Category: Construction Industry Today | Subscribe to Construction Industry Today Feed Published Tue, Mar 8th 2016 ISG has been appointed to carry out a £multi-million project to extend the Scottish headquarters of award-winning supermarket group, Aldi, as the company further expands its operations in the country with a further
Network Rail has hived off its property arm into a standalone business with instructions to generate £1.8bn for network improvements. Network Rail Property now has its own board which will approve investments and disposals without reverting back to the main group board. Network Rail said that the new structure and
Award-winning UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, completed the redevelopment of Arnold House in the fast-growing ‘Tech-City’ area of London. The former warehouse now contains a 75,000 sq.ft. stand-out office and retail space. The £15 million project included a three-story extension reflecting the design of the existing building.
Horbury Facades, part of the Horbury Group based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has secured a contract with Sir Robert McAlpine worth £4 million to deliver a ‘through-wall’ solution on a new multi-occupancy residential development in Manchester. Forming part of the £80m regeneration of Salford’s Chapel Street area, the scheme on
Carter Jonas, the national property consultancy, has secured planning permission on behalf of the Society of Antiquaries of London for a new on-site education centre at Kelmscott Manor, alongside the conservation and refurbishment of the West Oxfordshire estate’s Grade I listed heritage buildings. Kelmscott Manor is a limestone manor house
Loughborough-based Adey Steel Group has announced plans to grow its presence as a specialist steel fabricator in the rail and energy sectors and has targeted the housebuilding sector to continue its construction growth. The changes will see Adey Steel Group, which have been established for 90 years, increase its focus
BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – are launching two new uncoupling mat solutions for problem floors. Following the launch of the revolutionary and award-winning BAL Rapid-Mat in 2014, the Flexbone range offers two very different solutions to the UK market with the launch of Flexbone 2Easy and Flexbone
A building in the heart of Unity Campus, South Cambridge, is to be transformed into a new £20 million multi-let business space by architect firm NBBJ. The project is the first phase of Howard’s Group investment to create a new campus style business park in the area. The Works is
Tate Consulting partnered with amber energy and MODA to provide an innovative energy and utility management solution for the fast-growing Build to Rent market. The COMM:UNITY scheme designed by amber energy will provide residents at MODA’s Angel Gardens 466 apartments in Manchester with the unique ability to pay one fee
The Middle Eastern city of Dubai is home to some of some of the most beautifully designed real estate projects in the world. The fascinating architectural gems and the breathtaking skyline that the city features are bound to impress everyone. From Burj Khalifa – the tallest tower in the world
Category: Construction Industry Today | Subscribe to Construction Industry Today Feed Published Tue, Mar 8th 2016 ISG has been appointed to carry out a £multi-million project to extend the Scottish headquarters of award-winning supermarket group, Aldi, as the company further expands its operations in the country with a further eight new stores planned in 2016. Posted via Industry Today. Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday Recently voted Which? Supermarket of the Year, Aldi is extending capacity at its regional head office building in Bathgate, with ISG constructing a two-storey, circa 21,500 sq ft extension, designed to blend seamlessly with the existing structure. The project also includes upgrades to mechanical and electrical services, IT and security infrastructure in the head office building, as Aldi future proofs its Scottish headquarters base. Work will be carried out in an operationally live environment, with ISG developing a robust and agile construction programme to minimise the project’s impact on Aldi staff. At ground floor level, the new extension will house meeting rooms, an archive store, sample kitchen, sample kitchen presentation area and staff canteen. The first floor area provides a mix of open plan office accommodation and cellular office space, with ISG fitting out the new accommodation to a high specification. The project also includes external enhancements, with ISG creating new car parking provision and carrying out an attractive hard and soft landscaping scheme. Andy McLinden, ISG’s Scotland regional managing director, commented; “Aldi has been highly successful with its quality offer in Scotland. I’m delighted that our first project for Aldi in Scotland is highly significant in supporting the supermarket’s country-wide expansion strategy, delivering a high-quality and future proof administrative centre in Bathgate.” Source link
