme. Our standardised school solutions comply with the DfE’s Output Specification and meets the zero carbon requirements for new schools. We will work with the DfE, their Technical Advisors and the schools themselves to ensure schemes continue to respond to the climate emergency and achieve the Government’s net zero targets. The contractor, which has offices in Derby, Newark and Birmingham, has celebrated a year of successful project delivery in the East and West Midlands having secured an impressive six industry awards. The business also reports it has closed the year with a £9million contribution to social value initiatives created across its projects in 2021, and has successfully recycled 98% of its construction waste materials from project sites. The contractor has also proudly supported 25 apprentices in their careers this year.

Planning delays ‘threaten the demise’ of more SME builders More than nine out of ten smaller housebuilders have said planning is the biggest obstacle to increasing their housing delivery, according to a survey out this week. Respondents expect planning delays to get worse in 2022 in many parts of the UK because of local elections for all the London boroughs, Scottish and Welsh authorities in May. Homebuilders Federation, HBF, executive chairman Stewart Baseley said: “SMEs are literally having to put their businesses on hold whilst local authorities delay the start of construction as their planning departments don’t have adequate capacity to process applications effectively.” The trade body said SME builders were critical to delivering a more diverse housebuilding industry with a thriving local and regional network of building firms.

Survey respondents said the planning process had deteriorated over the last year leaving them disadvantaged compared with larger builders who could absorb long wait costs. Nine out of ten said local authorities had insufficient staff and resources to offer an efficient service. “We are on the fourth conservation officer, fifth planning office and the second head of planning. There is no consistency whatsoever between people,” commented one small builder who said the high staff turnover related to one planning application. Councils accused of preferring larger housebuilders to develop sites SME builders said planning authorities favoured bigger housebuilders as larger schemes made it easier for housing delivery targets to be met. Close Brothers Property Finance chief executive Frank Pennal said: “Developing

homes takes months and years and while some of these issues might only be shortterm, they risk leaving a lasting legacy on the provision of new homes.” Material supplies and costs were quoted as the next biggest barrier to housing delivery by the 100 SME builders who took part in the online survey. More than three-quarters of participants, 78 per cent, cited this as a problem compared with just 20 per cent in the previous year’s survey. “In March we were paying £9 a sheet for 9mm oriented strand board, and up until recently, we were paying £32 a sheet. Every single product has gone up,” said an SME builder who took part in one of the survey’s focus groups. Although some respondents said the increases could be absorbed by raising house prices most claimed this wasn’t possible as materials were running out before houses could be completed. Finance brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders would be able to offer short-term bridging loans for SME housebuilders who found themselves in this situation. Labour shortages and costs were also an issue with 59 per cent saying this was a problem compared with 19 per cent a year ago. However, nearly 60 per cent were employing apprentices compared with 33 per cent a year ago. The survey said this showed SMEs were continuing to employ a disproportionately higher number of trainees than their national counterparts. Land supply was also a significant challenge for just under half of respondents with 47 per cent citing it as a problem. They commented that more desirable places to live had experienced price inflation allowing bigger organisations to acquire sites rather than SMEs. Ecological issues and reducing nitrate levels in rivers had also constricted supply with Natural England and some councils imposing planning moratoriums.

O’Donovan triumph at the National Recycling Awards O’Donovan Waste has been named the winner for the ‘Employer Initiative of the Year’ at the prestigious MRW National Recycling Awards 2021. The event took place at the revered London Hilton on Park Lane, where stalwarts of the recycling and waste management elite came together to take time to recognise and celebrate the sector’s achievements over what has been the most challenging of times. The MRW National Recycling Awards are the most prestigious awards in the recycling and resource management sector, with winning projects and teams rightly recognised for their achievements within the industry and further along the supply chain. The awards seek to recognise and reward excellence and inspire others, for the advancement of the sector.

This Employer Initiative Award recognises ‘The Dynamo Project’ programme that O’Donovan introduced to support their team and with results having had huge positive impacts on its employee’s wellbeing and mental health. The programme includes interactive ongoing training modules for all staff which is delivered in-house. The training shares methods and practices that help increase the ability of participants to maintain their composure and stabilise emotions as they face day-to- day challenges in their work and private lives. The MRW National Recycling Awards Judging Panel applauded this relatively simple approach, noting “It requires a marked culture change to achieve it.

Mental health has rightly been in the spotlight, and this addresses the point that how we feel directly affects our performance as well others”. Jacqueline O’Donovan, Managing Director of O’Donovan said: “We are thrilled to have won the Employer Initiative Award at the National Recycling Awards. We work hard to be an employer of choice and we are delighted to be recognised at a national level for all the hard work that goes into safeguarding our team’s physical and mental health. We feel that the Dynamo Project sends the strongest message to staff that their wellbeing is of paramount importance. The training we have implemented can help us all manage daily challenges better, which greatly benefits everyone - staff, clients and the company”

Construction migrant workforce numbers fall whilst demand, costs and wages surge CITB’s annual migration report has revealed that the number of migrant workers in construction continues to fall significantly. This is at a time when the industry is experiencing a sharp rise in the cost of materials, wages, and an increase in demand for workers, Migration in UK Construction 2021 found. With output growth at its highest level in almost 25 years, the industry is finding it difficult to cope. This is partly due to the number of construction workers who left the UK since the EU Freedom of Movement ended. Additional pressures experienced because of the pandemic have seen even greater numbers leave and not return. These factors coupled with the surge in demand since Covid-19 restrictions have eased have left the industry under pressure. Key findings from the research showed: - The number of migrant workers in the UK construction industry fell by 8.3% in

2020, with 25,000 fewer workers in the sector than in 2019. However, this is in the context of the whole industry shrinking by a similar percentage - Over the last three years the number of migrants working in construction has fallen by 15%, from over 326,000 to just 280,000, the equivalent of one in every seven migrant workers leaving the sector

The research found that many employers are simply not engaging with the Points Based Immigration System (PBIS) licence scheme to enable them to hire nonUK born workers, particularly SMEs. In addition, several large and medium sized employers were concerned that some skilled trades were not accessible through the skilled worker visa including dryliners, asbestos workers and insulators.

