JAN 2025
BUILDING - ARCHITECTURE - EQUIPMENT
020 805 09659 | www.construction-update.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE D.tec International Calls for Urgent Road Safety Reform Following PACTS Report
Keon Homes Completes £11.9m Newport Extra Care Scheme Eight Months Early
Keon Homes Completes £11.9m N Extra Care Scheme Eight Months
Newport s Early
JANUARY 2025
Contents Heating Systems for the Future In Residential Construction Nuaire Launches New CIBSE Approved Passivhaus CPD The Key to Architectural Power Coating Sustainability UK Construction’s Recent Boom Conceals Deeper Structural Issues Keon Homes Completes £11.9m Newport Extra Care Scheme Eight Months Early
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Heating systems for the future in residential construction by Chris Walton, Construction Director at HJK Construction
The whole world is waking up to the need to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. The UK has a target of reaching Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. Around 20% of UK carbon emissions are created by heating our homes. But it’s not just about carbon, it’s also about efficiency. 8 out of 10 homes in the UK use traditional gas boilers to heat water to run their heating systems. Given all these statistics,
not least because when
what would the future of
burnt, it simply produces
home heating look like? For
water with no carbon
heating, heat pumps, both
dioxide. Installing a hydrogen
ground-source and air–
system requires minimal
source, are a great way of
adjustments. It can even
providing heating and cooling
be used alongside natural
that minimises energy costs.
gas, allowing for a gradual
There’s also renewable energy
transition or even mixed
integration – solar panels
use. At HJK, we’re already
and other renewable sources
installing hydrogen systems
can be paired with traditional
on our properties.
heating systems to reduce grid dependency.
Building code changes and
Chris Walton, Construction Director - HJK Construction
government incentives for adopting advanced heating technologies need Smart systems, such as devices
to be fully exploited. At HJK, we’re committed to building our homes with
like programmable thermostats,
energy-efficient, sustainable heating systems that reduce environmental
are a good way of making a
impact and offer homeowners long-term savings.
home system efficient. Hydronic systems and radiant floor
The best way to ensure energy efficiency is at the building stage. At HJK,
heating are also great ways of
our future builds will prioritise energy-efficient designs that meet or
offering comfort and energy
exceed net-zero and passive house standards. Our homes are designed
savings over traditional forced
for future upgrades, such as electric vehicle charging and heat pump
air systems.
enhancements, to minimise retrofit costs. While advanced systems may have higher upfront costs, they deliver significant long-term energy
Another solution allows us to
savings, making them a sound investment.
use our existing infrastructure and boilers but adapt them to
This approach ensures that HJK is building homes that are both energy-
run on a lower carbon fuel –
efficient and adaptable to future needs.
hydrogen is a viable alternative, Construction Update
www.hjkconstruction.co.uk
Nuaire launches new CIBSE approved Passivhaus CPD
Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire has released a new CIBSE approved CPD: An Introduction to Passivhaus. The CPD, which is aimed at the commercial market, focuses on the principles that define a Passivhaus and its ventilation criteria; the benefits of Passivhaus, especially in relation to net zero; along with a comprehensive understanding of the Passivhaus certification process. The CPD can be delivered in-person or online by Nuaire ventilation experts who have completed certified Passivhaus Tradesperson Training. With buildings contributing significantly to harmful carbon emissions, Passivhaus provides proven solutions to deliver net-zero-ready buildings that also provide a high level of occupant health and wellbeing. Passivhaus adopts a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets, focused on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting quality assurance process.
packaged heat recovery units. These products have been rigorously independently tested under realistic conditions to ensure they meet the strict Passivhaus efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality criteria.
For a building to achieve the Passivhaus Standard in the UK, a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery is typically required. Nuaire provides Passivhaus certified Boxer Packages Solutions (BPS) air handling units and XBOXER XBC+ Passivhaus
To register your interest for the new ‘An Introduction to Passivhaus’ CPD, go to: www.nuaire.co.uk/support/continuingprofessional-development/an-introduction-topassivhaus
To find out more about Nuaire’s Passivhaus certified products go to www.nuaire.co.uk/commercial/passivhaus.