Network Rail has hived off its property arm into a standalone business with instructions to generate £1.8bn for network improvements. Network Rail Property now has its own board which will approve investments and disposals without reverting back to the main group board. Network Rail said that the new structure and governance arrangement would “provide greater focus on plans to deliver land for housing, while continuing to generate income from Network Rail’s other property assets to reinvest into the railway”. Meanwhile, Network Rail itself will be free to focus on its core business of running the railways. This new organisation went live on 1st April 2016 under managing director David Biggs and non-executive chairman Chris Gibb. A search has begun to identify two further non-executive directors with appropriate property experience. David Biggs, managing director of Network Rail Property, said: “A bigger and better railway requires significant investment and Network Rail is generating an extra £1.8bn to help fund the Railway Upgrade Plan, mostly through the sale of property assets where continued Network Rail ownership is not essential to running the railway. This means Network Rail can focus on its core business of running a safe, reliable and growing railway that is vital to Britain’s economic health. “Our new property company will have greater powers to unlock land for homes, drive economic growth in towns and cities and reinvest money into the rail network to help fund the Railway Upgrade Plan. It will mean that investment or asset disposal decisions can be made at the right level within the organisation in a timely way while ensuring appropriate oversight is in place.” This article was published on 28 Apr 2016 (last updated on 28 Apr 2016). Source link
Award-winning UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, completed the redevelopment of Arnold House in the fast-growing ‘Tech-City’ area of London. The former warehouse now contains a 75,000 sq.ft. stand-out office and retail space. The £15 million project included a three-story extension reflecting the design of the existing building. It combined its current industrial impression with a high standard modern workplace environment to cater for the thriving technology and media businesses in South Shoreditch. Working closely with Buckley Gray Yeoman architects, the team at Gilbert-Ash transformed the seven-storey building to reveal collaborative open-plan spaces with exposed concrete columns and efficient floor plates. High-ceilings and significant natural light adds to the development to create a contemporary environment. The ground floor, encompassing retail outlets and a spacious reception area, includes a curtain wall glazing exterior and black steel cladding panels for the signage zone. The façade also incorporates brick cladding and brick slip panels over new external walls. An inverted roof with decking has created terrace spaces, with tenants able to enjoy views of the Shoreditch streetscape. “The final internal and external Arnold House refurbishment works well in the surrounding modern Tech-City environment. The contemporary space has been carefully constructed to keep the industrial style of the building but with additional features you would expect in a productive, collaborative space. From the ground floor to the roof terrace and landscaped courtyard, we aimed to create a space that would meet the needs of today’s modern, flexible workforce. The building includes office space with retail units on the ground floor in a fantastic location, right in the heart of Tech City,” said Gerard Mullan, Gilbert-Ash Project Manager. Located on the corner of Great Eastern Street and Holywell Lane, the new development is a BREAMM Very Good building with a WiredScore Gold certification. The building was completed and handed over on the 10th of August.
Horbury Facades, part of the Horbury Group based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has secured a contract with Sir Robert McAlpine worth £4 million to deliver a ‘through-wall’ solution on a new multi-occupancy residential development in Manchester. Forming part of the £80m regeneration of Salford’s Chapel Street area, the scheme on Gore Street, Manchester, consists of 375 private rent homes, including 364 apartments and 11 townhouses, split across three blocks that range between 22 and 13 storeys in height. Working in collaboration with OMI Architects and SRM project delivery team, Horbury Facades is installing a complex horizontal plank rainscreen cladding system, featuring multi-coloured aluminium panels, and balcony details on the three residential blocks. Horbury Facades is also installing a SFS (Steel Framing System) from EOS and non-combustible Siniat weather defence boards. The scheme is set to be completed by 2020. Adrian Storey, General Manager at Horbury Facades, comments: “We are very excited to have secured the contract to work on the innovative redevelopment of Gore Street, we have extensive experience in delivering external envelope schemes and look forward to working with the team to bring their ideas to life to create vibrant new buildings.” The Gore Street development, funded by Grainger, includes 9,400 sq. ft. of commercial space at ground and second floor level and a public square. The residential blocks will also feature a café, gym and communal area within. Horbury Facades is a specialist rainscreen cladding contractor offering full specification, installation and maintenance services. As a division of Horbury Group, the company has experience of working with a range of materials including composite panels, high pressure laminates, terracotta tiles, steel and aluminium cassette systems. For more information on Horbury Façade’s installation services, visit the website www.horburygroup.com.
