Building Scotland v12n04

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Also inside this issue...

V12 N04

NEWS, REPORTS, COMMENTS, PROFILES AND SITE PROJECTS ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL An ambitious vision for the city being realised p24

DTA CHARTERED ARCHITECTS LTD Providing a complete range of architectural services p40

EDRINGTON GROUP EXPAND FACILITY AT SPEYSIDE The Macallan whisky brand has been established for over 200 years p51

KARL STORZ DISTRIBUTION CENTRE Extension of this worldwide and highly regarded company p55

Structural Waterproofing

Single Ply Roofing (Resitrix)

Type A Structural Waterproofing at AG Barr Factory, Cumbernauld

Resitrix Roofing System at Prospecthill Road, Aberdeen

info@sitesealants.co.uk www.sitesealants.co.uk Attenuation Tank

Concrete Repair

Visqueen High Performance UDG, Attenuation Tank at ABZ Development, Dyce, Aberdeen

Sika 415 Balcony Coating at Toryglen, Glasgow.

Head Office: Unit 9 ∙ Almond Road ∙ Middlefield ∙ Falkirk ∙ FK2 9FQ

Tel: 01324 626969 ∙ Fax: 01324 624243

Aberdeen: Kirkton Avenue ∙ Pitmedden Road Industrial Estate ∙ Aberdeen ∙ AB21 0BF

We work closely with architects and engineers from initial design phase through to application in order to produce the best, most effective method of waterproofing.

Spray polyurea system at Dundasvale, Glasgow

Site Sealants Ltd was established in 2005, since when the company has expanded year on year. The company is based in Central Scotland and has a wide-ranging client base, carrying out work all over the UK. We also do a great deal of work in Aberdeen and the surrounding area so have taken the decision to open a depot there. Projects carried out cover a wide range and include: • Structural Waterproofing • Car Park deck waterproofing • Concrete repairs • Specialist coatings (PU, epoxy, spray polyurea) • Joint sealants • Gas membrane systems • PU Resin Injection • Attenuation tanks

• Sealing of 10,000 square metre car park deck area in Dundasvale Court, Glasgow for Glasgow Housing Association (pictured above).

Our client base includes Balfour Beatty, Sir Robert McAlpine, Exxon Mobil, Crudens Building & Renewals Ltd, Stewart Milne Homes, Miller Construction, Barratt Homes, Graham Construction Ltd, Morrison Construction and Land Engineering Ltd to name but a few.

We are Approved Installers for Grace Construction Products, Fosroc, Sika, Wykamol and Visqueen amongst others and are committed to providing clients with the highest standards of service.

Our work is wide-ranging and we have been involved in projects as diverse as concrete repairs to the soffits on the finger jetties at Faslane submarine base to lining tanks at Glen Elgin Distillery in the north of Scotland. A recently completed £500,000 project encompassed balcony refurbishment and concrete repair works in Toryglen, Glasgow for a joint venture with Scottish Gas and Thistle Housing Association.

The Company has an extremely responsible attitude to Health and Safety in the industry and have membership of both Constructionline and CHAS. We also hold the Platinum Certificate of Commitment for CSCS accreditation.

Information on past projects can be found on our website www.sitesealants.co.uk

Scottish Widows, Edinburgh Land Engineering Ltd

Castle Stuart Golf Resort Morrison Construction

Spray polyurea application projects include:

As members of the Property Care Association, we have fully qualified Certified Surveyors of Structural

• 500 square metres spray Procor to Castle Stuart Golf Resort buildings for Morrison Construction Ltd;

Waterproofing and are qualified to provide GPI insurance-backed warranty.

Barratt Homes, Inverurie Ballochgoy, Rothesay

Bringing the Scottish Construction Industry Together Sika, a market leading specialist in product solutions for the construction industry, has set the date for its second annual Sika Scotland Innovation Day. Following the success of last year’s event in Edinburgh, the team is now planning the 2013 Innovation Day, which will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on Tuesday 26th November.

The event presents a unique opportunity to network with construction industry professionals in the region, as well as learning more about the full range of solutions Sika can offer.

From the basement to the roof, Sika has developed a technologically advanced product that can help and will be

presenting educational CPD presentations throughout the Innovation Day. The day itself is designed to inspire, educate, and excite as presentations are mixed with exhibition style networking and live product demonstrations. Special guest partners will also be in attendance, and details of a key note speaker presenting on a local project will be announced nearer the time.

There will be a range of seminars throughout the day so delegates can choose which they would like to attend. A full agenda will be available soon.

Places are limited so anyone wanting to attend is encouraged to register soon by emailing concrete@uk.sika.com or via the quick links at www.sika.co.uk.

COMMENTS 16 17 20 21 22 23 62

Turley Associates – Claire Semple Buck & Hickman – Ian Lofthouse NHBC – Mark Jones Construction Specialities – Simon Hunter MAXIM Eyes - Shamir Jiwa Daikin Lytag LWA - Gareth Moores

PROFILE 24 32 35 40 43 44 48 50 56 57

Aberdeen City Council Graham Construction National Outdoor Events Association DTA Chartered Architects Stirling City Heritage Trust University of Edinburgh Historic Scotland Glasgow City Heritage Trust JB Bennett 10 Design

HOUSING 38 Housing Innovation Showcase 49 Maryhill Locks 54 Balnagask Multi-storey Development

COMMERCIAL 36 42 51 55 60

Enterprise Park Forres Scottish Water Macallan Distillery Karl Storz Distribution Centre Fairmuir Road Pharmacy

24

COMMUNITY 39 Drumchapel Police Station 48 North Berwick Museum & Library 61 Montrose Lifeboat Station

LEISURE 35 East Marketgait

NEWS

32

8 Editors Gareth Trevor-Jones Victoria Lee Staff Writer John Train Editorial Raimy Greenland Robert Atherton Copy Michelle Yates

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Studio Manager Séamus Norton Designer Richard Gill Proof Reader Matthew Brown Approvals Remi Wilson Administrator Emma Pollard Credit Control Carol Ryan

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NEWS BS

Luxury showhome bought in an unprecedented closed bids sale The magnificent Waverley showhome at CALA’s Hayfield Grange development in Aberdeen’s desirable suburb of Cults has sold after the housebuilder took the unusual decision to sell the property through closed bids.

The epitome of luxurious family living, the Waverley showhome had attracted numerous enquiries from interested home buyers despite its guide price of £1.45M. There were several bids for the property, with the successful buyer able to walk into the beautiful, fully furnished and decorated home which includes designer furniture and a Baby Grand piano.

Vivian MacLean, Sales & Marketing Manager at CALA Homes (North), said: “The

Waverley show home at Hayfield Grange has proven to be one our most sought after properties, which demonstrates not only the high quality specification and design of the home, but also the strength of the luxury homes market in Aberdeen.

“After receiving an unprecedented number of enquiries for such a high end property, we came to realise that the only fair way to sell it was to give all interested parties the opportunity to submit closed bids.

New build properties very rarely go to a closing date, but rather are typically sold on a first come first served basis.”

The 4,256sq ft five/six-bedroom home combines the spacious grandeur sought out in traditional homes with the open

plan high tech requirements of modern families. With beautiful interiors expertly designed by BLOCC, the show home blends traditional Scottish features in keeping with the Cults area, with contemporary style.

An arched double doorway opens up the property into the entrance hall to reveal a central oak staircase leading to a bright galleried landing. The connectivity between the spacious kitchen, conservatory, lounge and dining room makes this home perfect for entertaining. The oak finishings and high ceilings throughout the property add traditional qualities to this modern home to create the perfect balance of modern and classic styling.

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Marley Eternit fibre cement Profile 6 takes no bull Knocknagael national bull stud farm in Inverness has created a healthier environment for some of Scotland’s best breeding bulls by choosing fibre cement Profile 6 sheeting from Marley Eternit.

Profile 6 was specified for the new stud facility, which provides accommodation for up to 150 bulls, because it also created a durable, low maintenance roof covering.

The stud farm provides a bull hire scheme for crofters to ensure they can supply quality stock to the Scottish beef industry.

Knocknagael Farm required a roof covering that would play a part in keeping its herd of high quality bulls in prime condition.

Ensuring a constant circulation of air was a key factor in achieving this because lack of ventilation in farm buildings can result

in sickness and poor health in livestock.

Marley Eternit’s fibre cement open protected ridges were used to create an effective ventilation system in the bull accommodation unit by ensuring a constant outflow of stale, moist air. The width of the air gap created by the open ridge was specifically designed for the number of bulls and size of the building.

Ryan Brown, Director of Robinsons Scotland Ltd, said: “We used Marley Eternit profiled sheeting because it is strong, durable and does not have any issues with maintenance.

We have worked with the product for a number of years and were confident that it would be able to fulfil the brief to create a healthier environment for the bulls.”

Marley Eternit profiled sheeting has an

installed life expectancy of at least 50 years, even in aggressive environments such as livestock buildings where animals’ breath is slightly acidic. Fibre cement does not contain any metallic elements and is not affected by this environment, making it a cost effective roofing solution over the longer term.

Taylor Wimpey West Scotland’s stars shine in NHBC Pride in the Job Awards Taylor Wimpey West Scotland has cause to celebrate after an impressive six Site Managers each scooped a prestigious NHBC (National House Building Council) Pride in the Job Quality Award. This matches last year’s number of awards for the region, underpinning the commitment to quality across the business.

Iain Alexander (Barony Gate in Lochmaben), David McClure (Annick Gardens in Stewarton), Paul Cunningham (The Laurels in East Kilbride), Tommy Stirling (Dunsmuir Park in Kilmarnock), Dougie

Kirkland (Newton Farm in Cambuslang) and Gus Cameron (Cavalry Park in Kilsyth) are the proud recipients of their individual awards and now go forward to the Scottish regional awards final to be held in Glasgow in October to find out who’s the best of the best in Scotland.

Audrey Ross, Sales and Marketing Director said: “Our commitment to maintaining the highest levels of quality, service and customer care has ensured that we continue to be an NHBC award winning house builder year after year. These awards for

six of our Site Managers are thoroughly deserved and we’ll all be supporting them as they progress through to the regional heats and hopefully the grand final.”

As the only awards scheme that recognises the significant contribution of Site Managers in new home construction, Pride in the Job has been instrumental in raising the build quality of new homes in the UK for over three decades.

The regional events take place in the autumn, with the Supreme Awards gala final being held in January 2014.

Lovell selected for £2.1M Pennyburn homes scheme programme began in July 2013.

As part of the scheme, Lovell will demolish 48 flats which currently occupy the site at Glenapp Place and Sundrum Place.

This is Lovell’s fourth project for Irvine Housing Association. The most recent scheme is a mixed tenure development of 48 homes at Bank Street, Irvine.

The Pennyburn scheme was awarded to Lovell, which is a member of Riverside Group’s Cutting Edge framework agreement, following a mini competition.

Lovell Regional Director Alan Taylor says:

“We’re excited to be working once again with Irvine Housing Association to deliver this high quality affordable housing development which will create much needed new homes for social rent in Pennyburn.”

Paul Hillard, Managing Director of Irvine Housing Association says: “We are delighted to be working with Lovell once again. Pennyburn is a really significant regeneration project for us and it’s great that we are going to be delivering one of the promises we made to our communities when we joined Riverside.”

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Glasgow based affordable housing developer Lovell has been chosen by Irvine Housing Association, part of The Riverside Group, to build a £2.1M development of homes for social rent in Pennyburn, North Ayrshire.

The design and build project will create 17 two-bedroom houses, four threebedroom houses and a two-bedroom bungalow designed for a resident using a wheelchair. The development has been designed by Croft Goode Architects.

Work on the year long construction

Gilgen Launches ‘Most Powerful Swing Door Operator’ Gilgen Door Systems has launched its most powerful and silent running swing door operator yet. The technologically advanced FD20 swing drive is designed for the automation of new or existing doors up to 250kg in weight and can also automate external doors facing wind loads up to 50MPH. Due to its strength and Swiss build quality, Gilgen’s new swing drive is ideally suited to tough applications such as hospitals, schools, garden centres and transport hubs.

The versatile FD20 is 50% more powerful than its predecessor and enables easy, contactless and hygienic access for a wide variety of commercial and public sector buildings. Lightweight doors, external doors up to 1600mm in width (EN7) and even fire rated doors can be automated with ease. A range of lintel and door leaf installations is available featuring Gilgen’s optional sliding rod mechanism which offers improved aesthetics over conventional push rod systems.

David Cerquella, Managing Director of Gilgen Door Systems in the UK, explains “We have improved the functionality, power and versatility of our swing drive unit to ensure fit for purpose operation, low running costs and effortless performance.

The FD20 is quieter, more controllable and more attractive than its predecessor and can be tailored to the needs of a greater range of applications”.

The FD20 features a powerful new electro-mechanical drive which is extremely quiet and smooth in operation. The master switch and illuminated program selector buttons are integrated into the side cover of the operator housing for

intuitive operation. Additional control options include radar, motion sensor, contactless detection sensor, foot or hand operated switch or remote control through Gilgen’s F9000 hand-held unit. Adjustable functions include push & go operation, safety monitoring and wind-load regulation for external doors.

An extensive range of configurations is possible for single and bi-parting doors, emergency exit, fire safety operation and bespoke solutions. Safety features are built in as standard and the drive is tested to EN16005 and BIN 18650. Optional safety sensors with ‘reverse’ and ‘stop’ functions offer additional protection for pinch points.

The FD20 unit is also characterised by its fast installation and start-up capability.

Once the unit has been mounted, the user-friendly joystick and integrated LCD display inside the housing can be used to programme the operating parameters such as the opening and closing speed, safety monitoring and reinforced closure.

The engineer can also adjust the power of the return spring to the corresponding weight and size of door.

The Gilgen FD20 is a swing drive operator for virtually any application providing effortless trouble-free access, safety and security. Its attractive appearance makes it compatible with any architectural design thereby enhancing the overall aesthetic approach. For further information on Gilgen’s automatic door range call 0800 316 6994 or visit www.gilgendoorsystems.co.uk

THE MOST POWERFUL SWING DRIVE EVER!

Opening Your World

The exceptional new Gilgen FD20 swing door drive unit is our most powerful and silent ever: • Low-noise electro-mechanical drive unit (oil-free) • Automate doors up to 1600mm or 250kg • Also suitable for exterior doors • Adjustable push-and-go function • Illuminated buttons in the side cover offer maximum control • Optional remote control • Easy commissioning by means of an integrated display • Attractive optional sliding rod mechanism

The Gilgen FD20 combines swiss precision , power and aesthetics making it the smart choice for a wide variety of application needs.

Contact us today for further information.

0800 316 6994 info@gilgendoorsystems.co.uk www.gilgendoorsystems.co.uk

Automatic Doors • Roller Shutters • Security Doors • Fire Doors • Platform Doors • Hermetically Sealed Doors • Sectional Overhead • All Makes Service and Repair

NEWS BS

‘Twin’ schools to open after pilot scheme saves £4M A new secondary school with a ‘twin’ 55 miles away opened its doors to pupils as the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) unveiled £132M savings and benefits secured in the past 12 months across its many work areas.

From the outside, Eastwood High School in East Renfrewshire and the Lasswade Centre in Midlothian may look different, but inside they are almost identical.

The dual developments are the result of a unique collaborative arrangement, established by SFT, between East Renfrewshire and Midlothian Councils.

That arrangement has helped deliver two modern, high quality schools while at the same time achieving savings totalling more than £4M. As a result of this, 20 other local authorities across Scotland are now

working in collaborative groups on their new school projects to achieve similar savings and benefits.

The Eastwood/Lasswade pilot project is just one of many different initiatives and programmes of work managed and overseen by SFT. The Company has secured more than £500M of benefits and savings for Scotland’s taxpayers since it was established in late 2008.

Sir Angus Grossart, Chairman of the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “SFT has made remarkable progress in the relatively short period in which it has been operational, with the clear objective of delivering increased value on public sector infrastructure for Scotland.

“Central to SFT’s progress is that we have worked hard to establish strong

strategic alliances with local authorities, health boards and other public bodies in Scotland. Those alliances allow SFT to bring additional investment and a strong professional ethos to help deliver public sector construction projects.”

The collaborative £65M Eastwood and Lasswade schools pilot project was completed in June 2013, in time for the return of pupils on 14 August and 21 August respectively. Each school has introduced innovative measures including ‘open plan’ toilets designed to defeat bullies, identically designed classrooms and dual purpose common areas. The Lasswade centre also has a range of community facilities open to the public including a swimming pool, gym, library and cafe.

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ISG secures latest university win in Dundee Following two successful contracts with the University of Dundee’s prestigious School of Medicine, ISG has been awarded a £400K contract by the city’s Abertay University to undertake improvement works at its Old College building.

Work has now commenced on the fast-track project to replace and upgrade the roof on Old College, built in 1910 and one of the most historic properties on the Abertay campus, with the project scheduled for completion ahead of the new academic year.

ISG will carefully strip off slate tiles and copper roofing elements from the building and carry out a detailed inspection of the roof timbers, repairing or replacing

any damaged woodwork. The slate tiles will be dressed and the copper replaced as part of the re-roofing work. The scheme also includes improvements to access and safety at roof level, with ISG installing a new fall protection system and replacement bird netting.

Andy Mallice, ISG’s Northern Regional Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Abertay University to improve campus facilities and safeguard the future of Old College. Dundee and Fife are key markets for our Scottish business and we are working closely with the local supply chain to develop strong relationships and provide opportunities for

high quality construction trade specialists – utilising their skills and expertise to deliver important regional projects.”

Founded in 1888 as the Dundee Technical Institute and gaining university title in 1994, Abertay University has become one of Scotland’s leading modern universities, highly regarded for its academic performance in areas such as creative digital media, environmental sciences, sports science, computer security and business, among others. Its 5,000 strong student community includes people from 64 different countries.