Construction Update
The Key to Architectural Powde Architectural Aluminium Powder Coating is applied using the well known methodology of spraying electrostatically charged fine polyester based powders onto a product. Coated aluminium products are then heated to an optimum temperature to melt the powder which allows it to flow and chemically crosslink into a sustainable coating. As the product cools the coating sets and the finish is complete. The problem is, like most applied opaque coatings, the finish may look good, but the coating can hide a multitude of problems on the surface of the metal. If contaminants are present, or a pre-treatment process is lacking, a failure of the coating will become evident over time. Prior to powder coating architectural aluminium, it is crucial that the aluminium surface is subject to a ‘pre-treatment’ process which includes an etch stage to remove contaminants and then a passivation or conversion coating to ‘seal’ the surface of the aluminium which also provides a ‘key’ for the adherence of the coating. These very thin conversion coatings can be formed of a non-chromate or a very thin anodising process. For an architectural powder coater a pretreatment plant is a significant investment often costing as much, if not more than the powder coating line itself. Few powder coating lines in the UK have this substantial facility and those that do will claim to powder coat to BS EN 12206-1 or become licensed to powder coat to the more substantial QUALICOAT specification. Often in an attempt to reduce costs through the supply chain, installers of architectural aluminium products will use powder coaters who often do not possess the correct pretreatment lines. There is also the possibility that some coaters who do have the correct pre-treatment systems do not have suitable controls in place and the quality of the coatings can vary, even though they can claim to coat to BS EN 12206-1. Construction Update
A QUALICOAT licensed applicator, on the other hand, must use a pre-treatment system that is QUALICOAT approved and utilise powder systems that are also approved by QUALICOAT, this ensures quality is maintained through the coating process. Furthermore, QUALICOAT licence holders are randomly inspected twice a year to ensure the QUALICOAT specification is being met. Licensed coaters who fail these third-party inspections, will lose their licence. So, the best specification for any architectural powder coating project should simply be ‘coated by a QUALICOAT licensed applicator’. Known across the globe, with a global supply chain and local licensed coaters, a QUALICOAT specification can be supplied on any continent. Powder coat failures fall into two broad categories, that of a complete failure of the coating where it simply peels off and failure called ‘filiform corrosion’. This is where oxidisation forms at the edge of a cut or punched hole in the aluminium and appears under the coating as spider like strands of corrosion. Often this failure is seen several years after installation and indicates poor pre-treatment prior to powder coating.
er Coating Sustainability By Chris Mansfield - QUALICOAT Chair
Other problems with powder coating can include fading of colour, loss of gloss and ‘chalking’ of the surface finish. The first two are generally a normal ageing process and the powder coating should still adhere fully to the aluminium and continue to protect the aluminium. Chalking, is also part of the ageing process and appears as a milky surface or ‘chalk’ on the coated surface. This only forms when the finish is generally neglected and not cleaned down within an agreed cleaning regime. Often chalking can be removed by simply cleaning the finish several times over a period of time. Specifying a QUALICOAT Class 2 powder, which uses more robust compounds in its composition, can significantly reduce these issues. QUALICOAT powder applicators can advise of a suitable cleaning company and there is also a paper on the QUALICOAT UK & Ireland website that explains how the powder coating can be safely cleaned.
Various country Members of the global specification, QUALICOAT, have undertaken extensive work over the decades to further refine the products and processes to ensure finishes continue to offer enhanced sustainability. A worldwide working group of Members began to develop a specification for the alloys used in extrusion for fenestration, namely architectural aluminium alloy grades of 6060 and 6063. The resulting alloy specification, which now forms Appendix A13 of the QUALICOAT Specifications 2023, requires these alloys to fall within the EN5733:2019 Standard, which can be met using primary or secondary (recycled) aluminium. Compliance requires the following three tests to be carried out, Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), Anodic Cyclic Polarisation (ACP) and a metallographic study of the aluminium surface. This latest development has culminated in forming what is now known as the ‘QUALICOAT 3.0’ specification. Specifiers who wish to take advantage of QUALICOAT 3.0 should in the first instance contact QUALICOAT UK & Ireland for guidance on specification and help in choosing the correct supply chain. A QUALICOAT 3.0 specification will require a coating Member to carry the ‘Seaside’ class pre-treatment license as this is a prerequisite coating procedure for QUALICOAT 3.0.
For the best sustainability, ensure that the powder coater has the necessary pretreatment systems in place and that they can demonstrate that they can coat and test to BS EN 12206-1. Alternatively, just insist on a specification that powder coating must be applied by a QUALICOAT licensed applicator. In the UK, the majority of main architectural powder coaters are qualified QUALICOAT licence holders. If you are proposing to specify an architectural coater who powder coats to BS EN 12206-1, be vigilant to ensure that they posses a robust pre-treatment plant and that their processes are correctly monitored and maintained.
