With the popularity of extensions and loft conversions almost literally going through the roof, merchants are reporting a huge rise in sales of insulation products – particularly of those produced by Actis. Jewson Sales Manager Brad Ellis said: “Insulation and insulating membranes have been flying out of the door over
Developer Southern Grove Group today unveils a £55million mixed-use student accommodation scheme for London’s Hackney Wick that will help turn the area into one of the most vibrant off-campus communities in London. The Broadwood Piano Works will create over 200 bedrooms on Fish Island with co-working facilities, a gym and
Sustainability related projects have dominated the categories for this year’s Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Research Excellence. Finalists in the four award categories have been unveiled today, a number of which consider the relationship between sustainability, climate change and town planning. The quality of submissions for the 2021
Please find industry reaction below to the latest Halifax House Price Index. Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: “Just when you thought the wild ride of property price growth seen over the last year might be coming to an end, the market has bounced back yet again
Prefabricated Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) products, such as bay window roofs, door canopies and dormers, are enabling the construction industry to work far more efficiently, with off-site and modular construction processes helping to increase productivity. However, increased speed is not the only benefit these products are providing, as Andrew Almond,
Bespoke brick slip feature arch lintels from IG Lintels form a distinctive element of a sympathetic and prestigious addition to an Edwardian council estate in the London Borough of Camden. Built between 1901 and 1903, the Grade II-listed Bourne Estate is on the fringes of the Hatton Garden Conservation Area
Work is officially underway to bring over 500 new homes to a key Preston Road regeneration site in Hull. Strata Homes have begun the first phase of this new and exciting housing development located on Preston Road in Hull, which aims to transform the area into a prosperous location for
At a time when the health and wellbeing of students has never been more important, the use of daylight in educational facilities can be a hugely beneficial way to maximise student performance and productivity whilst at the same time helping to lower a building’s energy use. By introducing rooflights, including
For all the advantages of a remote work environment, collaborating with others remains a challenge. How do you perform as a team when everyone is working from home? Thankfully, there are ways to boost collaboration with technology, tools, and techniques from the front-line innovators of online business. Here’s what they
With the popularity of extensions and loft conversions almost literally going through the roof, merchants are reporting a huge rise in sales of insulation products – particularly of those produced by Actis. Jewson Sales Manager Brad Ellis said: “Insulation and insulating membranes have been flying out of the door over the past year, with a current loft promotion across stores in the south of England generating even more interest.” His area covers ten branches in Surrey and Hampshire, two of which are Woking and Leatherhead. “We have seen a huge uplift in sales for loft conversions and extensions in the area,” he said. “Improvement projects are currently on the property owners’ minds. We currently have customers using Actis for loft and barn conversions and complete build projects as well as home offices and playrooms. “We have ensured that the big brands are stocked in these branches, including Actis, to give our customers choices and the ability to purchase the stock then and there. “We have purpose-built loft displays in dedicated branches to showcase our extended loft offering, which has proved popular with our core target audience, as well as attracting new customers to the branches who are keen to know more about the products we stock. Our customers have welcomed our loft launch in the area and are now asking questions in the branches about why Actis is so good! “As well as Hybris, the core insulation product, sales of H Control Hybrid, an insulating vapour control layer and Boost R Hybrid, an insulating breather membrane, have also generated interest, with more customers purchasing these products. “This is largely thanks to the Actis Regional Sales Manager, Liane Bayliss, giving technical training to the sales team who have been massively receptive to the product. “Our customers enjoy the flexibility, efficiency and the economic saving that comes with this product when installing on their projects.”