Sponsorship initiative paints a bright picture for Glasgow Arts BAM Properties has become the first corporate supporter of Glasgow Arts, in a partnership initiative developed by Glasgow Life which delivers services and manages facilities on behalf of Glasgow City Council.

Recognising the need for sponsorship to support events, Glasgow Life has launched a City Partner sponsorship initiative offering companies opportunities to support the development of Glasgow’s arts, music, sport, communities and museums.

BAM Properties will support City Arts for the next three years. Glasgow, which is one of the most significant cities for culture in the UK along with London, is to host the Turner Prize in 2015.

To celebrate the occasion BAM Properties held a reception at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) which featured an exhibition of work by French artist, Niki de Saint Phalle, and was attended by a number of guests including Councillor Archie Graham, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, John Burke, Executive Director, BAM Construct UK and Michael Smart, Development Director, BAM Properties.

Niki, who died in 2002 at the age of 71, is renowned for her colourful, larger than life sculptures of women, or ‘Nanas’ as they are titled. Made from paper mache, each one depicts the different roles of women, such as brides and mothers.

The exhibition runs until October.

Michael Smart, Development Director, BAM Properties, which is developing a £70M office and retail development at 110 Queen Street in the city, said: “BAM has been involved in developing and building many successful, award winning projects in Glasgow including the refurbishment of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the creation of Riverside Museum, so we’re really pleased to be a founding sponsorship partner of Glasgow Life which will bring great benefits to Glasgow’s citizens and visitors.”

Construction and engineering firms build bridges with the arts the arts in Scotland and the partnership was awarded Arts and Business Scotland matched funding on that basis.

Tom Brady, SPIE Head of Business Development, said: “We were delighted to support Glasgow School of Art over two degree shows. I had the privilege of delivering a speech to the students, many of whom are surely destined to become creative pioneers of the next decade.”

Laing O’Rourke coordinated a pilot project with Art in Healthcare (AiH). Together, the two organisations arranged for 156 artworks from the AiH Collection to be displayed in four NHS Lothian hospitals. It showed how technology could combine with traditional art by using smartphone QR codes placed next to each piece of artwork to further engage staff, patients and visitors.

Alistair Johnston, Laing O’Rourke Project Leader, said: “We believe this was a smart and effective project that improved the wellbeing of patients. The QR codes allowed users to access information about the artists, their creative processes and associated organisations. It showcased direct links between arts and business.”

The winners will be announced at a celebratory dinner in the Music Hall, Aberdeen on Wednesday 30 October 2013. David Watt, Chief Executive of Arts & Business Scotland, said: “The business community is committed to utilising the skills of artistic companies to improve employee and community engagement and to making Scotland a creative, confident and forward looking nation.

By embracing culture and the benefits it brings, these three companies have showed that buying into the arts is the best investment businesses can make.”

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Bricklayers and muddy diggers do not typically sit in the same arena as works of fine art or a top class orchestra. But, times are changing.

Sector heavyweights The Miller Group, SPIE and Laing O’Rourke have all become finalists in the Arts & Business Scotland Awards 2013.

The three companies have recognised the merit of joining forces with arts organisations. The links are creating competitive advantage for future business, while the arts groups are flourishing by having a well known partner by their side.

The Miller Group supported the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) to deliver therapeutic music making activities for national charity Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS). CHAS runs Scotland’s only hospices for children with life limiting conditions. The RSNO provided music making activities at Rachel House in Kinross for children who would not normally have access to live, interactive music.

Stephen Dunn, HR Director at The Miller Group, said: “Partnering with the RSNO to deliver this to CHAS was a highly rewarding initiative for the musicians and our volunteers. The positive impact on the children and their families has been quite remarkable and it makes us very proud. It was good for everyone involved and surely that is the mark of a great partnership.”

Mechanical and electrical engineering firm SPIE was headline sponsor at the Undergraduate Degree Show and the Graduate Show at Glasgow School of Art. The Company also awarded a postgraduate prize to the most innovative project displayed during the show. It was the first time SPIE had sponsored

NEWS BS

Muse Developments contributes to Morgan Sindall’s results Urban regeneration and property development company Muse Developments has contributed to half year results released by parent company Morgan Sindall Group plc, the construction and regeneration group.

Morgan Sindall Group, which operates through five divisions of construction and infrastructure, fit out, affordable housing, urban regeneration and investments, has delivered half year results for the six months ending 30 June 2013. Revenue for the period was up 2% on the prior year at £1,019M, while adjusted gross margin reduced 120 base points to 8.1%. This performance reflects competitive market pressures experienced across all divisions.

In Scotland, Muse Developments, in a joint venture with Aviva Investors, has been appointed preferred bidder by Aberdeen City Council for the redevelopment of the St Nicholas House site in Aberdeen.

The project, which will be fully funded

by Aviva Investors, has an overall value in excess of £10M. Muse Developments proposes to develop a vibrant new mixed-use quarter for the city on the brownfield site which previously housed the Council’s corporate headquarters.

The proposed Marischal Square development will include a mix of houses, offices, a boutique hotel, cafes, restaurants and retail space, as well as public space, a small civic square and a ‘pedestrianised’

Broad Street. The Council will lease the development from Aviva and receive a proportion of the rental profits for 35 years, after which the site and development will transfer into council ownership.

Stephen Turner, Regional Director for Muse Developments for Scotland, said: “We’ve had a great start to the year securing a major city centre regeneration project in Aberdeen in partnership with Aberdeen City Council.

Our strong track record of providing high quality, mixed-use schemes continues to make us an attractive proposition and leaves us ideally poised to take advantage of any new development opportunities that arise throughout the rest of the year and beyond.”

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£92M plan for Edinburgh students moves a step closer A £92M plan to transform accommodation at the University of Edinburgh has moved a step closer to fruition after financiers reached close on a funding deal.

Under plans drawn up by the University, a state-of-the-art facility for 1,180 postgraduate students will be developed across two sites on either side of Holyrood Road in Scotland’s capital.

Construction work is now expected to start later this year with students scheduled to move in on a phased basis over three years from September 2014.

In August last year infrastructure giant Balfour Beatty was appointed as preferred bidder for the project and will be responsible for the design, build and maintenance of the facility over the next 50 years. Investors were invited to purchase bonds in order to partfund the development earlier this month.

In addition to providing accommodation, the building will serve as an outreach centre which will become a focal point for the University’s community based teaching activities and continuous professional development courses. Further, energy for the

facilities will be provided by the University’s Combined Heat and Power Energy Centre.

Pinsent Masons, Scotland’s largest law firm, is advising the University of Edinburgh on the project.

Stuart Barr, a Glasgow based Partner at the firm, says: “This is a landmark project which will change Edinburgh’s cityscape. We are delighted to have been involved on the project during its gestation over the past two years, and this is a significant step forward.”

GILGEN DOOR SYSTEMS SWINGS IN TO ACTION Gilgen Door Systems is gearing up for growth with a newly centralised production centre and the launch of a powerful new automatic swing door operator designed for intensive operations.

The Gilgen FD 20 swing door drive automates new or existing doors leafs up to 250kg or 1600mm in width and can also automate external doors facing wind loads up to 50MPH. The unit is ideally suited to tough applications such as hospitals, schools, garden centres and transport hubs. An extensive range of configurations is possible for single and bi-parting doors, emergency exit, fire safety and bespoke solutions. In addition, an optional sliding rod mechanism offers improved aesthetics over conventional push rod systems.

www.gilgendoorsystems.co.uk

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David Cerquella, Managing Director of Gilgen Door Systems in the UK, said “We have improved the functionality, power and versatility of our swing door operator to ensure fit-for-purpose operation, lower running costs and effortless performance for a wide range of applications”.

Gilgen Door Systems has recently completed the centralisation of its new doors production facility in Alfreton, Derbyshire and has invested heavily in greater capacity designed to address customer demand for both Automatic Doors and Industrial Doors. The upgrade of its Alfreton facility also offers improved order management and quality control. The company’s national service operation, meanwhile, provides repair and maintenance solutions for all-makes and types of automatic and industrial door. Its Safeguard Maintenance Plans enable customers to have complete control over their service levels and budget.

COMMENT BS

Fracking and the planning process Claire Semple, Turley Associates It is clear that hydraulic fracturing has strong support from the government.

‘Fracking’ has transformed the energy market in the US and, should this be replicated here, even to a lesser degree, there will be considerable economic benefits that could last a generation.

This potential, combined with a growing dependency on imported gas, are imperative reasons to explore the potential for developing a secure new gas resource for the UK. It is an unfamiliar and controversial technology and the government has begun to issue a number of documents and reports to provide guidance for exploration of this resource.

On Friday 19 July, the government released its guidance on how the planning system can play a key role in development of this technology. The document provides guidance on the three phases of onshore conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon extraction. It should be read alongside the NPPF, which continues to provide the overarching national policy framework for the determination of planning applications.

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What the Guidance says

The NPPF directs that local planning authorities should make policy provision for the three phases (exploration, testing and production) of the extraction of minerals, including conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons, whilst minimising the effects upon public health and the environment.

There are reports of significant potential for hydrocarbons being available and this hypothetical availability requires testing through exploratory drilling.

Planning for the extraction of minerals is distinct from other types of development in terms of the availability of resources and duration of the extraction. It also requires the appropriate licensing/ permits to be in place alongside planning permissions.

Appropriate provision should be made in local minerals plans. Local minerals plans should include criteria based policies for the assessment of applications.

The guidance recognises that the planning process sits alongside other regulatory processes but directs that the focus of the planning process is to determine whether the proposal is “an acceptable use of land”.

The guidance sets out the key areas for assessment of planning applications. Mineral planning authorities should be satisfied where there is an assessment required by another regulator/body that matters have been warranted sufficient consideration prior to granting planning permission.

Pre-application consultation

The guidance provides a list of what will constitute a valid planning application and acknowledges that “pre-application consultation can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system”. It advocates the use of planning performance agreements in appropriate circumstances. Pre-application engagement should be meaningful and include stakeholders and local communities. Local people often have strong preconceived ideas about these types of proposals; therefore, the approach must be locally focused and avoid the use of technical language. Mineral planning authorities can request information to support applications, but only where this is on an adopted local list. The local list should confirm the supporting information and be “consistent with the spirit of this guidance”.

Vertical and horizontal drilling should be considered as part of one application where possible, to avoid further planning applications.

EIA requirements

Screening should be undertaken to identify the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the planning application. The guidance acknowledges that exploratory drilling operations which do not involve fracking are unlikely to require an EIA. The guidance sets out issues that are likely to be required to be considered by the EIA, including cumulative effects. Whilst EIA is not mandatory, in many cases we would expect it to be carried out on a voluntary basis. This will assist in ensuring that the impacts of development proposals are thoroughly appraised, particularly given that the EIA screening process can be a fertile ground for legal challenge.

There is no requirement for the consideration of alternatives as government policy requires that energy be generated from a range of sources. The guidance acknowledges that extraction is vital for local economies and, as such, significant weight should be attached to this in planning determinations.

By establishing a programme of works with the minerals authority, developers can minimise the potential effects upon nearby properties and the environment as far as practicable. The guidance contains model planning conditions which could be imposed, in order to mitigate potential environmental effects.

Guidance is provided in respect of monitoring, enforcement and restoration.

Restoration is the responsibility of the developer and the landowner by default.

Restoration will be delivered through appropriate planning conditions and Section 106 agreements where applicable. Financial guarantees to cover aftercare are only likely to be used in exceptional circumstances.

In our view, granting expedient planning permissions, where exploration can be achieved, will be critical to capturing the full opportunity presented. The planning guidance should provide a framework which enables this to happen.

The guidance means that there is a greater focus on clearer planning submissions and a more focused EIA process. Submissions should be driven by a transparent engagement process helping to alleviate concerns of interested parties given the controversial nature of the fracking process.

The economic benefits derived from fracking should be given significant weight within the decision making process, consistent with the government’s multi-stranded definition of sustainable development. It will be important for applicants to quantify these benefits and ensure they are given due attention within their submissions as part of the overall case for development. This approach is supported by the guidance.

Claire Semple is Director of Energy Infrastructure at Turley Associates. She can be reached by email: csemple@turleyassociates. co.uk. Visit www.turleyassociates. co.uk for further information.

Claire Semple

BS COMMENT

The height of good sense: ‘Best practice’ in working at height Ian Lofthouse, Buck & Hickman More than 4,000 people a year in the UK suffer major injuries from falls while working at height and it is a major cause of workplace death. While the majority of these incidents occur in construction, other sectors of employment are also affected.

Most of the major injuries are associated with falls of less than two metres. The practice of working at height is also risky for those who might be standing below, through objects such as tools being dropped onto them and causing injury.

The Work at Height Regulations (2005) state that employers have a duty to assess the risks and plan and supervise all workers who work at height. The regulations require all employers to ensure that any task which is to be carried out at height has been properly planned, is fully supervised and that it is only carried out by those who are competent to do the work. They must also ensure that operatives receive thorough instructions and training, and that they are given all the necessary information required in order to carry out their tasks. The regulations cover everything from how workers access working at height to how they and their tools are prevented from falling to the ground.

It is essential that appropriate work equipment is selected and used and that people working at a height are competent to do so. Equipment used for work at height must be properly inspected and maintained, while risks from fragile surfaces must be properly controlled.

Work must be planned, organised, supervised, and carried out by competent persons, using the following hierarchy of controls:

For those who do not work at height very often or are unsure about which type of access equipment to use, it is important that the risks are assessed and the right equipment for the job is selected.

If it is a light duty task that will take less than 30 minutes and the task can be completed mostly with one hand, or temporary access to a fixed working platform is needed, a ladder, step ladder or combination ladder may be appropriate.

If the task is less than 3.8m high and two hands are needed to complete the job, a podium step or folding platform may be required.

For tasks above 3.8m or which need access in the same place for an extended period, a prefabricated scaffold tower may be suitable.

If the work comprises several tasks up to 15.9m high and not all in the same place, the best solution may be a MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) or powered access equipment For longer duration work at height in a fully guard-railed work zone with a larger work area and work load capacity, towers may be needed.

The overriding criteria when selecting equipment for work at height are: use the most suitable equipment; give collective protection measures (eg. guard rails) priority over personal protection measures

(eg: safety harnesses); take account of the working conditions and the risks to the safety of all those at the place where work equipment is to be used.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. It places duties on employers, the self-employed, and any person who controls the work of others (e.g. facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height) to the extent they control the work. It is the responsibility of all companies involved in working at height to know the law surrounding worker safety and dropped objects, and to follow it accordingly.

For more information on the range of products and services available from Buck & Hickman, visit www.buckandhickmanuk. com or call 08450 510 150.

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••Avoid work at height wherever possible where there is a risk of significant injury ••Prevent falls where work at height cannot be avoided by using suitable measures, such as guard rails or work platforms, that protect all workers ••Mitigate falls: minimise the distance and consequences of a fall where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated by using personal protective equipment such as fall arrest systems ••Take additional measures if it is not reasonably practicable to avoid, prevent

or mitigate falls, such as the provision of additional instruction and training, and the demarcation of edges with painted lines ••Set up protection schemes to prevent injuries to people below from dropped tools, securing all tools from falling and taking every precaution underneath workers to prevent any objects that are dropped from falling on those standing below (a claw hammer dropped from 6m is equivalent of being dropped from the second floor of a building, attaining 24 mph/39kph on impact with an impact weight of 117kgs) ••If the workplace contains an area in which there is a risk of someone being struck by a falling object or person, ensure that the area is clearly indicated and that, as far as is reasonably practicable, unauthorised people are unable to access it

CDM CHANGES IN UK WILL IT BE THIRD TIME LUCKY? Although the exact details of the new UK regulatory package are not going to be known until September 2013 at the earliest, the new Construction (Design & Management) Regulations look like they are going to go well beyond the conclusions in the Health and Safety Executive’s CDM Evaluation Report published last year. In this article, James Ritchie, Head of Corporate Affairs at the Association for Project Safety looks at the unfolding issues.

For those of you who undertake construction work in Northern Ireland or mainland Britain, we now know that the likely proposed changes to the CDM Regulations seem to fly in the face of the UK’s Health and Safety Executive’s CDM Review and also do not reflect the Government’s acceptance of the recommendations in the 2012 Löfsted Report. Both of these reports suggested that the CDM2007 Regulations were working well, were not broken, and only required minor changes in the way they were understood and being implemented. It would now appear that the Government’s policy on revising regulations and dealing with an infraction of the European Temporary Mobile Construction Sites Directive (TMCS) ‘demand’ a complete overhaul based on a copy-out of the Directive, irrespective of the quality of the existing CDM Regulations. We clearly don’t know everything that will be in the package – but the suggested headline changes include the removal of competence regulations; omission of an ACoP; design phase co-ordination duties being placed with the lead designer, possibly with a new title, plus the introduction of CDM duties for all projects where more than one contractor is to be working. This last point aims to bring CDM into line with other European countries where domestic projects are not exempt from the requirement to have a coordinator for health and safety.

Maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in the construction industry is what keeps me and my colleagues at the Association for Project Safety motivated. I am sure the same is true of our partners at the HSE. We agree on that, but the proposed revision of the Construction, Design and Management Regulations may

find us disagreeing on how that is best achieved. Unnecessary paperwork is a bad thing. You won’t find many in the construction industry who would disagree.

It does nothing to reduce safety and health risks on building sites, but does impose extra costs on everyone, from the client to the sub-contractors. That’s the last thing the industry needs right now as it struggles to regain its feet and help the economy grow. There is a government-wide effort to reduce bureaucracy through the BIS one-in-two-out initiative for new regulations. The proposed revision of the 2007 CDM Regulations is likely to be portrayed by the HSE as their contribution towards this anti-bureaucracy initiative. But in practice the effect may well be the opposite.

that would fall at the first hurdle. So gains on the one hand, balanced by big losses on the other.

