October 9, 2018

Winners of the 2016 RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarships announced

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and The Wren Insurance Association Limited (the Wren), the architects’ professional indemnity insurance mutual, have announced five 2016 RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarships. Each winner will receive £5,000 for the last year of their Part 2 course in architecture and the opportunity to

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Prime resi pipeline up 40% as demand eases

The projected number of units to be built over the next 10 years increased by 40 per cent as of 2015 compared with 2014, when the number of luxury homes planned for London stood at 25,000. The findings come as demand for high-end property in the capital begins to ease

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New Saudi oil era ignites old questions

Khalid al-Falih The new Saudi administration under construction by Mohammed bin Salman, the monarchy’s young deputy crown prince, has been quick to jettison ministers deemed inefficient or out of line with a prevailing reformist tone in the royal court. Ali al-Naimi, once Saudi Arabia’s most influential commoner and for decades

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A taste for the high life: Industry urged to embrace concrete innovations in high-rise building design

With a record number of skyscrapers under construction in the UK, Aggregate Industries is reminding contractors that innovative concrete solutions such as Lytag are proving increasingly essential to achieving world-class sustainable building design for high-rise structures. According to the latest report by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat,

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VISTA ENGINEERING GROUP ACQUIRES BPC BUILDING PRODUCTS

Wakefield-based manufacturer of steel construction connectors, BPC Building Products Ltd, has joined Vista Engineering, in a move which sees the group strengthen its position in the UK market and significantly enhance the product range offered to its customers. “There is a tremendous amount of synergy between BPC and Vista, and

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Small Business Owners Are Struggling to Survive

The new research from Hitachi Capital Business Finance found that the late payment crisis is so bad that 27% of UK small business owners are forgoing paying themselves a wage so they can pay their staff on time. The research also revealed that 52% of small business owners are experiencing

Read More »

Latest Refurbishment Works Complete at Prestigious Liverpool Property

Showcasing over 50 year’s experience, Millfield Estates are part of a family owned group of companies whose roots lie in the manufacturing and distributing of replacement spare parts for domestic appliances. Other areas of expertise lie within the manufacture of visual display equipment for the education, healthcare and office sector.

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Work Is Due to Commence on Tricky Residential Site

A bespoke three-bedroom 1820 sq ft house designed by Boon Brown Architects for James Laurence Group is being built on a difficult brownfield residential site in Wandsworth, London. This contemporary detached house is enclosed by private houses, a redundant substation land and a small Peabody Trust garden. Boon Brown’s design

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Why Construction Site Worker Must Have Protective Clothing?

The work involved in a construction site is extremely challenging and risky as the work demands exposure to various hazardous chemicals, acids, flames, heat, bricks, beams and what not. Hence, protection from these dangers is necessary in order to prevent accidents. Like how the other professions such as Doctor, Nurses,

Read More »

Latest Issue

BDC 321 : Oct 2024

October 9, 2018

Winners of the 2016 RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarships announced