- ONS data shows year-on-year wage rises, including bonuses and arrears peaked at +15.1% nationwide in May 2021, and continued to record an above average +6% in September 2021, against a whole economy reading of +4%, supporting anecdotal evidence that labour shortages are driving up prices

One construction employer in the southeast of England told researchers: “The impact will be that I can’t take on as many jobs and I’ve got to let my clients down. I’ve already turned down three jobs this week, and we never turn away work…I think that’s going to be the reality going forward.”

- In London, which has the highest concentration of migrant construction workers in the UK – where half of the workforce are migrant workers – the number fell by 15%, from 145,000 in 2019, to 125,000 in 2020.

Steve Radley, Director of Policy at CITB, said: “The transition out of the EU and into a new immigration system was always going to be difficult and the pandemic and interrupted supplies of materials has intensified skills and cost pressures.

We know that developing homegrown talent will be at the heart of addressing these skills challenges and that government is taking action to grow apprenticeships and to get more college students into construction jobs. “Employer investment in key skill areas such as apprenticeships is recovering and should improve further in 2022. But for many, their struggle to deliver on the current workloads is hampering their ability to free up time to invest in training just when it’s most needed.” Commentary from construction employer groups Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “The fall in the number of construction migrant workers over the last three years is not surprising and helps to explain why many small construction companies have had to turn down jobs because of the lack of available workers. At a time of rising demand in the construction sector

it is imperative that more home-grown talent is developed. Unfortunately, this is not an easy fix which is why the building industry will continue to experience an on-going skills problem over many years.” James Butcher, Head of Policy and Research at the National Federation of Building (NFB), said: “This is a really tough time for construction businesses, our members are regularly reporting that they are struggling to find the workforce they need to meet demand on site and the latest vacancy rate statistics indicate the situation is acute. The report findings confirm what many in the industry feared – a significant and sudden drop in the number of migrant workers in the construction workforce which, coupled with the lower apprenticeship starts and difficulties securing FE conversions, mean the short-term pressures are significant and there is no easy way out.” Suzannah Nichol, Chief Executive of Build UK, said: “As construction looks to lead the economic recovery, the government is rightly investing in training and reskilling

the UK workforce whilst the industry develops better routes for new entrants. We welcomed the recent commitments in the Autumn Budget to improve skills and recruit talent, but these will all take time to come to fruition and we are being asked to build now, not in 12 months. “To ensure the industry can continue to deliver the ambitious programme of infrastructure investment and development, it is vital that we have a Points-Based Immigration System that can respond rapidly to changing pressures, with a clear path for the industry to raise these with government.” Alasdair Reisner, Chief Executive of CECA, said: “Our members continue to experience very challenging conditions for recruitment and retention of workers. The likely outcome of this will be that those areas that have historically had higher levels of migrant labour, and generally higher salaries, such as London and the South East, will now pull resource from the rest of the country, exacerbating skills difficulties nationwide.”

How to address the labour and skills shortages in the construction industry With both the pandemic and Brexit hitting the construction industry hard, it’s no wonder the industry is facing challenges. Within the sector we can see the ongoing impact, including site build times and material and labour shortages. There’s also the concern about the delivery of materials due to the low number of HGV drivers, as well as the skill level of workers available to deliver projects.

this year has been one for shortages across the board.

Ageing Workforces and Poor Quality of Training

The latest employment statistics suggest that Brexit isn’t the main cause of worker shortages. It’s a surge in demand for workers that is driving the fall in supply. Vacancies in the construction industry have risen by 39% in the first half of 2021, while the number of applications dropped by 23%.

Of course, Brexit and the pandemic can’t be blamed for all aspects of the skills shortage, since this issue already existed beforehand. There’s no denying that Britain and the construction industry have an ageing workforce. Couple that with the poor quality of training available and the rise in subcontracting, and it’s no wonder we’re facing these shortages.

Labour and Skills Shortages in Construction Following Brexit and The Pandemic

The impact of losing these workers is hitting all aspects of construction, with The Federation of Master Builders finding that, in the last quarter, 60% of building firms have had to pause projects due to a lack of skilled tradespeople and that 42% of firms can’t get hold of general labourers. A staggering 89% of builders have faced delays due to either materials or skills shortages.

There were reports during 2019 that Brexit would be the cause of a skilled worker shortages in the UK. However, no one foresaw the pandemic and the huge impact it would have on the industry. Taking into consideration both factors,

The Office for National Statistics reported in May 2021 that there were 2.22m workers in the construction industry during the first quarter of 2021, which is 100,000 fewer than in the same period last year. The industry needs to invest heavily in high quality training to a younger market to ensure the future of British construction.

“It has been a very interesting year for the construction industry. In some ways it is booming but many of the challenges facing businesses in the sector are worsening. The effects of staff shortages are clear and it is putting more strain on existing staff, leading to delays in project delivery. It can be hard to find the time to upskill staff but through brave forward planning and utilising moments of down time, businesses can make themselves more robust to the further challenges they will face in 2022.” - Thomas Burwell - Head of Sales and Operations What Can Your Business Do? As a business owner in the construction industry, you should be focusing on upskilling your existing workers. Giving your workers the skills to succeed with their role and take on more responsibility. It is vital to have an adaptable workforce, by having staff with a varied skillset it allows you to move and shift with changing demands. They will be able to shift into different roles and jobs