Carter Jonas, the national property consultancy, has secured planning permission on behalf of the Society of Antiquaries of London for a new on-site education centre at Kelmscott Manor, alongside the conservation and refurbishment of the West Oxfordshire estate’s Grade I listed heritage buildings. Kelmscott Manor is a limestone manor house that dates from 1570 in the Cotswolds village of Kelmscott. It was built by local farmer Thomas Turner and remained in the family for generations, but is best known as the country home of the writer, designer and socialist William Morris. He lived there from 1871 until his death in 1896 drawing inspiration from the house’s architecture and garden. It featured in his work ‘News from Nowhere’ and in the background of Rosetti’s painting of Morris’ wife ‘Water Willow’. Carter Jonas’ planning and development team worked closely with experts in the consultancy’s rural practice to vary a restrictive covenant in favour of Kelmscott Manor. They also negotiated with a neighbouring landowner to rent a small area of land for a new car park, which involved the surrender of a long-term lease from the agricultural tenant, a change of use and settling terms for a new long-term lease direct with the landowner. The new 969 sq ft (90m2) education centre will be built on the south side of the farmyard with construction due to start in Q2 2019. Conservation repairs will begin in Q2 2020 to the listed buildings of Kelmscott Manor including the house itself, the Stable Barn that houses the cafe and the Granary Building, which contains the visitor’s shop. Nicky Brock, Partner, Carter Jonas said: “It is a privilege to work on an architectural treasure with such a strong design heritage. The planning permission means that important refurbishment works can be undertaken to conserve the collection of Grade I listed building that make up the estate, whilst looking to the future with the addition of the new education centre. This will ensure that visitors can not only enjoy the house and its grounds, but learn more about the legacy of Kelmscott Manor and its most famous resident William Morris. The project is a good example of how we can bring together specialists across our core divisions to create a bespoke solution for our clients.”
Loughborough-based Adey Steel Group has announced plans to grow its presence as a specialist steel fabricator in the rail and energy sectors and has targeted the housebuilding sector to continue its construction growth. The changes will see Adey Steel Group, which have been established for 90 years, increase its focus on working with rail, energy and specialist clients, while taking a more selective approach to work in the broader construction industry. Managing Director, Andrew Adey, commented, “It is in these niche rail, energy and specialist sectors that we have enjoyed the most success in recent years, so we are looking to maximise our opportunities there and exercise caution in other, more volatile sectors.” Over the past five years, Adey Steel has developed key specialisms that have enabled them to establish a strong position as an expert supply chain partner to key national infrastructure projects, such as Sellafield, Hinkley Point, the Midland Mainline and Crossrail. Andrew Adey added, “We see growth opportunities presenting themselves in rail ahead of the CP6 and HS2 projects, combined with heavy investment in the nuclear and energy sectors, so we are structuring our business to ensure we are well positioned to support those initiative and deliver on our growth plans.” In addition, Adey SteelShop Ltd, a sister company in the Adey Steel Group, is increasing its activity in the UK housebuilding sector, supplying structural steel and architectural metalwork to many of the most prominent regional and national housebuilders. Adey is targeting the sector to service its unique requirements and to meet the very specific challenges involved with dealing with the UK’s growing housing shortage.
BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – are launching two new uncoupling mat solutions for problem floors. Following the launch of the revolutionary and award-winning BAL Rapid-Mat in 2014, the Flexbone range offers two very different solutions to the UK market with the launch of Flexbone 2Easy and Flexbone VAried. Unique to the UK, and bound to excite fixers, contractors and distributors alike, BAL Flexbone 2Easy is a floating mat system – where NO adhesive is needed underneath the mat system i.e. the mat is truly uncoupled. David Wilson, UK Head of Technical at BAL said: “Because no adhesive is required, preparation of the substrate is reduced to a quick sweep of the floor. No removal or residue, no removal of laitance and no priming of the surface is needed. This means that contaminated and stained floors, wooden floors, cracked screeds and mixed substrates can be tiled immediately. “It can also be used direct onto difficult substrates such as bitumen, fresh sand:cement screeds or new anhydrite screeds that are not fully cured (up to 1.5% CM residual moisture). Lengthy waiting times on new screeds can be avoided with no more projects on hold while new screeds are dry enough to be tiled directly, or fixed with a traditional bonded system. “Fast track installation in possible as any residual moisture in the substrate is distributed evenly through a system of channels and can also ventilate via the covering joints through perforations in the mat.” As well as time savings from the lack of preparation, materials costs are also significantly reduced with no need for primers, plus a massive adhesive saving of 2kg/m², when compared to laying bonded cavity mat systems. Time trials indicate the removal of subfloor preparation for installations provides a circa 50% time saving. Because BAL Flexbone 2Easy is laid loose as a floating system, it is perfect for heritage projects where it is necessary to protect historic, sensitive substrates, plus areas where the ability to change the floor regularly is a requirement – e.g. rental properties. BAL Flexbone VAried is a bonded mat system, with the same installation process as other fixed cavity mat systems in the market. Unique to BAL Flexbone is the patented GripLock Technology and unique bone structure. The patented design has been independently tested to provide the highest shear strength (providing more accommodation of higher levels of lateral movement) and the highest tensile strength (to stops tiles ‘popping-off’ or cracking under pressure). These highly flexible and deformable properties ensure all tile installations are protected from lateral movement and pressures, while a special fleece provides for vapour pressure compensation. “As well as providing long-term benefits in terms of strength and flexibility, the unique bone structure also makes for significantly faster installations as the design ensures the trowelling-out of adhesive on the surface layer is fast and easy,” added David Wilson. “Fixer trials have shown that the unique bone-shaped cavities are much easier and faster to fill with adhesive than the conventional square or round cavities. “Less adhesive is required on the mat surface, and trials indicate adhesive can be spread on the mat surface circa. 30% faster.” BAL Flexbone VAried can be used anywhere – for a varied number of installation environments! BAL Flexbone VAried provides a waterproof layer, meaning no tanking is needed in wet areas such as bathrooms, showers and wetrooms when BAL Flexbone VAried is installed. The bonded mat is perfect for high load-bearing and commercial areas such as shopping malls, airports, car showrooms, office building and hospitals, as well as light or medium traffic areas. Both mats are available in 20m rolls or easy to install 2x1m sheets (ideal for small bathrooms) or wetrooms – and are suitable for use with all tile types, including natural stone. As with all BAL products, BAL Flexbone uncoupling mats come with the manufacturer’s unique 25-year guarantee – unlike other cavity mats available. When used with BAL adhesives, grouts, and sealants, this provides a fully guaranteed tiling system. To find out more about BAL’s new uncoupling solutions visit www.bal-adhesives.com
A building in the heart of Unity Campus, South Cambridge, is to be transformed into a new £20 million multi-let business space by architect firm NBBJ. The project is the first phase of Howard’s Group investment to create a new campus style business park in the area. The Works is NBBJ’s scheme that aims to provide 63,000 square feet of flexible, modern business space, incorporating the pre-cast concrete frame of the original building. The scheme is expected to be completed in late 2019. “The goal at The Works is to create an environment where dynamic, growing businesses can thrive. South Cambridge has a huge number of occupiers looking for something a little different to the institutional office stock available, that will help them to both recruit and retain talent and inspire and engage their workforce. With excellent train services, cycle routes into central Cambridge and easy access to the main road network, this is the perfect campus-style office location,” said William Jewson, Howard Group’s Development Director. “The Works is the first stage of our masterplan for Unity Campus. The ultimate aim is to create a new kind of business park, with striking architecture, grade A infrastructure, a pedestrian and cycle friendly circulation space and excellent amenities both internally and externally. We would love to talk to any businesses interested in making the move into something a little more exciting than the more conventional business park,” William added. NBBJ is a different kind of design practice, one that helps its clients drive innovation by creating highly productive, sustainable spaces that free people to live, learn, work and play as they were meant to. Founded in 1943, NBBJ has locations in Boston, Columbus, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, Pune, San Francisco, Seattle and Shanghai. Its global network of “renaissance teams” includes more than 700 researchers, strategists, nurses, architects, anthropologists, planners and interior designers who generate ideas that have a profound and lasting impact.