The most important aspect to specification is the involvement of a specialist coater at the early design stages of any project.
All QUALICOAT UK & Ireland members are available to offer advice and can be found on the Association website at qualicoatuki.org
Should a coating specification require a longer life expectancy, possibly where future access for cleaning be difficult, then a Class 2 more robust powder can be specified. Contact any QUALICOAT licensed powder coat applicator or powder manufacturer to seek advice for any project location across the UK & Ireland. Construction Update
D.tec International Calls for Urgent Road Safety Reform Following PACTS Report
D.tec International, the UK’s leading supplier of roadside drug testing equipment, has issued a strong call for action following the publication of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) report, Learning From Road Fatalities to Save Lives.
The report highlights critical gaps in the UK’s approach to investigating road deaths, revealing that fewer than 3% of fatalities result in a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report. Managing Director of D.tec International, Ean Lewin, describes this as a missed opportunity to learn from tragedy and implement life-saving measures. “Between 2013 and 2023, nearly 17,000 people lost their lives on UK roads. Thousands of these road deaths are likely due to impaired driving – whether from alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs – yet we are left relying on estimates because coroners are not legally required to perform toxicology tests on every road traffic fatality,” said Ean Lewin. The PACTS report underscores the need for a dedicated Road Accident Investigation Branch, like those in the rail, air, and maritime sectors, and a commitment made by the previous government but not yet delivered. Such a body would ensure a systematic approach to investigating road deaths, identifying trends, and implementing preventative measures. “We need a system that doesn’t just respond to road fatalities but learns from every loss to Construction Update
prevent the next,” added Ean Lewin. “This means mandating thorough investigations, including toxicology testing, for all road deaths. Without this data, we cannot fully understand the scale of the problem or take the decisive action needed to save lives.” The report also highlights the underutilisation of PFD reports, which coroners can issue to flag systemic safety issues. Despite their potential, these reports are often ignored, leaving safety risks unaddressed. “As a company working at the forefront of tackling impaired driving, D.tec International fully supports the call for reform. We need leadership at the national level to prioritise this issue – ensuring no life is lost in vain,” said Ean Lewin. With the anticipated publication of a new Road Safety Strategy, expected under the guidance of Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood MP, D.tec International urges policymakers to adopt the report’s recommendations and create a safer future for all road users. Website: www.dtecinternational.com
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UK Construction’s Recent Boom Conceals Deeper Structural Issues By Maurizio Granata, Executive Industry Consultant for HxGN Asset Life Intelligence The UK construction sector is currently experiencing its sharpest growth in over two years. In September, the S&P Global UK construction purchasing managers’ index, a seasonally adjusted metric tracking changes in industry activity, rose to 57.2, its highest level since April 2022. Fuelled by stabilising interest rates and robust infrastructure projects, this positive trend could last into 2025. However, despite the good news, the industry faces structural challenges that could undermine its long-term stability—namely labour shortages, surging input costs, and razor-thin profit margins. The recent collapse of ISG—the sixthlargest construction firm in the UK by turnover— highlights the risks still facing construction firms. The Risks of Low Margins in a High-Uncertainty Environment ISG’s collapse reflects the ongoing challenges in the UK construction sector. Its chief executive, Zoe Price, pointed to the combined effects of lossmaking pre-pandemic contracts and a series of cancelled projects. However, with the sector’s profit margins averaging just 2%, even minor disruptions can lead to substantial losses. Compounding these challenges, construction firms continue to grapple with rising wage bills and material costs, which remain 35% higher than prepandemic levels. In a highly competitive market, these elevated costs cannot easily be passed on to clients, further straining already thin profit margins.