The HSE is thought to be actively considering weakening the competency requirement for all dutyholders in the revised regulations. They might argue that this will reduce the amount of paperwork in the system, but my experience of nearly 30 years in the construction industry is that additional paperwork is actually generated in inverse proportion to the competence of the person. A competent designer, co-ordinator or contractor ensures that only the really necessary paperwork is generated. Less competent practitioners tend to generate more paperwork than necessary in an attempt to cover themselves for any eventuality.

At the last APS Convention, the Chief Inspector of Construction observed that new regulations would need to avoid gold plating – but is it “gold plating” to design something that works – or should we simply produce regulations that ‘comply’ with the TMCS Directive and the Government’s ‘copy out’ instruction? We might well argue that we should not care a fig for the ‘notion’ of ‘copy out’ – if in so doing the protection afforded the workforce by the CDM Regulations is diluted by omitting elements that could make the European Directive work across the UK. If we had the courage to do so, the whole industry should simply tell our politicians that they should think again. It’s not politics they are playing with but the health, safety and lives of those who work in our industry. For that reason, the forthcoming APS Convention in Belfast will be looking closely at the proposed changes, hearing the opinions and learning from the experiences of construction industry leaders and comparing the UK construction industry with other European countries.

Potentially the most effective regulations change being put forward seems to be the introduction of ‘full’ CDM for all commercial or domestic projects on which more than one contractor will be working.

But this will only be worthwhile if those involved have sensible and competent CDM advice available – if they know what to do and how to do it. Evidence to date does not engender great confidence in this! So it must be a matter of serious concern that the provisions for CDM Co-ordination may well be emasculated, with no certainty that those who will carry out those functions, in both preparation and construction phases, will necessarily know what they are doing, are to do, or are competent to deliver – especially if the competence issue is hidden away by reference to the Management Regulations. As an attempt to simplify and make the regulations clearer

The sad thing in all of this is that the construction industry felt that the last set of regulations was a vast improvement on the first set – which the latest suggestions seem to be harking back to. We must simply hope that those producing the ‘third time lucky’ regulatory package are more successful than those who were equally convinced that what they were doing would ‘work the Directive trick’ for the UK construction industry last time around.

(After all some of the changes last time stemmed directly from the reluctance of designers - and especially lead designers to pick up the CDM ball and run with it!).

We have not heard the last of these proposed changes and let’s hope that the final set of regulations do retain a requirement for the appointment of competent health and safety co-ordinators and other duty holders. There is much the HSE could learn from the way the European Directive has been implemented in Ireland.

annual convention 2013 BELFAST

THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY WHAT COMES AFTER CDM 2007?

WED 9 & THURS 10 OCTOBER 2013 Find out more or book your place for this year’s convention at: www.aps.org.uk/aps-convention-2013

Shaping and sharing best practice in construction health and safety risk management

COMMENT BS

NHBC Mark Jones, Head of House-Building Standards In recent times, basements have become a relevant and attractive addition to many houses, but as new claims figures and experience show basement claims by their very nature are difficult to investigate and costly to repair, which can result in significant disruption to homeowners.

A relatively small number of basements – just 14 – resulted in disproportionately high claims expenditure of £3M in the last year alone, according to our latest figures.

Claims on basements built since 2005 have cost the industry a total of nearly £21M – affecting nearly 890 homes.

Changing weather patterns, a growth in the popularity of basements and a push for more sustainable urban drainage mean that basements present an ongoing risk which needs to be effectively managed.

NHBC figures show that large loss claims in relation to basements – those costing over £250,000 – have risen from £400,000 in 2010 to £1.5M in 2011 and £1.7M in 2012.

When combined with other smaller claims, the total costs have risen from around £3M in both 2010 and 2011 to £4.8M in 2012. These figures are expected to rise further as some claims are still ongoing.

NHBC has undertaken two recent surveys of around 1,700 sites which highlighted key problems surrounding the construction of basements, resulting in advice for builders to ensure problems are avoided.

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Main causes

The research found that tanking defects were the main cause of claims – accounting for 66% of volume and 62% of basement claims since 2006. These related mainly to the detailing of joints at ground level, floor level finishes and openings for services, pipes and cables.

NHBC found that over a quarter (28%) of sites surveyed reported high or unknown water tables, but still proposed a Type A (tanked) or Type B (Water resisting concrete) basement which may not be suitable for the site. The majority of the large claims from 2012 were as a result of water ingress and incorrect installation of the damp proof membranes.

NHBC is now looking to revise its standards and guidance on basements, working closely with the industry in general to help improve basement design and construction.

It has advised the housing industry

to carry out suitable desk studies and ground investigation reports before construction as water levels are critical to the structural design of basements. The surveys also highlighted the importance of adopting the correct waterproofing system and water stops to provide enhanced resistance at joints.

Podium slabs accounted for 12% of volume and 17% of cost of basement-related claims, making it the second-largest category.

Recent large losses have involved properties adjacent to the deck surface suffering from rising damp and failed tanking where the membrane was cut to allow for drainage.

Podium decks generally have a greater exposure to the environment, often with decorative features, including paving and planters. As a result it is vital that builders ensure podium decks have a suitable drainage system with allowance for maintenance, especially when using planters or within the vicinity of trees.

One of NHBC’s team of project managers will be involved in any development incorporating a basement, to assess the proposals and help in achieving satisfactory construction; to avoid the risk of delay, sites with basements or semi-basements (for example, on sloping sites where only part of Damage to car due to build up of calcium carbonate deposits as a result of water ingress from the above podium slab

the lower storey forms a basement) should be clearly identified on the Site Notification and Initial Notice (SNIN) when the application for Buildmark warranty is made.

Working with the industry

NHBC will continue working with the industry to help drive down the number of basement related claims and improve standards for those homeowners living in a property with a basement.

This new guidance, as a result of surveying hundreds of live sites, will hopefully inform the industry and help reduce the risk for homeowners having to endure problematic basements and inconvenience - at a significant financial cost to the sector.

For enquires on basements, please call 0844 633 1000 and ask for ‘Special Risk’ for general technical enquires or ‘Engineering’ to discuss structural issues. You can also email technical@nhbc.co.uk.

Technical Extra is available online at http://www.nhbc.co.uk/Builders/ ProductsandServices/TechnicalExtra/

BS COMMENT

Sustainable vision of louvres Simon Hunter, Product Manager the blades multiplied by the width of the louvre panel (or height, if the blades are vertical). Commonly a 1m by 1m louvre is used to quote free area but, in reality, louvres are never precisely this size. In fact, the smaller the louvre, the lower the proportion of free area, as it is affected by the space taken up by the head, cill, jambs or mullions. Free area is also affected by other factors, for example if bird screens or insect meshes are fitted.

Crucially, free area alone does not take into account how the air flows through a louvre. All louvres restrict the passage of air.

This resistance, the pressure drop, dictates how much air gets through the louvre and therefore how much can effectively be used.

Too high a pressure drop and not enough air will be allowed through, which can cause a rapid temperature rise inside a building, in turn causing problems with plant such as generators and HVAC equipment.

Coupled with this, louvre design and performance characteristics have changed in response to demand for better water protection. As a result, specification should also consider site location, prevailing weather conditions and the location and exposure of the louvres (which will dictate air flow rate and the amount of potential wind-driven rain).

However, it is essential that performance is not compromised at the expense of aesthetics. Louvres can be hidden behind features or perforated, but this can increase resistance to air flow. Additionally, most louvres can be shaped, but this can impact on drainage capabilities.

A well-designed louvre will reduce the pressure drop, allowing a larger volume of air through and thus cutting the amount of fan power needed to deliver the required air flow. Conversely, a poorly designed system

can lead to rainwater ingress, inadequate ventilation, wasted energy and a drop in performance, not only of the equipment being ventilated but of the whole building.

Louvres are an excellent way of helping to meet demanding environmental legislation and client requirements for sustainable buildings. However, careful design and specification, balancing ventilation, rain protection and aesthetics, is critical, to ensure improved efficiency, lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions.

Simon Hunter

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Louvre systems can help improve a building’s efficiency and play a key role in sustainable design, says Simon Hunter, Product Manager of Louvres at Construction Specialties.

Public and private sector clients are seeking ever-higher sustainability ratings for their buildings, with increasing use of natural light and ventilation as well as higher levels of insulation, combined with more energy-efficient building systems.

While renewable energy can help improve efficiency, these other ‘fabric first’ solutions can often prove to be more cost-effective over the building’s life. For example, a well designed louvre system, which will already be needed to provide air flow to building systems, can help raise energy performance. If air flow is improved, less energy is consumed in moving the volumes of air required. In the case of HVAC, this can sometimes mean a smaller and less powerful system is required.

There are three main types: screening louvres, standard drainable louvres and storm-resistant (or performance) louvres.

Screening louvres are the simplest, suitable where water penetration will not cause significant problems and economy is the primary consideration, such as screening of rooftop plant.

Standard drainable blades give good air flow and some rain defence, but do not perform so well with wind-driven rain.

They are used when occasional ingress is not a major concern and where some drainage of cascading water is needed.

Performance louvres typically provide moderate to good air flow with excellent defence against wind-driven rain. They are used with sensitive equipment such as HVAC plant.

Louvres are often specified on free area (typically 50%), the clear distance between

COMMENT BS

UK energy crunch in the next five years Part Two - ‘Cutting costs & new technology’

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Shamir Jiwa, Managing Director of MAXIM Eyes energy consultants Previously we looked at the looming energy crunch that is threatening the UK and how we are behind the Europeans on sustainable technology as well as being way over on the cost of energy. So, what measures can be taken to reduce costs?

In the first instance, the UK must become less dependent upon the grid, as that is where the major cost increases will come from. Generating power for own consumption is the second most proactive step one can take, with packages available for most sizes of businesses in the UK. Managing waste and how energy is used is crucial to reducing overall costs, with every business in the UK capable of making reductions, whilst putting measures in place to be more efficient consumers. Creating a long term purchasing plan is vital in ensuring energy prices are fixed and immune to price rises. Energy brokers are capable of securing five-year fixed price tariffs and many at the similar rates as one-year fixed tariffs.

Working towards being carbon neutral is another consideration and in many cases businesses or institutions in the UK can achieve this comfortably within 10-15 years.

What are the possibilities in the UK for new energy sources such as shale gas? The conservative estimate is that the natural gas reserves on planet earth are expected to last 63.6 years (Reserves to production ratio according to BP), but those figures could be significantly improved with the introduction of shale gas. While many see this as a silver bullet solution, nobody quite knows what the cost of extraction is going to be and, more to the point, what the cost to the consumer will be. And whilst fracking, the extraction of gas from shale is seen by many as being disruptive to the environment, already 50% of BP’s gas extraction uses fracking techniques.

Such is the appeal of shale gas, Centrica, the owner of British Gas, is investing £160M into the exploration and development of

shale gas fields at Bowland in Lancashire, just miles from Blackpool. A recent report from the British Geological Society has estimated that there could be as much as 1,300 trillion cubic feet of gas trapped in rocks under Lancashire and Yorkshire, twice as much as previously estimated. However, it is not yet certain if extraction is viable and only 10% of the overall resource may be recoverable. A report from the Institute of Directors in May estimated that natural gas from shale could reduce the amount of gas the UK has to import in 2030 from 76% to 37%, with UK investment reaching £3.7Bn a year and providing 74,000 new jobs across the industry.

Energy from waste is one of the most exciting new developments that could see the UK reduce the gap with Europe.

Combined Heat & Power (CHP) can take waste destined for landfill and incinerate it producing power and heat. With the landfill tax of over £80 per tonne being introduced in 2014 this presents a real alternative to conventional power generation. One such private enterprise is the new CHP plant in Runcorn, Cheshire. This Solid Recovered Fuel Thermal Power Station is part of a Private Finance Initiative waste management project driven by the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority. Capable of treating up to 810,000 tonnes of solid recovered fuel derived from household waste, delivering 174,000 MWth and exporting 100MW of electricity and 500,000 tonnes of steam per year to the local networks. To better understand the efficiency of the plant, a similar facility is planned for construction in Beddington, South London which will recover heat and electricity from up to 60,000 tonnes of organic waste per year, generating renewable electricity to power around 3,500 homes in the area.

In terms of the future, the answers are out there and all we need is a little bit of faith in new technologies. New entrants

into the energy sector bring new ideas and a will to make a difference; that’s what we need and with the proper backing we can close the energy gap on Europe.

About Shamir Jiwa Shamir Jiwa is founder and Managing Director of MAXIM Eyes (UK) Ltd - Energy Consultants & Connections Specialists.

An entrepreneur and philanthropist with a keen interest in the well being of global society, the Maxim Eyes concept is to take a 360 degree view of any company’s energy strategy, identify where the gaps may be and create solutions to collectively fill the gaps. MAXIM Eyes works with corporate clients in over 4,000 locations across the UK. Web; www.maximeyes.net Email: info@maximeyes.net Tel: 0844 871 7711

Shamir Jiwa

BS COMMENT

Strip and rebuild The easy solution for ‘builder’s headache’ Designed to simplify the logistical side of putting in HVAC equipment, a ‘strip and rebuild’ service can take the stress out of installation and cut costs, says Matt Blanchard, Manager, Technical Helpdesk and Workshop, Field Quality Services Desk at Daikin UK. Installing or specifying HVAC equipment is not an easy task. Many factors need to be considered – from the ability to fulfil the heating/cooling requirements and energy efficiency to BREEAM guidelines and building regulations.

And that’s not all. The logistics surrounding installation can also have considerable financial and time implications on a particular job. Crane hire, road closures, time delays for processing applications with local authorities and adverse weather conditions can bring cost levels right up.

This is one reason why many forwardthinking suppliers, including Daikin UK, are now offering a strip and rebuild service. Designed to help relieve some of the administrative burden and to simplify

the logistical side of installation, strip and rebuild, as its name suggests, involves organising to ‘strip’ your chosen unit off-site and ‘rebuild’ it, so that it can be installed with ease at the customer’s convenience.

This kind of service not only helps to solve many of the site-logistical problems, but also helps keep money spent to a minimum.

If you consider the cost of crane hire, for instance, and factor-in application costs for full or partial road closure in London and other major cities – which can cause undue stress when meeting tight project deadlines – then your lifting costs soon start to soar.

A strip and rebuild service is likely to save you money – and costs are transparent so that you can keep track of your budget.

Another issue to consider is that councils advise applicants to allow eight weeks’ processing time for road closure applications. Add in the site survey from your lifting company, along with possible cancellation due to weather conditions, and arranging a crane lift, which can be a long process. A quality

strip and rebuild service will have your unit stripped, delivered and rebuilt at a time to suit you, providing peace of mind.

It might be required, too, because of health and safety regulations that your site is closed or cleared prior to and during the lifting process, thus leading to downtime and lost labour hours.

There is no need for site closure with a quality strip and rebuild service.

One of the most attractive features of Daikin UK’s strip and rebuild service is the peace of mind and the sense of satisfaction it affords when you know that your unit has not only been rebuilt, on time or even ahead of time, but has been tested by the trained and qualified engineers provided as part of the service. The service is fully covered by the supplier’s warranty – and carries a full CE declaration. www.daikin.co.uk

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PROFILE BS

Aberdeen City Council

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Aberdeen City Council’s vision for the city is to make it an ambitious and achieving one.

All citizens are encouraged and supported appropriately to make their full contribution.

The Council is building on its powerful energy position to gain recognition as the UK’s intelligent business city.

It will define the image of an international 21st century energy city, leading a new leaner, cleaner industrial revolution using the intensity of the city’s social, business and community connections.

At the centre of the vision lies the concept of 21st century sustainable living. This will require smarter connections both within Aberdeen and to the world beyond.

With that in mind, the Council is continuing to invest in the city on facilities that will benefit everybody. This includes the transformation of Aberdeen’s Duthie Park, which was transformed to its Victorian splendour and marked with a family fun day and rededication ceremony in June 2013.

Paths and ponds have been restored, terraces and gardens realigned, and boundaries, railings and gates reinstated.

The iconic Mound – with its spiral walkway and flag pole set on a granite plinth –

once more reflects is original design, first drawn up in the late 19th century.

Aberdeen City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) were joint funders of the restoration, which has revitalised the 44-acre park.

Council officials spent hours poring over the original plans for Duthie Park to ensure some of the long lost features of the attraction were accurately restored.

The park was formally opened during the event by Lieutenant General Sir Peter Graham KCB, CBE, last Colonel of the Gordon Highlanders.

Aberdeen City Council Housing and Environment Convener, Councillor Neil Cooney, said: “This is an exciting new chapter in the long history of Duthie Park.

“The restoration project is something that has received unanimous support from start to finish and I must say the finished article is looking stunning.”

The Council’s Director of Housing and Environment, Pete Leonard, added: “What has taken place at Duthie Park is nothing short of transformational and I am sure everyone will agree this project has greatly enhanced the park for all.

“This could not have been achieved without the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the companies involved in construction and the Friends of Duthie Park.

“The public too must be commended for their patience throughout this process, however, the feedback we have been receiving suggests it has been well worth the wait.”

The restoration of Duthie Park was conceived in 2001 and secured a £2.56M grant from the HLF, matched with £2.67M from Aberdeen City Council.

Most of the park and the David Welch Winter Gardens remained accessible while the restoration work in other areas continued. Some areas had to be closed during construction though, to guarantee health and safety.

Work started in February 2012 and was completed in time for the opening at the end of June 2013.

The Council will benefit next year from THE CORE, which will be the city’s largest energy efficient low carbon business park.

