Creative Build Magazine - June Issue

June Issue Schöck Combar ensures safer tram system and reduced noise

Thomas Hall - Making modular mainstream

New campaign aims to create a new generation of surveyors

Pages 14-15

Pages 16-17

Pages 38-39

creativebuildmagazine.com

Contents 6

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Uniform launches three businesses in response to clients needs

Ironmongery Direct recognised as one of the UK’s best workplaces™ 2021

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GEZE’s automatic doors provided the perfect environment friendly solution

Leafy solution to high street social distancing

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Schöck Combar ensures safer tram system and reduced noise

Hotel La Tour is topped out at 50 Metres by Winvic

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Plant Hire market impacted by Covid-19

MB Crusher introduces the new MB-HDS523 shafts screener to the world

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BBA initiative drives ‘single audit’ plan for UKCA & CE marking Building product manufacturers seeking certification to supply British and European markets can fast-track UKCA and CE marking applications following major agreements between the British Board of Agrément (BBA) and European Notified Bodies (NBs).

The BBA has initiated discussions with a number of NBs proposing they collaborate to facilitate quicker, easier and more cost-effective compliance to address product certification changes introduced post-Brexit.

For manufacturers this will mean one audit – carried out by the BBA or by a Notified Body partner – to support both UKCA and CE marking for FPC 2+, saving BBA and European NB clients time and money by reducing audit days and administration costs.

“Following Brexit, organisations within the UK can no longer assist with conformity tasks in support of CE marking and European Notified Bodies can no longer 4

assist with conformity tasks in support of the new UKCA marking applications,” said Peter Webbon, BBA Sales and Marketing Director. “This has created a frustrating situation for clients in both marketplaces having to use two organisations for two conformity markings even though much of the information required is the same.

“We reached out to European NBs with the suggestion that we collaborate to achieve one audit for both FPC certificates. These new partnerships create efficiencies across the supply chain, making it easier and quicker for building product manufacturers at home and throughout the EU to achieve the necessary compliance.

“Although NBs have worked together in the past this is the first real partnership seen between them, for the good of the industry,” added Peter.

Already more than 10 EU NBs have confirmed participation in the scheme, including Eurofins Finland (the first to sign up

Industry News

to the partnership), ITB Poland, NCS Estonia, Holzforschung Austria and SKZ Germany, with strong interest from many more.

Katarzyna Hatowska, Head of the Certification Department at Instytut Techniki Budowlanej (ITB) said: “We are happy that our partnership with the BBA will help EU and UK construction product manufacturers, bringing the potential for substantial time and money savings in the certification process. From now a single audit can be used for both CE and UKCA marking certification purposes, thus BBA and ITB will be able to jointly support the industry in more effective access to EU and UK markets.”

The partnerships announcement is welltimed – the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking transition period was introduced in January 2021 and covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.

Businesses were given 12 months to implement this new protocol. The clock is now ticking for the correct certification to be in place before the transition period ends.

Travis Perkins accelerates mental health & wellbeing initiatives across the group Travis Perkins plc, which is the UK’s largest supplier of building materials and owner of the Travis Perkins builders’ merchants, Toolstation and many specialist trade businesses is on track to deliver on its commitment to ensure there are six times more mental health first aiders (MHFAs) in the business this summer than there were at the start of the year.

The safety and wellbeing of colleagues is the Group’s number one priority, and this drive to increase the number of accredited MHFAs from 40 to over 250 has been accelerated to proactively manage colleagues’ wellbeing in the workplace.

This initiative complements a whole raft of other support for colleagues, which includes an employee assistance

programme for counselling and emotional support as well as a mental wellbeing app and assessment tool, activity and mindfulness resources and discounts on gym memberships, exercise equipment, online fitness and other financial offers to help balance the physical, financial and mental aspect of wellbeing.

“During COVID, our mental health and wellbeing have been put to the test like never before, but as an industry leader with a proud history of upholding family values, our strong people focus has served us well. It has underpinned our pandemic response and helped us work collectively to resolve the many challenges this past year has posed for our 20,000+ colleagues in balancing their home and work lives,” explained Group HSE & Fleet Director for Travis Perkins plc, Richard Byrne.

Industry News

“Our MHFAs play a key role as ambassadors across all areas of wellbeing; to be the first port of call in the workplace for mental health support for colleagues, raise awareness and encourage positive behaviours amongst our workforce on a voluntary basis, and to identify signs of poor mental health and help individuals access professional support if they need it. But we are very clear that they are not there to diagnose or provide ongoing support or counselling” Richard concluded.

The MHFAs at Travis Perkins all follow the guidelines of MHFA England, and in recognition of the rewarding, but also challenging nature of these roles, the company has also put in place a range of support mechanisms to safeguard the MHFAs themselves, so they protect their own health and wellbeing.

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Uniform launches three businesses in response to clients needs Following twenty years of annual double digit growth, design studio Uniform has today unveiled a new business structure. The business has appointed a new Executive Chairman, FJ Rutjies and announced the start of an acquisition drive as it enters a new chapter of growth.

Uniform’s expansion is supported by new senior hires, including the appointment of Head of Experience, ex Paul Smith and Rapha, Mark Errington.

The newly formed Uniform Group, a modern family of creative businesses, will now sit above two separate market focused businesses.

Continuous - a brand consultancy

working with Primark, innocent, Amtico and Ideal Standard Somewhere - a creative agency for

Property & Place with a deep expertise of the property sector.

Uniform, founded in 1998, is well known for its branding work with Chaos, Ideal Standard, Mitre and innocent as well as its long standing heritage in the property sector delivering CGI and interactive

marketing tools for the likes of Canary Wharf Group, Urban Splash, Foster & Partners and BIG architects.

Recognised as one of the fastest growing agencies in the UK over the past 5 years, Uniform placed at number 34 in the 2019 Design Week Top 100 rankings.

Nick Howe, Founder, becomes CEO of the Uniform Group, with Michelle Ford moving into a newly created COO role. Stephen Ardern and Tim Sharp will lead the Continuous business, as Managing Director and Executive Creative Director respectively; and Nick Bentley (Founder) and Laurie Jones will lead the Somewhere business as Managing Director and Creative Director respectively.

Uniform also recently appointed FJ Rutjes as Chair with a remit to help the business go further and faster in this next phase of growth; and Mark Errington, who previously held senior digital roles at Rapha, Paul Smith and Castore, joins the Continuous team as Head of Experience to strengthen the brand consultancy’s digital capability.

Nick Howe, CEO says: “This is the logical next

step in the Uniform journey. We have never stood still and we’ll always be evolving.

Our ambition is to build a new independent group, a perfectly formed, modern family of creative businesses that work together and independently on some of the most exciting projects globally. After 22 year in business, we saw an opportunity to create something even more special. I’m as excited about the next five years as I was back in 1998 when we founded the business, and I believe what we have been working on is more relevant now than ever. Clients’ needs are changing and the industry is changing too.”

Nick Bentley, MD for Somewhere, says: “This

is an exciting time for our team. We have seen huge changes in the visualisation market over the past five years, and our move to build Somewhere as a leading creative agency for property and place is aligned with how our clients needs are evolving. Clients in the property sector want a reliable and knowledgeable partner who can deliver engaging content and emotive experiences at speed and scale.

This is exactly where we come in. We’ll continue to deliver amazing CG content which we’re already well known for, now with the broader capability to develop exciting strategic and experiential ideas and outputs with an even wider reach.”

Stephen Ardern, MD for Continuous says;

“Clients are looking to bring more skills in house and are looking to agencies for more strategic support, to help them respond to what is happening right now as well as plan for what is coming next.

The new focused offer from Continuous supports this shift, and we have already seen this play out in our long term relationships with the likes of Primark and Ideal Standard. We’re taking a more agile approach to delivery, working with a selected roster of specialist partners and I am delighted to announce our latest client Ad Gefrin will benefit from our focussed offer. This way our clients get the best of both worlds - certainty over quality and strategic direction, and delivery with the right partners at the table at the right time. We’re big enough to respond, but small enough to care.”

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Industry News

IronmongeryDirect recognised as one of the UK’s best workplaces™ 2021 For the second year running, IronmongeryDirect has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2021 by Great Place to Work®. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has improved its year-on-year ranking, to be recognised for its strengths in making the workplace enjoyable and inclusive for all.

The Best Workplaces™ Award recognises companies that promote a healthy workplace culture through management credibility, respect, fairness, trust, pride and camaraderie. The Great Place to Work® institute assesses this using an anonymous employee survey to gauge levels of trust in the company and their colleagues. A further assessment evaluates the organisation’s HR and leadership practices, policies and culture. Of the 183 companies shortlisted, IronmongeryDirect ranked 58th in the medium-size category, moving up in the rankings from last year’s result.

“We are extremely proud to be named as one of the Best Workplaces™ in the UK

by Great Place to Work®, for the second year running,” says Marco Verdonkschot, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect.

“It’s a wonderful achievement that solidifies our efforts to create a working environment that is accessible and beneficial for all of our colleagues.

This fantastic result is a testament to our staff who feel confident in the workplace and work hard to achieve IronmongeryDirect’s goals.”

“We know that a motivated workforce means our customers always get the very best treatment in return, and we are continuously looking for ways to improve our workplace and employee wellbeing.

Our ongoing learning and development

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programme encourages our employees to deepen their knowledge of the industry, gain new skills and ignite personal growth.”

IronmongeryDirect is the UK’s largest supplier of architectural ironmongery with next-day delivery available on over 18,000 products. Based in Basildon in Essex, IronmongeryDirect also has a trade counter that’s open seven days a week and offers same-day delivery to select Essex postcodes as well as a Click & Collect network that includes over 6,000 pick-up points nationwide.

To find out more about IronmongeryDirect please visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

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Strategic Partners: Precast & Preformed Troughs & Fibrelite’s ‘Made To Measure’ GRP Trough Covers Composite access cover manufacturer Fibrelite has formed strategic partnerships with a number of major manufacturers of precast and preformed troughs (also known as trenches, channels and ducts) in Europe and the USA (including Fibex and Trenwa) to create new collaborative product offerings integrating Fibrelite covers and precast and preformed troughs, combining the strength and longevity of precast and preformed troughs with the easy, safe manual removal and durability of Fibrelite’s lightweight composite covers.

Health and safety issues surrounding manual handling are of paramount importance to site managers. Without the necessary provision of dedicated lifting apparatus and training for operatives, traditional concrete and steel trough access covers can be a concern due to their sheer weight. Concrete slab covers can weigh as much as five times the weight of an equivalent size Fibrelite GRP composite trough cover. Fibrelite covers have an industry leading strengthto-weight ratio and are designed to be safely and easily removed by two people, using the Fibrelite FL7 ergonomically designed lifting handles.