Developer Southern Grove Group today unveils a £55million mixed-use student accommodation scheme for London’s Hackney Wick that will help turn the area into one of the most vibrant off-campus communities in London. The Broadwood Piano Works will create over 200 bedrooms on Fish Island with co-working facilities, a gym and space for pop-ups and creative workshops. Southern Grove’s joint venture sister company, the PBSA specialist Future Generation, is already responsible for The Vogue, a 330-bed mixed-use student scheme which sits on the adjacent site. The Broadwood Piano Works will be built as a second phase and will complement The Vogue, creating a vibrant destination for students in a growing community within East London. The Vogue already has planning consent and is currently under construction. The Broadwood Piano Works will seal the area’s future as the youthful, cosmopolitan beating heart of Hackney Wick’s cultural scene, and will be just a short stroll from at least five world-famous institutions. The site, acquired this month, is less than five minutes’ walk from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP). Just the other side of the park is the University of East London (UEL) campus in Stratford, while Queen Mary University of London sits just to the south-west of Fish Island in Mile End. Even closer are Loughborough University London’s postgraduate campus and UCL’s East Campus, which are sited within the Olympic Park. That’s also where the London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London) will be moving. Its new campus, currently under development, will bring together its six existing sites in one place for the first time in its 120-year history. The Broadwood Piano Works has been designed by architects Henley Halebrown, who also designed The Vogue. It will incorporate 2,500 sqm of commercial space — meaning no loss of existing provision — and retain the heritage chimney and boiler house that formed part of the John Broadwood & Sons piano factory, which earlier occupied the site. Planning permission will be sought from the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). Development agent Tom Brain, of Hillstone Group, acted for Southern Grove in helping to obtain the site. Wider development is also being undertaken at scale locally. More than 1,800 new homes are planned for two new communities called East Wick and Sweetwater in the Olympic Park, alongside shops, schools and community facilities. The public realm around Hackney Wick station is also being regenerated, with the addition of nearly 200 new homes. Tom Slingsby, CEO of Southern Grove Group, commented: “Hackney Wick is one of the most rapidly regenerating areas of London, and The Vogue and The Broadwood Piano Works are very much going to be a part of that. “The first and second phases will come together to create one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse communities of students in the capital, a melting pot of different disciplines and interests. The two schemes will provide a mix of uses to an area that represents one of the most vibrant growth opportunities in London, and one which will continue to attract high levels of investment like our own. “We’ve enjoyed working closely with the LLDC. The phenomenal pace of the wider development that will take place in Hackney Wick over the next few years will also deliver residents and visitors fantastic opportunities. The whole area is being gradually transformed into one of the capital’s key destination districts through positive planning and superb architecture.”
Sustainability related projects have dominated the categories for this year’s Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Research Excellence. Finalists in the four award categories have been unveiled today, a number of which consider the relationship between sustainability, climate change and town planning. The quality of submissions for the 2021 awards were exceptionally high with 49 submissions being received across four categories: the Sir Peter Hall Award for Excellence in Research and Engagement, Early Career Researcher Award, Student Award and the Planning Practitioner Award. In particular, the Student Award category contains several sustainability-focused projects, reflecting the priorities for the next generation of town planners. RTPI President Wei Yang FRTPI said: “Entries for the RTPI Awards for Research Excellence 2021 were incredibly strong with entrants putting forward fresh and innovative research topics which grabbed the attention of our judges. We would like to thank everyone who submitted an entry. “The awards offer an opportunity to showcase some of the finest research in the sector, from students to practitioners with a wealth of experience. “This year the judges were impressed by the standard of entries which came from a variety of organisations covering a multitude of vital topics. “A number of the research projects which were shortlisted offered unique insights into the relationship between planning and sustainability. We believe this is an area of planning that will grow in future as planners become an integral part of the fight against climate change. “I look forward to announcing the winners of the four categories on behalf of the RTPI on 8 September 2021.” Of the 49 submissions 20 have been shortlisted to compete across the four categories. Also announced at the Research Awards ceremony in September will be the recipients of the Practitioner Research Fund, which offers two grants of £5,000 to enable planning practitioners to carry out research. Submissions for the fund came from universities across the UK and overseas including Hong Kong, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as public and private sector. This year the awards have been sponsored by Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group) and Idox Knowledge Exchange. The winning and commended entries will be announced during the online Planning Research Conference on Wednesday, 8 September 2021. You can sign up here. The full list of finalists is available here. See who won last year’s awards here. For the full list of this year’s judges see here.