Kier Construction recently started work on a large infrastructure and enabling continued page 26 >

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works package worth approximately £6M The package includes the provision of 5.5MW of electricity, new gas, water and drainage supplies, a new access road and landscaping from the A90 at Murcar to open up the 100-acre park in Bridge of Don. The first tranche of works is expected to be complete by October 2013.

This is a significant milestone for THE CORE and is a sign of the developer’s commitment and confidence in a project that carries substantial political support both locally and nationally.

With the commencement of the contractor programme of THE CORE, delivery of the access road will mean new occupiers can be on site in bespoke units as early as March 2014. The programme is designed so that construction can start in parallel with the enabling works.

Brian McQuade, Kier Managing Director, spoke of his delight at supporting such a significant venture in Aberdeen. He said: “We are proud to be associated with this landmark project and to be contributing to the development of the region.

“Our Aberdeen team is looking forward to demonstrating its ability to deliver high standards in both project delivery and quality of product.”

Leader of Aberdeen City Council, Barney Crockett, added: “This is fabulous news for Aberdeen. The level of investment and development in the city is really remarkable, particularly compared to other areas in the UK and Europe.

“THE CORE business park is a fantastic example of the interest the city is generating

and I am delighted to see work getting under way on site, with jobs being created during the construction phase and the prospect of future jobs once this low carbon development has been completed.

“Aberdeen is clearly the place in Europe to be for business. It is the smarter city and the place to invest, live and visit.”

The offices and warehouses will be best in class for sustainability and efficiency and built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ as standard, making it cheaper for occupiers to operate and maintain.

This will also make a significant contribution to help operators meet their carbon reduction commitments. Nick Berry, Partner at Mountgrange Investment Management LLP, said: “The green credentials and substantial savings in running costs combined with proximity to the city centre, harbour, AWPR and excellent amenities will be a major pull for companies and their employees in the energy and renewables sectors.”

THE CORE is a 100-acre site with a net developable area of 90 acres. Initial works will involve the creation of a new access road to the A90 and new service connections.

As the first 30 acres nears capacity, work will begin on the remaining 60 acres. The project will incorporate a 4/5-star hotel and conferencing facility with unprecedented views across two championship links golf courses. THE CORE benefits from the capacity and the flexibility to accommodate any requirement from new multinational HQ’s to typical office industrial units.

A good working environment is increasingly

recognised as a crucial factor in the recruitment, retention, motivation and wellbeing of staff. The most successful companies are putting a great deal of time, effort and resource into developing working environments designed to foster innovative thinking and maximise productivity.

Landscaping designed to encourage bio-diversity, as well as walking, jogging and cycling tracks, will be integrated with neighbouring locations and the city beyond to help busy employees keep fit and make sustainable travel choices. This environment won’t just benefit individuals, but employers too.

Provision for an on site hotel, conference and spa facilities along with restaurants, cafes and childcare centres will add to this world class working environment.

THE CORE’s coastal outlook and relaxing environment will enhance the work experience of employers and employees.

It will be a flagship project for the city and the country.

Also in Aberdeen, the art gallery was awarded a first-round pass for funding of £10M from the HLF for its redevelopment project ‘Inspiring Art and Music’, it was announced in April 2013.

The redevelopment aims to transform Aberdeen Art Gallery and Cowdray Hall into a world-class cultural centre, celebrating art and music in the North East, and providing a focal point for the creative industries and Aberdeen’s Cultural Quarter.

HLF’s support includes development funding of £126,200 to help Aberdeen continued page 28 >

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City Council progress its plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

The project will restore and modernise the buildings, celebrate and bring to life Aberdeen Art Gallery’s internationally significant permanent collections, expand the temporary displays and special exhibition galleries, enhance the visitor experience and allow the gallery to reach out to new audiences.

The redevelopment will also seek to bring a renewed understanding of the third building within the complex – the War Memorial – which offers a treasured place for contemplation and reflection and continues to be the focus of the annual civil Act of Remembrance.

The total cost of the investment required is £30M over the next four financial years.

The level and extent of the Council’s financial commitment to the overall programme includes a sum of £10M to be set aside from the non-housing capital programme (NHCP) for the financial period 2013-17.

It is also anticipated that the Council will raise £10M through other grant funding as well as corporate, philanthropic and personal support. This would be combined with a high profile fundraising campaign led by the Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council, Valerie Watts.

An additional sum of £3M has been set aside from the Council’s nonhousing capital programme in 2013/14 for an enabling project to create a museums collections centre.

This centre, which will open to visitors, will create a single site for all the museums and galleries collections and hold the art gallery collections during the building phase of the redevelopment.

The art gallery redevelopment is expected to begin in the first half of 2015 once the museum’s collections centre has been completed, with the art gallery due to reopen in the summer of 2017.

Mrs Watts said: “The redevelopment will allow the city’s outstanding collections

of fine and decorative art to be displayed to greatest effect and a new suite of temporary exhibition galleries will house large scale international exhibitions.

“Two dedicated spaces for schools and the community will increase the opportunities for people to engage with the collections and events programme and be inspired

by Aberdeen’s culture and history.

“It will also integrate the art gallery and Cowdray Hall more effectively, creating an unparalleled opportunity to connect art and music on a single site.”

Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to give our initial support to the transformation of Aberdeen Art Gallery into a modern venue fit for the city’s wonderful collection.

“This ambitious project will breathe new life into an important building, with an imaginative new rooftop gallery, so that works which have been unavailable continued page 30 >

ARCHAEOLOGY

BUSINESS

CAREERS

SECTORS

Headland is a leading independent company providing heritage consultancy and archaeological contracting services to a wide spectrum of clients within the development industry. Our breadth and depth of expertise have earned us a reputation for delivering outstanding results in meeting our clients’ statutory requirements, whilst actively implementing best practice.

• RENEWABLES • CIVIL ENGINEERING • CONSTRUCTION • UTILITIES • EXTRACTION • TRANSPORT • HOUSING

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• COMMERCIAL PROPERTY • CULTURAL HERITAGE CONSULTANCY • GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY • EVALUATIONS & EXCAVATIONS • SPECIALIST SERVICES:

MARITIME & MARINE HISTORIC BUILDING RECORDING ENVIRONMENTAL OSTEOLOGY FINDS INTERPRETATION

follow us on: Headland Archaeology North East

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13 Jane Street Edinburgh EH6 5HE 0131 467 7705 northeast@headlandarchaeology.com

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Building 68A, Wrest Park, Silsoe Bedfordshire MK45 4HS 01525 861 578 southandeast@headlandarchaeology.com

www.headlandarchaeology.com

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for some time can be displayed in a dynamic and contemporary setting.

“There is huge potential to showcase the arts and culture of the North East in a way in which will not only attract more tourists to the area, but will benefit Aberdonians of all ages as they explore and enjoy their heritage in a gallery of which they can be proud.

“We are excited to see how plans develop for the next stage of our funding process.”

Deputy Leader of Aberdeen City Council, Marie Boulton, said: “This is fantastic news.

The redevelopment of Aberdeen Art Gallery is the Council’s top priority; its location is the very heart of the city’s Cultural Quarter.

“Aberdeen Art Gallery attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year and its redevelopment will inspire and encourage people who live, work and visit here to become more involved with an even bigger range of cultural activity and actively pursue their own creativity.”

Having been awarded a first-round pass for

funding from the HLF, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award, though on some occasions, an application with a first-round pass will also be awarded funding towards development of a project.

Aberdeen City Council’s work was honoured in June at the 11th annual Scottish Transport Awards in front of 300 industry professionals.

Hosted by television presenter Hazel Irvine, the Awards recognise excellence, innovation and progress across all areas of transport in Scotland.

The most prestigious award of the night, Scottish Transport Local Authority of the Year, was presented to Aberdeen City Council. Scotland’s top authority for transport demonstrated that partnership working is at the core of its work.

Working with the regional transport partnership, Nestrans, the Council has developed initiatives such as the

strategic transport fund – which won the Most Innovative Transport Project of the Year Award - and by the end of next year, Aberdeen will have the largest fleet of hydrogen buses in Europe.

Aberdeen is currently developing a sustainable urban mobility plan, a transport masterplan for the city centre and its six arterial routes to maximise sustainable transport initiatives and lock in the benefits of the western peripheral route.

What is even more impressive about the Scottish Transport Local Authority of the Year Award is that the Council did not enter into that particular category, but the judges were so impressed by the quality of Aberdeen’s other entries – shortlisted for 11 – that they put the authority forward as they felt it deserved consideration in the category.

publishing limited

to advertise in this magazine please call

01 257 231900 www.pro-mark.org.uk

Block 2 Unit 3, Inveresk Industrial Estate, Musselburgh, EH21 7UL

Tel: 0131 665 9991 Fax: 0131 653 2589 Email: info@maclinelectric.co.uk

BUILDING

CIVIL ENGINEERING

GRAHAM Construction is proud to have worked in conjunction with Aberdeen City Council on the Aberdeen Aquatics Centre and on the provision of a tailored Facility Management solution for Robert Gordon University.

INVESTMENT PROJECTS

1 Berry Street, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB25 1HF Tel: +44 (0) 122 464 2880 Email: aberdeen@graham.co.uk South Gyle Business Park, 34 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9EB Tel: +44 (0) 131 339 7200 Email: edinburgh@graham.co.uk 1 Seaward Place, Centurion Business Park, Glasgow, G41 1HH Tel: +44 (0) 141 418 5550 Email: glasgow@graham.co.uk

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www.graham.co.uk

ASSET MANAGEMENT

PROFILE BS

Graham Construction

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Integral to subway modernisation in Scotland Graham Construction is carrying out work on behalf of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) as one of three contractors to their £100M station refurbishment programme.

The first of these on the 15-station network is the refurbishment of the Ibrox Station.

Graham is a privately owned company, operating in the construction, asset management and project investment markets, whose primary focus is constructing and maintaining the infrastructure that is relied on by everybody in everyday life.

The Company has a proud heritage of traditional skills and values fused with professional management. It is ranked among the larger construction and services businesses in the UK and Ireland but still retains the core values upon which the Company was built.

Graham has a proud track record of winning contracts through positive personal relationships and work hard to ensure it goes the extra mile for clients, delivering on its promises on time.

Honouring these commitments delivers ‘best in class’ levels of performance for clients, which in turn ensures Graham enjoys long-term sustainable growth.

The earliest records of the Company date back to 1798, though it took until the turn of the 19th century that continuous records were kept.

Graham became incorporated as a limited company in 1955 and since then has successfully completed numerous landmark projects, becoming a leading

player in all areas of building, civil engineering and facilities management.

Today, Graham has more than 1,400 employees and operates from a network of regional offices across the UK and Ireland.

Graham Construction is the largest subsidiary in the Group and delivers building and civil engineering projects for both public and private sector clients.

With a long track record, the Company provides a comprehensive service through design and build, Public Private Partnership (PPP), framework partnering and traditional contracts throughout the UK. Building expertise already gained includes an extensive portfolio thanks to all major forms of procurement. Working through its network of regional offices, the strength of Graham’s building team lies in its ability to combine local understanding with a high standard of service that repeatedly delivers quality construction projects in a safe, professional and sustainable manner.

The Company has worked in a wide variety of sectors, including education, healthcare, commercial, residential, community, leisure, interior fit-out, transport, and hotels.

The civil engineering arm of Graham has a long track record in all aspects of civil engineering from major infrastructure projects in the water, road and bridges sectors to specialist expertise in structural solutions, marine, transport and energy sectors.

Working independently or as part of a joint venture partnership, the civil engineering team has the capability to bring extensive experience combined with local knowledge

to deliver in any part of the UK and Ireland.

This has seen work on roads, bridges, water & wastewater, rivers & marine, renewable energy, structural solutions, transport and nuclear.

The refurbishment at Ibrox Station will create a clean, efficient and more modern, passenger friendly environment at stations, improving the customer experience for those using the subway and where feasible, to incorporate the use of public art.

Work involves replacement of materials to floors, walls and ceilings throughout the stations. Wayfinding, information and general signage for passengers will be improved by rationalising signage and branding, upgrading passenger facilities and equipment, increasing visibility, and using more efficient lighting.

Work will also include a wide range of DDA enhancements and new station offices, making optimum use of space within the station. Ibrox will additionally develop underutilised space for potential retail facilities.

SPT is the Regional Transport Partnership for the West of Scotland. It was formed in 2006 as part of the transport framework created by the Scottish Government, which is made up of a national transport agency, Transport Scotland, and seven Regional Transport Partnerships.

The SPT area comprises the following council areas: East Dunbartonshire, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South continued page 34 >

NorthSouth Communication (NSC) was formed in March 2010. We are predominately a railway oriented telecommunications and facilities company operating throughout the UK. We are ISO9001, Achilles Link up and NICEIC accredited. We have experience in delivering both projects and reactive requests to just about every railway principal contractor that provides a service to Network Rail and Scotrail. We cover a range of works including: Telecoms equipment installation and testing | Electrical installation and testing Facilities maintenance (Biggest CIS maintainer in the UK) | Facilities installation Labour supply and surveying (Labourer through to CRE’s and CEM’s) Design and build | Fabrication

NorthSouth Communication is a multi-disciplined engineering organisation covering both the rail industry and the construction industry.

Our staff are available 365 days a year 24 hours a day to respond to our clients.

Our response team will have the correct trades to meet our clients’ needs within the agreed contract time.

We have a full range of facilities services either PTS or Non PTS. We are link up approved.

Our Maintenance Co-Ordinator will be available to take projects as they arrive. The correct fully equipped tradesman will then be allocated to each new project.

Rail Sector...

Construction Sector...

We have dedicated Telecommunications and Facilities maintenance teams, who are responsible for the day to day running of our operations.

This includes checking that all NorthSouth Communication procedures are being followed in accordance with the relevant criteria. These teams are also responsible for making sure the projects administration is run smoothly, allocating resources and staff to each job to ensure projects are complete within the timescales set out.

NorthSouth Communication provides a comprehensive construction service throughout the UK. We work in both the public and private sectors delivering high quality schemes which span the whole turnkey delivery process. We cover all sectors, combining consistent national delivery through each individual sector.

We, as a main contractor, have developed an end-user perspective.

This leads to a greater appreciation for the construction of the end product with an emphasis on efficiency and continuous, tangible improvements.

Northsouth Communication Ltd: Units 10-12, Block 4, Woodend Industrial Estate, Cowdenbeath, KY4 8HW

Tel 01592 647719 Email: enquiries@northsouthcommunication.co.uk www.northsouthcommunication.co.uk

Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and the Helensburgh and Lomond area of Argyll and Bute.

SPT’s role involves planning and delivering transport solutions for all modes of transport across the region, in conjunction with its member councils and industry partners. SPT is at the centre of the region’s transport planning; analysing all travel needs and developing the transport system for now and the future.

SPT is carrying out a full-scale modernisation of the world’s third oldest subway system.

This focuses on five strategic areas:-

••Modernisation of working practices and terms and conditions.

••Smartcard ticketing system linked to wider integrated ticketing.

••New trains and signalling with automation.

••Refurbished stations and improved accessibility, including escalator replacement.

••Renewing the rail and improving tunnel infra structure.

Work at Ibrox, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013 will be managed and integrated with the ticketing system installation, as this will take place

at all stations throughout this year.

The Framework will be in place for the remainder of the stations, which is expected to run until 2018/19.

The system will remain operational at all times, with the majority of work undertaken outside operational hours.

There are limited opportunities to work during normal service hours at concourse level on all stations and work will have a minimum effect on passenger access thanks to the experience in such projects that Graham Construction possesses.

FORTRESS SEFA One of Europe's leading manufacturers of industrial doors and glass technology. Fortress have delivered industry leading security, environmental, fire and architectural products for over 40 years and have become one of the most respected brands in the marketplace.

We are pleased to be involved with John Graham Construction on the SPT Glasgow underground modernisation Unit 2 Rodney House, Scotts Park, James Street, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3QR

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T: +44 (0)1942 817 489 I

E: info@fortress-sefa.com

www.fortress-sefa.com

BS LEISURE

East Marketgait New Olympia now open Dundee’s eagerly awaited new Olympia Leisure Centre at East Marketgait opened to the public for the summer holidays.

The £31.5M Dundee City Council project, which also includes a multistorey car park, opened on 27 June.

The new premier leisure facility includes an adaptable 50-metre competition pool, a wave pool, rapid river, dive pool, flumes and a fitness suite.

It also includes a dance studio, café, offices, children’s pool, changing village and administration areas.

Sportscotland helped to fund the project with a £3M investment. The Olympia swimming pool is operated by Leisure & Culture Dundee, working in partnership with Dundee City Council.

Councillor Ken Guild, City Council Administration Leader, said: “This is the centrepiece of a massive investment programme that the city council is taking forward for the future of sport in Dundee.

“I am sure that everyone will agree that this magnificent new Olympia has been worth the wait. It is a place that will be enjoyed by families as well as a facility where competitive swimmers can hone their skills.”

The car park includes electric car

charging bays, ticket machines, barrier systems and CCTV. Work also saw the installation of air handling plants, boilers, combined heat and power unit, air conditioning, LED lighting, pool and shower backwash heat recovery system, solar thermal collectors on the roof to heat the pool, pool timing, public address, television, people counter and session control.

As well as the CCTV, security is guaranteed due to door access, a PA system, fire detection and alarm systems.

Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland, said: “We are developing a world-class sporting infrastructure throughout Scotland and a central component of that is helping to provide excellent facilities that are accessible for local communities to use and enjoy.

“The new Olympia is a tremendous asset for the people of Dundee and surrounding communities, and we are delighted to have invested £3M to augment Dundee City Council’s spending.

It has replaced the Olympia Centre, which will make way for the new V&A Museum at the waterfront, due to open in 2014.