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and The Wren Insurance Association Limited (the Wren), the architects’ professional indemnity insurance mutual, have announced five 2016 RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarships. Each winner will receive £5,000 for the last year of their Part 2 course in architecture and the opportunity to be mentored by a Member of the Wren. The 2016 winners are: Jordan Green, Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University Aidan Hermans, Royal College of Art Matthew Lucraft, The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London Nathan Su, Architectural Association Wing Hang (Daniel) Tang, London South Bank University RIBA President Jane Duncan said: “I’m delighted that the generosity of the Wren Insurance Association has enabled us to support another five students who will contribute positively to the future of the profession. I have no doubt that this cohort will be as impressive and as creative as in previous years.” David Stanford, Chairman of Wren, said: “I am delighted that Jordan Green, Aidan Hermans, Matthew Lucraft, Nathan Su and Daniel Tang are the winners of the 2016 RIBA Wren Scholarships. The Wren Insurance Association is proud of its continuing sponsorship of these Scholarships, now in its 4th year, which will provide significant support for this group of excellent students in their final year at university, both in financial terms and by the mentoring offered by its Members who come from 58 of the UK’s leading architectural practices.” ENDS Notes to editors: 1. For further press information please contact Callum Reilly in the RIBA Press Office on 020 7307 3757 or email callum.reilly@riba.org 2. To download images of this year’s recipients and copies of their portfolios please visit: https://riba.box.com/s/iqj6rs4kkg4aq0l9jokbml1n9ghump0w 3. The scholarship scheme was created in 2013 as part of the Wren’s 25th anniversary celebrations. For more information about the Wren see www.wrenmutual.co.uk.  4. The recipients of funding were selected after an initial shortlisting stage followed by individual interviews with a judging panel consisting of: Albena Atanassova (Scott Brownrigg and RIBA Council member), Chris Bennie (TP Bennett), Jonathan Hall (Allford Hall Monaghan Morris), David Lawrence (Flanagan Lawrence), Clare Richards (member of the RIBA Education Trust Funds Committee). David Gloster, Director of Education at RIBA was present as independent moderator of the judging process. 5. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Visit www.architecture.com and follow us on Twitter.   Posted on Tuesday 5th July 2016 Source link

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Prime resi pipeline up 40% as demand eases

The projected number of units to be built over the next 10 years increased by 40 per cent as of 2015 compared with 2014, when the number of luxury homes planned for London stood at 25,000. The findings come as demand for high-end property in the capital begins to ease and construction costs continue to rise. As a result, developers may begin to shift their assets away from prime residential to offer more mixed-use or office space to boost their profit margins, the research predicts. Developers may also increase the number of smaller and more affordable units on schemes because they are easier to sell, Arcadis head of commercial development Mark Cleverly told Construction News. Mr Cleverly said rapid shifts in the market such as stamp duty changes and an economic slowdown in China were also placing pressure on developers. “Although stamp duty is a tax on purchasers, on the ground some developers are experiencing buyers making discounted offers for their properties [to counter the tax],” he said. “So a developer is facing buyers making deals at the top of his appraisal while still having to offer affordable housing contributions and CIL payments at the other end. “It is a squeeze on developers and [could] potential [have] a negative impact on margins, which means there’s more hard work to be done to make these schemes viable.” Growth of homes in development, 2011-15 2011 9,119 2012 15,503 (+70%) 2013 20,000 (+29%) 2014 25,000 (+25%) 2015 35,055 (+40%) Mr Cleverly said developers were responding in different ways to the changing market, with a number of his clients having “strategic reviews” around the costly interior design and fit-out specifications on schemes. “There’s a big focus on cost optimisation at the moment so we are able to maintain the viability of these schemes in a changing market.” Arcadis estimates that clients are targeting 10 per cent cost savings in the prime residential sector, Mr Cleverly said. “Right now clients are looking for best value through the procurement process, so anything contractors can do to mitigate that is crucial,” he added. “Developers are looking at the balance of the cost between the shell and core and the fit-out [to see if] they have got that right.” He said there was a reluctance from contractors to take on lump-sum risk for fit-out work, with many contractors opting to sign a shell-and-core lump-sum contract on a design-and-build basis. “There is probably a consensus between clients and contractors that on a long programme it’s not wise to buy the fit-out too early because you will end up paying a large premium or the contractors that you’ve had price it, they might not be around in a couple of years at that price at the time when you want them to deliver.” Source link

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New Saudi oil era ignites old questions

