Babcock’s Rosyth site is the first UK user of Meiko’s automated respirator washing technology, which provides Log 5 protection. “Along with being able to evidence compliance with regulations, we know that our people are supplied with fully maintained kit, to the highest levels of cleanliness,” says Colin Chrystal, Health, Safety
Following calls from architectural experts to save on carbon emissions by upgrading older buildings instead of knocking them down, building designers and specifiers should consider retrofitting solutions to improve overall sustainability. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) estimates that a sizeable proportion of a building’s lifecycle carbon is emitted
The construction industry is always looking for new ways to make the sector safer, easier and more efficient. From utilising modern AI to ensuring fast construction site broadband. Over recent decades, technology has evolved at a staggering rate, however, due to the strict requirements needed from construction to ensure safety,
Construction on a new 23,000 sq ft Mansfield-based Lidl store is on track to complete later this autumn, according to leading property and investment group Strawsons Property. Leeds-based contractor Castlehouse Construction has been appointed to the Leeming Lane development site which is prominently positioned on the main arterial route to
Global building materials supplier CEMEX presents VIAMAIN, a sustainable alternative to conventional materials designed with the utility contractor in mind. The benefits it delivers include improved air void compliance and a reduction in the number of defects associated with trench reinstatements through enhanced workability and compaction properties. Furthermore, the enhanced
To coincide with the August opening of Birch, the ‘next-generation escape’ hotel just outside London, international architecture and interiors practice Red Deer have considered how Covid19 challenges the luxury hotel market. Covid19 has created a distance between us for a period of time, but when we come back together in
The real estate business is all that we want to start when we have enough investment in our hands. We cannot deny the fact that there are so many things which we have to think about before finalizing the deal. Here are some of the guiding steps which all of
If you are an avid “do-it-yourselfer,” you enjoy working on different home projects and repairs without needing to hire professionals. However, some projects may require you to rent or purchase equipment, such as a Scaffold, to complete your project safely. Here are the steps in making sure that you use the
Babcock’s Rosyth site is the first UK user of Meiko’s automated respirator washing technology, which provides Log 5 protection. “Along with being able to evidence compliance with regulations, we know that our people are supplied with fully maintained kit, to the highest levels of cleanliness,” says Colin Chrystal, Health, Safety & Environmental Manager at Babcock’s Rosyth site. “We anticipate being able to fully inspect, disinfect and maintain 60 units per day, comfortably. Babcock’s Rosyth site is currently washing 10 masks per day using the Meiko TopClean M Cleaning and Disinfection system (3M 6000 full face respirators and 3M 7500 half mask respirators). “We are also investigating the possibility of cleaning our powered Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) head tops using the same system (3M M-200 series Versaflo and Speedglas head tops).” Babcock’s Rosyth site is home to one of the largest waterside manufacturing and repair facilities in the UK, and is embarking on a new era of digitising its facilities and systems to bring advancements and efficiencies into its manufacturing, build and assembly processes. It has retained a Five Star safety award for 18 consecutive years and has been awarded the Sword of Honour on 12 occasions from the British Safety Council. The site’s Safety Management System has been audited by Lloyd’s Register to the OHSAS 18001 standard, from which it will transition to ISO 45001 in August. Continues Colin Chrystal, “The previous process was to issue RPE to the individual, who was responsible for undertaking the cleaning and inspection of the RPE. However, we then took the decision to have all cleaning, maintenance, inspection and record keeping undertaken by trained warehouse operatives. “Our previous care and maintenance process relied on the person cleaning, inspecting and maintaining their RPE, and then recording it on a form that was passed to their Supervisor. We identified that a central pool with trained maintainers would improve this and our ability to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the PPE Regulations and HSG 53. “To achieve this, we had to move our provision of RPE from a one person, one mask system, to a pool system. We identified the Meiko TopClean M as key to ensuring support from our people. Being able to demonstrate the log 5* reduction in germ contamination was key to winning the hearts and minds of the individuals using it.” The new system should prove more ‘sustainable’ in terms of water/chemicals/energy savings. “An additional benefit is that, because we have moved to a pool system, the cost of supplying new RPE to individuals has reduced. The maintenance process is now environmentally efficient; our trained warehouse employees assess and inspect the RPE and replace parts, as required. We are now in a position where future projects will benefit from this process in term of costs and our people receiving the best kit. “Along with being able to evidence compliance with regulations, etc, we know that individuals are supplied with fully maintained kit, to the highest levels of cleanliness.” Introducing the new cleaning and disinfection process required on-site support and training from Meiko UK. Colin Chrystal rates the support from Meiko: “Good – all of our queries have been answered almost immediately!” Babcock Rosyth site is using Meiko’s TopClean M mask cleaning basket system. More information: * Log reduction is a measure of how thoroughly a decontamination process reduces the concentration of a contaminant or pathogen. The greater the log reduction, the more effective the product is at killing bacteria and other pathogens that can cause infections. A Log 5 reduction equates to 99.999% killing of pathogens. For more information on Meiko, contact: Mark Roberts, Marketing Manager Meiko UK Limited, 393 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4UF Tel: 01753 215120 E-Mail: MeikoUK@meiko-uk.co.uk