Tate Consulting partnered with amber energy and MODA to provide an innovative energy and utility management solution for the fast-growing Build to Rent market. The COMM:UNITY scheme designed by amber energy will provide residents at MODA’s Angel Gardens 466 apartments in Manchester with the unique ability to pay one fee for all utility bills. This unique approach to the BTR market provides several benefits, mainly a cost saving for residents, with just a single bill for electricity gas and water with no need to switch tariffs each year, or having to provide regular manual meter readings. Solar panels specified by Tate Consulting were also fitted to the roof of the apartment building alongside a combined heat and power unit, both of which provide electricity that can be used within the building, further reducing energy costs. Daniel Clegg, Managing Director of COMM:UNITY, said: “What we’re doing is unique. There are lots of advantages to this scheme which means one bill for all utilities so people aren’t dealing with lots of different energy providers. “People get their utilities at a better price because we look after the building as a whole and can pass on cost efficiencies and provide a bespoke ‘concierge’ level of customer service. 60% of households in the UK are on standard variable tariffs which cost about £200-£300 more a year. We also save money because we don’t have to pay for marketing or switching fees to people like Compare the Market.” To deliver the quality and cost advantages outlined above, Tate Consulting developed a bespoke Private Wire Electrical Distribution Network (BNO) to maximise the efficient delivery of the utility services at the lowest cost to customers. Jim Lee, Director at Tate Consulting based in Leeds and London said: “These private networks are designed to allow the infrastructures to adapt to changing trends and be sustainable for the BNO and management team throughout the life of the building. Tate Consulting worked with MODA from early concept into design development, partnering with amber energy to enable their COMM:UNITY scheme to be rolled out across MODA’s portfolio, including 515 New York Square apartments, which is part of MODA’s SoYo development in Leeds, and Lexington Liverpool a 34-storey tower with 304 apartments. Daniel Clegg said: “We have worked very closely with Tate Consulting on the Angel Gardens development and MODA portfolio as early as possible because, in the past, if we encountered any difficulties it’s often because it’s too late and difficult to change the design. “Working with Tate Consulting has been fantastic because they understood our needs from the start and MODA’s vision of how the properties will work when they’re live, so this avoided any such difficulties.” Further Information: Tate Consulting provides strategic, flexible, experienced and innovative approach in delivering engineering and management consultancy services for its clients globally. https://www.tateconsulting.eu Twitter: @Tate_Consulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tate-consulting/ The advantages and disadvantages of different electrical supply systems were investigated by Tate Consulting. This included (a) conventional metering with a district network operator (DNO), where the metering is centrally located, and the utility company supplies and installs the electrical infrastructure to the apartments; (b) an independent network operator (IDNO) who installs, owns and maintains the electrical infrastructure and (c) a building network operator (BNO) who installs and maintains the electrical infrastructure on behalf of the building owner. With the first two, the apartment users have their own individual meters whilst for the latter, the building owner meters and bills the individual tenants. The metering strategy uses “bulk” metered utility supplies for Electricity, Water and Gas, with MID compliant sub-meters being provided to the apartments for billing. Apartment and landlord meters connect to amber energy’s system data loggers via Mbus connections and amber energy monitor the MODA building portfolio to drive energy efficiency and sustainability across the portfolio to save money for residents and landlords. About amber energy® amber energy® is an energy management consultancy founded by Nick Proctor in 2009 to provide an honest alternative to the energy brokers on the market. Now in its 10th year of trading, amber is multi-award winning, including: Cardiff’s Fastest Growing Company; Energy Buying Team of the Year and Energy Firm of the Year. amber energy’s highly experienced industry experts provide a complete suite of in-house services to handle all requirements of the utility industry, including: Procurement, trading and risk Energy Bureau Energy Efficiency and Engineering New utility connections Water management Energy engagement projects Find out more at www.amberenergy.net