Driven by focusses on health and safety, weight, durability (no corrosion) and reduced installation time, GRP composite access covers have moved from being a niche product used on petrol station forecourts to being specified at the outset of new build and retrofit projects for some of the world’s most prestigious brands in technology, data centres, ports, airports, high-tech manufacturing facilities, utilities, infrastructure and many more.

“In recent years, the demand for highly customisable, high-tech access covering solutions has grown exponentially, and we’re proud of the part we’ve played in their adoption over the 40 years since we invented the world’s first.

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Industry News

Since then, we’ve continually innovated, focussing on creating solutions to industry and customer challenges.”

Commented Ian Thompson, Fibrelite’s Managing Director EMEA “Partnering with precast and preformed trough/trench manufacturers was a logical next step, and I’m proud to say that, since we created our first partnership offering with Trenwa in 2014 we now have over 50 kilometres of our covers installed in precast and preformed troughs across the globe.”

David Holmes, Fibrelite’s Technical Director added “We work closely with architects, contractors, and end users from tender stage right the way through to delivery and even installation where required. This collaborative process ensures that the supplied product fulfils both product quality demands and strict project completion deadlines. Fibrelite covers can be custom designed and manufactured with dimensions matched precisely to specified trough opening/ rebate dimensions (Fibrelite’s adjustable tooling allows covers to be manufactured within millimetres of a clients requirement.”

Recent Installation: New Build Data Centre, Northern Europe

Some clients favour a complete GRP solution for both troughs and covers.

Where appropriate, this can further reduce installation costs and time due to their reduced weight for transit and installation. Earlier this year, Fibrelite engineered and manufactured 550 metres of custom trough covers for a new build data centre in Northern Europe.

These GRP preformed troughs were supplied with custom fit Fibrelite boltdown covers, for added security.

Recent Installation: Cruise Ship Terminal, UK

Fibrelite custom engineered and manufactured 500 metres of F900 (90-tonne) load rated GRP trough covers to fit precast concrete troughs at a UK cruise ship terminal. The stepped covers were supplied in a number of customised sizes to fit the trough configuration. The F900 load rated covers were stepped to reduce the unit weight in compliance with the customer’s specified manual handling limit.

For more information click here to visit the Fibrelite website

Industry News

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Environmentally friendly entrance GEZE’s automatic doors provided the perfect solution for a new building where environmentally friendly criteria was at the heart of its design.

When CABI needed a new home to replace the old school building they had been in for 33 years and now required a high level of maintenance they turned to international design practice Scott Brownrigg.

The circular entrance features two sets of automatic bi-parting curved glass sliding doors, creating a lobby that minimises heat loss or gain and so helps to contribute to the building’s environmental credentials.

The challenge was to design an energy efficient, purpose-built headquarters for the not-for-profit organisation that was in keeping with their values of protecting the environment and enhancing bio-diversity, provided a workplace for up to 180 members of staff and was an impressive local landmark.

In addition the Slimdrive SCR combines high performance with unobtrusive operation – the drives are just 7cm in height and very discreet.

The new entrance had to meet this exacting vision.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and in keeping with CABI’s values the building is topped with a living roof designed to attract insects and birds and enhance bio-diversity.

A GEZE Slimdrive SCR automatic curved sliding door was chosen to provide a light and airy all-glass lobby entrance which blends seamlessly into the facade.

GEZE UK national specification manager Richard Richardson-Derry said: ‘Creating an environmentally friendly building was essential to CABI and we were delighted

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Industry News

to work closely with Scott Brownrigg to play a part in achieving this. The Slimdrive SCR is perfect for providing an entrance that limits temperature variation‘.

Said Ed Hayden from Scott Brownrigg: ‘We are extremely proud of the CABI Headquarters, it is an eye catching building yet stays true to the core values of the organisation. GEZE’s solution of a lobby entrance fitted perfectly with what we wanted to achieve‘.

The CABI headquarters were shortlisted for the ArchDaily Building of the Year 2021 Awards.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

Leafy solution to high street social distancing Beautiful backdrop to outdoor dining and socialising Lockdown restrictions are loosening in our cities and social communities and local businesses are getting ready for their customers to return. Wandsworth Council have been working closely with urban greening specialists Meristem Design to provide the healthiest, most natural solution as the commerce and community returns. Combining safety and social distancing with nature and foliage for cleaner air and a healthier environment, wooden planters with ivy green screens now form a natural avenue along the way.

100 metre ivy screen avenue

The Old York Road High Street has reopened following lockdown lifting.

Prior to the reawakening, Meristem Design were tasked with the supply and installation of greenery along the repurposed shop frontages, now boasting seating areas and social spaces. The Council have repurposed the space to make best use of the increased activity, pedestrianising the zone and expanding the opportunity for outdoor dining and for the community to meet.

Early April 2021 saw the introduction of 100 linear metres of Green Screens, grown and

supplied by Mobilane and planted in wooden planters constructed and delivered

by Meristem. Placing the screens quickly to allow for instant impact and minimal disruption, the screened planters can be repositioned and maintained easily for ongoing irrigation and plant care. The install was accompanied with shrub and tree planters for height, interest and punctuation at the end of each screen length.

Cleaner air and a natural outlook

The Mobilane ivy screens are supplied densely hand-woven and established with the Hedera Helix Woerner variety known for its hard-working foliage cover. Applauded also for their ability to clean air from harmful pollutants and particulates (PM10s), the ivy-planted screens are already working hard as they span along the High Street to form a natural separation barrier.

Meristem Design will be responsible for the maintenance of the green screens and planters as they fill and develop over the next few seasons.

To find out more about Mobilane Green Screens and Mobilane’s complete range of ready-made green systems for interior and exterior landscapes, visit the Mobilane UK website, call +44 (0) 203 741 8049 or email office@mobilane.co.uk to discuss your green options.

Industry News

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External flooring covered In a world where land is at a premium, The Outdoor Deck Company, Buzon and Alfresco Floors are a trio of companies providing a ‘turnkey solution’ for the supply and installation of both high-rise and ground level external flooring to meet the growing demand for dynamic, stylish (and increasingly fire-rated) social spaces in commercial developments.

All over the world, commercial schemes are now featuring creative external spaces as standard, and with the declining availability of land, high-rise spaces such as roofs and balconies are now becoming valuable commodities. This declining availability is met with a surge in demand for good looking, durable and sustainable external flooring that is designed to meet recent changes in Fire Regulations – for both new builds and for those looking to replace combustible elements on residential balconies.

As with most design, moving from concept to specification and through to finished project, is not without its technical challenges, and external floors are no exception. With a menu of materials available, and site-specific features to work around, architects, landscape specialists and main contractors need suppliers who can not only provide quality materials but also the technical know-how to allow them to specify with confidence.

With over 20 years` experience in the design, supply and installation of commercial and domestic exterior floors all over the UK, The Outdoor Deck Company is one of the UK’s largest suppliers and installers of external high-quality decking, using premium grade and timbers from the USA, Europe and UK, recently completing phase one of Marine Deck at Wood Wharf where thousands of square metres of FSC

hardwood have been used to create a stunning riverside boardwalk and seating.

Buzon, as the world leader in the manufacture and distribution of adjustable support pedestal systems for the construction of raised floors, external terraces and grating systems, offer the most technically advanced pedestals on the market, with a range of clever features and accessories designed to meet any flooring challenge. Recently releasing their first metal pedestal, the A-PED, they now have both A & B fire-rated options in their portfolio.

Founded in 2014, Alfresco Floors is the UK’s most established specialist in the provision of A fire-rated sub-frame and surface options, with systems such as AR-DECK and AR-PAVE providing a 100% A-rated solution, suitable for balconies and other areas requiring maximum fire-safety.

245 Hammersmith – installation by Buzon using products from all three companies

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Industry News

Individually all three companies offer technical design consultancy services, material supply, and in-house installation teams, and their ability to instantly access specialist products and skills between companies, means that most projects are a complete `turn-key` combination of services.

All products and installation systems can be selected to work together - both technically and aesthetically - providing an easy and comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ for architects, designers and contractors, mitigating costly project delays and delivering results in less time.

Aluminium decking and sub-frame: fire-rated AR-DECK from Alfresco Floors

One example of this can be seen at 245 Hammersmith in London. In 1999, The Outdoor Deck Company was specified to supply and install what was, at the time, the largest timber deck in Europe. Roll forward to 2019 and the same area was part of the redevelopment of the existing Bechtel House by architects Sheppard Robson and landscape architects Exterior Architecture, resulting in 10 storeys of flexible office space, ground floor retail and restaurant units, and the creation of an urban park covering a surface so large it can accommodate 150 London buses.

The resultant plaza and terraces are beautifully designed, incorporating porcelain tiles and corten steel planters alongside timber decking and seating.

Clever lighting schemes bring a touch of magic as daylight fades. Buzon UK were specified to supply and install porcelain tiles from Alfresco Floors, and IPE timber from The Outdoor Deck Company, built upon Buzon UK pedestals and ALUrail system.

The new A-PED from Buzon: fire-rated adjustable pedestal suitable for paving, decking and grating.

For expert help and advice for your external flooring projects, a phone call to any of our companies will connect you with all the expertise you need.

Alfresco Floors

alfrescofloors.com 020 8977 0904 Buzon UK

buzonuk.com 020 8614 0874 The Outdoor Deck Company

outdoordeck.co.uk 020 8977 0820

Seating and boardwalk at Marine Deck recently completed by The Outdoor Deck Company

Industry News

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Schöck Combar ensures safer tram system and reduced noise A great deal of investment is being made in the continued expansion of the Munich tram network in southern Germany. The latest construction work involves a third-track being added just outside Munich Central Station. The use of Combar, the electrically non-conductive glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) from Schöck, greatly reduces noise levels at crossovers; and unlike steel solutions, poses no threat of interference to sensitive electronic track control systems The Munich tram system is expected to transport in excess of 110m people this year and the rail section outside Munich Central Station is particularly busy. During rush hour, up to six trams can run through this double-track section every ten minutes and a third-track expansion is underway to help make operational running smoother and more flexible. Traditionally, the track support slabs involved would be reinforced with steel. However, this can create a safety problem with the sensor system of modern point-blocking circuits, which work by creating a resonant circuit in the area of the crossover. As a tram approaches the crossover, its large steel mass affects the resonant circuit, which is sensed by the track control system. If the carrier plate is reinforced using steel, this disturbs the resonant circuit in a similar way and may lead to interference in the point-blocking circuit – making it much more difficult for sensors to identify the presence of the tram, thereby putting

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safety at risk. Any such risk is avoided by using Schöck Combar reinforcing bars, as the glass fibre reinforced polymer solution is neither magnetic, nor electrically conductive.

