The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the winners of the President’s Awards for Research 2014. The awards promote and champion high-quality research and encourage its dissemination to the profession; they raise the profile of architects and academics engaged in research, and highlight the need for research across
There has been a lot of talk in the timber industry about the potential knock-on effects of the Hackitt Review into the Grenfell fire. Now the report is out, we are left in no doubt that regulations will be tightened and enforcement of building standards will move to a higher
Engineering software developer, Envenio, has launched an online BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Survey. The 5-6 minute survey has been designed to collect baseline data directly from industry, and aims to find out more about BIM and the role for CFD in building design and HVAC
Architects Page Park have specified Indeglas, the Cumbernauld-based business recognised as a world class supplier of interior glass solutions, for the development of the design, the supply and the installation of internal glass screens and fully glazed doors at St Cecilia’s Hall, the University of Edinburgh’s music museum and teaching
AS PART of a £250 million regeneration plan, a new 10 storey, 250 room hotel complex is starting to take shape in Leicester – with completion expected in late 2019. Two national hotel operators – Novotel Hotels and Adagio – have already signed up to operate the 252 bed hotels,
Our homes are currently undergoing some important and exciting changes. The digital revolution is sweeping through them like a wildfire and the result is homes that are smarter, more efficient that don’t leave us to do all the hard work. With that in mind, here we investigate connectivity in the
Business and community leaders in Allerdale and Copeland have submitted a bid for the area in order to host one of the four logistics hubs to support the planned expansion of Heathrow. The expansion project is expected to deliver up to £16 billion worth of economic benefits and create 15,300
Free training is available for Tees Valley SMEs, as a further £1 million of funding has been made accessible.The fund, accessible through the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) project and co-financed by the European Social Fund, will give SMEs the opportunity to offer their employees professional training across a
Huddersfield-based truck rental specialists Mac’s Truck Rental are celebrating a successful first half of to the year, following their well-publicised site move to a new custom facility on Crosland Road. Mac’s Truck Rental hail their success as a direct result of the improved services they now offer. This provides businesses
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the winners of the President’s Awards for Research 2014. The awards promote and champion high-quality research and encourage its dissemination to the profession; they raise the profile of architects and academics engaged in research, and highlight the need for research across the profession to nurture innovation and strategic thinking. The winners of the President’s Awards for Research 2014 are: RIBA President’s Award for the Outstanding Master’s Degree Thesis Winner: Stephen Gage, University of Cambridge for ‘Repurposed Pasts? Architecture and Identity in the Gothic Revival University’ A difficult subject, tackled very well, with an interesting approach and findings. The judges thought the thesis extremely rigorous – noting in particular the author’s particular ability in investigating parameters – and significant. They also noted the very fine drawings that supported the author’s analysis. RIBA President’s Award for the Outstanding PhD Thesis While no Award was given in this category, two PhD’s were worthy of commendation. Commendation: Emma Cheatle, Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London for ‘Part-architecture: the Maison de Verre through the Large Glass’ A sophisticated PhD with significant attention to detail and reflection. The judges found the historical aspect interesting and the descriptions of buildings enlightening and original. The judges were happy to commend the work as the author’s analytical approach was strong and rational. Commendation: Tom Bridgen, University of Newcastle for ‘The Protected Vista: An Intellectual and Cultural History, As Seen from Richmond Hill’ Original research drawing on both historical and contemporary sources, the thesis was well-research and presented, and explored important ideas in an area lacking in precedent. The judges thought that this ambitious PhD was deserving of a commendation. RIBA President’s Award for Outstanding University-led research Winner: Barbara Penner, Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London for ‘Bathroom’ The judges applauded this outstanding work for tackling an often overlooked area. In covering various points of view, including design and politics, the judges considered the research to be a good polemic with just the right amount of provocation for readers. The author’s passion for the subject made the work all the more interesting. Commendation: Adam Sharr, University of Newcastle and Stephen Thornton, University of Cardiff for ‘Demolishing Whitehall: Leslie Martin, Harold Wilson and the Architecture of White Heat’ A book on an interesting topic, rigorously researched, that made for a fascinating read. The judges felt that the authors had generally done an excellent job in writing a very readable book on architectural politics and that it was worthy of a commendation. Commendation: Ben Campkin, Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London for ‘Remaking London: Decline and Regeneration in Urban Culture’ The clear structure and accessible writing made this fascinating piece of work deserving of a commendation. The judges applauded the effort required to tackle such an expansive subject, breaking into areas about which not enough has been written previously. RIBA President’s Award for Outstanding Practice-led research Nowinner was given in this category, one project was worthy of commendation. Commendation: Robert Barker and Richard Coutts, Baca Architectsfor ‘The Climate Adaptive Neighbourhoods (CAN) Project’ This detailed analysis of the East Norwich housing that was a case study in the practice’s Lifeproject research resulted in findings that are pertinent and applicable to future