Construction Update
Prioritising Resources: A Strategy for Scarcity Faced with these financial pressures, firms are turning to more data-driven approaches to not only keep existing projects on track but also evaluate whether new opportunities are worth pursuing. An example is Enterprise Project Performance (EPP), which consolidates real-time data on cost, schedule, risk, and productivity both at the project level and across entire project portfolios. These holistic approaches offer several advantages. For individual projects, data integration helps identify issues before they escalate, while providing more accurate progress tracking to minimise delays and potential penalties. Additionally, consolidating data across projects allows companies to conduct risk-based evaluations of new opportunities, ensuring they align with the company’s goals, resources, and workforce capacity. The trend reflects the fact that workforce management has become the industry’s most pressing challenge. Since 2019, the sector has seen a 14% decline in its workforce, driven in part by Brexit and stricter immigration rules. As of 2024, more than 38,000 vacancies are posted monthly, but recruitment has failed to keep pace with demand, particularly in skilled trades. This shortfall affects both large-scale infrastructure projects and smaller regional builds. Major projects like Hinkley Point C and the HS2 rail link have struggled to attract the skilled workers needed to meet deadlines and budgets. These challenges are likely to persist, particularly as the UK government
pushes forward with ambitious housing and infrastructure goals. Labour’s plan to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years will require an additional 150,000 skilled workers—a demand that the current labour market cannot meet.
persistent supply chain disruptions. A recent Deloitte report estimates that disruptions such as the Suez Canal blockage, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine have contributed to a 40% slowdown in sector growth.
From BIM to EAM, Technology Gains Ground
Although there is no simple solution to mitigate geopolitical risks and volatile commodity prices, companies can take key actions to minimise their impact. The first involves improving material management. By gaining real-time visibility into material availability and delivery timelines, companies can mitigate the risks of sudden price hikes and delays. This proactive approach not only prevents project timeline setbacks but also helps avoid substantial financial penalties and increased labour costs.
In response to these pressures, construction firms are increasingly turning to technology to enhance productivity and make the best use of a limited workforce. Building Information Modelling (BIM) continues to gain traction for its potential to reduce errors, enhance accuracy, and streamline coordination across projects. Mandatory in public projects, BIM is poised to play an even larger role in every phase of the project, particularly in large-scale infrastructure sectors. Data-driven systems, such as EPP platforms, are also being adopted to forecast labour needs across projects and portfolios. These platforms help prioritise labour between ongoing and upcoming projects, prevent bottlenecks, and ensure the workforce is allocated efficiently. Furthermore, increasing workforce productivity is not just about adding manpower. Minimising equipment downtime and ensuring that routine maintenance tasks are completed efficiently are also critical. Automating maintenance tracking through an Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) platform, integrated with broader project management systems, allows firms to reduce the burden on already-stretched labour pools and focus resources where they are most needed. Supply Chain Transparency: Avoiding the Hidden Costs of Delays Lastly, growing a company’s business without increasing risk requires addressing
Technologies such as RFID tracking, IoTenabled sensors, and AI-powered analytics can further enhance material management, ensuring materials arrive on time and reducing waste. Enhanced supply chain management not only ensures reliable timelines but also provides flexibility to swiftly adapt to unforeseen events. The second action is integrating supply chain information with broader project management systems. This integration enables companies to make data-driven adjustments to staffing and timelines in real-time. In large-scale projects, waiting for materials can account for up to 15% of total labour costs, according to a Hexagon study for Jovix. By linking supply chain insights with workforce planning and scheduling, firms can reduce idle time, optimise resource allocation, and avoid compounded delays. This kind of transparency can help firms preserve critical margin points—an important outcome in a market where profit margins remain razor-thin and the outlook decidedly uncertain.
Construction Update
ALICJA PATANOWSKA CREATES ‘PLANTATION’, THE FIRST ARTIST INSTALLATION FOR THE URBAN FARMER PROJECT IN LONDON’S FLEET STREET QUARTER (BID) Alicja Patanowska presents Plantation, an installation of 200 hand-
made porcelain vessels displayed on a purpose-built unit, where visitors can observe individual plant growth through the process of hydroponic planting, as a live artwork over the exhibition duration.
The project was conceived ten years ago when the artist was studying at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London. She was struck by the vast number of discarded glasses on the streets outside bars and pubs and felt compelled to upcycle these materials into something aesthetic and desirable. This is the first artist installation in the new Urban Farmer Project in the heart of the City of London. Patanowska’s work is born from her interest in the concepts of waste and luxury, and a desire to spread a deeper interest in caring for plants and the environment. PLANTATION is a series of hand-made porcelain elements designed for growing plants, herbs and vegetables using hydroponics, combined with repurposed drink glasses. The Urban Farmer Project is an initiative delivered in partnership with Landsec and London’s Community Kitchen, with support from Square Mile Farms. It follows London’s Community Kitchen’s model of using Construction Update
waste food to not only feed people, but as a tool to
Alicja Patanowska, artist – “I am delighted that
develop skills in the community.