The Middle Eastern city of Dubai is home to some of some of the most beautifully designed real estate projects in the world. The fascinating architectural gems and the breathtaking skyline that the city features are bound to impress everyone. From Burj Khalifa – the tallest tower in the world to Burj Al Arab – the only-seven star hotel in the world, Dubai never falls short of masterpieces. Let’s have a look at some of the best real estate projects in Dubai that define beauty and luxury: Muraba Residences Located on the eastern crescent of the beach community of Palm Jumeirah, The Muraba Residences has been designed by none other than the winners of the 2017 Pritzker Prize, RCR Arquitectes. Defining minimalist international design aesthetics, the development is known for its choice of soft colours and organisation of spaces. The open-plan living areas have been specially designed for natural light to flood in. The full-length glass doors help create a direct connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. In order to provide its residents with complete privacy, the property features louvered-glass slats that are moulded with a rippling pattern and are incorporated into the building’s facades, thereby restricting views into the residences but keeping the views on the inside looking out. Palm Couture Residences Palm Couture is located on the Palm Island and beautifully combines contemporary minimalism and clarity of detail and complements its residents with a customised living experience. The architects of this project have paid close attention to views, nature, light, and balance, resulting in the homes feature ample light and space, against a stunning assortment of exquisite stones. Palm Couture consists of fourteen residential suites are unique and something that Dubai had not witnessed before. In order to play with natural shadows, the development also features travertine facades that help create unique geometric forms. The best of materials from timeless Italian brands have been used in the project which can be an ideal abode or those who appreciate nature, space, light, and design. Serenia Residences This architectural beauty on the Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent features architectural excellence and contemporary design. Providing its residents with a tranquil living experience, Serenia Residences also has on offer classy furniture, contemporary interiors and a modern open floor plan. The simplistic contemporary architecture of the development combines gorgeous vistas, cantilevered glass and wrap-around balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows and high-end finishes. The uniqueness of this property lies in the fully retractable glass windows, translucent glass panels in all the rooms that have been used for the first time in Dubai. One Palm The masterpiece of One Palm is located on the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah and features detailed craftsmanship. It has been built using the finest of materials and has been finished to the highest of standards. Reflecting modern and sleek designs, the development also hosts the most expensive penthouse of Dubai. One Palm has been designed by New York-based architects Soma and stands 100 metres tall and is home to 90 apartments, arranged methodically to provide the residents with unobstructed views of Palm to the north and Marina to the south while also maintaining their privacy. Each of the homes also features private outdoor space, proportional to their size. 22 Carat Club Villas Located on the Western Crescent of the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah, XXII (22) Carat Club Villas hosts 22 luxury homes that reminds one of the Renaissance period. The villas feature facades that are classically Italian and are inspired by the architecture of the Tuscan region. The homes come with stucco work, classical columns, pergolas, arched doors, and walkways. They also feature Terracotta finishes, pastel colours, handmade ceramics, and wall paintings. European furniture and fittings add to the Mediterranean feel of the homes. Placed in a terrace structure, every row of the villas has been built on a different level.