depending on the site need. Identify your skill shortages and look at training courses that may benefit other workers to fill that gap. The sort of course that could benefit staff include Plant Training such as Telehandler or excavator, UKATA Non-Licensed Removal, CITB SSSTS, Vehicle Banksman amongst others. Identify your skill shortages and look at training courses that may benefit other workers to fill that gap. Upskilling Your Workforce Digitally One of the good things the pandemic did create was a rise in online training courses. These courses mean that businesses don’t need to account for too much time away for their staff from their day-to-day role, as employees can quickly access the courses. In addition, workers can access training from the comfort of their own home, which can help them learn faster or better. Digital training courses are also preferred over in-person training by younger employees, which is the demographic many businesses want

to target, due to an ageing population and workforce. Everyone learns differently, which is why we can help you to train and upskill both younger or older demographics with our large variety of courses and ways to train. Improving the skills on offer from your existing workforce means an improvement in the services you can provide, an engaged workforce who sticks by your company, a reduced cost from recruitment and an increase in productivity and efficiency. With many construction businesses struggling to provide the services required to get work completed, you could be at the forefront of your sector by providing the skills required. Boss Training offer health and safety courses online for all aspects of a role. Our online training courses cover everything from CDM Awareness to infection control, manual handling and preparation for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test.

58% of construction workers believe that listening to music while working improves their motivation and mental health A new study has surveyed 2000 UK employees and analysed Spotify data to reveal the relationship workers, including manual labourers and construction labourers, have with music while working. Commissioned by Towergate Liability Insurance, the study shows 1 in 2 people listen to music more often since lockdowns began with UK employees believing it positively impacts their office lives. Looking across different industries, the survey featured employees in construction, property, design, creative arts, engineering, manufacturing, finance, banking, accountancy, and healthcare. Benefits of listening to music at work: mental health, focus and boredom Over half (54%) of those surveyed said

listening to music at work improves their mental health and happiness, 56% stated it improves their mood and two-thirds said it helps them focus and get work done quicker. Additionally, 43% believe that music helps reduce boredom with the benefits impacting more men (44%) than women (42%). Genre and the way we listen differs across industries Pop music was found to be the favourite genre across all industries, followed by rock and classical music. This is with the exception of construction where employees favour rock music. The only industry where workers claim listening to music out loud is their prefered method was healthcare, with all other industries preferring to play music through personal headphones.

Rock music is construction workers motivational favourite Towergate’s analysis explored playlists on Spotify specifically for those in theconstruction and building industry to find the top genres, artists and songs that help them get through their workdays on construction sites. The analysis found that rock music was by far the favourite, with 981 appearances, followed by metal with 358, while the top five artists are all rock bands: 1. AC/DC: 84 appearances 2. The Rolling Stones: 63 appearances 3. Led Zeppelin: 63 appearances 4. Red Hot Chili Peppers: 60 appearances 5. Metallica: 50 appearances

Previous research by the Office for National Statistics has found that mental health problems are prevalent in the construction industry. With 65% of those in construction and property saying that listening to music at work helps improve their mood, and 27% saying it impacts their happiness, music can play a role in combating mental health issues. Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnosis, Time Line Therapy®, Positive Psychology & Coach Trainer, Rebecca Lockwood, an expert on music and mental health said: “When we listen to music it creates an intentional representation in our mind which then gives us a feeling. Depending on the kind of music you are listening to will determine how you feel. Listening to music that makes you feel good will have a great impact on your mental health because it creates an internal perception that leaves you feeling good which would be great to boost office morale.If you were to listen to

music that left you feeling sad or down then this could have a negative effect on your mental health as you are creating internal perceptions in your mind that are leaving you feeling worse or the same as you were before which could then lead to you feeling less productive or potentially distract you from the work that you are doing.” The survey provides evidence that a shift in the awareness of clean and safe workplaces will be at the forefront of employee concerns, as 70% of those surveyed said they would be more likely to ask future employers about their health and hygiene policies and implementation before accepting future jobs. Music and work have always been intertwined,” says Alison Wild, Head of Marketing at Towergate SME. “Most people enjoy listening to the music of some kind, it’s perfectly natural to feel that music must have some sort of

positive impact on our work” Alison continued, “Music has many benefits in the workplace, it helps us make the day go quicker, makes us feel good, improves the working environment, motivates us, and therefore helps us get through with otherwise boring tasks. ”Music has always created a sense of togetherness, that’s why many turn to it during a crisis. Music can help boost your productivity by putting you in a better mood, combatting stress and anxiety, while we are all working from home. From the survey we conducted, we found that 48% of the public listen to more music while working now than before the pandemic. Furthermore, when questioned, 54% of respondents accredited music for making them feel happier and having a positive effect on their mental health while on the job.” www.towergateinsurance.co.uk

SkillBuild gold medallists excel at “UK’s Construction Olympics” The winners of SkillBuild ’21 - the “UK’s construction Olympics” – have been described as having “the skills everyone is crying out for”. Fifty-three competitors from across the UK took part in SkillBuild, the annual construction contest, held this year at the National Construction College in Bircham Newton. Over three intense days of competition the best construction trainees & apprentices from across the UK were tested, against the clock, in their chosen trades. The SkillBuild medallists were announced on Friday at an online national celebration event and crowned (virtually) by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Packed Lunch studio. Announcing the medallists Steph said: “The winners would be part of the best contact book you could ever have. If you’re looking for a bricklayer, you’re going to go for one of the country’s best. These are the skills that everyone is crying out for.” Sam Dean, 19, from Ashton-in-Makerfield won the gold medal in the plastering competition. Sam, who has just finished his apprenticeship, has been working for Chorley-based IB Plastering Ltd for two years. Sam said: “SkillBuild was a good experience. I was nervous going into the competition, but the judges were helpful. “SkillBuild taught me not to panic, rush or concentrate on what others are doing, but to go at my own speed and get the job right.” Sam says he enjoys being a plasterer and would like to run his own company one day “employ people and make lots of money!” SkillBuild is managed by the CITB, in collaboration with WorldSkills UK.