PLANTATION will form part of the Urban Farmer Project. Creating a more eco-conscious community,
It was proposed by Fleet Street Quarter in line with the
expanding green spaces in the city, and sharing
partners’ ambitions to create an inclusive, innovative,
knowledge about the vital role of caring for nature in
and sustainable area. It is an example of Landsec’s
achieving a balanced life are essential as we face the
forward-thinking approach to vacant retail space,
climate crisis.”
repurposing an empty unit into space with meanwhile use for the wider community.
Lucy French, CEO of Fleet Street Quarter BID – It is fantastic to be working with the Polish Cultural
It is located at the former bar within Landsec’s Hill
Institute, based in the heart of the Fleet Street Quarter
House development, just north of Fleet Street,
and On&On Designs, to bring Alicja Patanowska’s
creating a marketplace, education hub and events
remarkable installation to our community.
space designed to address food poverty, widen access
PLANTATION exemplifies the ambition of the Urban
to sustainable farm produce and promote British
Farmer Project, fusing sustainability, education and
agriculture.
creativity and affirming our FSQ vision of creating a climate resilient district for all to enjoy. We are
This new installation is co-produced with the Ministry
delighted to be developing our cultural connections
of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, the Polish
with Poland.”
Cultural Institute in London, Let’s Art Foundation, and On&On Designs as part of preparations for the 2025
Oliver Hunt, Development Director, Landsec –
UK/Poland Culture and Creative Season organised in
“PLANTATION is an important addition to the Urban
collaboration with the British Council.
Farmer Project, bringing art into the Fleet Street Quarter and City of London. The wider Urban Farmer
Patanowska has a long-held interest in gardening, but
Project will transform Hill House into an exciting
did not have her own outdoor space in London. With
meanwhile use that drives social value in the area by
a background in pottery, she combined the glasses
addressing food waste.”
with porcelain to create the hydroponic planters, as a substitute for a garden. Working with a variety of glass shapes, from pint glasses to champagne flutes, through experimentation she designed four planter shapes which fit every type of glass and allow plants to thrive. She has previously presented PLANTATION at institutions including the Museum of the Future, Dubai (2023), the National Museum in Krakow, Poland (2018 & 2022), and the Museu de Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro (2016). Aside from the four shapes already in production, 50% of the planters on display this winter will be new shapes, unique to the London installation.
Construction Update
Groupe Atlantic’s Darren Finley appointed Chair of ICOM
Darren Finley, Managing Director for Commercial Products at Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI Division, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) – a not-for-profit trade association, representing and promoting the interests of the non-domestic heating sector since 1933. Having worked in the heating industry for over 37
within one or more product-related groups. Each
years and, as MD for Groupe Atlantic commercial
group holds quarterly meetings, participating in
brands Ideal Heating Commercial, Hamworthy
commercial and technical discussions as well as
Heating and ACV, Darren’s extensive experience
valuable networking. When specific issues arise,
and in-depth knowledge of this market sector
working groups are formed to produce suitable
made him an ideal candidate for the role of Chair
documents which are presented to the relevant
at ICOM. Commenting on this prestigious accolade,
Government department or standards body.
Darren said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of ICOM. This long-standing trade association
“Darren is a well-known, highly regarded figure
has contributed to the success of the commercial
in the commercial heating industry,” states
heating industry time and time again and, as it’s
Steve McConnell, Director of ICOM, “and we are
latest Chair, I intend to continue the excellent
delighted to welcome him as Chair of ICOM.
work it has done. Now, more than ever, we
Darren’s knowledge of this sector, along with
need to come together as an industry and drive
his organisation skills and forward thinking
decarbonisation forward and ensure we present
attitude, will help ensure ICOM members are well
with one united voice to protect and promote our
represented at some of the most senior levels.”
industry.” Darren officially started his role as Chair of ICOM ICOM works closely with governments, professional
on 1st October, and will retain his post for two
bodies and associations at national and European
years.
level, generating tangible benefits for members, as well as being instrumental in the development
For information on Groupe Atlantic company Ideal
of product and installation standards. It has an
Heating Commercial, visit
active and representative membership operating
www.idealcommercialheating.co.uk.