Khalid al-Falih The new Saudi administration under construction by Mohammed bin Salman, the monarchy’s young deputy crown prince, has been quick to jettison ministers deemed inefficient or out of line with a prevailing reformist tone in the royal court. Ali al-Naimi, once Saudi Arabia’s most influential commoner and for decades the face of energy policy in the world’s largest oil exporter, has become the most prominent minister to be replaced so far. Khalid al-Falih, a fellow Saudi Aramco veteran, took over his role on Saturday as oil minister. He is playing an influential role in shaping Prince Mohammed’s reform plans, which include taking part of the state oil company public. His appointment should provide some continuity in oil policy. Both the 30-year-old Prince Mohammed — known as MbS in western circles — and Mr Falih have indicated they believe that keeping output high is the best strategy in an industry transformed by unconventional resources. “Saudi Arabia has never advocated that it would take the role of balancing the market against the structural imbalance that was emerging,” Mr Falih said this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos. But the rise of Prince Mohammed to the top of the oil leadership has raised questions about future policy. Daniel Yergin, author of The Prize, a history of the oil industry, and vice-chairman of data provider IHS, said Mr Falih would bring a “real strategic grasp” about the role of oil “in the overall reform programme”. He will play a key role in the prince’s plans to privatise a stake in Saudi Aramco, helping to finance his plan of creating a $2tn sovereign wealth fund to speed the end of the kingdom’s reliance on oil by 2030. The deputy crown prince’s aim of granting the state oil producer independence and shifting its assets under the sovereign Public Investment Fund were probably alien to Mr Naimi’s worldview, which was forged in the kingdom’s fight to nationalise its oil wealth. The 81-year-old oil minister had raised questions over plans to increase energy prices for citizens, arguing for the paternalistic status quo. “Mr Naimi was too old. He didn’t manage to fit into the new way of thinking,” said one Saudi banker. “Naimi viewed Aramco as part of the oil ministry.” But under Mr Naimi’s authority there were some certainties: Saudi Arabia would not politicise its oil resources and there was an expectation the kingdom would hold a buffer of spare capacity to prevent prices from escalating to dangerous highs. The deputy crown prince has already indicated he is prepared to wield oil as a political tool, hinting that the kingdom could easily accelerate output to more than 11m barrels a day as its regional rival Iran tries to recoup market share after years of sanctions. Last month he isolated his oil minister and scuppered the first big attempt to reverse the price slide when he insisted that Iran must be part of any deal to freeze output. Mr Naimi’s team had briefed other countries’ ministers that Riyadh’s participation was not contingent on Tehran. In a statement on Sunday, Mr Falih said the kingdom would “maintain its stable petroleum policies”. However, he echoed recent comments from Prince Mohammed, by highlighting Saudi Arabia’s status as the only country with significant spare capacity and by positioning it as the natural beneficiary of rising demand. This is a new era for Saudi oil policy and is fraught with uncertainty. There will likely be more volatility for oil markets. – Amrita Sen, chief oil economist, Energy Aspects “We are committed to meeting existing and additional hydrocarbons demand from our expanding global customer base, backed by our current maximum sustainable capacity,” he said. There is expected to be little clarity by the next Opec meeting in June. The kingdom normally raises production to feed power plants in the summer months to help meet soaring air-conditioner use. Whether any production increase will be maintained after the summer remains to be seen. But with Prince Mohammed’s economic vision planning for a less prominent role for Saudi Arabia’s oil industry, there may be an incentive to pump more crude and secure revenues to help the kingdom make the transition to a post-oil economy. “This is a new era for Saudi oil policy and is fraught with uncertainty,” said Amrita Sen, chief oil economist at Energy Aspects, the research consultancy. “There will likely be more volatility for oil markets.” Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2016. You may share using our article tools. Please don’t cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web. Source link

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A taste for the high life: Industry urged to embrace concrete innovations in high-rise building design