Operational safety and vibration reduction too

In addition to the improved operational safety at crossovers, the use of Schöck Combar also offers significant benefits in reducing noise and vibration as well. A welcome benefit, particularly for one of the largest department stores in Germany and also one of the most coveted large scale properties in Munich’s city centre, which is located adjacent to this part of the track. Mass-spring systems for these types of track typically consist of a rail carrier plate and a U-Trough shaped foundation of reinforced concrete.

The two components being isolated to prevent mechanical vibration. However, because of the possible risk of local interference with the point-blocking

Industry News

sensors at the crossovers – and the fact that Combar has a tensile strength greater than steel – it was decided to incorporate the product in the massspring plates. Where Combar was installed in the area of the U-Trough and rail carrier plate, elastomer sheeting was used to completely isolate the carrier plate from its surroundings.

The elastomer layer also served as lost formwork within the trough, where the Combar elements were installed crosswise, using cable ties and concrete, strength class C30/37, being poured in the respective section. Combar units have a smooth base and no sharp detailing, so there is no risk of them penetrating the elastomer layer and causing acoustic bridges. After the trough had cured, the carrier plate, also reinforced by Combar, was then poured using concrete of the same strength class. The construction section involved is around 1000 sq metres in total.

Superior performance

Historically, steel has been used as the most common reinforcement material in concrete construction. However, the material properties of steel rebar make it unsuitable for many applications.

Conversely, since its initial introduction around fifteen years ago, Schöck Combar has gained ground in more and more markets, demonstrating its superiority as an alternative to steel. The unique structural and physical characteristics of the product are achieved by bundling high-strength glass fibres tightly together and pulling them through a closed chamber where they are impregnated with a synthetic resin. The lengths are then cut and the resultant product is a ribbed reinforcing bar made of corrosion resistant glass fibre reinforced polymer.

It is significantly lighter than steel and is neither electrically or thermally conductive.

Exceptional versatility

Combar application examples include its easy machinability in tunnel construction, where boring machines used in shaft walls of tunnels, cannot drill through steel reinforced walls. With Combar the machine can cut directly through the head wall. In high voltage transformers and power plant reactors, inductive currents are generated within the reinforcing steel. The heat will affect the rebar strength if too close to the coils, but Combar remains unaffected. And its corrosion resistance – even from salt – is unrivalled when building bridge, marine and harbour constructions. Also, when it comes to onsite installation, handling Combar is effectively no different from conventional reinforcing steel, so no special user training is required.

For Combar enquiries, in the first instance visit www.schoeck.com contact: design-uk@schoeck.com or tel: 01865 290 890

Industry News

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Making modular mainstream Thomas Hall, Business Development Manager at Mitsubishi Electric It would be impossible to overlook the fact that Coronavirus has almost wholesale reshaped the way we live, work and socialise in such a short space of time. In light of the pandemic and the shadow of ongoing social distancing restrictions that look to stay in place, at least in some form, for the near future, one area that does stand to benefit from this is the rise of the modular building market.

What the pandemic has also served to do is underline the impetus for a Green Recovery – in many ways, it has offered us a chance to reset and improve our sustainability agenda, which is something else that modular buildings are fundamentally well-positioned to support.

On top of this, demand in the construction industry has led to a paucity of key building materials – making the need for ‘alternative’ methods for building all the more important.

Below we have dig into why the modular building market is an ideal alternative to traditional methods of construction and how we can all benefit from its expansion.

A key ingredient for a green recovery

Before the pandemic hit, the global modular build market was set to be worth over £165bn by the middle of the next decade.

Now with office spaces, schools, accommodation and even healthcare facilities looking to return to normality but with an ongoing need to expand existing space requirements as COVID variants could see a return to stringent social distancing rules. With the ability to quickly add to or replace existing buildings, the modular building market is poised to really take off.

This is primarily because it offers easy, cost-effective, more environmentallyfriendly and more rapid expansion to meet the needs of a post-pandemic world. Here we look at why modular could be a key vehicle to help Government and industry take us towards a sustainable Green Recovery.

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Modular meeting the climate challenge

Having said that, it’s not just the pandemic that is acting as a driver for growth in the modular buildings space. As citizens become more climate conscious and we are being exposed to greater awareness of our carbon footprint on a near daily basis, traditional construction has been coming under more scrutiny. Cement alone is a source of about 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions, accounting for nearly 6% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Cement has such a considerable carbon footprint, if it were a country, it would be the third largest emissions producer, behind China and the US. In comparison, the modular building market is much more efficient. Modular buildings are constructed offsite which means they can reduce 90% of the waste generated from traditional construction

methods, while using 67% less energy to produce a modular building. Modular buildings are also built to the higher sustainability standards such as BREEAM, or PassivHaus.

A rapid solution fit for our on-demand world

The benefit of being built off-site and then assembled when ready means that construction time is significantly reduced, often by as much as 50%. This means that everything from the heating, cooling and ventilation systems, to the lighting requirements and the windows can all be installed in modules off-site, ready to be fitted together once required. It can all be done to deliver a more energy efficient building as well.

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This means that modular buildings can be readily equipped with the most advanced technologies whether that

is air conditioning with the latest, lower global warming potential refrigerants (R32), renewable heating through modern air source heat pumps such as the advanced Ecodan range, or heat recovery ventilation units such as the Lossnay system to deliver energy efficient fresh air.

No compromise on building regulations

Modular buildings can address a lot of concerns in the current environment and offer a viable, sustainable long-term future for UK construction, especially as it struggles to return to pre-COVID-19 levels of activity.

Modular buildings adhere to the same building regulations and standards as traditionally constructed buildings. This means adhering to building regulations such as thermal performance (U Value), fire safety, sustainability and acoustics.

Being built off-site means the modular panels are constructed in a covered, controlled environment which brings precision and quality control.

Conclusion

The way the world works has changed dramatically over the last few months.

One thing remains certain though – we’re going to need built environments with the ability to be versatile around capacity.

With the UK population also pushing for a green focused economic recovery from the pandemic, modular buildings go a long way to helping achieve that reality.

The UK’s buildings currently account for over 40% of our energy consumption and carbon emissions

What’s more, modular buildings also can help in creating green jobs in the construction sector – these roles will be able to help reduce those 6% of cement emissions from the UK’s annual quota.

The strengths are clear to see. Isn’t it time to start making modular mainstream?

For further information on the advanced range of heating, cooling and ventilation systems available for modular construction visit: les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/end-users/ application-by-sector/modular-buildings

Industry News

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Firms urged to support in-work service technician training Firms are being encouraged to embrace options for in-work training via the Roadmap developed by IPAF

Member firms are being encouraged to embrace the options for in-work training to support and certify MEWP technicians via the Roadmap that was developed by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), as the first wave of candidates complete their level 2 and level 3 NVQs under the scheme.

Richard Whiting, IPAF’s UK & Ireland Market General Manager, who led on developing the IPAF Roadmap, comments: “It is positive that, just as the UK Government announces major backing for in-work training and support for upskilling and retraining, many of IPAF’s member firms are already taking advantage of these defined routes to certifying and training their employees in service technician and engineering roles.

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“We are pleased that in conjunction with our member firm and recognised training provider Learning for Hire, the first candidates have now completed their NVQs and are certified as service technicians. They now have a number of options open to them to continue training and are a step further along the route to IPAF Competent Assessed Person (CAP) status. We urge all our member firms to consider how they might be able to support their employees in this way through training and upskilling in the workplace.”

Paul Robertson, Director, Learning for Hire (LfH), comments: “Acquiring and keeping good technicians and mechanics has never been more of a challenge than right now. Based on recent research in the UK, we need to bring in nearly 600

new machinery technicians per year. That is a huge number for our relatively small industry, especially when the appeal seems limited or unheard of.

“Employers that engage with regional colleges to establish apprenticeship schemes work well, but this alone will not fill the current skills shortage. IPAF Service Technician training is another route for people already in the powered access industry to upskill and get qualified.

“There is a huge number of workshop staff that have come from other related trades such as vehicles, construction plant, electrical and other mechanical backgrounds. They perhaps start as ‘check and test’ or PDI Technicians and then pick it up along the way with a mixture of inhouse training, mentoring and learning by their mistakes.

“Our range of modular training courses written specifically for the powered access industry gets back to basics and leads to nationally recognised Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ qualifications. Those qualifying have the ideal grounding to enable them to diagnose faults, carry out servicing and undertake more complex repairs requiring an understanding of how things work and engineering principles, such as structural designs, electrics, engines, hydraulic systems, safety and safe working principles.”

Jake Howard from Speedy Powered Access is among the first candidates to complete the six-day course to attain his

Level 2 NVQ and is now on course for his Level 3 NVQ. He explains why he’s found the IPAF Roadmap so useful: “My. current job role is a service engineer; I have worked for Speedy Powered Access for two years and three months.

The service technician course gave me the knowledge to progress with my NVQ because the instructor, Paul Robertson, was fantastic, and very patient “I think the Level 3 NVQ in Testing, Inspecting and Thorough Examination will help me massively, as it’s specific tomy job role and is vital in what I need for my end game. The qualifications are very important in my career progression, and my long-term aim is to become an IPAF CAP engineer.

“I’d recommend this course to anyone looking to get into this line of work who has little to no prior knowledge, because it breaks down all parts of the job in a way that’s easy to understand. It is challenging, rewarding and interesting.”

For more information about the IPAF Roadmap to MEWP Technician or Engineer Status please visit www.ipaf.org/ en-gb/industry-training; please also click the link for more information about the Level 3 Lift Truck and Powered Access Technician apprenticeship at North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College. If you have questions about becoming a recognised IPAF Industry Training provider of the new apprenticeship please email Richard.

Whiting@ipaf.org for more information.

Digital construction consultancy takes key role in industry alliance to implement building safety bill An innovative digital construction consultancy is working with some of the country’s leading social housing organisations, architects and developers in a Government-led initiative to ensure there is never a repeat of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Operance, based at Hull’s C4DI digital hub, is providing both practical expertise and software to the Golden Thread Initiative (GTI), a collaboration of industry professionals launched to trial Government proposals on the “golden thread”.

The golden thread is a digital way of working to enable a systematic, controlled approach to the management of building safety information throughout the design, construction, refurbishment and management of occupied buildings.

It was one of the key recommendations of the Hackitt Report into the failures that led to 72 people losing their lives in the Grenfell tragedy.

The process will produce an audit trail of information about a building, the decisions made about it and who made them. In doing so, it will provide increased accountability and ownership of decision-making through the design, build and occupation phases.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the purpose of the GTI is to bring together industry professionals to trial methods of producing a standardised digital golden thread for building safety information that will satisfy the requirements of the future Building Safety Bill. The eightmonth initiative, led by housing association 20

L&Q on behalf of the MHCLG, launched in November and is split into specific working groups.