Following calls from architectural experts to save on carbon emissions by upgrading older buildings instead of knocking them down, building designers and specifiers should consider retrofitting solutions to improve overall sustainability. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) estimates that a sizeable proportion of a building’s lifecycle carbon is emitted during construction – 35% and 51% for office and residential properties respectively. These findings have prompted campaigns for developers to prioritise the restoration of older properties over demolishing and replacing them at high carbon costs. According to REHAU, retrofit piping solutions will be vital to ensuring the viability of this upgrade-centric approach and aiding the construction sector’s fight against climate change. “The Government committing the country to net zero emissions by 2050 has made improving sustainability a key concern across all sectors, including construction,” says Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “With that in mind, these RICS figures show just how damaging it can be to opt for new-builds over renovating older properties, especially at a time when we should be reducing emissions. “While building services suppliers should incorporate retrofit capabilities into their product designs as standard, it is now clearer than ever that this consideration should become a necessity. These solutions will be vital to improving the efficiency of older buildings in line with modern standards, while negating the carbon costs associated with creating the materials required to build a new property in their place.” A number of sustainable, high-performing solutions are already available for developers and specifiers looking to retrofit existing properties. These solutions, made from eco-friendly, recyclable polymer, include heating, plumbing and acoustic drainage systems that are easy to install and adapt to space and project demands, while improving building efficiency and performance. Steve concludes: “The carbon costs associated with their construction means new buildings may not pay back their carbon debt for decades. As such, retrofitting should become a priority for specifiers and developers looking to improve the sustainability of their operations, especially as lowering carbon emissions grows in importance in the run-up to 2050. “Opting for efficient building services solutions that can be adapted to suit existing properties is therefore crucial to reducing carbon emissions. With the support of suppliers such as REHAU, developers and specifiers are well-placed to adapt to these changing priorities and the challenges posed in upgrading these older buildings.” For more information on REHAU’s Building Solutions, click here.
The construction industry is always looking for new ways to make the sector safer, easier and more efficient. From utilising modern AI to ensuring fast construction site broadband. Over recent decades, technology has evolved at a staggering rate, however, due to the strict requirements needed from construction to ensure safety, it is only recently that these technologies have been able to meet the specifications needed to be used. In this article, we look at the top ten construction technology trends to look for in 2020. 1. Big Data Data is the currency of the modern world and with 2.5 quintillion bytes of data generated every day, it can be a struggle to manually interpret all of this and make proper use of it. Big data removes the almost impossible task of this, the human brain can only process so much, not to mention the natural errors that could be included in this process. Using big data to discover trends within data, within a matter of minutes, is shaping the face of the construction sector. This data is collated from all manner of resources, from internet search history, smartphones, social media and even photographs. Previous data can be used to pick out trends and patterns to help avoid pitfalls and aid in a successful project. It can even determine when a project should start by analysing weather patterns and traffic. 2. Artificial intelligence & Machine Learning AI is intelligence that mimics the behaviour of a human, ML is this but also learns from previous experience without having to be programmed and can avoid any previous errors. Both AI and ML are becoming essential to the world of construction. Machinery can be programmed to carry out manual tasks that are relative, such as bricklaying and welding, which means workers are free to carry out other tasks. It can even make a site safer, AI can look out for hazards and alert workers of dangers. It can even use photo recognition to ensure staff and visitors are wearing correct PPE. 3. The Internet of Things Most households use IoT, but construction sites are increasingly seeing this present as well. The IoT is when a central platform controls smart devices, such as phones, watches and speakers. This is being rolled out across the sector in fantastic new