With a record number of skyscrapers under construction in the UK, Aggregate Industries is reminding contractors that innovative concrete solutions such as Lytag are proving increasingly essential to achieving world-class sustainable building design for high-rise structures. According to the latest report by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, more high-rise towers are being built in the UK in 2018 than in the previous ten years1, with a record 510 tall towers at more than 20 storeys high, currently planned or under construction in London alone2. With this in mind, Aggregate Industries is advising the industry that using lightweight concrete solutions – often more cost effective and sustainable than standard options – has never been more crucial, particularly for meeting the complex design challenges of the UK’s most high-profile construction projects. Barry Mellor, Lytag commercial manager, comments: “The task for the modern structural engineer or contractor is not an easy one. Given the growing trend for high-rise developments across the UK, the onus is on creating cost-effective and sustainable structures which, at the same time, provide scope for greater design freedom than ever before. “As such, lightweight concrete solutions such as Lytag, a secondary aggregate up to 50% lighter than natural aggregate, can help developers to make the seemingly ‘impossible’ possible by enabling them to achieve remarkable architectural feats. Providing the same level of structural performance as standard weight aggregate used in concrete formulation, Lytag is ideal for reducing the number and size of columns in order to create bigger structures with greater spans, whilst at the same time being able to reduce the total load of their builds. Essentially, it reduces the volume of foundation needed by using less concrete and steel during the construction process.” What’s more, Lytag is made from fly ash generated by coal fired power stations. Being a secondary aggregate means it can drastically improve the green credentials of a build as seen during the construction of the £135m 70 St Mary Axe landmark development – the latest skyscraper set to transform London’s skyline. Lytag was instrumental in helping the tower recently receive an Excellent rating in BREEAM by conforming to clause WST 02 in relation to recycled aggregate. Barry adds: “Pushing boundaries is the cornerstone of pioneering design and, in turn, maintains our status as a world-leading construction company. And at the heart of this is seeking innovation in all areas, including building materials such as concrete, which as the most widely used man-made material in the world, has for far too long been viewed as an everyday, standard construction commodity. “However, since its inception 60 years ago, Lytag has had an incredible track record of helping to create the London skyline – usually on projects considered the first of their kind, which use space wisely, boast impressive aesthetics and keep sustainability at the forefront. “We’d recommend architects, developers and contractors, who haven’t done so already to continue to use Lytag’s unique capabilities to achieve the gold standard in high-end, intelligent and sustainable building design.” For more information on Lytag call 01904 727922 or visit www.lytag.com

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VISTA ENGINEERING GROUP ACQUIRES BPC BUILDING PRODUCTS

Wakefield-based manufacturer of steel construction connectors, BPC Building Products Ltd, has joined Vista Engineering, in a move which sees the group strengthen its position in the UK market and significantly enhance the product range offered to its customers. “There is a tremendous amount of synergy between BPC and Vista, and bringing the two companies closer together will generate additional benefits for both sets of customers,” explains BPC Managing Director, Gareth Simister. “This is great news for customers of both businesses. The acquisition will allow access to a wider range of products together with improved technical support and customer service levels.” “We’re delighted to welcome BPC as part of the expanding Vista group,” adds Vista managing director, Phil Travis. “We have worked together as distribution partners for many years, and look forward to strengthening the relationship we’ve already established. “Vista is a proudly British company which offers high quality products. We combine the best quality raw materials and state-of-the-art technology with over 40 years of experience, and would only ever consider forging a closer relationship with a company like BPC which shares our high standards and aims for the future.” For more details please visit either www.vistaeng.co.uk, email sales@vistaeng.co.uk or call 01663 736700 or www.bpcfixings.com, email sales@bpcfixings.com or call 01924 364794.

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HS2 reveals design vision for new stations in Birmingham and Solihull