Designed by Dundee City Council and built by Mansell, the new Olympia is opened for all to enjoy.

BS PROFILE

National Outdoor Events Association Educating and enhancing professionalism the Security Industry Authority. the sharing of problems and to NOEA is involved in training event managers enhance professionalism. and working on the British Standard for Richard Limb, NOEA President, said the sustainability of event management.

“2013 is looking good with more events NOEA is represented on the business being planned and promises to be a visits & events partnership, The Genesis busy year for us all. The Purple guide Initiative, The Event Industry Forum and the will be completed and the National International Festivals & Events Association Stewarding council launched.”

– Europe. The purpose is to debate issues, www.noea.org.uk share information, network, meet new business contacts, renew old friendships and have fun.

By becoming a member of NOEA, a company becomes part of a specialist ‘club’ of outdoor • Event Staff event professionals.

• Production Staff The ethos of the Association is to • Security bring together likeminded people for Get a quote today business-to-business 0131 554 6261 | diamondeventservices.com networking, education,

Scotland’s Crew Company

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The National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) is the UK’s leading outdoor events trade association covering the whole of the UK. There is also a Scottish division, NOEA Scotland active north of the border.

It is dedicated to enhancing professionalism in the outdoor events industry through education, networking, lobbying, advice and creating business opportunities.

The NOEA membership comprises event suppliers, event production professionals, event and festival organisers, entertainment agencies, local authority events departments, venues, universities and freelancers.

Established in 1979, NOEA is the only trade association specialising in the outdoor events industry and has more than 500 member organisations.

NOEA’s policy to educate, advise and enhance professionalism and business opportunities clearly works. The regional workshops, conferences and annual convention & tribute celebration evenings offer opportunities to find out about the latest developments – to learn about topical issues such as the Licensing Act, Disability Discrimination Act, and

COMMERCIAL BS

The Enterprise Park, Forres

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Space to grow your business Moray is well known for its outstanding natural resources and high standard of living. But, and this is the bit you probably didn’t know, it also offers The Enterprise Park, Forres (EPF) an exceptional environment in which to work. Quite simply The EPF is a premier location for inspiring, innovative companies and a magnet for business in the Highlands and Islands region.

Developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Enterprise Park extends over 100 acres, offering an excellent working environment, with an inspirational range of high quality business units each flexibly designed for office, laboratory, manufacturing and light industrial purposes.

The units have been built with the flexibility to create a bespoke facility with the final fit out meeting your business requirements.

With over 60 acres to develop, the Park has the potential for a number of proposed future units and sites. Indicative unit sizes range from 3,000 to 100,000sq ft, the size and fit out of the future units are flexible and can be built for a variety of purposes.

Using leading construction techniques, the units employ the very best local and natural building materials, with low embodied energy characteristics. The sustainable construction methods ultimately result in energy efficiency savings and lower operating costs for your business. The Park has a range of unique buildings designed by both Colin Armstrong Architects and 360 Architect (unit 11), with the Main Contractor being Morrison Construction.

Most importantly, it’s an environment

that offers space for innovation, growth and development of your business, with Horizon Scotland an innovative business centre at its heart. This has established the co-location of like-minded businesses in close proximity, while recent additional funding from the Scottish Government has enabled HIE to accelerate the construction of buildings and infrastructure.

Situated between Aberdeen and Inverness, The EPF boasts the perfect location, especially but not exclusively for companies operating in the Oil & Gas and Energy sector. The A96 corridor provides easy access to Aberdeen, Nigg and Invergordon, as well as airport links to the rest of the UK and Europe.

EPF is already home to a number of specialist companies who are leaders in their field from life sciences to engineering, including AccuNostics, a medical diagnostics company; business outsourcing specialists Capita; Scotland Electronics International Ltd; Atos – International IT Company; who are leaders in data and information management and Mohn Aqua Group, a manufacturer of systems and technology for Aquaculture.

Within the Energy sector specifically, the EFC Group (Electro-Flow Controls) have just opened up their second Scottish site at The Enterprise Park. The Company was attracted by the facilities at the Enterprise Park, which has access to a skilled workforce and is a convenient location.

They are just one of many success stories.

But it’s not all about work work work.

Moray is the perfect place to live, work and relax. You’ll benefit from fantastic views, clear skies, a peaceful environment and a thriving community. The EPF takes pride in promoting healthy living provision, which includes the path networks surrounding the Park being used by employees to walk, run or cycle. The weather may also surprise you. Moray’s dry climate means the seating areas and picnic benches provide a great place for outdoor meetings.

The fact is that The EPF is the ideal location for companies who work in all manner of markets. Due to location and local market the property costs are very competitive. Strong public sector backing has underpinned the growth and success of The EPF. The investment by HIE at The Enterprise Park, Forres reassures any prospective investor of the ongoing commitment to attracting, developing and supporting businesses that reflect the nature of the local economy.

Property Available

••3,000 sq ft light manufacturing unit ••4,000 sq ft light manufacturing unit ••5,000 sq ft office/ lab/ light manufacturing (fit out to specific requirements) ••Fully serviced office space available within Horizon Scotland Centre ••A number of proposed sites from 3,000 – 100,000 sq ft To find out more visit enterpriseparkforres.co.uk

Civil Engineering, Drainage & Construction Materials

Tel: 01463 713383 www.pdmltd.co.uk

Flat Roof Solutions T: 01473 257671 www.bauder.co.uk

Fairhurst are pleased to be associated with The Enterprise Park Forres

25a High Street, Elgin, IV30 1EE Tel: 01343 543 876 Fax: 0844 381 4412 www.fairhurst.co.uk

We are pleased to be associated with Morrison Construction

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HOUSING BS

Housing Innovation Showcase Award winner for its 2012 showcase Over one year on from the Housing Innovation Showcase, the positive effects are still being felt throughout Scotland.

A partnership between Kingdom Housing Association and Fife Council, it promoted sustainability and demonstrated how new methods of building and construction can be transferred to maintain affordable housing.

The exhibition, which started on 15 May 2012 and ended two weeks later, was visited by more than 2,500 people.

Held in Dunfermline on the site of one of Kingdom’s new build developments, it featured 27 new properties demonstrating ten different Modern Methods of Construction.

The £3.3M Housing Innovation Showcase demonstrated the alternative construction systems and new technologies and how they can be incorporated into mainstream housing projects.

The systems were developed on serviced plots on the site by ten different preferred house system partners and

have been designed to provide very high levels of thermal efficiency.

New homes will cost significantly less to heat, with total energy costs averaging £300 per year for each new home.

Kingdom Housing Association was rewarded for this work this year by landing a string of awards for the Housing Innovation Showcase.

The organisation has scooped a commendation for Best Green Initiative at the 2013 Homes for Scotland Awards after also winning a RICS Scottish Award for Design and Innovation, a VIBES Award for Collaboration and a Green Apple Environmental Award for the project, which saw 27 new low carbon homes for social rent constructed to showcase how alternative building techniques can provide sustainable housing, fit for the 21st century.

Kingdom’s main objectives were to promote sustainability and affordable housing, develop a range of construction house types, address fuel poverty,

deliver community benefits, and provide an environmental benefit.

A range of new technologies, including air source heat pumps, solar thermal panels, solar photovoltaic panels, micro combined heat and power systems, voltage optimisation systems and combined solar PV and thermal panels were also incorporated into the properties.

According to Kingdom, the benefits of this include improved build processes and housing quality, reductions in CO2 emissions and fuel poverty, and boost employment and education.

It says the unique project, which is the first of its kind, also demonstrated how Bronze, Silver and Gold Sustainability Accreditation can be achieved in relation to the Building Regulation Sustainability Standards.

Kingdom will now undertake a two-year monitoring and evaluation programme to include technical testing to compare the design and actual performance.

The fabric of a building gives substance to its thermal performance “Think Fabric First”

by Peter Hall, Marketing Manager, Scotframe

We are pleased to be suppliers to

Campion Homes at the award winning Housing Innovation Showcase

Inverurie T: 01467 624440

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www.scotframetimberengineering.co.uk

In practice, the energy efficiency of a building boils down to a couple of things.

How much fuel is required to power its heating and water systems and how well the building manages to retain the heat that is generated.

Scotframe Timber Engineering Ltd has brought to the market place an innovative and unique new injected PU closed panel timber frame system called Val-U-Therm® which directly addresses these issues.

At the Housing Innovation Showcase site at Dunlin Drive, within the Dunfermline Eastern Expansion area of Duloch Park, Scotframe, in conjunction with Campion have built a four-unit development of cottage flats and two semi-detached houses.

They all incorporate Val-U-Therm®. However, in the semi-detached homes, one has been built to PassivHaus criteria and the other to current building regulations.

Their performance will then be monitored and compared.

Val-U-Therm® panels are factory injected with a high performance PU material, which fills every void, making it exceptionally thermally efficient, achieves extremely low U values and is virtually airtight.

Bill Banks of Kingdom Housing Association said: "Companies such as Scotframe and Campion Homes are continually innovating in the interests of creating a more affordable and sustainable built environment for the future in Scotland.

"The new methods incorporated into the construction of the homes at Dunfermline will make a significant contribution to reducing our impact on the environment and creating more energy efficient homes and commercial properties.”

BS COMMUNITY

Drumchapel Police Station New facility for Police Scotland Kier Group is a leading construction, services and property group specialising in building and civil engineering, support services, commercial property development, structured property financing and private and affordable housing.

Following the acquisition of May Gurney, the Group employs more than 16,000 people worldwide and has an annual revenue of £2.8Bn. Kier has the unique capability to draw on skills and experience from across the Group, offering clients brilliant solutions to challenging projects.

Whatever a customer requires at any stage of the built environment lifecycle, one or more of Kier’s businesses can provide worldclass solutions, individually or combined, locally or nationally.

Kier’s large network of regional offices and its strong relationships ensure that clients’ needs are fully understood and responded to in the best possible way.

And the combined strength of the Group allows Kier to respond rapidly when needs change.

Kier Construction encompasses UK building, infrastructure and

overseas businesses. Kier Services manages and delivers support services to both public and private sector clients, while Kier Property comprises three main businesses: commercial, industrial, retail and mixeduse property development; structured property financing; and homes, including both private and affordable housing.

Kier’s work on the Drumchapel Police Station is expected to complete before the end of the year.

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Work is well underway on the construction of the purpose built police station on Drumry Road East, Drumchapel.

The state-of-the-art office, which will replace the old station on Kinfauns Drive, is expected to cost £3M and was given the green light by the Strathclyde Police Authority late last year.

When work started in January, Councillor Paul Carey spoke of his delight at the progress made, which has seen nearly ten years of campaigning for the new station.

He said: “I am delighted that, after a campaign of nine years by myself with the help of the local community groups, finally Drumchapel and the West will have a new sub division police office to serve them.

“This has been one of the longest campaigns that I have fought for, together with the local community groups.

“I am absolutely delighted that the new sub division police office will be built at the rear of Drumchapel Shopping Centre and I hope this will encourage other major retailers to invest in the shopping centre.”

Chief Inspector Fraser Lamb, Area Commander, said: “Unfortunately, the current offices are not able to support the demands of modern 21st century policing.

“The new office will provide an easy, accessible, modern base from which local police officers can continue to provide the high standard of service that the public of Drumchapel, Anniesland, Garscadden and Scotstounhill expect.”

At approximately 13,000sq m, the facility will provide a modern working base for officers, some of whom were previously working in portable huts.

Kier is the Main Contractor in the design and build contract, with Holmes Miller who developed the client’s design, retaining the key functional adjacencies to improve the visibility of the public entrance, moving it to the south east corner of the building and reskinned the design with the approval of the Strathclyde Police and Glasgow City Council Planners.

PROFILE BS

DTA Chartered Architects Ltd

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Formed in 1985, DTA Chartered Architects Ltd has an established reputation for having extensive depth of experience and ability within a variety of sectors and provide a full range of architectural services including site identification, feasibility studies, architectural design, masterplanning, and planning advice.

The Practice often assists clients with their development aspirations by targeting suitable sites. This has been done for a range of clients, which in turn has led to many successfully completed projects.

DTA Chartered Architects can carry out feasibility studies to establish the suitability of sites to accommodate a client’s specific proposals. These studies are not just architectural investigations but also include the analysis of site constraints and statutory restrictions.

Work is carried out across a variety of sectors including private, commercial, social housing, industrial, leisure, religious and community, and the Practice has a strong track record in all of this.

DTA Chartered Architects believe that commercial needs are always present in every project and, in their opinion, good design brings added value to this basic need.

Every decision taken during the process of

delivering a project is, in essence, a design decision that will affect the outcome. For DTA Chartered Architects design is not an elitist activity, but a collaborative one, and their role is to ensure that projects are conducted in a frank and open manner, which reinforces their commitment to team working, both internally and externally.

The Practice do not have a single style or aesthetic to push on to clients and projects, and instead seek to design each individual project to meet specific needs and aspirations within the existing architectural context and respecting the requirements of local planning authorities.

DTA Chartered Architects is also currently involved in large residential masterplanning projects for a number of blue chip developers. In addition, it has been instrumental in the masterplanning of sensitive conservation areas and brings the expertise gained from the Practice’s involvement in a range of projects to ensure that these masterplans are vital and viable exercises.

Located at Montgomery Street in East Kilbride, Glasgow, the central location of the office allows the Practice to undertake work throughout Scotland and the North of England with road links easily accessible.

With regular flights out of Glasgow International Airport, the Practice has also recently completed a sports hall facility for the Esher Church of England High School in Esher, Surrey, which is a fine example of how the location is ideal for servicing the whole of the UK. DTA Chartered Architects are responsible for the Silvertrees Development design in Bothwell, which will see the development of 60 luxury apartments and penthouses arranged in two blocks fronting onto the curve of Silverwells Crescent.

The development is accessed directly off Silverwells Crescent, which is in a predominantly residential area in the south west part of Bothwell on the lower, southern side of the crescent. The site previously contained an imposing late Victorian red sandstone villa of classically derived style and annex building, in extensive grounds, which was latterly used as a hotel that had undergone a large number of changes and extensions.

Due to the topography of the site and the requirement for in-curtilage parking, it was decided that a structural podium deck/ transfer slab should be created forming lower ground level parking to both blocks with the superstructure constructed

Externally, the circulation zone has been designed with a roof level with the other two zones and acts as a visual break between the administration and education zones.

The education zone seems the most complex part of the building visually, but in reality takes the form of a monopitch section that wraps around three sides of the administration zone.

The monopitch section allows the transition from the scale of the administration zone at the high end and reducing to a lower height at the eaves.

Externally, the intention is to clad the education zone in panels of decorative high pressure compact laminate laid out in a ‘dazzle’ pattern and with colours graded in shades of green from dark at the base to light at the eaves.

This will soften and blur the edges of the building and mask the mass against the retained trees on the site.

Use of the dazzle pattern also allows the variation in size and height of the windows to the internal classrooms.

This not only enlivens the external façade but also affords a differing range of views from the classroom for both adults and children and creates a more varied play of light and shadow in each classroom.

The project is planned to be complete by 2014.

DTA Chartered Architects has a strong track record of quality work, which has resulted in

repeat business from clients, while there has also been a surge in new business as the Practice’s contacts move to new businesses or form businesses of their own and continue to approach DTA Chartered Architects for its services and expertise.

And with the advocate of new social media platforms to increase interaction and business, the future is very bright indeed.

The Company’s website continues to play an important part in the development of the Practice. However, with social media platforms fast becoming a part of everyday life the popularity and ease of use of the content sharing sites has broadened the audience spectrum leading to increased interaction and business.

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over consisting of precast concrete floor slabs on load bearing masonry external walls with external leaves comprising a combination of facing brick, natural stone block and acrylic render to the stairwells.

The top floors to both blocks are formed in timber kit construction with a single ply membrane flat roof over. The extruded location of the stairwells penetrate through the roof, breaking the fascia line and adding height to the vertical circulation spaces that also accommodate the passenger lifts.

Each of the properties are being fitted with a fire suppression and sprinkler system, which allows the flexibility to be open plan should purchasers desire either as a buyer option or future alteration.

Work started in October 2011 and will be complete in March 2014.

DTA Chartered Architects have also recently had planning permission granted for a children’s nursery on the grounds of Crossbasket Castle.

The project was borne out of a desire to provide an inspirational, unique nursery in terms of design and service.

In achieving this, the client intends to fully utilise the exceptional setting of the Crossbasket Castle Estate as both an educational and aesthetic background.

The single-storey nursery building has a rectilinear design and is approximately 624sq m. It will accommodate children from all ages up to five years, including a significant element of baby care. There will be facilities for approximately 20 staff and a secure outside children’s play area.

The nursery will be split into three main zones – administration, circulation and education. The administration zone is the smallest of the three and takes its visual cues from the design of the North Lodge building at the main entrance to the estate.

Like the North Lodge, it will have an exterior finish of natural stone, although it is the Practice’s intention to retain the natural stone’s colour rather than applying a paint finish as is currently on the North Lodge.

The circulation zone forms the internal ‘street’ in the nursery and is characterised by extensive glazing in the form of the screens to the external walls and an almost continuous rooflight that will afford excellent levels of natural daylight throughout the building.

COMMERCIAL BS

Scottish Water New National Operations Centre Work on the construction of Scottish Water’s new National Operations Centre and replacement Glasgow office accommodation has now been completed.

The new facility is a purpose built, energy efficient, low carbon office environment for staff. It is a three-storey, 7,300sq m building located on the north east outskirts of Greater Glasgow, close to the motorway network.

It also features a biomass boiler, thermal water heating and photovoltaic panels, which utilises renewable energy to provide heating, hot water and electricity from wood pellets and sunlight.