Construction Update
OZ Lifting Celebrates 20 Years, Expands
Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC is celebrating 20 years in business. The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment was inaugurated on December 4, 2004 with two staff; today, it has 25 fulltime employees, a distributor network across North America, and is preparing to relocate for a fourth time.
Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, celebrates groundbreaking at the new facility with his wife, Jane.
Even as the company celebrates the milestone, expansion into a state-of-theart 40,000 squarefoot facility is on the horizon. The new five-acre property, on Innovation Drive in its home town, is four times larger than the current building. Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “The new space will provide us with ample room for growth, including increased storage, more advanced testing capabilities, and the potential to expand our manufacturing operations. Most importantly, it will allow us to continue OZ Lifting is celebrating 20 years in business and expanding into another new facility.
Construction Update
offering the exceptional service and high-quality products customers have come to rely on; while ensuring we maintain the safety standards that are at the core of our mission.” The company is perhaps best known for its range of davit cranes, including the 1,200-lbs. capacity U.S. Patented CompOZite model that is made from advanced composite material and weighs only 83 lbs. The CompOZite Elite, meanwhile, is the world’s most innovative davit crane, offering the same capacity with a total crane weight of only 37 lbs.
into the Premium series. U.S.-made products were soon added to the catalog, but today’s 540 stock-keeping units (SKUs) represent a combination of both domestically manufactured and imported products.
‘We’ve come a long way’ — Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting.
The recently relaunched Tele-Pro davit crane, also U.S. Patented, and available in 500 lbs., 1,200 lbs. and 2,500 lbs. capacities, allows users to leverage the benefits of the manufacturer’s other cranes, while telescoping the boom in and out under load. Among other davits and accessories are manual and electric hoists and winches, in addition to a range of beam trolleys, clamps, and wire rope products.
Napieralski added: “The two-decade milestone and expansion are testaments to the strength of our business, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to continue growing and innovating in ways that will directly benefit our valued customers. If we keep doing what we do, treat coworkers and customers right, continue to bring innovation to market, carry inventory, etc., we will be in very good shape for the future.” OZ Lifting is continuing a recruitment effort to hire for several key roles.
Napieralski said: “We’ve come a long way. I started in the lifting industry in 1988, working for a manufacturer of equipment, before I opened my first business in 1995, which was a manufacturer representative company, specializing in the lifting and rigging business. “Prior to launching [OZ], I was nine years into my rep business, uneasy about the 30-day contracts. I knew I had strong relationships with all the distributors that I called on, so I thought, why not leverage them? I was fortunate to meet two Australians that were looking for a U.S. exclusive distributor of their hoist equipment.”
OZ Lifting has grown from humble beginnings in December 2004.
www.ozliftingproducts.com
The backbone of the company’s initial offering was a manual lever and chain hoist, equipped with overload protection; this has now grown
Construction Update
Keon Homes completes £11.9m Newport Extra Care scheme eight months early
A much-needed £11.9m ‘Extra Care’ development in Shropshire has been completed and handed over to The Wrekin Housing Group – eight months ahead of schedule.
Keon Homes, which is working on similar schemes at William Farr House in Shrewsbury and Streethay in Lichfield, highlighted the unprecedented achievement at a special open day for existing and future clients. The affordable homes and social housing specialist has taken just twenty months to build the 70-strong mix of one and two-bed apartments, with private gardens and a communal café. Ideally situated just a ten-minute walk into the market town of Newport, Queenswood will provide high quality living space and wraparound care and support for people over the age of 55. Speaking at the event Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, said: “Although we have a team that are experienced in terms of Extra Care, this is our first foray into the market as a company. And what a success it has been, with the site handed over to the highest standards and eight months early… that’s unheard of in this sector. “Queenswood has been a remarkable story from the very start, where we worked together with a master Construction Update
developer to unlock a complex parcel of land for this type of development. In turn, it meant the entire site could be built out.” He continued: “This approach is something we are rolling out to other open market housebuilders. Many don’t want to construct Extra Care schemes as they aren’t their ‘bread and butter’, but increasingly the big masterplans call for older people’s accommodation to be present. In essence, we can work with them to get an operational partner in line and solve a problem.” More than 50 people were present at the special open day, enjoying a guided tour of the landscaped gardens and the new apartments and communal spaces at the Queenswood scheme. They heard how Keon Homes has used a mix of traditional and modern construction methods in the build, including concrete floor plans manufactured offsite and 200mm think hollow core floor plans throughout the building, all topped with an acoustic Isorubber layer. This approach achieved the dual benefit of reducing
build time by eight months and providing an EPC ’A’ energy rating through the communal areas. IP-based assistive technology has also been incorporated throughout the building, including warden call systems, fall alarms, wandering alarms and door access controls. Matt went on to add: “The strength of our relationship with The Wrekin Housing Group was paramount to the speed of completion, with both parties working in partnership to build the highest quality Extra Care space for the people of Newport. “We also wanted the development to have a real ‘local’ impact, with 50% of the entire project spend directed to suppliers within a 20-mile radius. “Other notable achievements, include 16 apprentices being employed on site throughout the duration of the build and 162 work placement hours completed, giving young people the opportunity to gain valuable experience of a possible career working in construction.” Simon Thompson, Director of Development at Wrekin Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted that works have been completed at Queenswood, our new extra care scheme delivered in partnership with Keon Homes.