Commenting on this year’s competition CITB Chief Executive Tim Balcon said: “SkillBuild brings the best out of the UK’s most promising construction trainees and apprentices. It teaches them to use their skills under pressure, to work to deadlines and to produce high quality work. The talent on display in this year’s competition was a credit to competitors and their trainers. It augurs well for industry, too. “There are great opportunities for skilled construction workers in the UK. Demand for labour is high as the economy recovers from the pandemic. CITB estimates that over 40,000 new construction jobs will be created between now and 2025. It’s important that we increase the number of people in construction, the example of SkillBuild competitors will help do that. I wish all the competitors the very best in their careers.” Deputy CEO of WorldSkills UK, Ben Blackledge, says that success in UKwide finals is a litmus test for the future of the economy. He said: “These young people are a real inspiration. They are an example to us all and are to be congratulated. To have excelled after such a difficult year shows their dedication and drive is second to none. Skills are the lifeblood of every economy, creating high quality jobs, rewarding careers, inward investment and growth.” SkillBuild Gold medal winners (from England):

Bricklaying: Mitchell Proctor. Preston’s College Carpentry: Charlie Reeve. E N Suiter CBM Furniture and Cabinet making: Michael Jack. Talbot Burnley College Joinery: Sam Abbott. North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College – Harrowbrook Plastering: Sam Dean. Wigan and Leigh College - Pagefield Centre Stonemasonry: Lewis Evans. Bath College – Radstock Gold medal winners (from Wales) FSW – Foundation Skills: Woodworking: Ben Thewlis. Coleg Gwent – Newport Gold medal winners (from Scotland) Painting and Decorating: Nicole Smith. Bell Group UK Gold medal winners (from Northern Ireland): Plastering & Drywall systems: Ignas Kurasovas. Errigal Contracts Wall & Floor tiling: Aaron Gillespie. Southern Regional College - Newry Campus The full list of Gold, Silver, Bronze & Highly Commended contestants is on the Go Construct site.

Zentia systems help VELUX® reach for the sky Mineral ceiling tiles by Zentia feature in a new extension to VELUX UK and Ireland’s HQ in Scotland. Ceiling systems by leading UK manufacturer Zentia were specified for a new £7.7 million extension to the UK and Ireland headquarters of world-leading daylight solutions provider VELUX for a trio of reasons at least. The project was the first time Zentia’s Ultima+ Finesse mineral tiles have been installed in Scotland where VELUX UK and Ireland’s headquarters have been located on a 1.6-hectare site in Glenrothes, Fife, for 35 years. Back then it had 50 employees there. Now it has 172. The Finesse tiles were complemented by Ultima+ OP Microlook tiles, also in 600mm x 600mm format. They were selected by regular Zentia specifiers Sinclair Watt Architects as they met the Class 1, aesthetic, fire and acoustic performance required for the 37,673ft2 two-storey building which features an engineered timber and steel structural frame.

Designed to complement the gently sloping site, the extension features full-height glazing and stone and timber cladding and showcases the latest VELUX technology. It joins the existing building via a new staff entrance, which features a green roof, aluminium guttering and timber rainscreen cladding. Some 1,1,00m2 of the Zentia Ultima+ OP Microlook tiles were used in the ground floor offices and storerooms, while 100m2 of the Finesse tiles were used in the restaurant, kitchen and toilets. The Ultima+ range features class-leading light reflectance of 87% and Euroclass A2-s1, d0 fire classification, the OP Microlook variant with Class A sound absorption and Finesse a fully concealed, fully painted edge detail. Sinclair Watt were provided with a detailed brief to provide accommodation for a new main entrance and reception area, product display hall, meeting room suite, additional office space and customer service telephone hall and ancillary accommodation. By necessity these were required to be large spaces to accommodate large numbers of employees and visitors.

The building had to achieve seven basic goals - to allow VELUX to be a good neighbour, to be simple and beautiful, to make arrival a good experience, to be a model of balanced daylight, natural ventilation, good indoor comfort and healthy materials, to apply a well-defined, highquality structural concept, to obtain good sustainable standards with a minimum use of energy, to be visible and logical, and to create value and express the VELUX values. Sinclair Watt met this by incorporating a regular and prominent engineered timber and steel structural frame that provided a design with a clear distinction between the supporting structure of the building and the facades and roof. This was both to create clarity and logic in the design and to make it possible to replace or update the not-so-permanent parts of the building. The roof form is curved to reduce the overall scale of the building. The internal design incorporates a central street and atrium that acts as a meeting place as well as a general circulation area and allows the best use of natural sunlight and natural ventilation throughout the building.

The building provides good indoor comfort and utilises healthy materials. The three key areas - energy efficiency, healthy indoor environment and renewable energy - constitute the basis of the new building. A fabric-first approach for the building was adopted with high insulation levels and low air permeability rates to reduce overall heat loss from the building. This combined with a natural ventilation and daylighting strategy, and the use of LED lighting and air source heat pumps as the main heating source, resulted in a highly energy efficient and sustainable building. Architect Iain Mitchell said: “We specified the Zentia systems as they have a good product range, good suspension systems, with good product information and good technical backup. They met all the aesthetic, fire and acoustic performances. “Zentia shadow and transition trims were used so the Zentia ceilings tie in well with adjacent plasterboard walls and ceilings. The client is very happy with the ceiling installation and building as a whole.” The ceiling installation was completed for main contractor ISG by specialist sub-contractor PFP who had a team of up to six operatives on site for seven months prior to the first Covid lockdown. It was the first time they had installed the Ultima+ Finesse tile from Zentia, who have evolved from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions. Commercial director Colin Burns said: “We had some meetings with Zentia to talk through the detailing of the Finesse element and put it to the guys on site but apart from that, and some coordinating with services, it was very straightforward. It looks good as it always does and gives a nice bright finish. It was interesting to be the first installer of Finesse in Scotland.” Scott Leeder, VELUX’s Market Director – Great Britain and Ireland, said: “The new building provides our existing employees with a much-improved working environment and accommodates any increase in headcount in the future.” Councillor Altany Craik, convener of Fife Council’s economy, tourism and strategic planning committee, added: “This new building looks very impressive.”