ways. Sensors are being installed in machinery, for example, cement mixers can alert workers when the contents are low and even engines can automatically switch off when not in use. Safety is increasing, workers wearing smart technology can be notified using geo-location when they have entered a danger zone. Footfall can even be tracked, reducing arduous paperwork and saving time. 4. Robotics & Drones No longer just for hobbyists, these amazing inventions are so versatile, most sectors are taking advantage. Drones can be used to fly in materials, in a fraction of the delivery time of vehicles. Not only does this speed up the process, but also reduce a site’s carbon footprint. Cameras on drones can be used for a quick, comprehensive overview of a site, meaning managers can quickly identify hazards. Demolition robots are becoming the norm, although flowers than using human workers, they are safer and less expensive. 5. 5G and Wi-Fi 6 No business can properly run without adequate communication, most of which is now done via the internet. While broadband is the best means of ensuring a fast, reliable connection, this isn’t always feasible on every site, especially when the project is short-term. 5G and wi-fi 6 are considerably faster than their predecessors and allow all team members to easily communicate with each other and clients while making sure that documentation and data are easily accessible throughout the project. 6. BIM Technology Building information modelling technology uses intelligence to aid designers during the initial process. BIM technology uses AI to flag clashes during the design process, including plumbing and electrics. It can even offer solutions to these clashes, meaning all those involved do not need expertise in every element in order to design a safe and functioning building. 7. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality VR creates a fully immersive experience into a virtual world while AR places digital elements into a real-life view. Virtual tours can be provided, even before the construction of a building starts, meaning clients can have a full picture of what to expect upon completion. Risk assessments can be completed remotely, allowing site managers to get a good view of every part of the design. This also removes the wait time for these team members to be present to carry out these assessments. 8. 3D Printing 3D printing is quickly becoming indispensable within the sector. Materials can be printed on-site, removing waiting times and reducing delivery vehicles on our roads contributing to carbon emissions. As these parts are relevantly cheap to produce, it provides the means to experiment with new designs and allow easy trial and error. There are times when bespoke pieces are required, which can be costly to have made as a one-off by manufacturers. Using 3D printing means almost anything can be created. 9. Mobile and Cloud Technologies Most of us use the cloud within our personal life, but it is quickly becoming one of the most important technologies within construction. Being able to share files instantly reduces time wasted between departments, while still ensuring these files are stored safely and securely. These can be updated in real-time, allowing better collaboration and communication. 10. Blockchain Technologies The most commonly known blockchain technology is Bitcoin. Digital currency can be stored safely as payment and ensures all parties are satisfied throughout the project. Payment is safely stored with a third party with an agreed contract in place. Once the contract has been satisfied, this payment is released. This removes the worry from clients not knowing if they will get what was expected and means contractors will always be paid upon completion. This year is proving an exciting year for construction technology trends, with these in place, construction
Construction on a new 23,000 sq ft Mansfield-based Lidl store is on track to complete later this autumn, according to leading property and investment group Strawsons Property. Leeds-based contractor Castlehouse Construction has been appointed to the Leeming Lane development site which is prominently positioned on the main arterial route to the North of Mansfield with easy access to the A60. The arrival of Lidl will further complement the wider commercial and retail offering in the area which includes the likes of Greggs and Screwfix at Old Mill Lane. Boasting over 100 car parking spaces, the new store will bring a significant number of jobs to the area and construction is anticipated to complete in September. Part of a long-term relationship with the retailer, this will be the 23rd store constructed by Castlehouse Construction on behalf of Lidl. Phil Dewell, Construction Director, Castlehouse Construction commented: “We are delighted to work with Strawsons Property to build our 23rd Lidl supermarket which will complement the wider commercial and retail offering in the area and forms part of the supermarket brand’s strategic growth plans.” Adam Jones of Strawsons Property commented: “We’re delighted that construction work on the new Mansfield Lidl which forms part of our Old Mill Lane estate is heading towards completion and that we are one step closer to delivering what will be an incredible asset to the local community. “Old Mill Lane continues to grow from strength to strength and we are proud to turn one of the last disused plots of land back into a use that will create a significant amount of jobs and an improved retail offering in the town.” Strawsons Property is a private property development and investment group with more than 50 years’ experience. The company focuses on developments and schemes that meet local needs and aspirations – spanning office, residential, industrial and mixed-use sectors.