housing developments on flood-prone sites. The judges felt this excellent research worthy of a commendation. RIBA President Stephen Hodder said: “The RIBA’s commitment to the advancement of architecture is inextricably linked to the acquirement of knowledge through new research. I’m delighted to put my name to these awards which celebrate the latest research innovation in our profession which will inform and challenge how we work in the future. Well done to all the winners.” Chair of the Judging Panel Professor Ruth Morrow, of Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Reaching a decision about winners for the RIBA President’s Awards for Research is always an exciting and challenging process. We were pleased to have such a diverse range of work to choose from – leading to some passionate and lengthy discussions at the final judging meeting. While the range of research was stimulating, we were disappointed that there were not more entries and shortlisted pieces from outside London, and hope that next year, in the 10th anniversary year of the awards, that more universities and practices from across the nations and regions will submit entries.” ENDS Notes to editors For press information contact Howard Crosskey in the RIBA Press Office: 020 7307 3761 howard.crosskey@riba.org To download a selection of images from the shortlist please visit: https://riba.box.com/s/cpjkhx40fjvzla9kbx61 Research queries about the awards should be sent to email research@riba.org The RIBA President’s Awards for Research were established in order to reward and encourage outstanding research in architecture carried out by students, academics and practitioners The awards are given in four categories: Master’s, PhD, university and practice-located research The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Visit www.architecture.com and follow us at www.twitter.com/RIBA The judging panel for the Awards are appointed by the RIBA expert member group the Research and Innovation Group, on behalf of the President. RIBA staff provide administrative support to the panel, but do not take part in the judging itself. Peter Gibbs-Kennet acts as independent observer at judging meetings, in particular to ensure conflict of interest procedures are adhered to. Posted on Thursday 6th November 2014 Source link
There has been a lot of talk in the timber industry about the potential knock-on effects of the Hackitt Review into the Grenfell fire. Now the report is out, we are left in no doubt that regulations will be tightened and enforcement of building standards will move to a higher level. Use of combustible cladding in high-rise construction was not banned in the review recommendations, although the government will consult on such a move. In light of the pressure for a ban from multiple groups, including RIBA, building firms and Grenfell survivors, it would not be surprising to see a ban still go ahead. But it is poor building practice and installation work and inadequate enforcement of Building Regulations that are at the heart of the matter. Timber cladding was not involved in the Grenfell fire, and though it has been used on some notable high-rise projects, its use is more commonly low to medium-rise. But as has been warned by Timber Trade Federation president Charles Hopping in his industry talks up and down the country these past months, timber cladding and other wood products are inevitably being pulled into the debate because of the focus on combustibility. The building industry is clearly going to have to up its game to deliver products that are fit for purpose and we can expect a higher level of scrutiny of how products and systems perform and are installed even if they are not high-rise applications. So, close working across the supply chain between timber product suppliers and their customers, enhanced testing and a clear united message from the timber industry will be required in dealing with the fallout from this review. Suppliers will need to be prepared to further their efforts to understand the applications for their products and improve the flow of information and technical advice further down the supply chain to safeguard the continued specification of their products. Because one thing is abundantly clear from Grenfell: you can’t rely on people down the chain to always do the right thing. British Woodworking Federation CEO Iain McIlwee welcomed the review recommendations and said a deeprooted problem existed in the building industry regarding fire safety. He cited the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s new guidance that encouraged an emphatic endorsement of UKAS-accredited third-party certification of product and competence of installation, with inspection picked up as fundamental to fire safety reform. The recommendation of tougher penalties in the Hackitt Review underlines the fact the landscape has been forever changed by Grenfell and it will impact all areas of the construction sector.
Engineering software developer, Envenio, has launched an online BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Survey. The 5-6 minute survey has been designed to collect baseline data directly from industry, and aims to find out more about BIM and the role for CFD in building design and HVAC system optimization. “The results will enable us to better understand how BIM and CFD tools are being used, and identify new areas where they could be used” says Scott Walton, VP of Envenio. Respondents will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win $500 worth of compute time on Envenio’s cloud hosted, on-demand CFD platform EXN/Aero. Advances in both BIM and CFD technology have enabled complicated building models to be digitally constructed with precise geometry and accurate information to support the project construction, fabrication, analysis and procurement activities. Mapping 3D flow patterns, evaluating occupant thermal comfort, and predicting contaminant dispersion are just some of the reasons more and more in the built environment have been turning to CFD as a general purpose flow simulator, and engineers are using CFD to trial new design ideas at low cost or to identify problems with existing systems during retrofits. The survey will ask questions about existing BIM and CFD use, identifying current attitudes and perceptions, training and usability issues, and costs. Results from the survey will be shared in September. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.