Top tips for adding natural light into a home The classic design of a rooflight makes it a versatile addition to any property and a popular choice for any homeowner. An older property can be rejuvenated with a conservation style rooflight, and newer properties can add architectural interest with a bespoke option. From walk-on to flat, pitched to lantern, there’s an endless choice to suit any home.

extension, light can be dramatically increased by adding a rooflight. Defined zones – Turning unused, dark spaces within a home into effective living spaces can be done simply by adding natural light into those shaded areas, increasing its liveability. Adding rooflights to an extension or conversion will maximise light, while also opening up the space.

maximum impact, as well as the material used for the frame, or added features such as self-cleaning glass, must all be considered as they will further increase the price.

Natural light – The amount of natural light that floods into your home can transform your property. Depending on the orientation of your home, you may benefit from the glow of the morning sunrise or evening sunset, allowing you to bring warmth and comfort into your home, where it previously wouldn’t have been.

Rooms appear larger – The addition of light can instantly extend the look and feel of a home, adding the illusion of a larger floor space and higher ceilings, creating a welcoming environment with natural views. What to remember when adding a rooflight:

2. Consider the style of the property – The existing architecture of your home must be your considered before you invest in new rooflights. If you live in a conservation area, you will be restricted to using conservation rooflights, as they will blend most effectively into the surrounding area. These heritage properties are known for their historical significance, so ensuring that you contact a reputable rooflight company who can supply you with a conservation option, such as our Conservation Rooflight, is vital. Without this, your project may be prevented from progressing further.

Property value – A rooflight could increase the value of your home by up to 21 percent, depending on the extent of the project that has been undertaken. For example, investing in a rooflight loft conversion can add exceptional value with pitched rooflights allowing unused space to become a guest bedroom or office. Even with a small ground floor

1. Consider your budget – The cost of a rooflight can vary depending on the quality, design, size, and shape, as well as its location within a home. A single, standard size rooflight will cost you much less than multiple bespoke rooflights, and lantern rooflights may cost more than standalone pitched alternatives. The amount of glass needed to create

3. Flat roof extension - Depending on the size and scope of the extension, rooflights can be a very popular addition to a project as they may not require planning permission. They are a great way to transform a living space without obstructing the view of the skyline, especially if you choose a flat rooflight, which are also the most cost-effective option.

Why rooflights?

4. Pitched roof extension - Letting as much light as possible into a home is the best way to create space in a property, with pitched rooflights being the most structured option aesthetically. These pitched rooflight extensions can be more expensive however, as they can take longer to install and may require planning permission. 5. Loft conversions - A loft conversion can instantly add an exceptional amount of living space to a home, which will in turn add value to the property. Compared to dormer conversions, these projects are more cost-effective, which makes them a very popular option. The main benefit of a loft conversion is that it does not tamper with the structure of the building itself, which makes it a much simpler process. 6. Kitchen renovations - The kitchen is the heart of every home, but they are not always as welcoming as they could be. Linear skylights can transform a space, especially if they are added in groups as they flood light into a property. These are a great choice for long and narrow living spaces, maximising the space available, while also adding a real feature point into a home. If this option does not work well for your space, a lantern rooflight is a great alternative, as it opens up the home in every direction with its 3D nature. This is a choice that works well for large, open plan kitchen and dining spaces that are central to many large homes. With a variety of glazing options, as well as entirely bespoke rooflights available, you can perfectly match the rooflight to your home. 7. Home offices - Home working up in the loft, or on the upstairs landing or mezzanine, is not conducive to effective working if it is dark. Installing a rooflight can turn a space into a dynamic environment. Artificial light can be very harmful for your eyes, with natural light being the best option where possible, making your day much more enjoyable by creating a more appealing, natural aesthetic. To find out more about The Rooflight Company and its range of products, please visit: www.therooflightcompany.co.uk/. 25

Architecture in harmony with the natural world Nestling in a hilly forested area in Shizuoka, Japan, PHASE DANCE is an impressive architectural work by Takeshi Hirobe Architects. Duravit’s presence in the unconventionally shaped weekend retreat appears in the form of a Vero washbasin. Vero was launched in 2001 and since then has found great popularity, especially among architects, thanks to its iconic rectangular character. The sloping location posed a range of challenges – not least the question of how the building should be positioned on the site. To avoid an excessively large and deep foundation, a third of the floor space of the building was designed as an overhang, reducing the contact area with the ground. The basic structure from the basement to the ceiling of the second floor consists of reinforced concrete covered with wood.

Further, the architects noticed an orangebark stewartia tree during their site visit. Calculations taking account of building-spacing regulations and other restrictions indicated that the tree stood at the center of the area in which construction was possible. They decided to leave the tree intact and to design the structure of the building around it – as a tribute to the importance of nature. While Takeshi Hirobe Architects understood the tree to be central point, they were careful to avoid a symmetrical design with uniform angles in order to create unique, generously sized rooms. With that in mind, the architects sought to lend each room a cozy and playful air. In the bathroom, the clear formal language of the Duravit washbasin from the Vero complete bathroom range blends perfectly into the overall ambience – as elegant as it is durable.

Large windows that follow the uneven contours of the walls afford expansive views of the green landscape and bring natural light into the interior. The upper floor serves as a library and reading area. It has the same floor plan as the lower floor and includes a triangular roof. Although the roof is subdivided into multiple sections, it gives the impression of being a single piece that covers the building. During the continuous decision-making process, Takeshi Hirobe Architects likened their reactions to the various phases and aspects of the project to a dance – and dubbed the project “PHASE DANCE”, inspired by the dynamics of the song of the same name by guitarist Pat Metheny.