Located at Buchanan Gate Business Park, the new facility replaces Scottish Water’s Glasgow offices at Balmore Road in the Possilpark area of the city, which are unsuitable for future business needs.

Major earthworks take place to form a level surface for the car park, and as part of recycling targets, all the 30,000cu m of earth remained on site rather than being removed. This greatly reduced construction traffic on the local roads.

Designed by Reiach and Hall Architects, the building has large open plan spaces and a fully glazed atrium and entrance,

flexible floorplates to accommodate future changes to working patterns, upper floor meeting rooms with terrace access taking advantage of views, a dedicated emergency planning suite and an in-house café/restaurant addressing internal atrium and external social space.

The car parking spaces total 450 and there are 28 cycle spaces. With showers and changing available, it makes cycling to work a great option.

Externally, the building is made of very high quality durable materials with minimal maintenance required, and a depth of façade design to reduce solar gain and allow high levels of daylight.

The site was designed to enable vehicular separation of deliveries, staff and visitors, and drop-off points, while natural ventilation with automated opening vents are incorporated, using stack effect in atrium.

On site renewables will help to reduce the carbon footprint and the development is designed to British Council for Offices Best Practice Standards.

The building offers a highly prominent location within the Park, which benefits from the fantastic transport links afforded by the M80, nearby Stepps

railway station and bus connections.

William McAlister from Scarborough Group, said: “Buchanan Gate Business Park is a thriving area with excellent access to Scotland’s entire central belt.”

It is the ideal location for Scottish Water’s headquarters, which offers the highest quality of office accommodation.

BAM Construction was the Main Contractor for the £15M National Operations Centre for Scottish Water.

BAM delivered an ultra sustainable new build office with a new intelligent data control centre, with urban drainage systems and rainwater harvesting to further boost the building’s environmental performance.

BAM has expertise that includes the development of the stunning Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum in Glasgow and the refurbished Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

BAM Properties is behind the Clarion Building, the sale of prime retail space in Buchanan Street and also developed 110 Queen Street.

Work started on site in February 2012 and was completed this summer.

rankinfraser landscape architecture

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6 D a r n a w a y S t r e e t E d i n b u r g h E H 3 6 B G , 0 1 3 1 2 2 6 7 0 7 1 , w w w. r a n k i n f r a s e r. c o m

BS PROFILE

Stirling City Heritage Trust Maintaining the city’s historic environment undertaken a pilot Façade Enhancement a vital contribution to the status of Stirling Scheme (FES) in King Street. This as an important tourist destination. involved the conservation and repair The Trust’s work is so important because of six shop fronts of varying ages from enhancing these buildings through Victorian to 1950s, all listed buildings. grant schemes offers building owners Designs were prepared by The Pollock the opportunity to improve and repair Hammond Partnership, who also their buildings, helping to reduce project managed the works. vacancy and ensuring that the traditional Where historic fabric survived, it was properties have a long and useful life. carefully conserved and new materials were then introduced to enhance the existing traditional features including new stone cladding to some shop fronts.

This scheme has now been extended to the rest of King Family run business, that was established in the Street and the 1980’s, providing a high quality building service to Trust is currently in both home owners and commercial developments active discussions with a number of building owners.

Future work is anticipated to include repairs to roofs, stonework and guttering as well as conservation and enhancement of shop fronts.

Services: This grant scheme • New Homes • Home Extensions • Home Renovations will operate until • New Kitchens and Bathrooms • Dormer Extensions 2015 and will ensure • Commercial Property • Full Architectural Design Service that the economic heart of Stirling Why not give us a call to discuss your project! receives appropriate funding to Hannigan Construction Ltd regenerate, enhance 13 Smith Street, Bainsford, Falkirk FK2 7NB and conserve the Telephone: 01324 679779 important historic Email: info@hanniganconstruction.co.uk buildings located www.hanniganconstruction.co.uk in the area. This townscape makes

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Established in 2005, Stirling City Heritage Trust operates within the city of Stirling and is one of seven heritage Trusts that exist within Scotland.

Based within Stirling Council’s offices at Municipal Buildings, the Trust aims to inspire communities, organisations and businesses within the city to appreciate and take pride in the heritage around them and to stimulate debate on how it should be passed on to future generations.

The City of Stirling has an exceptionally rich heritage of buildings, spaces, gardens, landscapes and archaeology and there is great scope to widen the understanding and appeal of all heritage areas and items in the city.

The Trust’s vision for the city’s historic environment is that this rich resource can be better and more widely understood, appropriately conserved and enhanced for future generations, capable of providing a vibrant context for modern day activity, and be a catalyst for environmental, cultural, economic and social change for the better.

The primary objective of the Trust is the distribution of grants within the Stirling Town Conservation Area focusing on King Street to encourage and promote the economic development of the city centre through heritage.

The majority of the funding comes from Historic Scotland, who also fund the other six City Heritage Trusts, with additional funding provided by Stirling Council.

The secondary role is to support and provide advice and information to the local community on its historic built environment including homeowners, businesses, local voluntary groups and other organisations.

Work is also carried out to promote research into the heritage of Stirling.

A Board of Trustees oversee the organisation on a voluntary basis, with day-to-day management undertaken by two managers who operate on a job share basis.

Stirling City Heritage Trust has recently

PROFILE BS

University of Edinburgh

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Continuously improving its estate The University of Edinburgh has continued in its quest to make improvements all across its campuses.

This will see a number of improvements in the coming months and years.

One such project currently underway is David Hume Tower, lower ground floor teaching hub. The refurbishment of the David Hume Tower basement will provide a contemporary teaching hub for the central area.

Teaching accommodation and social space is organised around a new sunken garden with glazed links to the David Hume Tower lecture theatres and directly onto George Square.

The project commenced in January 2013 and will be built by Mansell.

Work should be completed in time for the 2014/15 academic year.

Development at 50 George Square started in May last year. This will see the refurbishment for the Schools of Literature, Languages and Cultures.

The refurbishment of the former William Robertson Building facilitates the colocation of all three of these Schools in a contemporary building in line with estate and college strategies.

The building adopts many of the solutions successfully implemented in the now completed Business School including a new glazed top storey and the opening up of the internal plan to the views out to George Square and Salisbury Crags.

Significant energy savings are achieved in the new building through connections to the University’s central combined heat and power (CHP) system along with new windows and insulation to contemporary standards.

New hard and soft landscaping around the building and adjacent podium will also be addressed. The Main Contractor is Balfour Beatty and this project, like the David Hume Tower, should be completed

in time for the 2014/15 academic year.

The University is also getting a brand new community heating system, which will be created by Vital Energi.

The sustainable energy specialist, with offices in Blackburn and London, is designing and building the Holyrood CHP Energy Centre and district heating system, and was selected for its ability to deliver large scale projects to tight timeframes.

The Holyrood CHP project will provide a low carbon solution to providing heat and electrical power to buildings between High School Yards and Holyrood Campus.

These will include a significant number of buildings operated by Accommodation Services as well as CSE and core academic buildings. The installation of the high capital cost CHP plants will be phased with a second plant installed to coincide with the Holyrood North development.

The University’s Climate Action Plan 20102020 document sets out aims to achieve 29% carbon savings by 2020 against a 2007 baseline – with interim target of 20% savings by 2015 – as part of a contribution towards national targets set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.

Investment in energy infrastructure projects including George Square Phase II, of which this is a significant part, has been identified as a strategic objective to help achieve this low carbon vision.

The Holyrood CHP scheme does not include connections to the existing George Square infrastructure or Old College Area owing to financial constraints, even though this would be highly desirable from a technical perspective to improve resilience and availability of energy supply.

The design team produced option studies to consider the viability of various forms and massing for the energy centre. On the basis of minimising costs, it was considered that a simple stand alone ‘box’

plant room to the rear of St Leonard’s Land emerged as the preferred option.

However, local planners were not very responsive to this option so further work was undertaken to convince planners that this was the only viable site. It resulted in the loss of approximately 15 car parking spaces on site.

Phase I of the work at Holyrood includes design and build of the energy centre and district heating network.

Work began in September 2012 and will be completed next month.

The new energy centre is being built next to the University’s Centre of Sport and Exercise.

More than 4,000m of district heating pipe and high voltage cable will allow the University of Edinburgh Utilities Supply Company to supply heat and power to 12 existing buildings on the University’s city centre campuses.

Phase II of the project starts in May 2015 and ends in October 2015, and includes the connection of the two proposed Holyrood postgraduate accommodation blocks and extension of the district heating network. Vital Energi has also been invited to tender for the ten-year operations and maintenance contract for the CHP engine.

The University of Edinburgh Utilities Supply Company’s new community energy scheme will make a significant contribution to the reduction of the University of Edinburgh’s carbon footprint.

When awarded the contract in November 2012, Ian Whitelock, Joint Managing Director of Vital Energi, said: “Logistically this is a challenging project but Vital Energi has years of experience successfully delivering sustainable energy solutions in difficult circumstances.

“We are adept at overcoming all kinds of obstacles including difficult terrain, restricted access continued page 46 >

Supporting important projects across The University of Edinburgh's Estate CURRENTLY SUPPORTING:

PREVIOUS PROJECTS HAVE INCLUDED:

• Refurbishment of The David Hume Tower Basement as Cost Consultants • 50 George Square (formerly the William Robertson Building) refurbishment and extension works as Cost Consultants.

• Holyrood Student Residences as Technical Advisors

• Main Library Redevelopment Project providing move management over 5 phases • The John McIntyre Centre, providing Quantity Surveying Services • Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Ashworth Extension, Kings Buildings providing Quantity Surveying Services • Providing advice on The Medical Academic Centre at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary as part of the University’s professional team • An array of refurbishment, upgrade and new build projects across the University’s Estate

Thomson Bethune is one of Scotland’s most successful home grown Property and Construction Consultancies. With nearly 40 surveyors based within the Company’s Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, covering projects across Scotland, it is very well placed to offer the local support and expertise necessary in many projects. Although the Company has great regional ties and a stronghold in the Scottish marketplace, the quality of its service has shone strongly outwith local borders with clients and projects across the UK, Europe, Asia the Middle East and North America.

Celebrating its 40th year in business last year, the company is growing from strength to strength. Thomson Bethune continues to buck the trend with staffing and turnover increasing by 40% since 2008. This period has also seen client retention figures of 80% repeat business, offering an important reflection of the continued quality and service delivered by the team.

Further info on our services can be found on our website – www.thomsonbethune.co.uk.

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Excellence in Interiors

to sites and tight timeframes.�

Schemes like this are tackling the wider challenge that universities are facing across their estates – stringent Carbon Management Plan (CMP) targets placing a year-on-year obligation to mitigate emissions, while rising utility costs and resilience issues are squeezing already tight budgets.

Buro Happold, who is part of the development team on the University of Edinburgh’s Holyrood CHP, has significant experience of operating within the Higher Education Sector and has direct experience of working with universities to address these challenges.

The Company knows that the sector is being faced with increased costs due to the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), threats of reduced funding if targets are not met and an overarching necessity to attract students with a brand that demonstrates sustainability.

Buro Happold also understands that while

universities are keen to explore larger scale infrastructure projects, such as CHP and district energy networks, they have concerns over selecting the correct technology, capital costs, future flexibility and the resilience of their energy supplies moving forwards.

The key is to have a joined up strategy that can meet both the energy and carbon mitigation requirements of each campus today, whilst providing a flexible and adaptable plan over the longer term.

The University of Edinburgh Holyrood CHP scheme achieves this, through the design of new heat

Principal Fit-out & Refurbishment Contractor Framework Contractor to the University of Edinburgh.

GHI have a strong track record in all tiers of Education, and have successfully delivered over 40 projects for this valued client, including the Reid Foyer, Fleeming Jenkins & Ashworth Laboratories, Pollock Halls and Kincaid's Court (pictured).

www.ghicontracts.co.uk

and power networks that will in future be connected to further buildings. Carbon savings in the order of 2,000 tonnes per annum are predicted for the scheme.

CBES Ltd are proud to support The University of Edinburgh in their drive to roll out CHP systems and reduce emissions

CBES areas of expertise include the delivery of: New Build | Commercial Fit-out | Refurbishment M & E | Energy Management & Consultancy

CBES Ltd part of the City Holdings Group Tel: 0845 674 0017 Email:cbes.sales@city-holdings.co.uk www.cbes.co.uk Caledonia House, Lawmoor Street, Glasgow, G5 0US Company Registration No: SCO288763

PROFILE BS

Historic Scotland Long-term restoration

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COMMUNITY BS

Historic Scotland is an agency within the Scottish Government and is directly responsible to Scottish Ministers for safeguarding the nation’s historic environment, and promoting its understanding and enjoyment.

Formed in 1991, its role is to deliver policy and advise on all aspects of historic environment on behalf of Scottish Ministers. Historic Scotland also carries out statutory functions relating to two acts of parliament – the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which allows the Agency to schedule sites of national importance and take them into care. The other act is the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 that grants the authority to list structures for their architectural or historical importance.

One of Historic Scotland’s major programmes of work is East Ayrshire Council’s Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

Aimed at promoting, preserving and enhancing the traditional character and appearance of properties in Kilmarnock, Cumnock, and most recently Galston, CARS makes grant aid available to commercial and residential properties.

While the Kilmarnock and Cumnock

schemes have been in operation for some time, new plans to regenerate Galston were unveiled at a public launch in May. The meeting included a presentation from the Galston Community Development Trust, a charity set up in 2012 to oversee Galston’s future development.

Like the other two towns, Galston is home to many fine buildings of historic and architectural value, but time, weathering and prohibitive costs of repairs have led to some falling into disrepair.

CARS offers grant assistance, support and advice to building owners, enabling them to carry out sympathetic repairs, fitting them for use in the 21st century.

Jointly funded

by East Ayrshire Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland, all work is undertaken by experienced contractors

following strict guidelines as to materials and methods used. By making buildings wind and water tight, repairing roofs, guttering and windows, business and residential properties can be given a new lease of life.

North Berwick Museum and Library Encouraging combined use of facilities The refurbished North Berwick Museum and Library opened to the public this summer, with the inaugural exhibition ‘Open for the Open’.

The exhibition was a celebration of East Lothian’s historic golf course, covering the history of the game, its rise in popularity, and the return of the Open Championship to Muirfield, which took place in July.

This exhibition displayed some of the fascinating artefacts owned by local golf clubs and items from the Council museum collection.

There were activities for children and families, with opportunities to discover more about the Museum and how to support its future development.

The Coastal Communities Museum is an exciting new partnership between the Coastal Communities Museum Trust and East Lothian Council. The fully accessible museum represents the North Berwick Coastal Ward including the communities of Aberlady, Dirleton, Gullane, North Berwick, Whitekirk and the hinterland.

The Museum and Library share an entrance to encourage combined use of these facilities. They act together as

an educational resource using a tutorial room as a base and providing facilities with all the latest releases available for hire. to schools and to the public for research, The building is fully accessible, with such as investigation of family history.

The extended library premises are bright and a lift providing alternative access to the Museum upstairs. spacious, offering more display and casual The Architect was East Lothian Council seating areas, a dedicated children’s section, and the Main Contractor was T+A exhibition space, three interview rooms, Kernoghan. The building opened in July. which will be used by council departments to meet with local residents on a whole range of Wardell Armstrong are pleased to have provided topics and The Engineering Services to North Berwick Museum Vallis Room, which may be booked and Library by local groups and organisations during library opening hours.

As well as the public access computers, there is free Wi-Fi Wardell Armstrong LLP throughout the building as well as Suite 2/3 Great Michael House, Edinburgh EH6 7EZ photocopying and T: +44 (0) 131 555 3311 printing facilities.

There is also a brand www.wardell-armstrong.com new DVD collection

BS HOUSING

Maryhill Locks Putting people and places at the core of a new community the designs of which respond positively Designed by Hypostyle Architects and to the latest Designing Streets guidance. built by City Building, work on Phase II is All work is being undertaken for Maryhill complete and has taken the Association’s Housing Association, which is a charitable, housing stock way past the 3,000 mark. community-based housing association By 2015, residents and visitors from operating in Maryhill and Ruchill to improve across Glasgow and beyond will recognise and build, manage and maintain houses.

Maryhill Locks as a special place and The Association began in the Eastpark will be drawn to the area to enjoy its area of Maryhill. From there, it spread to unique setting and attraction. cover other areas such as the Burgh Hall area, the Village area, Garrioch and Ruchill. Members of the management committee come from all of those areas.

When the Association started out in 1977, it was known as Eastpark Housing Association. A year later, in December 1978, Providing and erecting scaffolding and access the first contract to all types and sizes of project from as little as at 15 Leyden Street a single roof / wall repair to the complete involving eight flats went on site. build / refurbishment of a General Hospital.

The Association celebrated 35 years A. S. Scaffolding Ltd of service last year, 98/130 Glenpark Street, Glasgow G31 1NZ during which time it has housed a Tel: 0141 556 7082 wide section of Email: admin@as-scaffolding.co.uk the community. It www.as-scaffolding.co.uk includes housing for all sizes of family, sheltered and amenity housing for the elderly, Scotland’s wheelchair users, Largest Independent and a few houses Scaffolding Company for people with learning difficulties or profound physical handicap.

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Maryhill Housing Association’s vision for the future is taking shape at Maryhill Locks, which has moved another step closer to its final target of providing 800 residential units in an exemplar and sustainable community within Glasgow.

Work will provide regeneration of this inner city Glasgow site at Gairbraid Avenue, which is a short distance from the main artery of Maryhill Road, connecting the area to the wider city.

The site lies within the area of Maryhill known as The Valley. It is bounded by various types of residential development to the south, and by the Forth & Clyde Canal to the north east.

One of the main features of the site is the challenging topography that rises steeply from Gairbraid Avenue to a peak at the north of Burnhouse Street, before dropping down towards the canal at the north east.