Global building materials supplier CEMEX presents VIAMAIN, a sustainable alternative to conventional materials designed with the utility contractor in mind. The benefits it delivers include improved air void compliance and a reduction in the number of defects associated with trench reinstatements through enhanced workability and compaction properties. Furthermore, the enhanced durability means VIAMAIN has a significantly decreased whole life carbon footprint compared to traditionally used materials. This can be further reduced by the use of a Warm Mix version VIAMAIN ECO. “For our customers the risk of defects associated with trench reinstatements is one of the major issues they face and by using VIAMAIN they’re seeing a reduction in both visual and core defects, which saves their business money in defect charges and rectification,” explained Martin Ashfield, National Technical Manager (Asphalt & Surfacing) for CEMEX UK. “The sustainability benefits are an added advantage, as we are seeing more and more customers looking to choose more eco-friendly options for their projects. We offer a wide range of sustainable products to our customers for all types of work and we continue to collaborate with others to increase our eco range.” CEMEX customers, D T Hughes Contractors and Ryeland Developments, are two out of 120 that have switched to VIAMAIN for their multiple trench reinforcement projects. Liam Cannon, Reinstatement Manager at D T Hughes, said: “VIAMAIN has lowered air voids by roughly 50% and lowered the number of defect complaints received. It’s an all-round better product visually and because it passes the air content test saving the company money and time.” CEMEX has partnered with Shell Bitumen as their leading Bitumen supplier in the UK and Carl Platt, Director of Asphalt, Paving, and Building Products for Europe, said: “It’s important to us that we offer sustainable and durable solutions to customers. We’ve been working with Shell Bitumen in the UK for a long time and they understand our business and strategic priorities. Increasing our sustainable product range aligns to our strategy and Shell’s robust supply chain and quality products support us to deliver a reliable high standard to our customers.” VIAMAIN mixes are fully compliant with the requirements of the Specification for the Reinstatement of Opening for Highways and mixes are available as a 20mm binder course and a 10mm & 6mm surface course, all of which fully conform to BS EN 13108-1. The product is providing customers with a lot more confidence in the durability of their reinstatement work and Ryeland Developments Operations Manager, Callum Whitfield, said: “VIAMAIN is far superior to standard 6mm batches, operatives prefer to lay the material and customers are happier with the end-product.”
To coincide with the August opening of Birch, the ‘next-generation escape’ hotel just outside London, international architecture and interiors practice Red Deer have considered how Covid19 challenges the luxury hotel market. Covid19 has created a distance between us for a period of time, but when we come back together in the coming years, Red Deer believes that a new shift in the luxury market will emerge from our time apart. Red Deer consider the term ‘luxury’ as degraded through overuse, and the parameters of what constitutes a ‘luxury hotel’ can be tricky to define. The concept can be specific to each individual guest, based on their own expectation, habits and culture. For Red Deer, luxury comes from the creation of a meaningful emotional connection between the hotel guest and the space they inhabit. Forbes contributor Pamela N. Danziger writes: “Millennials represent only about 32% of spending in the personal luxury market, but by 2025 they are expected to make up 50% of the total market. Some 130% of market growth in the next seven years will be attributed to the Millennial generation.” The luxury industry has often aligned with indulgence and excess rather than sustainability and connections. Quality craftsmanship and experiences may continue to command a premium price tag, however, Millennials are creating a new focus towards sustainability. Both Millennial and Gen Z groups’ expectations from luxury brands are very different from those of Gen X and Baby Boomers who favour traditional wealth values. Social connections and insider knowledge are of more importance to these younger consumers who are more likely to make value-based acquisitions and purchases. Luxury weaves its way through their experiences, free time, travel, community, self-growth and security. For the Birch hotel project, Red Deer deconstructed the meaning of a hotel and pieced it back together to ensure that no element was intrinsic without careful consideration. The obvious need for a bed and bathroom are present, however, more attention was given to the contemporary ‘luxuries’ such as a TV, telephone and smart lighting systems to ascertain their place in a luxury hotel for an increasingly younger generation of guests. As the landscape for luxury hospitality has evolved, the onus is now focused on creating a unique and personalised one-to-one experience for guests. This bespoke experience is a key driver throughout the design of Red Deer’s projects. With Birch, Red Deer felt it crucial to collaborate with local artists and makers to create some unique pieces in the rooms and challenge the idea that uniformity was essential for large batch furniture specification. The most prominent of these pieces is a bespoke valet stand constructed by Jan Hendzel Studio, utilising recycled plastic orbs by sustainable material designer Charlotte Kidger, textured vases by ceramicist Emma Louise Payne and hand-beaten copper bowls by metalsmith Lucie Naujalis. It’s a piece that is intimate and personal, telling a story of three different elements brought together in a single form that is simultaneously light and robust, whilst able to be easily taken apart when required and updated over time. It’s a piece designed to stimulate the guest’s senses and spark their curiosity. Before the pandemic, the global luxury market was predicted to reach €1.3 trillion by 2025. As the hospitality industry enters a challenging period in Q2/3 2020 it is ever-important for the designers and hotel investors to consider the changing market needs and place social connections and insider knowledge alongside premium experiences at the forefront of their business models. Hotels aren’t just bedrooms with smart technology, but memory-making experiences that create value and loyalty. Red Deer believe Birch to be an example of how hospitality projects should be approached, considering a long-term commitment to sustainability within a renovation or new build as a crucial component of architectural design.