Reasons to choose wooden window frames with Thames Valley Window Company Supplying sustainably sourced timber windows, Thames Valley Window Company’s vast array of styles ensures there’s the perfect replacement window for all property types. With over 35 years of expertise in the glazing industry, the extremely knowledgeable team is able to advise on the most suitable choices for traditional and modern homes. With high-quality oak, hardwood and European redwood varieties to choose from, the extremely strong and durable material is able to withstand adverse weather conditions. Using defect and knot free wood, the timber is made with multiple layers that are produced to provide the optimum level of resistance

against the common issues of twisting and warping. Every window combines innovative materials and finishes as standard, including advanced perimeter locking systems for optimum security. Available in the full range of RAL colours, a fresh application of paint or stain is required every 5-10 years to keep the windows in prime condition. “Generally, replacing period property windows with like-for-like wooden frames will ensure the best and most natural looking aesthetic. Wooden windows are extremely robust, making them a great choice for homeowners looking for a long-lasting frame.” Ryan Schofield,

Managing Director, Thames Valley Window Company. Advantages of Wooden Windows - High-quality finish - Long-lasting - Superior insulation - Environmentally friendly - Weather resistant - Extremely secure With traditionally British styles and profiles available, homes can retain traditional kerb appeal, with matching sliding, bifold and front doors available in order to create truly cohesive exteriors. Timber windows start from £800.00

Builders donate £10,000 sensory room to Tipton family A Tipton family has received a state-of the-art sensory room in their home for their disabled son, thanks to a £10,000 fundraising drive by local builders. The Tektas family live at Strathmore Road, a Sandwell Council development that was built by local, family-owned contractor, Seddon. During construction, Seddon site manager Rob Jones got to know the family and learnt of their son David’s rare condition, Lissencephaly. Often known as “smooth brain”, David’s case is caused by a deletion on his chromosome 17, affecting feeding, mobility, speech, and cognition. David’s mum, Emma Tektas shared David’s story, including his complex daily needs and the family’s trips to the local sensory room to receive therapy. After hearing the family’s story, Rob was keen to raise money for a sensory room, making David feel more comfortable at home. In collaboration with local subcontractors, Seddon raised a total of £10,000 towards interactive equipment that helps with David’s visual tracking, cognition, and fine motor skills. One activity involves pressing buttons to choose colours and patterns, helping the use of his hands and gain skills in cause and effect. Rob attended occupational health meetings to be consulted on what would be required for the room before specialist company Rompa were brought in to evaluate the space.

The planning and installation of the room took three months and was completed this summer. Rob Jones, project manager at Seddon, said: “In almost two decades with Seddon, I’ve been involved in several community projects at the sites where we build. But this is the first time I’ve worked on something so personal. I have my own children, so the Tektas family’s situation really struck a chord with me. It’s always nice to give back to someone and, in this case, the sensory room saves the family from having to travel. Now David can benefit from a sensory room every day, in the comfort of his own home.” Emma Tektas, David’s mother, added: “We are so grateful to Seddon, the subcontractors and Rob. We have never experienced such generosity and kindness and they have gone above and beyond, to help us to make precious memories with David. The sensory room is used daily and brings comfort on the bad days and fun and togetherness on the good days.” The Strathmore Road site comprises 63 new homes and was completed in April 2020. A variety of house types were built including 46 two-bedroom, eight threebedroom, and nine four-bedroom houses to accommodate those on the housing registry. For more information about David’s condition and for updates from his mother, visit www.facebook.com/ smoothisbeautiful For more information about Seddon, visit www.seddon.co.uk/

Work begins on 122 new homes in Chorley Work has begun on the construction of 122 new homes in Chorley off Euxton Road. The 25-acre mixed-use development, which is being delivered on behalf of Trafford Housing Trust under the Laurus Homes brand, will comprise a mix of two, three and four-bedroom family homes, with 50 per cent allocated for affordable rent and shared ownership. Planning permission for the £19.1 million scheme (formerly known as Strawberry Fields) was granted in January 2020, with works originally set to begin in April 2020 under the designated contractor, Seddon. The new community has been designed to meet housing needs in Chorley, with properties to suit a range of buyers and budgets. Located in a much a sought-after area, with links to the motorway and local

amenities, designs for the site also include plans for new playing pitches, public open space and play areas. With this new scheme, Trafford Housing Trust aims to create a successful and sustainable community, where profits generated are reinvested into its social objectives, including tackling poverty, offering more affordable housing, and identifying employment and training opportunities for local people. To provide enhanced separation and privacy for existing homes that are accessed from Strawberry Fields, designs also include additional landscaping to the boundary. Graeme Scott, executive director of development at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “I’m really pleased to see work get underway on this fantastic development in Chorley. It’s a popular location, and

new, affordable family homes that meet the needs of local people are much needed in the area. Tackling the housing crisis is a priority for Trafford Housing Trust, and this scheme will bring more quality and choice for people who need a place to call home, offering a range of property types and tenures to suit different requirements and budgets.” Duncan Williams, divisional director at Seddon, said: “After an unexpected delay due to the national lockdown, we’re glad to be back on track, bringing muchneeded new homes to Chorley. “By partnering with Trafford Housing Trust and Laurus Homes, we’re working to create a new community, providing highquality, affordable properties for local people; with new public open space for residents to enjoy.” Work is scheduled to complete at the Euxton Road site in March 2024.