HS2 will release images of two of its brand new stations, marking a significant milestone for the programme, cementing the project’s commitment to the Midlands and emphasising the region’s place at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network. The images will be released at Birmingham Library at the first of a series of public engagement events during October, which give people the opportunity to see the new designs and give feedback. Curzon Street station in central Birmingham will be the first brand new intercity station built in Britain since 19th century, create a new landmark for the city and boost opportunities for regeneration in the city. Opening with seven high speed platforms in 2026, the new station will not only be for high speed rail passengers, it will be a brand new public space in Birmingham city centre. It will be fully integrated into an extended tram network, as well as offering pedestrian, cycle, taxi, bus and conventional rail connections to the rest of the city and the wider West Midlands. Interchange station will be a new major gateway station for the region, part of a new public transport interchange serving Solihull, the West Midlands, Birmingham Airport and the NEC. The station will help deliver longer term development and growth proposals for the area around the station, including new homes, business space and jobs. HS2 is also considering a number of extra elements to the scheme put forward by the Urban Growth Company (UGC) which aim to maximise the opportunities the new HS2 Interchange Station presents as a key catalyst for growth. WSP UK Ltd, working with Grimshaw Architects LLP is designing Curzon Street and Arup is designing Interchange station. Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport and Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, marked the start of works on the site of the future Curzon Street station last week. Works are well underway on 60 sites across the route from London to Birmingham, with over 7,000 jobs supported by the programme across the country on our way to 30,000 jobs at peak construction. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “These brand new stations will be catalysts for regeneration, creating jobs and opportunities for local people and economic benefits for Birmingham and the Midlands. Curzon Street station will put Birmingham at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network and enhance the rail connectivity for the city, whilst Interchange provides a once in a life time opportunity to help drive the growth of the region.” HS2 CEO Mark Thurston said: “Both of these new stations will be transformational for the Midlands and will create opportunities for regeneration, growth and economic benefits for the city and region. Preparatory work for the stations is well under way, with a variety of enabling works including the construction of access roads and archaeological investigations. “As part of our plans to deliver a ‘green corridor’ across the whole route, we’re also creating new ecological habitats, community and amenity spaces to help integrate the new line and our stations into the surrounding landscape and environment. All of this activity is already creating job opportunities not just in the region, but across the whole country.” Sir John Peace, Midlands Engine Chairman said:  “HS2 is already a huge part of the Midlands’ success story, bringing jobs and investment with it. These pioneering new station buildings will showcase a rail revolution which has our transformed region at its core. “HS2 will be one of the most celebrated infrastructure projects in the world when trains start rolling in to Interchange and Curzon Street in 2026, with a regenerative ripple effect that will be felt across the Midlands. I can’t wait to see the stations take shape.” Both stations have been designed with features to make it easy and simple for passengers to navigate the stations, access the platforms and connect seamlessly to other forms of transport.  HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani said: “Birmingham will be at the heart of HS2, and the transformation that is already taking place shows exactly how our new high-speed railway will drive forward regeneration and economic growth across the country. “Unveiling the station designs for Curzon Street and the Solihull Interchange is a milestone moment. These stations will be catalysts for local jobs and new homes, as well as giving passengers access to thousands more seats, more services and better journeys. “We also want HS2 to set a new benchmark for truly inclusive travel, creating a railway that works for everyone. The task for our designers and engineers is now to take these ideas from the drawing board to reality, building iconic stations that are accessible, safe and open to all, no matter their needs.” Carol Stitchman, WSP Design Manager on Curzon Street said: “As well as being a catalyst for regeneration, the new HS2 Curzon Street station will become a landmark destination, welcoming people to the heart of Birmingham. Our design recognises the station’s function as a place of arrival and connection. It is the only HS2 station that welcomes you with a view of the city, where you can see the city from the train, and the train from the city. “WSP has welcomed 16 new apprentices to the Curzon Street station project, as part of our 140-strong project team. We are committed to boosting the skills of Britain’s next generation while delivering this transformative project.” Neven Sidor, Lead Architect, Grimshaws, for Curzon Street station, said: “HS2’s new Curzon Street station is inspired by the best station design of the past, inspired by Britain’s pioneering railway and industrial heritage reimagined for the 21st century. The elegant sleek low arch which will make the station instantly recognisable in the surrounding area and its warm coffered soffit will join the growing list of modern Birmingham icons. The West concourse will have the ambiance of a modern airport terminal with both platform and waiting areas included in the grand arched space. The East concourse has been designed to include the historic

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Small Business Owners Are Struggling to Survive