(l-r) David Wells (Executive Director of Operations for Wrekin Housing Group) with Richard Williams (MD of Keon Homes)
“We have made a firm commitment to deliver quality homes that people can be proud of and there is a clear demand for affordable housing for the over 55s in Newport and the wider Telford and Wrekin area. “This has been a great project to work on, from initial planning to handover, and I’d like to thank our partners at Keon Homes for their hard work in helping us to bring it to fruition. We’re now looking forward to welcoming our new tenants over the coming weeks.” Queenswood was recognised earlier this year in the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards, with Keon Homes’ Matt Wilkes named as the overall Regional Winner for the West in the Multi-Storey Builder category, following earlier securing the Quality and Seal of Excellence titles.
For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.
Construction Update
Duraproducts completes installation at new Everton Stadium
Leading sustainable construction innovator, Duraproducts, has announced the successful installation of its recycled and recyclable lightweight linear drainage channel, Durachannel, at Everton’s new Bramley Moore Dock stadium in Liverpool. Installed by Laing O’Rourke, this stateof-the-art drainage system runs along one side and two ends of the pitch, totalling 260 metres.
Designed as a lightweight drainage solution, Durachannel was selected for the project thanks to its functionality, sustainability and safety credentials. The standard units have a large useable volume which means bigger areas can be drained quickly and safely, protecting surfaces by taking run-off at multiple points across the whole length of the channel-line. They are also manufactured from a hydraulically efficient, ‘soft’ material, which significantly reduces the risk of injury to players. The composition of the material means it is more flexible on impact compared to other equivalent solutions, a critical concern for the club as it prioritises athlete safety in its new facility. In addition, as a one-piece product, Durachannel can not be broken down or easily removed, minimising the potential risk of gratings being lost or stolen. This not only ensures efficiency but also contributes to longer-term maintenance savings. While precise carbon savings are challenging to quantify, the choice of Duraproducts is a strategic move toward minimising the environmental impact of the construction project. The lightweight design contributes to lower carbon emissions during transportation and installation, aligning Construction Update
perfectly with Everton’s wider sustainability
solutions, the club really is setting a benchmark
commitments and the club’s intention of
for environmental responsibility in sports
constructing the most environmentally-friendly
infrastructure.”
stadium in the Premier League[1]. The decision to utilise Duraproducts stemmed Andy Leah, General Manager at Duraproducts
from a desire for lightweight solutions
commented: “We are thrilled that Durachannel
with notable carbon-saving benefits. It
was selected to be installed at the new Everton
highlights Everton’s ongoing efforts to create
Stadium. It is a fantastic product which is
a sustainable, safe and environmentally
designed to drain surfaces quickly, efficiently
responsible venue for players and fans alike.
and safely so should be a great addition to the
With this proactive approach, the club continues
new facility at Bramley Moore Dock.
to build on its legacy of innovation and commitment to the community.