How temporary offices can change the landscape of workspaces In recent years, the definition of what constitutes a workspace has been shifting. As such, business owners are becoming more aware of the alternatives to traditional office space. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have embraced the benefits of socially distanced working. According to a study by the Office of National Statistics, 69.6 per cent of employees in 2020 were completing duties at home. Working at home has been useful for some industries, however, others could not rely on this adjustment. For example, only 14.9 per cent of workers in sectors such as care and leisure worked from home. Service, hospitality, and entertainment businesses have instead been searching for alternative workspaces that can accommodate their needs and save on cash. Storage containers have long been

reliably used in the shipping industry, and now more industries are discovering their varied uses. This article will investigate the unique ways that storage containers are being used as workspaces across the country. Somewhere to eat Across the UK’s cities, there has been an emerging trend of storage container retail parks. These parks offer compact, affordable workspaces for business owners, often within the heart of the city centre, and all for a fraction of the price of permanent buildings. Many of these container retail parks are focused not only on independent businesses but food and drink venues too. The concentration of storage containers as a venue is a unique, industrial sight in the cityscape, whether it is Manchester’s ‘The Hatch’ or Newcastle’s ‘STACK’.

These containers are self-contained, and despite their industrial façade, act as communities that feel more like a rustic marketplace than a hectic city-centre location. Using storage containers as the accommodation for these units saves on hefty long-term construction bills. In turn, these savings allow for smaller businesses to take advantage of lower rent costs, whereas they might be priced out of other workspaces. Somewhere to stay After a lengthy lockdown, holiday-goers are keen to do just that: go on holiday. Unfortunately, Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, has predicted that the price of holidays is going to be “dramatically higher” next year. In response, Brits are increasingly opting for a staycation rather than

travelling abroad, with enquiries for 2022 staycations up by 74 per cent. It’s clear that holidaymakers are very conscious of finding a good deal on their holidays. Converted storage containers offer a cheap, stylish option for lodgings.

have other advantages. First of all, storage containers are easily adaptable to the needs of your business. You can modify your container to reflect the style of your business and set it out from others.

British holiday accommodation businesses can take advantage of this increased interest in staycations by expanding their capacity. However, constructing new accommodation can be a costly affair.

Similarly, storage containers are entirely modular. If your workforce grows, you can adapt your space to accommodate your employees. As long as you have ground space to cover, storage containers can continue to be added.

‘Glamping’ (glam camping) has been on the rise, and storage containers offer an affordable alternative for businesses looking to expand. Not only that, but a storage container stay in the British countryside can be a unique holiday destination for vacationers.

Alternatively, your business might only require a workspace during busier periods, such as Christmas or summer. In these cases, temporary accommodation might be beneficial. A storage container can be hired if you’re looking for accommodation without a long-term commitment.

For independent companies, a permanent office space may not be financially feasible. Pop-up events and temporary workspaces are an affordable way for brands to avoid costly yearlong lease obligations and maintain a street presence. Storage containers can be hired temporarily as an affordable workspace alternative. Pop-up events can be a bit of a risk for small and independent businesses, but the affordability of storage containers as venues can minimise this risk. In particular, entertainment brands and businesses could capitalise on the use of storage containers. A storage container could act as a stage for a gig, performance, or festival. It could house a short-term art installation for local artists to showcase their work.

Somewhere to work Somewhere to entertain Storage container office space can give a great first impression to customers and onlookers. If you want your workplace to give off sleek, modern energy, then storage containers are a great choice. Aside from being a cost-effective alternative, storage container workspaces

While many businesses require a consistent hub of activity all year round, this is not true of all companies. A business may thrive in certain seasons or regularly work from home, but a physical presence can still be beneficial.

As businesses continue to seek alternative solutions to workspaces, we’re bound to see more ideas for how companies can adapt their spaces. Given their affordable prices, style, and compact spacing, it’s no surprise that temporary workspaces have been chosen by independent businesses as a fashionable and useful choice.

Sustainable new-build home built with Kebony façade adorns rugged Welsh coastline Built into a rugged hillside overlooking the extensive natural coastline in South Wales, a new-build family home with a sustainable vision is now complete. Designed by award-winning architects, Loyn + Co, the home which blends naturally into the verdant landscape and sits beneath towering pine trees, makes extensive use of Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable wood, for the home’s façade. The design brief for the new home was to make the most of the beautiful views, capturing the potential of the sensitive location, in addition to prioritising the contextual importance of the site, topography and existing trees. As keen gardeners, the clients also wanted a house that would be suitable for the warm months and harsher winters. The dwelling is partially cut into the site and organised to not only have wonderful sea views, but

arranged so that a central atrium planted with specimen trees provides a winter garden as well as an inspiring circulation space serving each of the three levels and putting nature at thecentre of the home. The family home, which has been cut into the valley side amongst established trees, makes extensive use of Kebony wood, which diverts the need for deforestation by transforming sustainable wood species such as pine into Kebony wood with features that are comparable, and in some cases superior, to those of precious tropical hardwoods. Following the COP26 climate summit which saw 100 world leaders promise to end and reverse deforestation by 2030, Loyn + Co’s decision to make extensive use of sustainably-sourced Kebony wood for the stunning new-build home reflects the global shift to favour sustainable

materials in construction, which will soon become an imperative for architects, homebuilders and real estate developers to rapidly curb the impacts of climate change, including the destruction of trees which depletes forests that absorb vast amounts of CO2. James Stroud, Director at Loyn + Co Architects, commented: “The new home has been thoughtfully knitted into this complex site to work with the varying levels and existing beautiful trees. The design truly brings the outside in, not only through ‘inside outside spaces’ and visual links through the house to the sea beyond, but through the indoor garden within the central atrium where nature is the focus. Simple measures such as bringing the Kebony cladding in and through the atrium reinforces this concept.” Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager at Kebony, added – “It’s fantastic to see more and more homes embrace the use of sustainably sourced wood like Kebony, which decreases the logging of precious tropical hardwoods and provides a longlasting and sustainably-sourced wood alternative to concrete, plastic and steel. The architects, Loyn + Co have created a truly special home in Wales, and one that should set an example for how remarkable homes can be created and benefitted by innovative, environmentallyfriendly materials.” Kebony is a Norwegian company which aims to be the leading wood brand and technology company. The company’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness, and dimensional stability.