Participants from the GTI will produce a report for the Government later this year revealing the findings of its work, sharing lessons learned, and potential options on implementing a digital golden thread.

As a leading digital estates software developer and consultancy practice, Operance was invited to join the GTI and is represented across several of the working groups. The company is developing its own pioneering software to define, coordinate and audit building operations and maintenance (O&M) information.

Scott Pilgrim, Chief Product Officer at Operance, is a member of the GTI’s Information Management Platform working group.

He said: “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise with the GTI to help transform the construction industry, making buildings safer and protecting lives.

“Our vision to create a digital golden thread is completely aligned to that of the GTI. A disaster like Grenfell must never be allowed to happen again and for that to happen, it’s imperative leading industry professionals come together in this way to drive fundamental and lasting change.

“As well as being able to provide our own insights through this forum, Operance’s participation in the project means we can listen and learn from all of those involved to

understand fully what the industry needs.

“This will be a huge benefit to the development of our platform, ensuring it is truly revolutionary.”

Operance’s new information management platform, Operance O&M, is a purposebuilt desktop-application to define, curate, audit and maintain information about a building from design to occupation.

Accurate and easy to understand building and asset information will be shared with owners, operators and occupiers via the pioneering Operance FM mobileapplication, providing users with crucial detail in real-time.

With this building information in the palm of their hand, users can easily search, share, update and utilise their data to operate and maintain their facilities, whilst managing risks and continuously developing the golden thread.

Both the Operance O&M and Operance FM applications are currently in beta-testing with a full release planned for the summer.

Operance is offering a limited number of social housing associations and other organisations the opportunity to test the software and help shape features to suit their needs.

To help social housing associations get ready for the new legislation and begin digitalising their portfolio, Operance is also providing strategic digital transformation and Building Information Modelling (BIM) consultancy services to enable them to define and articulate their digital estate ambitions.

Operance’s Digital Transformation Lead, Tom Oulton, one of the country’s leading BIM professionals, is a member of the GTI Project Management working group.

He said: “We’re on the cusp of revolutionary change to the design, construction and management of our built environment. “Following Grenfell, we must take this opportunity to work collectively to ensure it’s never repeated. This is a chance to affect change that we must not let pass us by.”

The Hackitt Review was published in May 2018 following an independent review of building regulations and fire safety at Grenfell, led by Dame Judith Hackitt. It included 50 recommendations on how to improve the design, build and operation A public inquiry into the Grenfell disaster is ongoing. The first phase focused on the factual narrative of the events on the night of 14th June, 2017. The second phase of the inquiry is examining the causes of these events, including how Grenfell Tower came to be in a condition which allowed the fire to spread the way it did.

- Any social housing association or other organisation that would like to take part in the beta test of the Operance software can register their interest by emailing beta@operance.app. The Operance team is also available to provide advice and guidance about the implementation of the golden thread and what it will mean for the construction industry. Email info@ operance.app to get in touch or, for more information, go to www.operance.app or follow @OperanceApp on Twitter or Operance on LinkedIn. - Any organisation that would like further information about the GTI should contact the Programme Manager Kirsty Villiers by emailing kvilliers@lqgroup.org.uk.

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Hotel La Tour sitting at Milton Keynes’ highest point is topped out at 50 metres

by Winvic Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has celebrated the topping out of its first hotel project, Hotel La Tour. The luxury hotel which is located at the highest point of central Milton Keynes stands at 50 metres now the roof has been completed.

The roof covering programme is now underway and the Winvic team will be moving on to the floor and ceiling curtain walling, as well as focusing on the extensive glazing on the thirteenth floor where the sky bar, restaurant and public exhibition space will be.

Hotel La Tour’s Managing Director Mark Stuart and Operations Director Jane Riley were invited to site along with Will Elsigood from pHp Architects to enjoy the city and park views from the roof of the fourteenth floor. A project progress tour

was also provided by Winvic’s Operations Manager Mike Quinn and Project Manager Russell Sullivan which included a visit to the recently completed show bedroom and a close look at stainless steel, mirror finish cladding which the Winvic team started to install in April.

Works to the envelope and cladding will continue with the 30m high, LED-lit satin finish stainless steel circle on the eastern façade completing the impressive external design. The ‘sun’ design will be visible up the city’s Midsomer Boulevard, which was created to align with the sun on the longest day of the year. Winvic is currently fitting-out the 261 bedrooms, which has included the sailing and positioning of off-site fabricated bathroom pods. Fit-out of other facilities within the hotel will also continue, such as the 12,000 sq ft flexible conference floor that comprises adaptable meeting spaces and an external terrace that has been designed to be high load bearing.

The project is expected to be handed over to Hotel La Tour in July 2022.

Mark Jones, Winvic’s Head of Multiroom, commented: “We started on site just two weeks after the first 2020 lockdown was announced and despite the unprecedented challenges, our team have hit milestone after milestone on, or ahead, of schedule. I’d like to say a huge thank you to them. Reaching the highest point of any multi-room project is always worth celebrating, but this is a bit more special as it’s Winvic’s first hotel.

“It’s great to be able to welcome Mark and Jane from Hotel La Tour to site to enjoy the fourteenth-floor views and also for them to get a feel for the finished scheme in the fully completed show bedroom. Mark, the city planners and the people of Milton Keynes are already impressed with how the striking, mirrored cladding is looking, so we look forward to the next programme landmark when the façade reaches 50 metres up to the top of the building and boasts the 30-metre contrasting circle, which represents the midsummer sun.”

Mark Stuart, Managing Director: “It’s always a pleasure visiting Hotel La Tour and seeing how Winvic have been driving the project at pace – they’ve been doing a good job so far, operating safely and swiftly. The mirrored cladding going up is an impressive spectacle, and the show bedroom provides the quality and luxury our guests will be looking forward to. Standing 50 metres high on the now completed roof has been a momentous milestone and it won’t be long before we’re welcoming members of the public to gaze at the views while enjoying a drink at the bar.

For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk.

Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.

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Kawneer curtain walling holds a unique key to a gateway building Fritted glazing is the star at Manchester’s Citylabs 2.0.

Two types of curtain walling by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer met a quartet of criteria for a new building at the gateway to Europe’s largest clinicalacademic campus.

Kawneer’s AA®110 SSG (Structurally Silicone Glazed) and AA®100 capped aluminium curtain walling almost completely wraps the new £25 million Citylabs 2.0 development within the Oxford Road Corridor innovation district in Manchester.

Citylabs 2.0 is part of a £95 million expansion to the Citylabs campus which is located at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s (MFT) Oxford Road hub and is a partnership between MFT and the UK’s leading property provider to the science and tech sector, Bruntwood SciTech.

The project builds on the success of Citylabs 1.0 which opened in 2014 and is fully-let, and Citylabs 2.0 will provide world-class lab and office space for global diagnostics company QIAGEN who have 100% pre-let the building for their Global Centre of Excellence for Precision Medicine.

Kawneer’s AA®110 SSG curtain walling with flush silicone sightlines has been used throughout, while the AA®100 version with 50mm sightlines features on the ground floor entrance of the 8,500m2 state-of-the-art building designed by frequent Kawneer specifiers, architects Sheppard Robson.

The practice conceived Citylabs 2.0 as a block of accommodation with one elevational treatment, with recessed areas carved out of the main block clad in alternative materials. To realise this concept, the main body was formed in the Kawneer AA®110 flush cap-less curtain walling, with a digitally printed design to the glazing.

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The concrete frame of the building provides clear open floor plates to support different work typologies while the post-pensioned floor slabs provide clear, uninterrupted soffits for ease of services distribution.

The recesses at level 5 and the plant room are clad in ribbed fibre cement panels, the recess on the Hathersage Road elevation is clad in louvres, and the recess to the main entrance is the Kawneer full-height AA®100 curtain walling with accentuated vertical caps.

The set back edges, and entrance canopy soffit, are clad in a bright coloured red anodized metal panel.

Sheppard Robson associate Mary-Ann Crompton said: “The sub-contractor chose Kawneer as the best product to realise the design intent and it achieved

the required performance specification in terms of aesthetics, thermal, acoustic and movement requirements.” The AA®110 SSG curtain walling, with its wider 65mm back box, is typically specified to minimise building movement and at Citylabs 2.0 was complemented by the fritted glazing and spandrel panels.

“The existing adjacent buildings are Grade 2 listed and the cutbacks to Citylabs 2.0 have been organised to respond to the location and scale of them. The etched design to the glazing refers to details within the retained chapel which is to be refurbished as part of further future developments for Citylabs 3.0,” said Mary-Ann. She added: “The glazed elements of the curtain walling form the major component of the elevational design and has helped

to fulfil the aesthetic aspirations for the project. In addition, aluminium is totally recyclable and is therefore a good material to use. This characteristic helps towards achieving a sustainable design.”

The Kawneer systems were installed for main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine over six months by teams of up to eight people from Kawneer-approved specialist sub-contractor and dealer Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions.

Director Rob Bennett said: “The project was fully enclosed in Kawneer curtain wall. It was a large project for us and had to be installed within 25 weeks. The AA®110 curtain walling allowed increased building movement capability.

“The glass on it was quite unique. We worked with the architect and designed a frit pattern that was used as part of solar control. It has a very unique whirl and is quite striking.”

Mary-Ann said: “We have used Kawneer on many of our projects over the years and have found that the technical and sales departments are very helpful with providing information at the early stages of design.”

Businesses which locate to Citylabs have direct access to MFT’s specialist clinical resources and expertise from researchers, clinicians and procurement teams as well as Bruntwood SciTech’s specialist growth support and events programme, including access to funding, talent, new markets and academic connections.

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A new building allowing science to be taught in a completely new way The Joseph Priestley East Building was designed by ADP Architects to allow the University of Huddersfield to teach science in a completely new way. On completion the building was shortlisted for the Innovation in Teaching and Learning award at the Education Estates Awards 2020.

extremely important to the University.

Tim Hosker, Acting Director, Estates and Facilities at the University of Huddersfield, explains why Schüco was specified for the project: “We believe in using quality materials for the University buildings, we want to build something that looks good and will last a long time.