The new research from Hitachi Capital Business Finance found that the late payment crisis is so bad that 27% of UK small business owners are forgoing paying themselves a wage so they can pay their staff on time. The research also revealed that 52% of small business owners are experiencing pain because their customers and suppliers are not paying their bills on time. At a time when there are calls for the Government to do more to tackle the late payment crisis that hits small businesses particularly hard, the Hitachi Capital research reveals that 63% of SMEs are dealing with late payment and this is having a profound impact on their ability to conduct business. “The industry and policy makers have been aware of the late payment issue for some time but our new research offers insight on its impact on small businesses. It’s gone well beyond being an inconvenience: late payment is putting jobs at risk, damaging the supply chain – and when small business owners have to sacrifice their own monthly paycheck you know the pain is really hitting home,” said Gavin Wraith-Carter, Managing Director at Hitachi Capital Business Finance. Key findings: More than two in five small businesses that were struggling to survive said they were unable to pay their suppliers on time (43%). A further 29% said that late payment issues was having an adverse a knock-on affect on their long-term relationships with suppliers and customers. Chasing and covering late payments was also taking up unnecessary time and money. More than a quarter of respondents (26%) said they had wasted time and legal fees chasing up late payments, diverting significant time from running their business. With cash flow and cost control a top issue for small businesses over the summer months, almost a third of small businesses polled (31%) said they had incurred bank charges and fees for having to secure bridging finance or short-term borrowing to cover the black hole left by late payment.   Those respondents that said their business was struggling to survive were twice as likely to get behind with HMRC payments as a result of late payment (23%) – and they are almost three times as likely as the UK average to say they had been forced to make staff redundant (14%).  

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Latest Refurbishment Works Complete at Prestigious Liverpool Property

Showcasing over 50 year’s experience, Millfield Estates are part of a family owned group of companies whose roots lie in the manufacturing and distributing of replacement spare parts for domestic appliances. Other areas of expertise lie within the manufacture of visual display equipment for the education, healthcare and office sector. Millfield Estates have built and created a substantial and enviable portfolio of industrial estates, trade counter developments, offices, and primes retail units across the United Kingdom. A recent investment has seen the ground floor suite of Millfield Estate’s remarkable Yorkshire House, Chapel Street, Liverpool, be completely refurbished. In prime location at the heart of the City’s thriving business district, the ground floor renovation offers potential tenants the opportunity to work in, and utilise, 882 sq ft of available office space, with seven out of the building’s eight floors now fully let. New tenants and employees to Yorkshire House will instantly feel at home in the new space, due to a light filled, open plan design by Liverpool design agency USP Creative. The space is free of partitions and comes complete with its own modern kitchen, the suite is suited to accommodate the vast majority of business needs. Property Director for Bolton-based Millfield Estates, Paul Dobson, expressed: “We pin-pointed Liverpool as a burgeoning commercial region back in 2016 and purchased the Yorkshire House building in the May of that year. Since then we have seen the city go from strength to strength and it is clear that our ongoing investment in the property has been the right decision, generating a hugely successful letting record.” “We are very lucky to be working with an array of well-established and respected organisations at Yorkshire House and now that the ground floor refurbishment is complete we look forward to welcoming another growing business to this elegant building.” Neil Kirkham, director for CBRE, who works alongside Andrew Own, of Worthington Owen, added: “Millfield Estates’ continued investment into Yorkshire House is testament to the commercial growth that we are currently seeing in Liverpool and its decision to invest has proven to be a smart move. Whichever business decides to take up home in the new office suite will benefit from a beautifully-designed unit, located in the heart of the city’s business district.” Over three generations contribute to the Millfield Estate Legacy as they continue to impress and innovate. A strong presence in their hometown of Bolton stems up and down the country, from Liverpool and Manchester to Nottingham and Mayfair.

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Work Is Due to Commence on Tricky Residential Site