Aquarian Cladding Systems scoops award at Façade Awards UK Aquarian Cladding Systems has come out on top again by winning ‘Best Use of a Brick Slip Cladding System’ at the 2021 Façade Awards UK for its work on the Better New Addington Leisure & Community Centre in Croydon.

The project had to beat stiff competition from six others on the shortlist, and the judges were impressed by the complex workmanship and high-quality products involved.

Paul Richards, Aquarian Cladding’s MD, who received the prize on behalf of the team at the awards ceremony at Manchester’s Midland Hotel, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win the ‘Best Use of a Brick Slip Cladding System’ at this year’s Façade Awards UK.

Aquarian produced several supplementary drawings and animations to assist with factory production and site assembly of some of the feature details, with the use of Gebrik significantly contributing to the speed of construction. The reduction in programme led to significant cost benefits.

“Having supplied nearly 500 projects across the UK, the use of Gebrik on this project was truly unique and Express did a fantastic job.”

“The unusual reveal detail used to frame the main windows has never been attempted before,” added Paul, “and the stepped brickwork across the entire

façade adds a texture to the building that one would not normally expect possible with the use of brick slip panels. The result is stunning.” Peter Head of Express said “It is unlikely any other brick cladding solution could have been used to create a façade of such high quality and this award is welcome recognition. It’s one of those projects to be proud of for a very long time!” For more information on Aquarian Cladding, visit www.aquariancladding. co.uk or telephone 0808 223 9080. For more information on Express Group, visit www.expressgroupltd.co.uk or telephone 01322 220315.

D-Neo Pop This is young The D-Neo series from Bertrand Lejoly helps to articulate a contemporary lifestyle within the bathroom. The Pop world of style focuses on the lifestyle of both young and young at heart, people whose lives move with the pulse of the zeitgeist. With its straight-lined design and gleaming white surfaces, the D-Neo series harmonizes with a colourful range of striking and eclectic styles. Diversity trumps everything: Individualists see the bathroom as a place in which they can express their character. Bright colours, geometric shapes, and Instagrammable accessories serve as style elements. This is a colourful mix of different styles that come together to form a harmonious whole. The D-Neo furniture washbasin (800 mm) impresses with its striking all-round rim and has a high recognition value. The D-Neo faucet sets a special accent, and the flat, vertically positioned handle is consistently referenced through the whole faucet line – from the washbasin mixers through the bidet mixer right up to shower and bath mixers. A miracle of space: The vanity unit with two drawers is available with an optional divider, providing a place for all bathroom utensils. Your bathroom, your style: With gleaming white ceramics and bathroom furniture in Matt White or High Gloss, D-Neo can be ideally combined with bright colours, giving free rein to any individual style. Stylish and practical: The mirror with LED edging lighting creates a sense of space even in the smallest of rooms. 42

D-Neo

POP

Can I see you in my kitchen? Schüller launches a new kitchen range with built-in office Many of us are now either working from home or have transitioned to a hybrid model - spending part of the week in the office, and part working from home. Following over a year of remote working, a Microsoft survey of over 30,000 people found that over 70% of workers want flexible remote work options to continue after the pandemic, and 66% of business decision makers are considering redesigning physical spaces to better accommodate hybrid work environments. Wayne Dance, Managing Director of InHouse Inspired Room Design says, “We can be certain that remote working is here to stay, and it is high time we adapt our homes accordingly. While taking

over the kitchen table or spare room is a great temporary solution, a proper home workstation is unsurpassable in comparison. A permanent office space within the home removes the hassle of rooting through drawers for chargers, notepads and paperwork before that 9am call. It removes the cables, screens and keyboards that clutter the kitchen table, and instead offers dedicated space ready for use from 9-5, while drawing a firm line between work and home.” With working from home fast becoming the new normal, don’t be surprised if your next kitchen comes with a built-in office area. Clean white fronts and ample storage space creates a calm and focussed office zone within an open-plan kitchen. Part of the schüller.C. collection’s new Arosa

range, the office space shown above in Crystal White has an RRP from £900.79 excluding VAT (furniture only). From work calls and homework club to dinner parties and dancing, anything goes in the kitchen. In order to prevent work from taking over the whole space, it may be worth creating different zones for various tasks and activities. Clever use of zoning means that cooking, entertaining and working (and whatever else you like to use your kitchen for), have a permanent place in even the most open-plan living spaces. This not only concentrates work (and associated clutter) to one area of the home, but also helps to create a clear boundary between work and personal life, and in turn a genuine work-life balance.

Create continuity across open plan layouts with Mocha Brown Satin cabinet fronts and luxurious walnut effect furniture. The new Arosa range, part of the schüller.C collection as shown above, has an RRP that starts from £14,679.87 excluding VAT (furniture only). Matching furniture styles and colour palettes across the living room, kitchen and office is a highly elegant way of creating flowing transitions and coordination between different zones. Create structure and subtle contrast between different areas with modular panels, enclosed corner units and clever use of custom lighting. Here, floor-toceiling units are the perfect fusion of creativity and functionality, discreetly dividing the kitchen from the living area and enclosing the office space whilst maintaining continuity. Make working from home a real pleasure with beautifully integrated workspace. Here, the work area is perfectly illuminated with stylish integrated lighting within the Frame Racks. Part of the schüller.C collection, the Fino range as shown above has an RRP that starts from £1265.04 excluding VAT (furniture only). The home office should be a place where you go to find quiet, focus and creativity. Whether you need space to crunch numbers, write, paint or run a small business from, make sure your designer creates a space that supports your own pleasure and enjoyment by selecting modular furnishings, pull-outs and colours that are in line with your individual needs. This home office has plenty of space to store supplies, relax and get creative. Introduce an element of fun with playful green walls, funky furniture and and unique accessories. The schüller.C collection is available from InHouse Inspired Room Design’s network of UK and Ireland independent retailers. For details, please contact InHouse Inspired Room Design at www.inhouseltd. co.uk or call 01434 400 070. 45