Large laboratories, dubbed ‘super-labs’, use AV and acoustic technology to allow up to 120 students to be taught different lessons at the same time in the same space. There is also a range of flexible spaces that help bridge the gap between disciplines, allowing researchers to find better solutions by working together. The labs and research areas benefit from plenty of natural light and ventilation thanks to large expanses of glazing constructed with Schüco FWS 50 curtain walling. The quality of the build was

The Joseph Priestley East Building is the smallest of three buildings on campus that use Schüco systems. We selected Schüco because its systems are tried and tested, the company has been operating for a long time and the quality is consistently good. We have never had any problems with Schüco products in any of our buildings, which is a good indicator of quality and reliability.” The building has large glazed Schüco FWS 50 façades which required special bullnoseshaped capping to mullions using various

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lengths to create feature fins on the façade. “The university made some changes to the building design, adding fins to the façade to add a little more drama. This change was accommodated by the team at Schüco without any issues,” says Tim. Another of the building’s façades has red panelling with slim bespoke AWS 70.HI slot windows, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding buildings.

The innovative four storey teaching space will soon be joined by the Joseph Priestley West Building currently under construction, which also incorporates Schüco products in its design. Both building projects are part of an ambitious development plan to transform the University of Huddersfield’s campus.

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Construction commences on £9.7 million retirement build in High Wycombe National contractor Stepnell has started work on site at Lifestory Group’s new £9.7 million independent living community for over 60s in Wooburn Green.

The Wooburn Green project has commenced in two stages, with enabling and demolition works previously carried out by Stepnell’s southern team in November 2020 following a successful two-stage tender process.

The four-storey building – which is due to complete in August 2022 and will be home to 44 high-specification apartments and a communal lounge to encourage socialisation among customers – will also benefit from external landscaping and a 37-space car park. Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be supporting Lifestory to expand its offering across the region. This is our second project with the client after successfully completing Moor’s Nook in Woking, so it’s great to see that we’ve managed to secure yet another development with the business by providing a high-quality service.

“At Stepnell, we have a wealth of experience when it comes to residential builds and the team are experts in overcoming any problems faced to ensure each project is created on budget and on time. “Logistically, Wooburn Green will present some challenges as there is limited access to the site and it is surrounded closely by neighbouring homes, so we will be taking a lot of time to put together a seamless workflow plan to prevent disruption. This will include carefully considered crane and material delivery times, as well as engaging with the local community to keep them updated on work progress through regular newsletter distribution.”

“Logistically, Wooburn Green will present some challenges as there is limited access to the site and it is surrounded closely by neighbouring homes, so we

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will be taking a lot of time to put together a seamless workflow plan to prevent disruption. This will include carefully considered crane and material delivery times, as well as engaging with the local community to keep them updated on work progress through regular newsletter distribution.” Social value is at the core of Stepnell’s company ethos, and its teams consistently aim to leave a lasting legacy in the communities it works within.

Rob continued: “Not only will we be working hard to cause as little disruption as possible, but we’re making sure that neighbours are kept updated on our works. We will also be helping to stimulate the local economy by employing labourers and subcontractors from the surrounding area to work alongside our southern team.”

As well as bringing economic benefits, the development will help the community to reduce its carbon footprint following Stepnell’s installation of ground source heat pumps and non-conventional gas boilers, which will provide customers with access to sustainably sourced utilities.

Sallyanne George, Lifestory Group’s development manager for this project, said: “Having worked with Stepnell successfully before, it’s great that the team is now involved in helping create our latest scheme in Wooburn Green.

Stepnell’s appointment as our main contractor reflects the quality and competitive nature of its approach to building this development.

“The team has already made real progress on-site and our existing working relationship will only make seeing the creation and completion of this development that bit easier, whatever challenges come up on the journey.”

To find out more about Stepnell, visit www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @Stepnellltd.

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Property experts reveal six ways to get the ‘show home look’ For those looking to freshen up their homes and perfect the ‘show home look’ this year, property experts at FHP Waterside Living have provided style tips and inspiration to get your interior design juices flowing.

There is so much interior design-focused content available online to stoke your creativity, and platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and Houzz are full of chic and stylish ideas for the home, so do some research, and take your favourite ideas.

can really add a splash of style. Be wary of choosing too many colours for a room – this can start to make the space appear cluttered without a real design direction running throughout the space. If in doubt, keep it simple!

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or wish to polish up your property ready for the market, these tips will give you inspiration and ideas for injecting vibrancy into your interior. It’s not unusual to walk into a show home and wish your own could look just as pristine and sleek – with the right number of accessories, high-end appliances and a clear design theme running throughout that works to enhance the property, a show home look can be achieved. David Hargreaves, managing director of FHP Living, said: “Achieving the ‘show home look’ in your own property is not as difficult as you may think – with some careful planning and a few clever design choices, you can transform a single room or your entire home into a space with a sleek, luxurious feel.

Think textures, fabrics, colours and accessories when browsing through – an expertly designed show home will include a variety of different textures, have a consistent colour scheme running through and practical yet fashionable furnishings, all accentuated by a few choice ornaments, lighting and accessories to complete the look.

4. Natural light

“As selling agents for a number of new, luxury waterside homes, we are wellversed in styling and dressing properties in their best possible light, to give potential buyers a sense of what each home offers.

“It’s often the case that we walk into a show home and instantly ask ourselves why our own home can’t look like this – but it is possible with some direction, advice and a few interior changes. Taking inspiration from examples that have achieved the look you’re after is the first step in upgrading your living space.

That’s why we’ve created this list of style tips to consider when upgrading your home to get that Insta-ready look.”

Here is the list of style tips for perfecting the ‘show home look’: 1. Start with a mood board

An ideal place to start when upgrading your property, is with the creation of a mood board.

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2. Think neutral tones, but don’t be afraid to be bold

To create a clean and bright show home feel in a living space, choose a neutral colour scheme for the walls and ceiling.

White, grey, cream and taupe work well on their own or in combination. These colours reflect natural light in rooms and keep areas looking and feeling bright.

They are also considered to be ‘safe’ colours if you’re planning to sell your home, as potential buyers won’t be put off by bright, garish or dark colours that limit their ability to see themselves living there.

Having a feature wall, such as a section of wallpaper, bold artwork prints or an interesting piece of wall art (a good opportunity to incorporate a different texture) – are great ways to add your own personality into a room.

3. Colour coordination

Embellishing a room with a neutral colour palette, and choosing a few select accessories in an accent colour, can knit together the design of the whole space. This can be muted tones of paler shades, or if you’re feeling bold,something brighter such as a mustard yellow, rich green or royal blue

Letting natural light stream into your property makes a huge difference to the overall look – and is hugely beneficial to your wellbeing and productivity.

Where possible, make the most of windows in your home and don’t block off too much light with heavy, thick curtains or blinds.

The presence of spring and the arrival of summer is the ideal time to make the most of lighter mornings and evenings – and if your budget allows, then upgrading your home with bi-fold or patio doors can make a room feel bigger and brighter.

New doors are a modern addition to the home that adds value, so these can be a worthwhile investment.

5. Symmetry

An industry secret in the world of interior design is the use of symmetry – it can make a space feel clean and balanced, with smart, smooth edges and lines.

The human brain typically loves and responds well to symmetry, which is why it is so often present in architecture and design. It can help to promote a sense of balance and calm, perfect for making your home an attractive and desirable place to be.

Bookend your bed or sofa with matching side tables, lamps and accessories – and balance your dining room table with candles, a centrepiece or matching serving mats. When accessorising your surfaces with ornaments, it’s always good to decorate in threes so you have left, right and centrepiece trinkets.

6. Finishing the look

To complete the look, fresh or dried flowers and houseplants are the ideal way to add a natural element to your home – providing texture and beauty.

As a big trend for 2021, dried flowers are a low-maintenance way to introduce plants into your home – they last all year and continue to provide aesthetic value.

Choose from large sweeping Fan Palms, Pampas Grass, fragrant Lavender, dainty Gypsophila or herbal Eucalyptus, among thousands of other kinds, to finish off your home with a rustic and delicate alternative to buying fresh flowers.

Houseplants have enjoyed a massive resurgence in popularity in recent years and can inject life and greenery into your home, adding a dash of colour and improving overall ambience. Plants also freshen the air and are known to remove toxins from the atmosphere.

Based in Nottingham, FHP New Homes and Waterside Living is the selling agent for several luxury waterside residential schemes in Nottinghamshire, including The Yacht Club – an exclusive 81-home development, the landmark 121-home Waterside Apartments scheme and Trent Bridge Quays – a mixture of homes and apartments – all of which offer residents’ panoramic views of the River Trent.

In addition, Pelham Waterside at Colwick, Barton Quarter in Chilwell, and Hunters Wood in Gedling are all new home developments close to the river and nature reserves, with homes and apartments for sale.

For more information on properties available to view and purchase in Nottinghamshire, please visit: www.fhpliving.co.uk/for-sale/waterside-living 31

Haus on the Ridge Aesthetic exterior decking

by Trekker Set within the beautiful Kent countryside, with stunning views of the rural landscape is the striking Haus On The Ridge project. This contemporary property turned to Trekker Global to provide an aesthetic decking solution that would remain in keeping with its minimalist design, whilst offering a functional solution for outdoor entertaining.

Trekker decking boards in Vulcan Grooved were selected for this modern home, to help create an aesthetic terrace area that wrapped around the exterior of the property. An ideal choice for outdoor spaces, the composite planks create texture through inherent grooves, alongside providing strong visual appeal with its ash grey colouring.

A modern alternative to timber boards, an advantage to working with composite decking is that it does not warp or rot and therefore requires very little maintenance.

Furthermore, the decking is denser, harder and heavier than its timber counterpart, which removes the risk of splintering due to its Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) construction.

Additionally, the durable decking planks benefit from being anti-slip as the Trekker boards are resistant to algae – positioning the product as the perfect choice for a family home.

With the help of Trekker, this beautiful contemporary home has been enhanced with an exterior decking solution that delivers on both performance and visual appeal.

Trekker Global is part of the Havwoods International Group Architect: Doug Smith with assistance from Sam Clarke - Photography: Calvert Studios Trekker Vulcan Grooved - £65.95 per m2 / £40.89 per board For more information on aesthetic exterior decking by Trekker head over trekkerglobal.com 32

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Introducing sliding barn doors by The Main Company Recognised for their unique country charm and rustic aesthetic, sliding barn doors are a great way to create a partition or add interest to an open-plan space.

In addition to stunning kitchens and reclaimed flooring solutions, The Main Company manufactures bespoke sliding barn doors to suit any measurements in an array of classic finishes.

From the planks of characterful reclaimed wood, to the bold contrast of the sliding door mechanism; sliding barn doors will create a striking feature in any scheme; especially plain white walls as they add depth and texture whilst helping to ground the space.

“We are already well-known for our bespoke kitchens and aesthetic wood floor solutions but we really wanted to show our customers what else we can do - by shining a spotlight on our sliding barn doors and helping homeowners achieve that on-trend, country-rustic look and feel.” - Alex Main, Director, The Main Company.