Maryhill Locks Phase II has recently completed and is one of only 11 projects awarded Scottish Sustainable Community status by the Scottish Government – an initiative that aims to create places that are ambitious and inspiring, raising standards and developing skills in design, architecture and sustainable construction.

This phase has provided 125 homes, with 106 for social rent and the remaining 19 for the New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) initiative or mid-market rent.

NSSE is a Scottish Government initiative that helps people who would not otherwise be able to purchase by providing grant assistance.

Before this phase, the first provided 35 homes for social rent, putting Maryhill Locks well on its way to becoming an urban village.

Supported by ancillary shops and community facilities, this project showcases the ambition to create an urban village by delivering a rich mix of housing from one-bedroom apartments through to family houses, at the level of each individual street,

PROFILE BS

Glasgow City Heritage Trust Enhancing and promoting the city’s historic built environment Glasgow City Heritage Trust works to repair and conserve Glasgow’s historic built environment and celebrates, explores and promotes debate about the unique built heritage in the city.

This is done through grant-aiding historic building repairs and conservation work, giving advice, co-ordinating and funding training, and hosting a range of exhibitions, lectures, special events and school projects.

The Trust has invested approximately £6M since its 2007 conception into conserving, enhancing and promoting Glasgow’s historic built environment, supporting and enabling 80-110 projects a year.

More than 80% of total project costs in most of he Trust’s funded projects are invested by the private sector, leveraging substantial economic investment into the city’s built environment.

The main purpose of the Trust is to administer building repair grants, grantaiding up to 40% of the cost of external building repairs to historic properties, to a maximum of £100,000. This is to help preserve and enhance the unique character of the built environment within

Glasgow’s 24 conservation areas and to listed buildings throughout the city.

Eligible projects are not just ‘landmark’ public buildings but domestic properties including tenements and public realm improvements including historic lighting reinstatement and railing repairs.

These grants offer an incentive for owners when undertaking repairs to their historic buildings to do so in the correct conservation manner.

Major repair projects for the Trust this year have included comprehensive work to Moray Place, a Category-A listed terrace designed by Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, and a full repair and conservation project for 164 Buchanan Street, a commercial property on one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe.

In addition to building repair grants, Glasgow City Heritage Trust supports education, training and heritage promotion projects in the city that focus on the historic built environment.

Through their own initiatives and in partnership with others, the Trust manage a range of projects including a series of CPD sessions for professionals, collaborative

PRESERVATION WINDOWS SASH & CASE WINDOWS SPECIALIST

research projects with city universities, monthly lectures and special events, and have grant-aided films about Glasgow, interpretation materials exploring specific Glasgow buildings, heritage trails, exhibitions and an international conference in 2010.

More than £250,000 has been invested since 2007 into these educational projects, with grants up to £5,000 available for not-for-profit organisations to apply for.

With the Commonwealth Games now fast approaching and Glasgow getting ready to be in the spotlight, it is an exciting time for the city and the Trust.

S & S Stonemasons Ltd Specialists in all aspects of stonework from restoration, conservation and new builds

Clydebank: 07775 992 965 / Motherwell: 07944 364 349 www.sandsstonemasons.co.uk

Manufacture of sash & case windows, wooden windows, and timber windows and frames.

All Windows Manufactured From Hardwood Timber All Timbers Sourced From FSC • Single & Double Glazed Units Design, Supply & Installation • Supply Only Repair & Draft Proofing Service • Conservation/Listed Building Areas Domestic & Commercial Trade Suppliers Repair & Draft Proofing Service • Established 11 Years

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Unit 6, The Shades Building, Woodilee Industrial Estate, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow G12 9AS Tel: 0141 776 6186 Mob: 07973 820 855 Email: info@preservationwindows.co.uk www.preservationwindows.co.uk

Timber sash and casement windows specialists, established 2003

www.gtwindows.com

BS COMMERCIAL

Edrington Group expand facility at Speyside For nearly 200 years The Macallan Whisky brand has been sourced in the idyllic area of Speyside. The whisky has been distilled at its current site in Overton, near Craigellachie, since the late 1980s, though recent investment has been underway to enhance the brand further. In order to supply more top quality matured whisky, there was need for an increase in the storage space at the site and this year has seen the completion of two maturation warehouses.

Work started on the Overton Farm site, owned by the Edrington Group, in March 2012 and was carried out by Scottish based Robertson Construction to a total of ÂŁ9.5M. The warehouses are split into three cells, each with a floor area of 2,000sq m, totalling a storage space of 12,000sq m, and include a dedicated racking system designed and installed by Link 51.

The steel constructed racking system will hold nearly 23,000 500 litre butts or

puncheons and 8,000 250 litre hogsheads include space after every other row with once fully loaded. This gives the distillery a walkway and particular attention was adequate storage for nearly 13.5m litres of taken to the runners for the casks as they whisky to mature for its required minimum 12 year period and increases the total production of the facility to 10m litres, from 6.5m.

The system stores the butts and puncheons to a height of eight Stuarts Concrete Flooring, part of The Purvis Group, levels and the were delighted to be entrusted by Robertson hogsheads at Construction Northern to carry out the supply and 10 levels. For installation of the in-situ reinforced concrete floor slabs adequate access to 2 No warehouses and associated external service to the storage roads at Overton Warehouse Complex, Aberlour for casks the storage system had to MaCallan. Each internal floor equated to 6000m2 of new concrete floor slab. The slab was laid with our SXP Laser Beam Screed in six days per warehouse and included 2400m3 of concrete and a double layer of reinforcement and a power trowelled finish to FM2 standard. The surrounding roadways were laid in large pours to an area of approx 900m2 (1800m3 of concrete (Scotland) Limited with Adfil Durus s300 structural fibres) complete with brush finish to the surface.

Founded in 2006, our company provides support to the commercial,

local authority and private sectors with its full range of landscaping installation, all aspects of tree and forestry work and aftercare services throughout the Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Morayshire and the Highlands.

Tel: 01592 780492 www.purvisgroup.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)7939 652 611 (General Enquiries) Tel: +44 (0)1466 711073 Fax: +44 (0)1466 711073 Email: info@mblandscapes.co.uk www.mblandscapes.co.uk

Your One Stop Shop For All The Construction Services You Will Ever Need

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Whitehills Farmhouse, Cairnie, By Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4TB

had to be at the correct angles in order The two new warehouses are just part of to allow no damage to the casks when an overall investment plan for Macallan by moving in and out of the warehouse. the Edrington Group, as this development is When talking about the storage system just one of a series totalling six warehouses George McKenzie, Chief Engineer at the and planning permission granted for a Macallan distillery said: “Link 51 has given biomass plant at the site in March this year. us the racking system we were looking for.”

Edrington Group Operations Director In addition to the racking system, installation Graham Hutcheon commented on the of a sprinkler system and a central battery investments: “This new facility will provide inverter system for emergency lighting yet another firm foundation for the future. were carried out. These features allow for We must invest in new infrastructure that extra safety within the buildings due to the will allow us to increase our production flammable quality of the product stored. capacity and sustain the brand’s growth The units of the converter system have been potential, as worldwide demand for located away from the casks for additional The Macallan is at an all-time high.” safety. Special consideration was taken on site to ensure no contamination occurred in the River Spey during Electrical Engineers and Contractors excavation of the site, with silt being 42 High Street, Rothes, Aberlour AB38 7AY removed from Tel: 01340 831302 the groundwater prior to flowing E-mail: fraserandsons@btconnect.com into the river.

I FRASER AND SONS

FIRE SPRINKLER DESIGN AND INSTALLATION Ross Fire Protection are pleased to be associated with Robertson Construction Northern Ltd, Blyth & Blyth and Thomson Bethune for the Design and Installation of the Fire Sprinkler Systems and the further development of the Macallan Distilleries Overton Warehousing Project.

Ross Fire Protection is an established company with more than 30 years experience of installation and maintenance of all types of fixed fire fighting equipment, including fire sprinkler systems, foam and gas extinguishing and water mist systems.

We install tailor-made systems to suit the Client's requirements with the highest level of LPCB certificate and BS standards.

Our full range of services include the following: Quality of service is our number one priority. This commitment is underlined by the commercial accreditations Ross Fire Protection has gained and the extensive client list achieved through successful completion of installations and ultimate customer satisfaction.

Site Survey System Design Installation Maintenance Commissioning

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29 Deerdykes View, Westfield, Cumbernauld, G68 9HN

Tel: 01236 738502 Fax: 01236 727977

www.rossfire.co.uk

Since 1824 the distilling of Macallan whisky has followed the same tradition.

An important part of this is maturation, when the raw spirit is transformed into the finished productt by being matured in oak casks.

o o Link 51, working closely with Macallan and their builders Robertson Northern, created a solution to the storage of these barrels which meets today’s Health & Safety regulations, reduces risks for warehouse operatives and allows access to each barrel for quality control.

Other benefits include; ● Quick, access to individual casks ensuring the highest quality product. ● Eliminates load crushing, reducing damage to barrels. ● Accommodates butts or hogshead and puncheon casks. ● Walkways throughout remove the need to climb within racks. ● Ease of access makes regular rack inspections, part of complying with Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 1999, easier. ● Encourages better working practices.

0800 169 5151 www.link51.com Link 51 (Storage Products) Link House, Halesfield 6, Telford TF7 4LN

View the Link 51 Macallan Video Case Study at www.link51.com/macallan-video or scan

HOUSING BS

Aberdeen high rise development Refurbishment of three 14-storey residential blocks Work to refurbish three multi-storey city and tower blocks in Balnagask, Aberdeen, is well underway on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and private owners.

The existing buildings comprise of three residential tower blocks incorporating a combined total of 156 flats. The construction of these buildings is a conventional cast insitu frame with reinforced concrete floors.

The internal structure is reinforced concrete walls and columns, while external elevations consist of nonstructural precast reinforced concrete cladding panels fixed to the structural slab finished in a combination of aggregate faced and smooth finished concrete.

These three buildings are 14-storeys and are located at Grampian Court, Brimmond Court and Morven Court.

The tower blocks will be overclad with rainscreen panels from floor level one through to level 13 to improve the

weather tightness of the building fabric and to protect the reinforced concrete structure/pre-cast concrete cladding panels from the elements that could adversely affect the structure and fabric.

Windows are also being replaced and fitted within new aluminium window pods to ensure that the complete building envelope is properly sealed to eliminate the problems with water penetration that exist at present and to reduce air infiltration rates to acceptable standards.

Alterations are to be carried out at ground floor level to all of the tower blocks to ensure that all of the heated spaces on the ground floor are adequately insulated. The underside of the first floor will be insulated in areas of the ground floor that are not heated.

Heating and hot water in Morven, Brimmond and Grampian Courts will be provided in a more flexible, efficient and economic way through the provision of a

new communal combined heat and power system, fed by gas fired community boilers.

Such a heating system will help to lift the majority of residents out of fuel poverty.

Therefore, the upgrade will increase the energy efficiency of the properties and help reduce residents’ bills.

The Main Contractor for the development is Lovell, who was chosen for the contract in December 2012 after a competitive tendering process.

Residents have been able to remain in their homes as the development progresses, while an on-site Lovell resident liaison officer is the main point of contact for tenants.

Lovell Regional Director Alan Taylor said: “This programme of work will comprehensively transform the three tower blocks, creating warmer, more modern homes for residents.”

Designed by Aberdeen City Council, work started in January 2013 and will be complete in December 2013.

The Complete Housing Provider Improving the Nation’s Homes At Lovell we build, refurbish, regenerate, maintain and repair homes and communities across the UK. We have become the nation’s complete housing business, providing our partners with the most comprehensive service in the industry.

But it is our people that really make the difference.

We are committed to leaving a positive legacy wherever we work, and each and every one of us wants to play their part in changing people’s lives for the better.

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Lovell is proud to be working with Aberdeen City Council, refurbishing the Balnagask multi-storey homes.

Extension of this worldwide and highly regarded company

Work is currently underway at the Karl Storz distribution centre in Dundee, which is being extended to accommodate significant growth in UK operations.

A new two-storey extension is being formed to the west of the existing building using a palette of render, brick and milled aluminium. The façade of the building has been stepped to maximise daylight penetration into the building.

It will be fitted out internally to create contemporary open plan office space, repair workshops and a state-of-the-art sterilisation facility for medical equipment.

Since its beginnings in 1945, Karl Storz has established itself worldwide as an international and highly regarded company in the production and sale of medical instruments and devices.

Modern endoscopy not only revolutionised medical diagnostics but also paved the way for a new branch of operative technology: minimally invasive surgery.

This technique relieves patients of a lot of anxiety and above all physical trauma. The name of Karl Storz is closely connected with this development.

For more than six decades, the enterprise has been developing products for this new surgical technique and has been a world leader in this field. Medical instruments and appliances are invariably

BS COMMERCIAL

Karl Storz Distribution Centre

the product of teamwork, in which medical building to create a high specification practitioners and specialists from various sales and demonstration area. disciplines work in close collaboration.

A number of windows will also be The 47-week dual-phased scheme will installed to maximise the volume of see increased office accommodation natural daylight entering the building, and demonstration facilities at the Karl as well as replacing all existing glazing Storz site in Thomas Wise Place. with modern, high performance units.

The initial phase comprises of construction The project is designed by Wellwood of a 12,900sq ft steel frame office expansion Leslie Chartered Architects, who with render, facing brick and cladding to provide architectural services across a its façade and a section of curtain walling spectrum of construction sectors. showcasing a new feature stairwell.

The Practice’s diverse experience enhances In order to boost the overall sustainable its ability to develop innovative, creative credentials of the building, the new building solutions for clients. By staying structure will also include a planted green alert to technological developments, roof to absorb CO2 and other pollutants, Wellwood Leslie can ensure that its designs and reduce the impact of surface run off. are renowned for improved sustainability The extension will be fitted out to create and reduced ecological impact. contemporary open plan office space.

Work on the project, which is being built by Upon completion of Phase I, staff will then ISG, will be complete in December 2013. relocate into the new accommodation to allow the commencement of Phase II. During the final 12week programme, work will see comprehensive TELEPHONE: 0141 634 4388 FAX: 0141 630 9346 refurbishment and WWW.HSRBUILDINGSERVICES.CO.UK reconfiguration of the existing office

HSR BUILDING SERVICES LTD

ISG is pleased to be supporting Karl Storz’s growth in Scotland 55

Construction | Fit Out | Specialist Services www.isgplc.com

PROFILE BS

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J.B. Bennett (Contracts) Ltd Quality construction for a quality lifestyle J. B. Bennett (Contracts) Ltd is a long established building contractor that operates from its headquarters at Banton by Kilsyth.

Established in 1981, the Company offers all clients a comprehensive multi-trade package controlled by directors and senior staff who are fully experienced in the industry, together with a workforce of 250, many of whom have more than 20 years of experience with the Company.

J.B. Bennett has experience of undertaking new build, refurbishments and extensions in both the public and private sectors.

The client base is wide and varied and includes local authorities, housing associations, health boards, banks, universities, schools and industrial companies. In addition, the Company designs and builds a wide variety of house types to satisfy the private housing developments.

The Company is currently developing a new integrated day service facility for older people in Motherwell after being awarded the £1.5M contract earlier this year.

The site of the former Leslie House Care Home is the location for the purpose-built facility, which is part of a multi-million pound, modernisation programme of day services, offering a range of social care and health services for older people with complex needs.

The new build centre will boast a modern purpose-built interior with specialist equipment for the delivery of these vital services. It will comprise a mix of offices, day room and a kitchen area with toilet facilities, and it will have a lift as well as underfloor heating.

One part of the 500sq m building will be single-storey and the other part will be two-storeys, and particular care has been paid on the structure of the roof due to the wind uplift. The structure was detailed by the engineer, and because of a large eaves overhang on the roof, there was a need to stabilise it.

Comprising of a timber frame, the external will be a combination of stone cladding and roughcast render, while the building will also benefit from double glazed aluminium windows and a pitched, steel structure roof with cladding panels. The stairwell and fire escape will all have curtain walling.

Externally, there will be car parks, a turning circle, paths and paving, retaining walls and hard and soft landscaping.

Located on Merry Street, Motherwell Day Centre will have disabled level access, lift access and widened doorways to allow for access. Security will be given to residents in the form of a fire alarm and door entry system.

Integrated Day Services are run by the Council and NHS Lanarkshire supporting older people to be as independent as possible and to continue living at home.

Services can include programmes to maintain health and wellbeing, treatment of

early stages of illness to avoid the need for health and social work professionals admission to hospital and support so that including individual assessments, treatment people who have received acute in-patient and therapeutic activities, all designed treatment can be discharged earlier. to meet their individual needs.”

Councillor Sam Love, Convener of Housing and Social Work Services, said: “The J.B. Bennett (Contracts) Ltd, services themselves are very important Banton Mill, Banton, Kilsyth, G65 however, it’s important they are delivered 0QG. Tel: 01236 823011. in an environment where people can feel comfortable and can have access to first-class equipment.

“The people attending the centre Professional Groundworks and Civil Engineering Services will receive a range T: 01360 313185 www.jwscontracts.net of support from

BS PROFILE

10 Design Ltd rockery, stable block, play area and lawns.

The park and associated house and grounds date back to 1774 and came into public ownership in 1926 when Ayr Burgh Council purchased it to ‘provide special outdoor amenity space

for all sections of the community’.

The estate has, from its inception, been popular with residents and visitors alike, providing a strong public heritage and space for recreational activities to both the local and regional community.

The Dalmahoy, A Marriott Hotel and Country Club

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Established in 2010 by Liz McNeill and Simon Andrade, 10 Design has a small but dedicated team that provides contract and high-end residential interior design solutions.