Architects Page Park have specified Indeglas, the Cumbernauld-based business recognised as a world class supplier of interior glass solutions, for the development of the design, the supply and the installation of internal glass screens and fully glazed doors at St Cecilia’s Hall, the University of Edinburgh’s music museum and teaching space in the heart of the city’s Old Town. Light flooded through the building thanks to the internal glass screens that were individually scribed to existing stonework arches with feature glazed fire screens, while bespoke detailing ensured that this architectural gem came to life with old and new presenting in complete harmony. “The St Cecilia’s Hall project required a high level of craftsmanship as a number of screens needed to be templated, scribed to stonework arches then glass-fitted to shapes which were extremely irregular. Our site installation teams produced a very high level of finish. To look at the screens now you would think they had always been there,” said Jeanette MacIntyre, founder and managing director of Indeglas. “We are, of course, very pleased to have been selected to undertake this contract and see it as a clear indication that Indeglas is rapidly becoming the preferred supplier of a growing number of the country’s top performing design teams and construction companies,” she added. Indeglas won a RIAS award for the restoration of St Cecilia’s Hall and previously for the Boroughmuir High School project. Indeglas is the former Deko Scotland, a specialist contractor and the sole distributor in the UK and Ireland for the products of award-winning glass manufacturer DEKO of Denmark. “As a Scottish business, the opportunity to work on such prestigious projects for the University of Edinburgh is a huge honour. We offer the University, its Estates team, appointed architects and contractors, the benefits of our nearly 70 years of collective industry experience, as well as our commitment to full client engagement at every level of our business,” concluded Jeanette.
AS PART of a £250 million regeneration plan, a new 10 storey, 250 room hotel complex is starting to take shape in Leicester – with completion expected in late 2019. Two national hotel operators – Novotel Hotels and Adagio – have already signed up to operate the 252 bed hotels, which are being delivered by Charles Street Buildings Group (CSB), with national property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard delivering mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E), structural engineering and quantity surveying (QS) services for the project. Graeme Milligan, national director at Pick Everard said: “Pick Everard has been delivering projects in Leicester for more than 150 years, so this is a project we’re particularly invested in. “We’re working to quite a tight, complex site so the plans – as well as the delivery itself – has had its challenges. We managed to negotiate this by an organised road closure, with a significant level of traffic management in place and the installation of tower cranes. “It has been important to consider how the development would fit into the local area so we’ve been working closely with the architects – Leach Rhodes Walker and Stephen George Partnership – to make sure that the look and feel of the city remains but is suitably enhanced and the public realm is improved upon. “Energy efficiency has been considered as being of paramount importance for new hotels. The lifecycle of the buildings has been taken into account, with future maintenance and running costs factoring into the designs to ensure that it makes as little environmental impact as possible – while remaining aesthetically pleasing. “From an M&E perspective, the designs included thermal modelling, which benefitted from the concrete mass of the building. Daylight analysis was also used throughout which influenced the final façade treatment. “We also had to factor in the acoustic elements of the individual rooms and conference facilities, which all have stringent planned noise and straight noise levels to ensure that the guests’ experience is the best it can be. The ground floors of each building really do have the ‘wow factor’, creating a strong first impression upon guests and feature creative uses of lighting and architectural features. “As a multi-disciplinary practice, with considerable experience in the hotel and leisure sectors, we’ve saved time and money through efficiencies gained by integrated working practices that are very specialist and not widely used in the industry. “We’re incredibly proud to be involved with this project and look forward to seeing the new hotels in use next year, bringing more tourism and business into the city.”
Our homes are currently undergoing some important and exciting changes. The digital revolution is sweeping through them like a wildfire and the result is homes that are smarter, more efficient that don’t leave us to do all the hard work. With that in mind, here we investigate connectivity in the home. Broadband Connections The story starts with our broadband connections. Broadband is getting faster and the ways it is being used in the home is becoming increasingly sophisticated. No longer do we have a single device hardwired to the internet we have hubs that allow us to use multiple devices from any room in the home that we choose. There has been great progress in terms of how we set up wireless internet hubs, wireless power outlets for instance mean that there is a network of hubs throughout our living spaces and thus the signal is more consistent. And our internet hubs now also offer us the opportunity to connect appliances and other household items using the internet of things. The Internet of Things It is estimated that by 2020 there will be around 20 billion connected devices worldwide and that includes many of the appliances we have in our homes. Our heating systems, for example, will be connected to the internet, where they can be programmed, controlled and made to work more efficiently – so too the lighting. Our fridges will be able to regulate themselves and send messages to us. There are several ways in which all this technology will be controlled, such as our smartphones or tablets. The most interesting notion, however, is that of being able to control things using voice recognition and artificial intelligence. Alexa Switch on the Lights Devices like the Amazon Echo highlight just how far technology has come in terms of voice recognition and artificial intelligence, but there is so much more to come. The technology has almost limitless applications – imagine being able to run a bath by just using a simple vice command or locking all the windows and doors before retiring to bed. Future Proofing Your Home For those who own their own homes, keeping a close eye on the ways we can apply connectivity in them is becoming paramount and helps when it comes to future proofing the property, adding value and ultimately saving money and protecting the environment. For those who are looking to buy a property the message is simple, think smart and invest in a smart home.