“This installation not only enhances the safety and performance of the pitch but
To find out more about Durachannel, visit
also underscores Everton’s commitment to
www.duraproducts.co.uk
sustainability. By integrating such innovative [1] https://www.evertonstadium.com/news/2024/February/31/everton-embraces-green-football-weekend/
Construction Update
UK professional services firms look to GenAI for improved productivity and profitability, Deltek report reveals Deltek has today published its ‘Adopting Emerging Tech: How to Streamline Project Management and Boost Productivity with Generative AI’ guide, revealing 79% of firms plan to increase investment in emerging tech. This comes as 74% of professional services firms are confident that investing in AI will expand services and 41% say successful implementation will increase profits
New research from Deltek, the leading provider
significant digital transformation progress will
of software and solutions for project-based
result in the loss of market share within 12-months,
businesses, reveals that, while 79% of professional
making it essential for firms to overcome barriers,
services firms expect to increase investment
quickly. The top three challenges to adoption are:
in emerging technologies, there are significant
the cost of technology (54%), prioritising which
challenges holding back adoption. The findings,
technologies are most applicable to the business
which form part of its ‘Adopting Emerging Tech:
(50%), and a lack of employee education about
How to Streamline Project Management and Boost
trends and how they apply to their industry (30%)
Productivity with Generative AI’ guide, show that
according to respondents.
organisations are prioritising AI implementation to overcome these challenges to drive growth and
Investing in and implementing AI is seen as a
profitability.
competitive advantage (74%), alongside giving businesses the ability to expand the services they
Almost a third (30%) report that failing to make
20 Construction Update
can deliver to the market (74%). 72% believe AI
will improve their staff’s job satisfaction and 41% believe successful implementation will increase profits. Bret Tushaus, Vice President of Product Management at Deltek comments on the findings, “Project management challenges have been further compounded by ongoing global socioeconomic disruption, placing greater pressure on firms to optimise cost and reduce resources to stay profitable while meeting customer demand. It’s like trying to keep a household running smoothly during tough times, making sure all needs are met while tightening the budget.” Bret adds: “Investing in Project ERP as a backbone, will provide insight into business metrics, optimisation of processes, and support the productivity gains needed to help firms ensure they stay on-track and demonstrate success confidently to key stakeholders. Think of it as a detailed family planner that
Bret Tushaus, Vice President of Product Management at Deltek
helps you track expenses, plan
the Clarity Trends and Insights for Architecture, Engineering meals, and manage schedules all and Consulting Firms report, to help project-based businesses in one place, making it easier to
overcome challenges and unlock the opportunities.
keep everything under control and show progress.”
Download the full report here: Adoption Emerging Tech: How to Streamline Project Management and Boost Productivity with
Deltek today launches its new
Generative AI
guide Adopting Emerging Tech: How to Streamline Project Management and Boost Productivity with Generative AI’, leveraging new findings from Construction Update
21
Low-carbon heating systems mandatory in new-build homes from 2025: Where does copper piping fit in? In a bid to drive a greener future for prospective homeowners, the UK Government introduced the Future Homes Standard in 2019, which ensures newly built homes have low-carbon, energyefficient heating systems from 2025 onwards.
The heating and powering of buildings consumes 30% of the UK’s total energy use; therefore, it’s clear that homes play a significant role in the UK’s effort towards reducing energy consumption.
The shift in how we heat our homes from 2025 To meet the Government’s target of net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050, our homes must become more sustainable. By implementing alternative energy systems and using recyclable materials like copper piping in heating, we can make strides towards increasing the longevity and versatility of our homes. There are a range of low-carbon installations that developers and homeowners can embrace – including heat pumps, electric and biomass boilers, hybrid systems, solar water heating and insulation – to increase sustainability in homes while continuing to generate heat.
Copper’s role in low-carbon heating systems As an excellent conductor of heat, copper allows for rapid and efficient heat transfer, making it the standout choice for supplying the heat generated by low-carbon heating systems.
6
Construction Update
Copper pipes can be integrated with air-source heat pumps, transporting the heat extracted from outside air to radiators, electric heaters and other outlets. As well as improving efficiency, copper pipes are also infinitely recyclable, helping to reduce carbon emissions associated with the design of air-source heat pumps. Copper is also the driving force in solar thermal panels and other water heaters, which harness the sun’s energy to warm homes. Copper piping is useful here due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures over alternative plastic materials, such as multilayer composite (MLCP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PEX), which have a low melting point and can crack easily. The integration of infinitely recyclable materials like copper piping into our homes will play a transformative role in the future sustainability of the residential sector. With a typical life expectancy between 70 and 80 years, copper possesses reliability over materials like plastic, retaining up to 95% of its value over time. With low-carbon heating systems being phased into homes from 2025, infinitely recyclable materials like copper have a significant role to play in sustainability improvements.
To find out more about the recyclability of copper, visit: www.cuspuk.com
Construction Update
7
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