Constructed with high-quality wood, many of the planks feature inherent knots and marks which all contribute to the unique visual appeal.

When it comes to fitting, this couldn’t be simpler, as all sliding barn doors come with an instruction guide to allow for easy installation in one kit. The sliding door mechanism can be ordered in four finishes; Raw, Matt Black, Rusted or Oil Rubbed depending on individual style preferences.

With a selection of samples available in both the timber and rail finishes, The Main Company’s extensive product offerings allows homeowners to find the perfect style and finish to suit their interior.

For more information on how The Main Company can complete your next project head over to maincompany.com

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Welsh Slate heads up Sarah Beeny’s new home Roofing slates by Welsh Slate star in presenter’s new TV programme.

Roofing slates by Welsh Slate were the material of choice for TV property expert Sarah Beeny’s own home-in-the-making which is the star of the Channel 4 series “Sarah Beeny’s new life in the country”.

The “Homes on 4” series follows Sarah and her family (husband and four sons aged 11 to 17 years) as they swap London life for a new start on a 220-acre, semiderelict former dairy farm in Somerset, where they are building a modern and sustainable stately home of their dreams.

Episode 8 of the first series shows the family visiting the Welsh Slate quarry where the Penrhyn Heather Blue slates are produced that are then shown being laid on the 15m x 16m mainly mansard roof of the three-storey, seven-bedroomed mock stately home.

Sarah even has a go at splitting the premium slates herself, remarking that it was “seriously impressive” that every one of the slates used on the house was split by hand.

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Welsh Slate commercial director Michael Hallé explained on the programme how the quarry once employed 3,000 people and still produces three million slates per year.

Also, that maximising yield is very important and not only do they make roofing slates but also walling, paving, decorative aggregates and landscape products.

Roofing contractor Geoff Spinks of G&L Roofing agreed with Sarah that the slates were “a joy to fit” due to their flatness. He described the Penrhyn Heather Blues as “really, really nice slates” that were “lovely to lay”. They also feature as vertical cladding on some elements of the steeply pitched mansard roof.

The scaffolding came down some seven months after work started on site, with Sarah exclaiming the newly revealed limestoneclad house, now waterproof in readiness for the winter, was a “thing of beauty”.

Welsh Slate is also expected to feature in the second (commissioned) and third (to be confirmed) series of the show. In the second, scants (large slabs) of slate will be used as landscaping around the pond, and in the third, on a patio in the walled garden to the main house which was designed by husband Graham (Swift).

Michael Hallé said: “Not only do we feel privileged that Sarah recognised that our slate is ‘the best slate you could possibly have’ but also that she was genuinely enthused at how the slates are produced.”

The focus on sustainability has included the use of ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) for the building’s shell, recycled plastic windows, water from a bore hole, and a modern wastewater plant which returns cleansed wastewater to the land. #SarahBeenynewlife

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New campaign aims to create a new generation of surveyors Yorkshire-based sister act on a mission to save the world by inspiring the next generation Yorkshire-based geospatial professionals, Elaine Ball (43) and Elly Ball (33), have announced the launch of their new Get Kids into Survey global recruitment campaign to help save the future of surveying.

The project will introduce and educate the younger generation to the relatively unknown world of surveying and encourage them to consider it as a possible career path, creating a new generation of surveyors responsible for protecting the world.

Inspired by their father, industry legend Steve Ball, a hydrographer and mine surveyor, siblings, co-founders and inheritors of the Ball surveying dynasty

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Elaine and Elly set out to change the perception of survey by teaching budding geospatial experts that there is more to the profession than simply measuring distance and angles of land and natural features.

Take for example, Indiana Jones, primarily thought of as an archaeologist, Indi in fact employs many of the skills associated with surveyors in Raiders of the Lost Ark, including cartography (maps) and understanding land formations in order to uncover the Ark. It’s the mission of the Ball ladies to inspire and educate the next generation that surveying is an exciting and lucrative career choice.

There has been a recruitment problem within the industry for decades, resulting in the sector being dominated by white males with an average age of 55.

Elaine and Elly, along with their team of dedicated professionals are now setting out to resolve that problem and secure the future of this vital industry.

“We want to educate children in exactly what surveying is and the many exciting career options available within the geospatial industry. It’s our aim to help parents and teachers to understand what surveying is and to be able to talk about it with their children.

“It’s a scary thought, but if we don’t educate children about surveying now, the industry will die out, resulting in devastating consequences. After all, without survey, we wouldn’t be able to detect bombs, study planets, find diamonds, monitor wildlife, build bridges, measure earthquakes and volcanoes, carry out CSI forensics, design golf courses, create video games - the list goes on! Education really is our passport to the future.”

To help address the recruitment issue, Get Kids into Survey is launching The GeoSquad Comic; a 40-page digital download. The comic currently has one chapter available online, and is set to be

released as a six chapter book, complete with activity sheets, on Monday 17 May, just in time for half term and the summer holidays.

The GeoSquad Comic is an illustrated introduction to the world of survey, created in collaboration with primary school teacher and children’s book author, Mat Sullivan. The comic is designed to appeal to children aged 8-12 in a fun and action-packed way.

The comic strips are based on a group of four friends; Maddison, Setsuko, Kwame and Miles as well as the ‘The Last Surveyor’ - loosely based on Elaine and Elly’s father, Steve. Together, the characters visit a career fair and enter a virtual reality world where they are told the story of what a world without surveyors would be like and the devastation that would occur. It goes on to show surveyors as the heroes of the future putting the world back together, which could be a very real possibility if the recruitment problem is not addressed now. It has everything a good kids story could need; time travel, robots, virtual reality, and of course, relatable and inspiring characters.

Elaine concludes “We are dedicated to showing young people that surveying can be fun, interesting and a rewarding career choice. On top of that, surveyors of the future could be responsible for protecting and even saving the world, or they could be helping to create computer games for their friends’ kids or the next CGI landscape in a Hollywood movie*, and that’s pretty cool too!”

The Get Kids into Survey project first took shape in 2017 when Elaine created a poster for the AGM of The Surveyors Association, UK. Designed to teach the surveyors children what their parents did for a living, the poster was an immediate hit, with requests for more flooding in.

Get Kids into Survey has now expanded to include an online hub of free resources with lesson plans, quizzes and colouring sheets, ‘SurveyFest’ events, an Education Fund to support ambassadors and school visits, and an educational comic strip.

To find out more about Get Kids into Survey visit: www.getkidsintosurvey.com

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Works complete on new £7.5m West Midlands mixed-use scheme Construction works on a new multimillion-pound neighbourhood centre have now completed at Blythe Valley Park (BVP) in Solihull, and the finished scheme was marked with a socially distanced handover ceremony on 16 April.

The £7.5million project, which was led by Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson on behalf of client IM Properties, involved the construction of four mixed-use, high quality apartment buildings to act as a new hub for BVP. The 1.2million sq. ft. park employs 3,500 people and is occupied by more than 25 businesses, including a range of highprofile brands such as Gymshark, Lounge, Cooper Parry, Siemens and Zenith. Bloor Homes and Crest Nicholson are also on site building 750 new homes.

BVP also features a number of amenities for people who live and work within the

development, including Java Lounge Coffee House, Busy Bees Nursery & PreSchool and Virgin Active Gym, as well as 122 acres of surrounding parkland.

The new neighbourhood centre helps to seamlessly blend the growing residential and commercial communities at the development – providing 48 one and two-bed apartments, 36 of which are being retained and let by IM Properties.

The affordable housing element is being managed by Bromford Homes. Modern retail spaces make up two of the ground floor buildings, which are available for a convenience store and a further retail unit, creating additional jobs in the area.

All four of the new apartment buildings provide level access to accommodate disabled members of the community and renewable green technology has been installed to provide power to apartments and communal areas.

There is also cycle storage, a number of electric car charging points, and an onsite electric pool car for short journeys.

Andy Sewards, managing director at G F Tomlinson said: “It has been a pleasure to work with IM Properties to create the new neighbourhood centre at Blythe Valley Park, which has delivered a significant number of new homes, complete with retail and food outlets, that will boost the local economy and employment.

“Blythe Valley Park is a well-established business hub that offers great investment, employment and residential opportunities and we’re extremely pleased to have handed over this exciting project this spring, which has helped to further expand the park’s residential community.

“As a Midlands-based contractor, we are always proud to work on schemes that deliver investment into the region and this is another significant residential project to add to our portfolio.”

Richard Knight, technical director of IM Properties said: “We’re pleased to have worked in partnership with G F Tomlinson as a part of our trusted supply chain to create the new neighbourhood centre as part of our ambition to create one of the Midlands’ first truly mixed-use schemes.

“The new neighbourhood centre helps to connect the commercial and residential phases and add to the buzz of community life at the heart of the scheme, with people living, working and enjoying leisure time alongside.” Chris Hill, project manager at Novus, said: “A fantastic project, delivered via a solid and collective team ethic, within extremely challenging circumstances; yet with programme and quality maintained. We are delighted to have been provided the opportunity to work with G F Tomlinson and the role of driving this scheme on behalf of our key client.”

An 80-bed care facility is also under construction by Macc Care Group.

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Plant Hire market impacted by Covid-19 The UK plant hire market declined significantly in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The fall in demand as well as fleet utilisation rates can be attributed to the overall fall in construction levels in the majority of end use sectors throughout the pandemic.

The UK plant hire market is diverse, with equipment ranging from excavators to lighting towers and regional equipment requirements with low ground pressure excavators popular in the South and a strong focus on quarry and mining dump trucks in the North. In general, the level and nature of plant hire is impacted by the construction cycle, with the hire of excavators for groundworks initiating the cycle.

It is stated that the plant hire market is heavily influenced by overall construction levels as well as industrial activity and the general performance of the UK economy.

Some hire sectors are more influenced by non-construction sectors such as manufacturing, waste management, the weather, andthe events sector.

Other influences, such as weather-related factors impact on the level of hire demand, such as flooding which tends to stimulate demand for the hire of pumps, generators and dehumidifiers. Subsequently there has been an increase in damaged roads, stimulating demand for equipment such as compactors and rollers to undertake road repairs and fill potholes.

The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly impacted on the development and advancements of plant hire, although the second lockdown did not impact hire demand as much as the first because construction and infrastructure sectors continued to operate.

In addition to hire demand, plant hire companies were affected by the extra costs of sanitising machines and operators’ safety, which impacts on company profits.

However, in addition to open construction sites, some hire companies benefited from demand for the Covid-19 emergency response supporting government and private sector responses to the pandemic.

This included for example providing vital equipment for hospitals, alternative care facilities, testing sites and telecommunications and utility companies. The main types of equipment required at testing and vaccination centres included generators, site cabins and lighting towers.