Business and community leaders in Allerdale and Copeland have submitted a bid for the area in order to host one of the four logistics hubs to support the planned expansion of Heathrow. The expansion project is expected to deliver up to £16 billion worth of economic benefits and create 15,300 jobs across the North West. “Heathrow expansion is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the UK construction industry, build for the future and deliver a lasting skills legacy for future generations. All of this comes at a pivotal time for our country, as it prepares itself to leave the EU and where we need to build for our future in both travel and trade,” said lord Deighton, Chairman at Heathrow Airport. The local bid has been led by Sellafield Ltd and supported by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, Allerdale and Copeland councils, Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, Workington MP Sue Hayman and Copeland MP Trudy Harrison. Eight expressions of interest in the region have made it to Heathrow’s long list, with 65 sites being considered nationally. A delegation from Heathrow will visit all longlisted locations by the end of the month to assess their suitability before narrowing down the list of areas it puts through to the next round. The delegation, joined by representatives of Sellafield, the councils and BEC Business Cluster, has already visited the former Alcan site on the A595 as an example of the kind of development site available in the area “It is very early days, but the Heathrow delegation were impressed by the levels of skills in manufacturing and engineering that we already have in West Cumbria, much of which is engaged in our supply chain at Sellafield. They were also interested to learn more about the capability that we are able to grow through the world-class educational facilities at Lillyhall, with the Construction Skills Academy, National College for Nuclear,” explained Jamie Reed, Sellafield Ltd’s head of corporate affairs, who also hosted the visit.
Free training is available for Tees Valley SMEs, as a further £1 million of funding has been made accessible.The fund, accessible through the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) project and co-financed by the European Social Fund, will give SMEs the opportunity to offer their employees professional training across a range of skills and sectors. “The project has already made a significant impact in the region, having helped over 400 businesses and 1,000 employees gain new skills over the last 18 months,” explained Sue Dawson, regional development manager of the SSW project in Tees Valley. “Securing an additional £1 million funding means we will be able to extend that reach and support even more businesses, helping them to achieve their growth plans by offering them the opportunity to upskill employees through free training and improved productivity,” she added. The SSW project works in partnership with the Tees Valley Combined Authority to close the area’s skills gaps. It offers courses in employability skills, as well as specific courses across the Combined Authority’s priority sectors – advanced manufacturing/engineering, business and professional services, digital and creative, energy, culture and leisure, health and biologics, chemical processing, low carbon, and logistics. “We know employers across our key sectors need problematic skills gaps to be filled so they can overcome the biggest barrier to business growth,” said Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Combined Authority Cabinet Lead for Education, Employment and Skills. “Skills Support for the Workforce is a valuable resource to help inspire and support the region’s workers to learn the new talents that will help our companies succeed. By targeting our priority sectors, this programme is shoring up the fields that need it most and I welcome this extra funding to assist even more in-need businesses,” he continued. Co-financed by the European Union’s European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the project is available for SMEs seeking non-compulsory work-based training to support their business growth plans. Its course are delivered by a network of local training providers in partnership with Calderdale College.
Huddersfield-based truck rental specialists Mac’s Truck Rental are celebrating a successful first half of to the year, following their well-publicised site move to a new custom facility on Crosland Road. Mac’s Truck Rental hail their success as a direct result of the improved services they now offer. This provides businesses across the UK with access to trucks built specific to their needs, with mounted cranes, custom bodies and more. In fact, the business has seen an increased number of local clients, with the local construction industry thriving in recent months. Industrial and commercial property projects are on the rise, and this is where the contract hire Mac’s Trucks offer can provide a significant benefit to businesses, explains Selena McDade-Smith, Head of Rental: “Mac’s Trucks has always been known for the quality of their service, and the huge capability of our team. When we originally established Mac’s Truck Rental, that was a key consideration in deciding on the contact hire option we provide for truck financing. This means that when businesses lease a truck from us, they still get access to our incredible service all as part of their truck hire – which includes servicing, maintenance, and breakdown assistance, because of the customer-focused contract hire option we provide.” The truck hire-specialist’s approach has been recognised as part of the BVRLA, the British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association, the leading trade body for vehicle rental. After consistent year on year growth, Mac’s Truck Rental is now launching a standalone website, offering businesses more information on the trucks they can hire, as well as the custom-build facilities available from their new HQ. [URL: https://macstruckrental.co.uk] Mac’s Truck Rental continue to invest in their fleet and premises, providing another positive story for local industry.