The real estate business is all that we want to start when we have enough investment in our hands. We cannot deny the fact that there are so many things which we have to think about before finalizing the deal. Here are some of the guiding steps which all of us can follow in this regard. Keep them in mind, and we are sure that they will bring the best out of your business. Develop and refine your idea You must develop your idea, and refine it to make sure that everything comes with it in a sequence. There has to be an organization in all that you do, and if it is missing, then you cannot expect your business to thrive or progress in the future. Write a business plan You can also look for a real estate agent at Inner West, and get the ideal guideline about how you can also start the best real estate business like them. The process is simple, but all you have to do is to keep in mind that how great of a deal it would be for you to get the results in your business as you want. The business plan which they use is simple, but the execution is what you will learn from them. So, keep that information in your mind, and be sure that you work on it to get the results that you expect from them in the long run. Decide your legal business structure There should be a legal business structure that you have to follow in every way possible. This will help you stay on the right track for the business which you want to do. Try to keep that in your mind, and be sure that there is nothing wrong that can go in your way. This is how it works, and this is how you can start a good business in this field. Get a license The licensing of your real estate business is also very important. Try to keep this in your mind that there is nothing better than having the option of dealing with the authorities that are working in your state or country. Try to keep them in your mind, and be sure that you work out through them to get the actual results that are expected from you. Conclusion For a business-like real estate, there is no short cut. Just like all other business units, you have to do all of the things in your capacity to make sure that they al work in the best way possible for you. Try to keep this in your mind, and be sure that they are working for the business you are selecting to start. It could be from any field of real estate, so keep this in your mind, and make sure that it works very well for you in the long run as well. We are sure that the information which we have shared with you is of great value for you.
If you are an avid “do-it-yourselfer,” you enjoy working on different home projects and repairs without needing to hire professionals. However, some projects may require you to rent or purchase equipment, such as a Scaffold, to complete your project safely. Here are the steps in making sure that you use the scaffold correctly. Step 1: Realize the Need to Use Scaffolding When planning to work on home projects that are too high for you to reach, consider using scaffolding instead of ladders. Scaffoldings will give you a stable and wide platform where you can work on. This platform will also allow you to place your tools safely without them falling to the ground. Scaffolding can also save you a lot of time and energy since you do not need to constantly move a ladder when the area you need to work on is already out of reach. Scaffoldings also have guardrails that prevent you from falling over. However, it is still important not to rely on the guardrail by leaning your full body weight against them. When using scaffoldings, it is better to give an allowance from the guardrail and your body. The most common Scaffold that you can purchase or hire for home projects consists of 5 ft by 5 ft standard end frames and cross braces, which will make a 7 ft long Scaffold with a working height of 4 to 6 feet. If you need to work at much higher heights, you can combine two scaffolding sets. However, when working on a DIY home project, limit your height to two combined scaffolding heights to ensure stability. Step 2: Assembling the Frame and Base The most important part of assembling the scaffolding is to set up a solid foundation. The best way to do this is to assemble the base on solid and flat ground. If you need to set up your scaffolding on grass, gravel, or soft material, assemble them on top of 2×10 lumber to prevent the base from sinking. Never use bricks or scrap woods to level your scaffolding base since they may slip and cause accidents. Most scaffolding sets have adjusting screws to level the foundation. Step 3: Adding the Planks and Guardrails Do not cut costs on your scaffolding purchase or rental by not including the special planks and guardrails that come with the set. Specialized planks have hooks that secure your working platform in place. Please do not attempt to use ordinary wood planks as a working surface since they may not be strong enough or may slip when stepped on. Guard rails may be installed only on the outward-facing side of the Scaffold as long as the side facing the building is within 14 inches away from the wall. Step 4: Create Your Workstation Become more efficient by setting up a workstation on your scaffolding platform. Please put all your materials and tools in a bucket and raise them using a rope once you are on top of your platform. Step 5: Scaffolding Accessories and Safety Tips Most scaffolding sets may come with different types of casters that allow you to move the scaffolding without taking it. However, when using casters, it is important to install a horizontal brace between the two outside frames to make the scaffolding sturdier. Never attempt to roll the scaffolding with workers or materials still on top of the planks. Make sure also to lock the casters before climbing the scaffolding.
