Building Passports as a means of certifying key information about a property are an extension of recommendations made in Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of building regulations and fire safety. In the report, which was published in following the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy, Dame Judith spoke of the need to create
Sheffield based Construction Contractor J F Finnegan have secured the contract to construct two speculative units at Silkwood Business Park in Wakefield for PLP. The speculative development comprises the Design and Construction of two new build Industrial units totalling approximately 310,409 sq ft. The project incorporates a warehouse facility and
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) and infrastructure firm AECOM have submitted plans for a £15.8m bus station in Halifax, a key regeneration project which will deliver a fully enclosed concourse with 19 DIRO stands, fully enclosed waiting areas, retail and information facilities under a stunning feature timber framed concourse
The employee-owned business has 7 Regional Distribution Centres located around the UK, an environmental business and a leading B2B ecommerce website both based in the Midlands. Each year they individually nominate a charity of their choice to donate £1,000 to and support throughout the year. The charities that have received
Building Passports as a means of certifying key information about a property are an extension of recommendations made in Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of building regulations and fire safety. In the report, which was published in following the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy, Dame Judith spoke of the need to create a ‘golden thread’ of data about a building for a supply chain of stakeholders from architects to engineers, through to building safety managers and end users. And whilst this ‘thread’ applied specifically to high-rise buildings, it has given credence to the idea that the same informative package could be produced for regular housing. So, how would a building passport work, and how useful might it be in addressing issues relating to the UK’s energy deficient housing stock? In essence, a building passport would be a constructional blueprint of a property. This would include information such as the thermal standards a property was built to – and that it achieved those standards – and the type of materials that were used to build it inside and out. Accessible to housing and building authorities, such data would be crucial to ensuring all homes within a new development, for example, were built to the same standard. It would also provide householders with a clearly-defined, certified baseline upon which to improve on their home’s energy performance, should they so wish. Call to action For easy accessibility, building passport data would be held digitally. This would lead in all probability to terabytes of information needing to be stored securely but accessibly. This information would need to be kept up to date when changes to the building are made, such as changing the boiler or building an extension, so it remains accurate and relevant to the building. The Insulation Manufacturer’s Association estimates more than 3,400 homes would need to be upgraded per day from now until 2035 in order to meet the government’s target for EPC band C for homes . Unfortunately, the necessary renovation work is nowhere near starting; a fact which is made all the more lamentable by the persisting instance of houses being built to outdated regulations. In my opinion, the government should be tackling the issue of Britain’s poorly-insulated homes with the same vigour it applies to other public endeavours and displays of national infrastructure investment. Easy access Having outlined the likely logistical issues involved with processing and storing a huge amount of building passport data, it is worth pointing out that the information is already available – it’s just a case of collating it. BIM, EPC certificates, U-value calculations and supporting data sheets are a basis for modern housing developments. If accessible in one easily downloadable digital space, this information would make retrofitting or altering a property to an acceptable standard a far more straightforward prospect. In her review of building regulations and fire safety, Dame Judith makes it clear that the UK construction industry requires a sea change in culture and practice to improve its all-round standards. Initiatives such as the building passport would certainly represent a positive break from tradition, as it would remove the element of guesswork involved in increasing a property’s energy efficiency. In knowing what a home’s performance is to begin with, small changes could be made to further improve it. And small changes on a mass scale could make a huge difference to the country’s emissions count. The government has shown favour to Dame Judith’s golden thread in relation to high-rise buildings, so it’s hoped the same accord will be bestowed upon a similar scheme for standard properties. As stated, upgrading nearly 30 million poorly-insulated UK homes represents an almighty challenge. Therefore, the imminent issue of building passports for new properties offers an easier option. It would mean we wouldn’t be adding to an already serious problem.
Sheffield based Construction Contractor J F Finnegan have secured the contract to construct two speculative units at Silkwood Business Park in Wakefield for PLP. The speculative development comprises the Design and Construction of two new build Industrial units totalling approximately 310,409 sq ft. The project incorporates a warehouse facility and integral mezzanine offices, respectively. Both unit 1 (235,409 sq ft) & unit 2 (75,000 sq ft) include a service yard, dock levellers and level access doors, car, trailer parking and external works. Matthew Fitton, Development Director at PLP said: ‘PLP is committed to the Yorkshire logistics market because of the region’s expertise in this essential part of the economic infrastructure of the UK. This speculative development project demonstrates both PLP’s commitment to the region and also the strength of the occupational demand in the Wakefield sub-market. With immediate proximity to Junction 40 of the M1, PLP Wakefield will appeal to both national and regional businesses. PLP Wakefield is a well-established commercial location with great amenity value, strong occupier base and access to a large, skilled labour force. We expect this development will potentially create up to 500 new jobs when these units are occupied and fully operational.’ As part of PLP’s sustainability policy on speculative buildings, the units will be delivered to a net zero carbon ready standard (as defined under the UK Green Building Council framework) and will achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating. Sustainability initiatives include roof mounted solar panels, multiple electric charging points for vehicles and future proofed infrastructure to scale these installations post occupation.’ Dawa Singh, Head of Pre-Construction at J F Finnegan commented, “We are excited to have secured this project for PLP and look forward to working closely with PLP and Quartz Project Services. J F Finnegan have played a significant role in logistics and distribution warehouses within the South Yorkshire region for over 75 years. We are passionate about Wakefield and proud to be a part of this latest redevelopment project which will enhance the local economy in the current economic climate.”
Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) and infrastructure firm AECOM have submitted plans for a £15.8m bus station in Halifax, a key regeneration project which will deliver a fully enclosed concourse with 19 DIRO stands, fully enclosed waiting areas, retail and information facilities under a stunning feature timber framed concourse and fully green roof. The redeveloped bus station is a key component of West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Calderdale Council’s plans to transform public transport within Halifax town centre. The bus station combines improved passenger facilities and a safe and welcoming environment in a statement building that marries contemporary sustainable architecture with the existing listed heritage assets. SGP is the architect for the project, while AECOM is lead consultant providing engineering, planning, environment and transport planning. Says Alistair Branch, Studio Director at SGP: “Our design for the bus station redevelopment sensitively integrates a number of important listed heritage structures within a modern bus concourse facility, improving safety for pedestrians and enhancing accessibility to the town centre in a state-of-the-art station that meets the aspirations of the client, operators and key stakeholders.” SGP has chosen a simple and contemporary ‘pavilion’ form to create a bold gateway to the town centre for passengers and passers-by. A simple timber grid shell structure supports a full green roof, flowing down as the concourse gently traverses the steep site, improving access for users with walking difficulties or wheelchairs. The eaves will use a two-part copper effect capping and triangular rooflights stand up from the roofscape, adding form and interest. Continues Alistair: “The surrounding buildings all have views towards the bus station from a high level, making the roofscape as important as the other elevations. Our design incorporates a fully green roof, with a wildflower meadow over the main concourse to encourage ecological diversity and a sedum green roof over the bus boarding areas to reduce load on the large canopy overhangs.” The concourse facades will use a combination of glazing and large format natural stone cladding, respecting the material of the listed Sion School. The School itself will be integrated into the design, with a colonnade and glazed entrance to frame the view of the School and provide a dramatic, light airy arrival space. A glazed link connects the bus concourse with the School, offering a sensitive interface and creating a breathing space around the listed School. Accessibility and safety are central to the design and SGP’s innovative Y shaped configuration of stands allows facilities such as a retail unit, waiting rooms and a café area to be sited in the triangular centre, serving all the stands. Creating segregated foot and vehicular paths, the concourse is the shortest route for pedestrians to get to the stands and there is only one crossing place, which has good sight lines for both walkers and drivers. For the fully enclosed bus concourse area, the DIRO bus stands will be separated from the bus concourse by means of a fully glazed screen and automatic doors linked to induction loops within the bus stand area, ensuring the automatic doors will only operate when a bus is parked on the respective bus bay. Concludes Alistair Branch: “This is another significant transport commission where SGP with will be providing full architectural services with AECOM for client West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Halifax Bus Station is a once in a generation project, a statement building, sustainable and future-proofed for new electric vehicles, able to help reduce congestion, enhance public spaces and promote economic activity across Halifax and the West Yorkshire region.” AECOM’s Project Manager for the scheme Kirsty James said: “This is a further milestone in the delivery of a number of transport schemes within Calderdale that AECOM is proud to work on through the delivery of multi-disciplinary support. This investment in the bus station will bring a very significant improvement in the quality of public transport facilities for the residents of Calderdale.” This project has received funding through the Transforming Cities Fund and match funding from the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund. The planning decision is expected Autumn 2020 and the project is planned to complete by March 2023.
The employee-owned business has 7 Regional Distribution Centres located around the UK, an environmental business and a leading B2B ecommerce website both based in the Midlands. Each year they individually nominate a charity of their choice to donate £1,000 to and support throughout the year. The charities that have received a £1,000 donation from Kite for 2020 are: Zoë’s Place: A baby hospice providing palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants LOROS Hospice: Providing free, high-quality, compassionate care and support to terminally ill adult patients, their family, and carers Rotherham Rise: Providing help and support for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual exploitation Children with Cancer UK: Leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer Anxious Minds: Support for mental health across the North East Family Food Bank: Helping support families and reduce the impact of child poverty Macmillan Cancer Support: From the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, they are right there with you, offering emotional, physical, and financial support Age UK: Helping older people when they need them the most SMASH: Helping young people who are not thriving to improve their levels of well-being For more information on Kite Packaging please visit kitepackaging.co.uk