A bespoke three-bedroom 1820 sq ft house designed by Boon Brown Architects for James Laurence Group is being built on a difficult brownfield residential site in Wandsworth, London. This contemporary detached house is enclosed by private houses, a redundant substation land and a small Peabody Trust garden. Boon Brown’s design uses simple materials and strong forms to create an original new building that sits composedly within the mix of traditional character and modern utility housing. “The site posed many obstacles to residential development. In addition to being situated in the Park Town Conservation Area, it is adjacent to the Queens Arms pub which is included in Wandsworth Borough Council’s local list of unlisted buildings of architectural or historical interest. The site is also situated within Flood Zone 3 – at risk from a Thames tidal breach requiring flood defence at a level up to 1.8m above pavement level,” explained Craig Jones, Director of BBA. The house includes a three-storey part subterranean courtyard dwelling with bedroom accommodation on the upper ground floor to facilitate flood mitigation. A distinct architectural response to the context, the angular shape and form of the house is directly influenced by the necessity to protect surrounding daylight amenity and prevent overlooking in nearby houses. The strong modern palette uses a grey multi facing brick as the main material, allowing the house to be distinctive without being overbearing. The single elevation onto the highway is narrow and restricted, so the design uses a screen wall as a singular flat component, whose white facing brick stands off against the grey brick of the main structure. A block of glazed cladding lightens the façade, as well as introducing gentle diffused light into the upper floor. Furthermore, the secure elevated courtyard can be entered from pavement level and it contains storage for cycles and bins, as well as the stepped approach up to the main entrance on the upper ground floor. The upper ground floor houses the bedrooms and two bathrooms around a central light well. An internal staircase leads down to the living room and kitchen / diner, each side of a glazed courtyard. The central courtyard and light well offer an elegant solution to maximising the daylight available to the habitable rooms, as well as creating natural ventilation and precious outdoor amenity space. A second internal staircase descends to the basement media room, which will be constructed as a contiguous reinforced concrete box with waterproof walls. Boon Brown’s tailor-made design not only maximises the development opportunity and overcomes the challenges imposed by the location, but succeeds in creating a modern, spacious and welcoming one-off family home.  

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Why Construction Site Worker Must Have Protective Clothing?

The work involved in a construction site is extremely challenging and risky as the work demands exposure to various hazardous chemicals, acids, flames, heat, bricks, beams and what not. Hence, protection from these dangers is necessary in order to prevent accidents. Like how the other professions such as Doctor, Nurses, Teachers have a prescribed dress code similarly, the workers working in a construction site should also follow their dress code in order to safeguard themselves from the dangerous chemicals and equipment. How Clothing Plays a Crucial Role in Construction Sites? The construction workers working in the construction sites wear overalls to protect themselves from the various perilous elements as mentioned above. Overalls safeguard the players from hazards such as fire or flames. The overalls are made up of flame resistant fabrics which protect the players from hot liquid spills. Safety is indeed the highest priority in the construction sites because the workers engage in risky and unsafe activities and use tools like pliers, screwdrivers, spanners for their operation. Overalls also have pockets where the workers can place their tools in it. The use of eyeglasses and masks are some of the requisites for protection and safety. Other Factors that Contribute to Working in a Construction Site Comfort is also one of the factors to be taken into consideration for the workers working in the construction sites. Keeping comfort the priority, the overalls provide the workers with many safety pockets and belts which allows the workers to work peacefully and calmly. Also, the overalls made up of Karam which keeps the workers cool and comfortable when they work in heated environments. To be Seen As the construction site workers work in challenging and risky locations, it is of utmost importance that they are seen by others in the site in case of an emergency. Hence, the overalls are designed with 500 CD/Lux reflective tape which reflects any light that shines on them making them visible at all angles even when there is poor lighting around. Different Roles Involve Different Clothing It is the work environment which determines the outfit of the workers. The most extreme environments include the nuclear power plants and research laboratories. The workers working in a nuclear power plant have to be watchful in order to protect themselves from the various dangers around as it involves high risk. The employers must make sure that the workers have the right kind of overalls suiting to their role and also ensure that they wear it every day while they are at work to prevent accidents. The construction sites should also offer counselling sessions and provide the workers with the dos and don’ts to be followed while working in a construction site. Counselling despite being industry differences works really. To quote as an example how good it works, one of the recent reports reveal as to how one of the leading online casinos in Australia named Extra Vegas proved that counselling sessions can help in preventing compulsive gambling. The casino offers its players free instant advice and tips on controlled gambling. Hence, counselling plays a key role in determining the safety of the workers in an organisation. Spreading awareness about safety and security is highly essential for the well being of both the company as well as the workers. Happy working!

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