Between Liz and Simon, the Company has 25 years of combined experience in the design industry, which focuses on the needs of clients while balancing budgets and timescales.

The work is wide ranging and covers everything from contemporary to traditional, single rooms to full hotels, bars, restaurants and spas, giving each project the optimum attention to detail, which leads to the creation of inspiring interiors.

10 Design’s studio is fully equipped to produce drawing packages, comprehensive ff&e schedules, design manuals and sample boards. Further to this, the Practice is able to produce photo-realistic 3D images inhouse, allowing 10 Design to provide the client with a complete design package.

The Practice has been integral in the design of a new luxury hotel and spa in the seaside town of Ayr. Belleisle House, recently acquired by Campbell Inns, is set within beautiful parklands and an adjoining golf course.

It is undergoing a major investment with restorative and development work to create one of Scotland’s top luxury hotels – the new Belleisle Mansion Hotel & Spa. Featuring 90 guest suites, the new hotel will have its own spa and 20-metre indoor swimming pool as well as a ballroom with capacity for up to 400 guests.

Phase I of the extensive development work being taken forward will focus on the renovation of the original main building to create a new reception and lounge, two new restaurants and bar, 1o guest suites including a penthouse bridal suite, and the new state-of-the-art spa.

These facilities are expected to be open to the public by 2015.

Belleisle Estate is located in the south west of the town of Ayr and is owned and managed by South Ayrshire Council. The main features of the estate are mixed mature woodland, parkland, deer park, formal walled garden with pond and landscaped

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The value of this park is enhanced by the park’s proximity to its sister park Rozelle, which complements Belleisle’s historic, landscape and ecological appeal to residents and visitors alike.

10 Design is also involved in the Lochside House Hotel development, which boasts magnificent views of the surrounding Ayrshire countryside.

The Lochside House Hotel was built during the late 19th century by the Marquis of Bute and used as a shooting lodge.

Bought in 1999 by current owners Robert and Vivien Kyle, it has undergone various stages of extensions and refurbishments resulting in an award winning venue, achieving a four-star rating from the Scottish Tourist Board.

The Hotel is adjacent to an impressive nine-hole golf course and with the historical royal stately home of Dumfries house nearby, there is lots to discover.

It benefits from a new extension comprising of restaurant and bedrooms, conversion of a basement level to enhance the awardwinning spa, and has a newly refurbished function suite and reception area.

The Practice also used its expertise to bring about the interior refurbishment of nine period bedrooms and ensuites at the Dalmahoy Marriott at Kirknewton in Edinburgh.

The refurbishment is sensitive to the noble history, retaining all of the distinctive period features of the building while adding touches of elegant luxury and the highest quality fixtures and fittings to make these rooms something truly special. Work comprised the complete refurbishment of the guest rooms and bathrooms including some minor alterations to the room layouts.

In addition to the refurbishments extensive repairs were carried out to the timber floors.

Included in the refurbishment was the famous ‘Lady Mary’s Room,’ said to be haunted by Lady Mary Douglas, daughter of the Earl of Morton, Robert Douglas, who died in 1689.

Dalmahoy, a Marriott Hotel & Country Club is a four-star hotel located four miles to the west of Edinburgh.

It is a stately retreat located within 1,000 acres of serene Scottish parkland. Featuring 215 luxury hotel rooms near Edinburgh, guests can choose from contemporary accommodations and experience bright

and spacious rooms furnished to depict the heritage of this distinctive estate.

An unrivalled destination for inspirational business meetings, corporate retreats or elegant social gatherings, the Hotel features chic venues, a serene ambience, dedicated event managers and professional catering to ensure every event is a spectacular success.

10 Design is also lending its expertise to the project at Seamill Hydro Hotel in Ayrshire, which stands only metres from the beach and enjoys dramatic views over the countryside, the Firth of Clyde and the majestic mountains of Arran.

Seamill Hydro is proud to be privately owned and independently operated, celebrating 25 years of ownership by the Sweeney family, who continue to be

committed to the future of this historic hotel and are investing £4M on the refurbishment.

Work includes an extension to the orangery and interior refurbishment of the new orangery restaurant, which opened last year.

Interior refurbishment of pool and changing areas, Aura Bar and bedrooms were also undertaken. The Practice is also working on future developments for a function pavilion that is still at the design stage.

Once complete, the refurbishment will return Seamill Hydro to its former glory as one of Scotland’s finest hotels, thanks in part to the hard work and dedication of 10 Design.

10 Design Ltd, Titan Enterprise, 1 Aurora Avenue, Queens Quay, Glasgow, G81 1BF. Tel: 0141 951 7827.

We are a professional shopfitting and internal refurbishment contractor specialising in the hotel and leisure industries.

0845 604 4479 www.pandcprojects.co.uk

Curtainwise is one of Scotland’s leading Soft Furnishing Manufacturers.

We are a family run business established over 25 years ago, with our own 8000 sq ft premises where all Soft Furnishings are manufactured by our highly skilled team of over 30 staff.

No job is ever too large, from Nursing Homes to 5* Hotels. We can supply all Curtains, Pelmets, Blinds, Bedding, Cushions and more. We have a huge selection of sophisticated, modern and traditional fabrics to choose from to create stunning environments. Fabrics are Flame Retardant and can be anti-microbial.

Call William or Helen for more information or to arrange a free consultation

Let yourself be inspired – visit our showroom Unit 1, Glaisnock Glen, Cumnock, Ayrshire, KA18 3BP Tel: 01290 420101 Web: www.curtainwise.co.uk

For almost 30 years, Dimension have been providing a cost effective specialist construction service to a wide range of customers. In our business, we understand that time is money and we embrace this in the delivery of our projects, working with our customers to minimise disruption and business impact.

Dimension Shopfitting,141, Crowhill Rd, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, G64 1RS

T: 0141 762 4940 E: info@dimension.uk.com www.dimension.uk.com

Carpetronic specialise in the high end of the carpet and flooring industry throughout the UK providing a first class service to major hotel groups, interior designers and residential properties.

We have long standing relationships with all of the major British and European flooring manufacturers and we are extremely proud of our client portfolio.

Architecture Interior Design Project Management Thomson McCrea is an established, design orientated and

HORNCROFT

client focused Architecture and Project Management practice based in Ayr and undertaking work throughout Scotland.

9 Old Bridge Street, Ayr, KA7 1QA

Tel: 01292 262848 Fax: 01292 294177 Email: admin@thomsonmccrea.co.uk www.thomsonmccrea.co.uk

Limited

"We all here at Carpetronic would like to thank 10 Design for their continued support and wish them the very best for the future success that their hard work and great eye for detail truly deserve.

It is always a pleasure to be involved in 10 design projects for both the journey and the final result. Well done 10 Design, keep up the good work.� All the management and fitting team at Carpetronic" 15 Scotts Road, Paisley, Scotland, PA2 7AN

Tel: 0141 887 7733 Fax: 0141 887 1771

www.carpetronic.co.uk

WARE CAN YOU FIND THE BEST BATHROOMS, QUALITY, SERVICE & SUPPORT? WareWithAll in Greenock, Inverclyde, that's where!

Visit our superb bathroom and hot tub showroom next to the River Clyde and you'll soon be enjoying a huge range of superb quality bathrooms, hot tubs, sanitary ware and accessories.

We're happy to serve you with friendly, expert advice and knowledgeable support in everything you'll need - from taps, mirrors and tiles to the latest technological advances in bathroom and spa design.

Tel: 01475 732777 Fax: 01475 732666 alan@warewithall.co.uk www.warewithall.co.uk

We also offer a superb FREE survey and design service, along with advice on our first class, local installation services.

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Ware With All Ltd. Unit 6 Fort Matilda Industrial Estate, Eldon Street, Greenock, PA16 7QB

HEALTH BS

Clepington Road LLP A prescription for change

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The summer months saw the completion of a new state-of-the-art pharmacy and distribution facility in Dundee. The £1.3M development for Clepington Road LLP replaces existing premises on Clepington Road and promises an improved service for all.

The new facility is a strategic development for Scotland’s largest privately owned care home provider, Balhousie Care Group, and it is set to meet the medical needs of the Group’s numerous care homes. The development will also benefit the wider community however by servicing additional care homes throughout Tayside and beyond.

In recent years the existing Clepington Road premises, which had deteriorated over time, was deemed no longer fit for purpose. Rather than opt for an ungainly refurbishment programme, Clepington Road LLP instead decided to have a specially built facility constructed nearby. The pharmacy is now situated on a former industrial and retail warehouse site off Fairmuir Road – an area which had previously lain vacant for over a decade.

The new structure spans 631sq m over a single-storey. As part of a modern design process the flat-roofed building is clad in horizontal insulated panels in pearl with a green standing seam. A striking glazed entrance with a projecting canopy looks out onto Old Glamis Road – a short distance from Clepington Road. This contemporary aesthetic comes courtesy of James Paul Associates, a distinguished Dundee based Practice with over 30 years of industry experience. The Company’s use of modern materials and design techniques was largely

dictated by the security issues associated subcontractors ensured a smooth with the storage and distribution of drugs. construction phase with a minimum of Inside, the pharmacy houses a retail disruption to the surrounding area. area and dispensary for the sale and With the pharmacy and distribution distribution of medicines to the general centre complete, the Clepington Road public. Supplementary consultation and site has now closed and the existing treatment rooms have also been provided. license has been transferred to the new These will accommodate a variety of health building. The completion of a building professionals such as chiropodists and so integral to the wellbeing of the wider chiropractors and will allow for general community can only be a good thing. community inoculations when appropriate.

The remainder of the building fulfils Clepington Road LLP’s care and nursing home commitment.

An expansive assembly and storage area has been built, from which prescription drugs will be distributed. To allow for deliveries, retail design consultants ltd. a vehicle bay large Retail Design Consultants work specifically in the community and hospital pharmacy enough for two market, dealing with projects throughout Scotland. Serving the Scottish independent pharmacy sector, we have gained strength and recognition through recommendations of delivery vans has our ability to create designs and provide completed projects on time and on budget. also been provided alongside an 11 bay Bespoke Design car park for staff We recognise that our customers have unique needs and visitor use.

Full of bright ideas Construction of Full comprehensive pharmacy shopfitting service the pharmacy was undertaken by Project Management Muirfield, one of Planning, organising, securing and managing resources the leading privately owned contractors currently operating in Scotland. The expertise of Muirfield and the Company’s

Tel: 01307 461700 Email: info@norterntectonics.co.uk www.northerntectonics.co.uk

Mark Hinsley Arboricultural Consultants Ltd.

2 Carsegour Steading Cleish, Kinross, KY13 0LG T: 01577 850 341 M: 07768 581 560 E: RDCShopfitters@aol.com www.retaildesignconsultants.co.uk

BS COMMUNITY

Montrose Lifeboat Station Lifeboats now in their new home

Comprising two-storeys, the ground hard landscaping has been included in the floor has a boat hall, changing and project because the site had to be raised shower facilities, toilets, a souvenir for the purpose of flood protection. outlet and general storage, while the The Main Contractor for the building first floor has the crew training room, was Chap Construction, and the jetty small galley and an office. The building was built by McLaughlin and Harvey. also benefits from natural ventilation.

Work started on the £1.4M It has a slate mansard roof and timber development in autumn 2011 and framed windows, while the structure was completed in spring 2013. comprises of traditional rendered block work construction with cut timber roof. The jetty has driven steel piles with steel decking, ARCHITECTURAL / BUILDING DESIGN / SURVEY/ PROJECT MANAGEMENT and the pontoon boasts tubular steel floatation tubes with GPR decking.

“THE GARDEN OFFICE” Public areas of the 6 FLEURS PLACE, ELGIN, MORAY IV30 1ST lifeboat station are fully accessible Tel: 01343 544 550 Mob: 07717 523 463 for the disabled, Email: gordon.j.philip@btinternet.com and fire alarms are incorporated throughout. Some

Gordon John Philip

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One of the oldest lifeboat stations in the UK has now moved back into the heart of the community. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station was opened in front of 150 guests in July.

Based in Montrose, internally the new lifeboat station provides a much needed training space for the volunteer crew.

Externally it incorporates an associated jetty, pontoon, davit and re-fuelling system. As an added benefit the station has moved from a position where it was largely hidden from the public’s view to Wharf Street, close to the A92 and in the heart of the operational side of Montrose – for a charity that relies on public donations, this is a welcome bonus.

An official opening ceremony was held for guests on Saturday 20 July and the guests were given an unexpected treat when the RNLI’s newest class of lifeboat visited the station.

Montrose will be the first RNLI station in Scotland to receive a Shannon Class AllWeather lifeboat. The first Shannon has been built and has recently entered the RNLI’s relief fleet prior to operational rollout to RNLI lifeboat stations. The Shannon replacement for Montrose will arrive in 2015.

COMMENT BS

Lightweight concrete savings Gareth Moores, Managing Director of Lytag Ltd, discusses the findings of a report into the savings that can be made by using LYTAG lightweight aggregate in structural concrete...

High quality lightweight aggregate (LWA) is a valuable tool for contractors and structural engineers, and can help meet a number of engineering challenges in the construction process. Now, contractors and engineers have new information available that shows exactly what weight savings can be found by using lightweight aggregate in structural concrete, including decreased timescales, lower costs and increased design flexibility.

Lytag Ltd has recently undertaken comprehensive research looking at the potential weight savings that can be secured from using LYTAG LWA. This is a tried and tested secondary material which is up to 50% lighter than traditional aggregate and can be used in a range of applications including screed, fill and as a drainage medium.

The material has been used in high profile projects across the UK including the Shard and the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station, and now the picture is clearer than ever for construction teams regarding the savings that can be made, and where.

The research looks at a six-storey design and a 30-storey design, with both concrete and steel frames. The findings show that there are substantial savings to be made across both building designs and both frame types. Each design model was generated using RAM 3D modelling software and these were then inserted in Tekla 3D modelling software.

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What the report found

The report showed that significant savings could be found across the board by using concrete made with LYTAG LWA in the place of traditional aggregate. In the sixstorey concrete frame building, substantial

savings could be secured in the overall reduction in dead load. By using LYTAG LWA in the place of traditional aggregate, reductions of 25% are possible, bringing significant design and engineering benefits.

However, the research showed that the most considerable reduction in this type of building design is in the foundations.

The volume of concrete required when LYTAG LWA is used can be reduced by as much as 56%. There are further reductions in the volume of steel required, including in the reinforcement of the beams (21%) and foundations (53.5%) In the 30-storey steel frame building, the weight savings are equally great.

The volume of concrete required in the foundations can be reduced by 18% and in the floors by 9%. The requirements for steel foundation reinforcements are reduced again, by 25%, and the volume of steel framework needed can be reduced by 8%.

What does this mean for contractors and engineers?

Significant cost benefits can be generated through using LYTAG LWA. The reduced weight of the aggregate means that there are substantial savings to be found from reduced project time frames and the reduced need for reinforcements and piling.

Reduced deadload also brings greater flexibility in terms of design. It can mean a reduction in the amount of reinforcements required, and therefore more open plan layouts and floor plans are possible. This enables less obstructed views and maximises the use of natural light. When contractors and engineers are required to meet strict design criteria like this, LYTAG LWA can provide valuable quick wins. A prime example of this is the use of LYTAG LWA in the Shard.

The composite floors of the building were constructed using a steel frame and corrugated metal topped with the

lightweight concrete. By using LYTAG LWA to make the concrete rather than traditional aggregate, the dead load of the floors could be lowered by up to 11% – reducing the number of concrete columns needed to support the floors, and helping to realise the design objective of open office spaces.

This new report shows how considerable the weight savings can be from using LYTAG LWA. For project teams increasingly faced with time and cost constraints, as well as sustainability targets, knowing the role that materials such as this can play in providing quick wins will help them to meet all these requirements.

For more on LYTAG LWA and its applications, visit www.lytag.net or call +44 (0)1904 727 922 Gareth Moores

Employee Tracking timecard GPS

is a mobile tracking and time sheet solution that works from a wireless device. Data is transferred from a field worker’s handset to Econz web-based software for real-time backend management capabilities.

Construction Companies that use Econz timecard can expect to Benefit in the following ways: Increased worker productivity Decrease in Time-Theft by Employees Manage workforce more efficiently Reduced paperwork and time spent doing it Streamline Mobile Time and Attendance into preferred Accounting and Payroll Systems Increase Profits by saving on everyday costs (fuel, administration, overtime, etc.)

timecard GPS consists of:

Easy to use cell-phone software that allows your workers to be tracked through a business day. Mobile workers are able to clock-in, take a break, change tasks and clock-out; all directly on their standard cell phone, smart phone or tablet.** Employee Tracking (GPS Location, Movement, Speed and Direction, with over 12 Triggers) Over 20 Reports (Time, Attendance, Tasks, Sub Tasks, and many more) Custom and Editable Fields on Handsets (Mileage, Weather, Anyone Hurt on Job?, etc.)

View locations of multiple employees on Google Mapping Clock in and out multiple field workers from a single device (Team Clock In/Out) Office Employees Web log in/out- Administrator log in/out

ABOUT:

Econz Wireless (est. 1971) - Econz Wireless is a Leader in Mobile Data Collection, providing Employer Solutions for Time & Attendance, Employee Tracking and Wage-Hour Compliance Laws. Econz Wireless products are available on a Global basis and have helped thousands of companies streamlined their businesses to become more efficient, more productive and more profitable.

View individual worker details including The ‘Breadcrumb’ trail view shows Mutiple rules can be setup based on Smart fences can be setup around activity and current position. speed, direction, location, and status triggers such as entering or exiting any mapped location. of workers. area, speed and movement.

For more information please contact Econz Wireless: CALL NOW!

P. (44) 203-3184539 E. sales@econz.co.uk W. www.econz.co.uk