Prospects for the plant hire market into the medium-term are relatively optimistic.

The range of factors influencing the market are extensive and the type of plant hired will be influenced by the applications required in each end-user sector as well as wider macro-issues and other more product specific issues.

Given the scale of fluctuations caused by the recent pandemic, forecasting future prospects of the plant hire market at this time is extremely difficult, exacerbated by the UK’s exit from the European Union and the possible impact this may have on the UK economy and construction levels.

For more information please visit: www.amaresearch.co.uk

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The shafts screeners’ big sister is here, the new MB-HDS523 MB Crusher introduces the new MB-HDS523 shafts screener to the world, designed to increase productivity on the job site.

The saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and this historical moment has made us take a good look at what we can do to become more combative and productive.

At MB Crusher, we’ve always kept an eye out for our customer’s needs, and today we show that we’ve been listening. Our customers have shared their grievances, telling us about the difficulties they face on their job sites, and it’s these problems that we’ve used as a stepping stone for new concepts and ideas.

Two years after we launched our new range of MB-HDS shafts screeners, we realized we had the opportunity to do more.

Our customers needed something more, an advantage, and an added value on

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other construction sites or application areas. And that’s where the idea for the big sister of the MB-HDS range, MB-HDS523 shafts screener bucket, was born. The biggest, strongest, and toughest.

The unit is compatible with excavators with an operating weight ranging from 30 tons (60,000 pounds) to 45 tons (90,000 pounds) and meant for sectors where power and sturdiness are essential, such as in quarries, where you need to treat large quantities of material like coal and phosphate.

Or to move, sift, and aerate tons and tons of earth, such as excavating, earthmoving, and large trenching projects. But it’s not limited to just these application areas because regardless of the

construction site or material, the new MB- HDS523 shafts screener is wellequipped and only has one goal: a high productivity rate. The MB-HDS523 is the only HDS unit with five shafts positioned to ensure a greater production rate and processing speed. The “V Shaft System”’s design precisely creates a simultaneous dual screening effect and increases production.

Everything in the new MB-HDS523’s design maximises the results: the concealed comb allows the material to enter and flow through the rotors without jamming.

The unit comes with a removable front upper casing, giving the unit a greater closing angle and increase production.

The largest in the range is also the most powerful: the MB-HDS523 shafts screener is powered by two motors, ensuring consistent and quick performance.

But, power is nothing without adequate durability: the MB-HDS523 screener is solid, durable, and suitable for demanding construction sites and heavy workloads.

The parts that are subject to wear are protected by reinforced Hardox steel slab, and the bracket and frame are also thicker, making it a well-performing machine.

A real war machine.

You might think that equipment of this caliber is demanding to maintain, requiring special maintenance, expensive machine downtime, or that the shafts need to be changed in a workshop.

But you would be wrong.

MB Crusher wants to facilitate work on the job site in every aspect, especially when it comes to maintenance.

A construction site that’s always functioning is a construction site where the job finishes earlier, saving time and money. The MB-HDS523 shafts screener comes with a centralised greasing system to simplify and speed up maintenance operations.

Much like the others in the range, the shafts are easily switched out: they can be replaced on-site and in a few minutes.

The patented system firmly holds the rotating system, and the rotors can be easily extracted and repositioned.

When the work gets tough and you need to create large volumes of product quickly, it’s time to unleash the heavy artillery.

MB Crusher created it: now we want to see it at work on your construction sites!

For further information about MB Crusher please visit: www.mbcrusher.com

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Liebherr relies on HBK force sensors for structural testing of excavators Moving a large mass of material quickly, reliably and safely usually requires the use of hydraulic excavators, mining trucks and material-handling machines at construction sites, scrapyards or ports.

However, to ensure that they function reliably and withstand extreme conditions in the long term, Liebherr tests the loadcarrying capacity and service life of its machines and components very precisely.

“In our load tests, we subject assemblies, such as a hydraulically adjustable boom, to the load an excavator normally experiences over its entire life in just a few weeks,” says Nils Dippon, a test engineer at Liebherr’s development and demonstration centre.

For the complex series of structural tests in the modern test stand in Kirchheim, Germany, Liebherr relies on the U10M and S9M force sensors and strain gauges from Hottinger Brüel & Kjaer. The U10M sensors, for instance, measure the forces produced and compensate for

bending moments in doing so while the strain gauges from HBK simultaneously measure the strain on the components.

“Our U10M series force transducers achieve very high precision over a wide measuring range. They provide highresolution measurement data for the various measurement setups at Liebherr and offer maximum flexibility. Our highquality strain-gauge technology also accurately acquires minimal component deformations to provide a comprehensive data basis for further development,” explains Thomas Kleckers, the product manager for force sensors at HBK. Liebherr is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hydraulic excavators and mining trucks that meet the highest demands.

More information about HBK’s force sensors is available on the company’s website: www.hbm.com/en/0249/forcesensors-and-force-transducers/

Fingerprint drug test roll-out underway across European construction sites Well-established global building envelope specialist contractor, Crown Roofing and Cladding, is currently rolling out the Intelligent Fingerprinting UK-designed and manufactured fingerprint drug test across its European sites. Due to the high-risk work at heights that it carries out, Crown has a zero-tolerance approach to drugs and alcohol misuse.

The company researched and purchased the innovative Intelligent Fingerprinting test to enable on-site, in-house drug testing, along with an alcohol breathalyser from the same company, with the objective of ensuring everyone is safe at work. Crown Roofing and Cladding now has plans to roll out the in-house testing approach to promote positive adherence to its drug and alcohol policies across construction sites in Ireland and other European sites.

Described as exceptionally easy-to-use by existing customers, the fingerprint drug test works by testing a simple sample of fingerprint sweat – enabling results to be determined within 10 minutes. Crown’s own well-trained staff will carry out the random tests in-house as required, acting as a deterrent to help underpin the company’s drug and alcohol policies.

Intelligent Fingerprinting system, we have been able to quickly rollout random drug and alcohol testing ourselves – all in-house. Through remote training, our Health and Safety Manager and team can conduct drug testing as and when required. We are randomly testing at one of our European sites at the moment, and are so impressed with the system that we’re now looking to roll it out to our other operational sites across Europe and Ireland. The system is incredibly easy to use, and the benefit of being able to own the entire process in-house is very appealing to us.

Importantly, the system tests for relevant recent drug use – rather than over a longer period – in line with workers’ union guidelines.”

Philip Hand, Executive Chairman, Intelligent Fingerprinting, added: “While our drug testing system is UK-designed and manufactured, we’re increasingly exporting our solution worldwide. As organisations recognise the clear benefits of in-house control of the end-to-end

drug testing process, we’re expecting multi-country roll-outs of the Intelligent Fingerprinting drug test system to become more and more frequent. Like many of our customers, Crown Roofing and Cladding also wanted to engage with a single supplier to support its drug and alcohol testing, so we are pleased to be supplying breath alcohol tests as well as our fingerprint drug testing system.”

Fingerprint-based drug testing – how it works

Intelligent Fingerprinting’s drug testing system features a small, tamper-evident drug screening cartridge onto which ten fingerprint sweat samples are collected, in a process which takes less than a minute. The Intelligent Fingerprinting portable analysis unit then reads the cartridge and provides a positive or negative result on-screen for all drugs in the test in ten minutes.

An introductory video demonstrating fingerprint-based drug testing in action is available here.

Crown Roofing and Cladding was particularly attracted to the Intelligent Fingerprinting drug test because of its applicability for drug testing in the workplace. Fingerprint drug testing’s shorter ‘window of detection’ gives organisations like Crown a simple and dignified way of identifying potential employee use of cocaine, cannabis, opiates and methamphetamine in the period immediately before their working shift.

Emma O’Gorman Wall, COO at Crown Roofing and Cladding explains: “As a company, we are highly committed to employee and stakeholder health, safety and wellbeing. This is our constant focus.

Our objective, from a health, safety and wellbeing point of view, is to keep everyone safe on site and ensure every individual gets home safely each evening to their families. With the help of the

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SEGRO appoints Winvic for eighth industrial warehouse at SEGRO logistics park east midlands gateway First speculative unit at the Industrial Park, also to be net zero carbon

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been awarded the eighth contract to build a net zero carbon industrial warehouse at the 700-acre SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway (SLPEMG). It is the first speculative development at the park, which is adjacent to East Midlands Airport and 1.5 miles from the A42/M42 connection at J23A, and the £9 million project will be completed in November 2021.

The 200,000 sq ft unit, with a 15m clear height to the eaves, will be cold store ready and have 17 docks, 4 Euro docks and 4 level access doors and is being designed by Winvic using BIM Level 2.

As part of this digital design development and careful supply chain choices, Winvic has already reduced material wastage on this project by 34 per cent and upscaled the development so it will achieve an EPC A+ rating. It will be constructed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and sustainable features will include roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels, LED lighting and upgraded cladding which improves air-tightness for temperature controlled operations.

It is the first time that PV has been used on an industrial warehouse at SLPEMG and it will be installed to offset all operational carbon based on the base build specification. All embodied carbon associated with the building will be calculated and offset through a scheme in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) framework and utilising Gold vested carbon credits.

For example, this could include UK tree planting, supporting local communities, schools and charities and improving clean cooking facilities, whereby efficient stoves replace wood burning open fires.

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Additionally, the scheme comprises 10,000 sq ft of two-storey office accommodation, a 3,000 sq ft transport office, a 55m yard, and parking for 170 cars and 45 HGVs. Winvic will also be undertaking all associated external works including hardstandings, car parking, landscaping and drainage, plus alterations to the existing estate road with pedestrian crossing points.

Winvic has had a presence on the SLPEMG site since its inception February 2017 when the main contractor began the civils and infrastructure work to facilitate the park and a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) and are currently constructing two other modern industrial warehouses. One of which is a 694,000 sq ft facility for DHL, which comprises two mezzanine levels and over 25,000 sq ft of two-storey integral offices. Unusually, it has a 33m high bay and an 18m low bay that wraps around two sides of the unit, and it is due to complete in September

2021. The second facility is a 150,000 sq ft fulfilment centre with ancillary offices, car parking including double-deck parking for 200 electric vans and lorry loading facilities.

Danny Nelson, Winvic’s Head of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, commented: “We’re thrilled that the SEGRO team has once again put its trust in Winvic at SLPEMG, and this eighth unit means we have three separate project teams working at the 700-acre site. It is a special facility due to its true net zero credentials and we’re utilising BIM to its full potential to assist with this goal. For example, our design team has been working closely with SEGRO to push the scheme to achieve EPC A+ and material wastage has been reduced through digital processes by a significant 34 per cent. The short 26-week programme means we will be handing the scheme over in November of this year, and we are ready to assist with fit out when a tenant is secured.”

Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director, National Logistics at SEGRO, said: “This speculative development is really exciting, as it highlights our confidence in the ongoing demand for well located, connected, modern space in the East Midlands and underpins the importance of logistics. Including this speculative build, Winvic is currently constructing three units for us at this site and the company’s expertise with net zero carbon projects is evident. With the park nearly 75% full, we’ll be working hard over the coming months to secure customers for the spec build and the remaining 1.5m sq ft of space to ensure that SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway can continue to play a key role in creating jobs and economic growth in the region.”

For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk.

Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.

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Create your own clean air zone Reduce air pollution in your neighbourhood by painting the outside of your property this summer

Just three 15L buckets of Graphenstone carbon capture paint absorbs the same amount of CO2 as a mature adult tree in one year.

Painting the outside of your house can be transformative, increasing its value by more than 20%*. However, Graphenstone, the world’s most certified eco paint will also actively capture carbon dioxide, with just three 15L buckets on the wall being enough to absorb the same amount of CO2 as a mature adult tree in one year.

If houses in some of the UK’s most polluted neighbourhoods were to come together and paint the exterior of their homes in carbon capturing Graphenstone,

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the effect would be equivalent to planting a forest in the heart of the City.

According to the Royal College of Physicians more than 40,000 people die in the UK due to air pollution. The London Air Project (Kings College London) cites Oxford Street, Brixton Road and Putney High Street as some of the most polluted areas on earth. The World Health Organisation states that 40 towns and cities in the UK have exceeded air pollution limits, with the worst affected including Scunthorpe, Manchester, Swansea, Leeds, Leicester and Liverpool.

Using paint to combat air pollution in a beautiful way has been the target of a global art collaboration - Graphenstone partners with Converse to create Converse City Forests** a series of murals around the globe, that uses its ecological

air purifying paint to eliminate harmful substances. The reduction of CO2, formaldehydes, and gases improves the air quality around the murals. The paint’s lime base absorbs CO2 during the curing process, similar to a tree. Any surface coated with it becomes an active air-purifying resource that helps protect people from harmful substances.

“Patrick Folkes, Graphenstone UK said, “We’ve all seen the magnetic effect that colourful pastel painted houses can have in areas like Notting Hill. If UK homeowners and Councils were to come together and paint the outside of their homes and properties with our paint this summer, the results could be beautiful, financially rewarding and provide wider environmental health benefits; the paint improves and cleans the air that we breathe.”

‘Tickbox culture’ could threaten post-Covid infrastructure plans, says new report A new report published today by international property and construction consultancy Gleeds in partnership with cross-party think tank Radix, suggests that Government plans for billions of £pounds of infrastructure investment intended to boost the UK economy post-Covid are being jeopardised by a ‘tickbox culture’, ever present in procurement and management.

Spearheaded by Radix, the think tank for contemporary politics whose fellows include Sir Vince Cable, Stephen Kinnock MP, and Lord Andrew Lansley, ‘Tickbox Infrastructure’ takes an in-depth look at the impact of the public sector’s reliance on bureaucracy to keep large scale infrastructure schemes on track. In it, the authors argue that plans to deliver new hospitals, housing and transport links, as set out in the recent Spring budget, will all face delays, cost overruns and safety issues unless the role of human judgement is prioritised.

The robust exposition was produced by the organisation’s co-founder David Boyle, himself a prolific journalist and author of the widely acclaimed ‘Tickbox’, in

collaboration with esteemed non- fiction writer, Lesley Yarranton. It also benefits from the insightful contributions of a number of key industry figures, including leading academics from York and Liverpool Universities, engineers from overseas transport ministries, and Gleeds Chairman Richard Steer. The publication comes off the back of Gleeds’ own recent market survey, in which contractors cited infrastructure as one of the top five sectors for tender opportunities going into the second half of the year.

in its production of this comprehensive paper. As the UK government seeks to kickstart the economy through significant infrastructure investment, now is the time to rethink and reform a ‘tickbox’ culture which hampers progress and places little value on the expertise and experience of the human beings tasked with delivering complex schemes. If adopted, the solutions outlined within offer a glimpse into how such projects could indeed allow the country to build back better, greener, and faster.”

Using the government’s introduction to its recent planning white paper as a basis, in which it suggests it aims to “tear down [the planning process] and start again”, the new paper makes a number of recommendations. These include bolstering local government institutions instead of creating huge, centralised power structures; fostering a change of culture in Whitehall to promote faster decision-making; encouraging a shift to Irish-style consultative assemblies; and placing senior engineers into government departments to act as scientific officers.

Commenting on the Report, Richard Steer said, “Gleeds is pleased to support Radix

David Boyle, Radix Policy Director and author of the report said, “A focus on form filling, targets and KPIs in corporate governance tends to render processes slower, more costly and dehumanised, creating a shadowland where things are not as they seem or as they are measured. This in turn can lead to disasters and injustices such as the Grenfell Tower fire”. He went on to add, “In Tickbox Infrastructure we have been able to highlight failings in the current system and make recommendations around changes which need to be made if efficiencies in terms of of both cost and time are to be fully realised.”

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Two million revolutionary bricks go into annual production A new brick producing a tenth of the carbon emissions of a traditional one is poised to go into commercial production.

Zero Waste Scotland has pledged £1m for manufacturing Kenoteq’s K-Briq made from over 90 per cent of recycled demolition and construction products.

Kenoteq managing director Sam Chapman said: “The construction industry faces a tremendous challenge when meetingdecarbonisation goals. The industry sends over 800 million tonnes of waste to landfill in Europe every year, at a huge cost to itself and the environment.”

The brick, developed by researchers at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University, uses less than a tenth of the energy needed to make a conventional fired brick and has

double the insulation properties. It can be made in a range of colours using recycled pigments providing flexibility to architects and design planners. “With this funding, we will scale the manufacturing capacity from a pilot plant to industrial-scale production through development of a new manufacturing line in Scotland,” said Mr Chapman.

Kenoteq plans to deliver the equivalent of 924 low carbon homes across the UK over the next five years creating 15 new jobs

in manufacturing, production, quality assurance, marketing and sales. Zero Waste Scotland chief executive Iain Gulland said: “Construction relies heavily on finite resources and presents huge potential for circular economy interventions to reduce demand for, and waste of, virgin materials.

“Innovations like the K-Briq can help to tackle climate change, deliver a more competitive Scottish economy, mitigating resource security and addressing the subject of corporate social responsibility within the sector.”

Housebuilding accounted for 36 per cent of total waste generation by economic activity and households in Europe, according to Eurostat figures for 2018.

Heriot-Watt University professor Gabriela Medero from came up with the idea and more than a decade of research and development followed to make it a reality. Professor Medero is co-founder and technical director of Kenoteq, which launched in January 2020.

The building industry has said it’s keen to see the UK advance its manufacturing base of products post Brexit. The National Federation of Builders said it backed government proposals to set up a new advance research agency to improve production of materials needed for modern methods of construction such as cross laminated timber. Chief executive Richard Beresford said that post Brexit his organisation would be pushing the government “every step of the way” to fulfil their intentions.

Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders were supportive of SME builders who used green products given the UK’s new target to slash emissions by 78 per cent by 2035.

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ePAL App set to revolutionise MEWP training certification A new mobile app for operators of powered access aims to bring training certification into the digital era The launch of a new mobile app for operators of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and mast-climbing work platforms (MCWPs) aims to bring training certification into the digital era and reduce the environmental impact involved in issuing the International Powered Access Federation’s (IPAF) PAL Card and all training certification.

IPAF’s new ePAL app is free to use and features the first ever digital IPAF PAL Card, operator log book and operator safety guide. It also allows operators to receive the latest best practice tips and safety information, and means operators can share their qualifications with site managers quickly and easily.

The ePAL app is a major a step forward in IPAF’s ongoing drive to boost sustainability, as it shifts away from issuing plastic, creditcard sized PAL Cards via the post to every training candidate successfully completing or renewing an IPAF operator course.

The new ePAL app also phases out paper certification of qualifications and logging of machine time and replaces the printed paper version of IPAF’s operator safety guide; it speeds up the processing time and resource required to issue training candidates with their PAL Card and certification.

Peter Douglas, IPAF CEO & MD, says: “A typical year’s output in terms of IPAF PAL Cards and certificates issued used to amount to a 130-metre stack of printed plastic and paper, shipped from supplier, to IPAF, to the IPAF Training Centre and then on to candidates. Then, after five years, the candidate would dispose of it and start again!

“The new app will lead to us reducing the number of steps in processing a PAL Card and cut down on all that waste, as well as the expense, delays and carbon emissions involved in shipping items around the globe needlessly. Developing an operator app has been a key priority for IPAF since I took up post in 2019, and we were excited to team up with IPAF member Trackunit to bring its considerable technical expertise to bear to roll this out.

“IPAF’s ePAL brings huge benefits for operators and IPAF Training Centres alike, while allowing us to streamline and digitise our processes. We are monitoring the roll-out of the new app and are already planning new functionality. These are exciting times.”

Søren Brogaard, CEO of Trackunit, IPAF member company and specialist in fleet management solutions for construction that helped develop the app, says:

“This is a big step up for the industry when it comes to safety and efficiency. It has been long in the making, at least in terms of an industry wish-list, and now it is finally here.

“The app allows IPAF to communicate directly with operators and offers them a digital platform to record, show and share their qualifications and operating experience worldwide. ePAL is a commitment to enable collaboration between the operator and the digital ecosystem.

“We all know filling out paper operator logbooks and keeping them up to date can be a challenge. This app provides contractors and operators secure access to equipment and a convenient way to document machine activities. We can also use the app to encourage and make it easier to report an accident or near-miss incident through the new IPAF reporting portal. My hope is we can all contribute to building a safer, digital future for operators.”

Alan Woodage, Health and Safety Manager at Taylor Woodrow, comments: “The introduction of ePAL and digital PAL Cards is another great integration of digital technology welcomed by VINCI Construction UK. As we embrace digital technologies we become many things: More sustainable; better connected; more engaging; and, ultimately, efficient.”

Ben Hughes, Training Manager at Horizon Platforms, says: “ePAL has been something we have been waiting for, for a long time. Having a digital card, that can’t be lost, broken or stolen, will cut down significantly on the admin demands of being an IPAF training centre, as well as being much more convenient for our customers.” IPAF ePAL app is available now in the UK and Ireland. It is initially offered in English with other languages to follow, and is available for Apple iOS and Android devices. The app will be updated with additional features as usage demands and developing technology allows.

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HEROES ALL Find them at www.bond-it.co.uk