Please find industry reaction below to the latest Halifax House Price Index. Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: “Just when you thought the wild ride of property price growth seen over the last year might be coming to an end, the market has bounced back yet again to register further positive movement. As we approach the third and final stamp duty holiday deadline it’s only natural that the rate of house price growth will ease as market activity reduces but despite this, we certainly look on course to finish the year on a very positive note.” Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “The house price boom continues and even the unpredictable British summertime can do little to dampen the enthusiasm of UK homebuyers and sellers as properties continue to sell incredibly quickly and for a very good price across the vast majority of the nation.” Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “A shortage of stock, high demand and the lower cost of borrowing will keep the market buoyant far beyond September and the end of the stamp duty holiday. However, should interest rates start to creep up over the coming months, many homebuyers could find themselves in a tough spot having paid over the odds for a property in current market conditions.” CEO of Keller Williams UK, Ben Taylor, commented: “Homebuyer confidence remains high at present despite many having to battle it out with multiple other buyers in order to secure a purchase. This continued imbalance between supply and demand will ensure house price growth remains buoyant over the summer months, although we can expect a slow in pace as we approach the final quarter due to a combination of the stamp duty holiday ending and wider seasonal influences.”
Prefabricated Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) products, such as bay window roofs, door canopies and dormers, are enabling the construction industry to work far more efficiently, with off-site and modular construction processes helping to increase productivity. However, increased speed is not the only benefit these products are providing, as Andrew Almond, Marketing Manager at Stormking, a specialist manufacturer of offsite prefabricated GRP component products, explains: “The prefabricated components product market has grown exponentially over the past few years, as more construction companies realise the many benefits they can offer. The rapidity of installation is only one such advantage these innovative products can deliver. Installation with ease “The ease with which these products can be installed is key to facilitating increased efficiency. This is achieved by manufacturing products offsite and delivering them in either their entirety or in a limited number of component pieces. They can then be ‘dry fit’ into place, which requires no specialist knowledge, training or tools by the installer. “The ‘one lift’ method with which these products can be installed negates the need for specialist heavy lifting equipment or independent scaffolding, which are often required to install like-for-like ‘traditionally’ manufactured structures. Combined, these benefits are saving construction companies both time and money. “When specifying prefabricated, modular constructed products the developer is not only protecting its bottom line, but also helping to significantly reduce its on-site health and safety issues. Safety first “Potential hazards and installer injuries can be reduced and, in some cases, avoided, due to prefabricated components being extremely lightweight compared to their traditionally made counterparts, making them easier to handle and quicker to install, especially at height. Quality as standard “The benefits of prefabricated products to the construction industry are obvious. However, to take full advantage of these benefits, choosing the right products from a trusted supplier is crucial. As with any conventionally constructed component, you should not have to comprise on quality when it comes to prefabricated products.” Why Stormking? Stormking has been hand producing prefabricated products in the UK for over 35 years, engineering market leading product knowledge along the way. This has allowed for the development of the ideal high strength to weight ratio requirements for its range of building components, all of which have been specifically designed to be light weight yet extremely strong, stable and durable. Andrew continues: “Stormking takes pride in the knowledge of both its products and those industries it serves. This expertise has enabled us to lead in the field of GRP product development and standards, resulting in our extensive range of components being awarded the BAA (British Board of Agrèment) certification. This impartial third-party verification gives our customers the peace of mind that they are receiving only the highest quality products, supplied by a company they can trust.” The perfect prefabrication partner “Choosing the right supplier, who can deliver on time and meet your schedule, is just as important as selecting the best components for your project. Stormking is not just a manufacturer, we are a partner, providing our customers with guidance throughout the entire purchasing process and beyond. From choosing the most suitable components, to installation advice, aftercare and repair services, Stormking provides a holistic approach for its customers.” Andrew concludes: “The construction industry is moving at pace and construction companies require products that enable them to keep up – and it is only prefabricated product suppliers, such as Stormking, that can meet the volume and quality the industry currently demands.” Further information about Stormking and its range of products can be found at www.stormking.co.uk , emailing sales@stormking.co.uk or by calling 01827 311 100.
Bespoke brick slip feature arch lintels from IG Lintels form a distinctive element of a sympathetic and prestigious addition to an Edwardian council estate in the London Borough of Camden. Built between 1901 and 1903, the Grade II-listed Bourne Estate is on the fringes of the Hatton Garden Conservation Area and is a jewel in the crown for its owner Camden Council. Internationally significant and originally built by the London County Council, it became a model for influential public housing built in Vienna after the First World War. When it came to its redevelopment and the creation of two new blocks consisting of seventy-five mixed tenure homes, Matthew Lloyd Architects in partnership with Higgins Construction, had the architectural challenge of designing and building new housing that responded to the original Edwardian buildings. Central to the design of the additions is the fine brick detailing which needed to replicate the materials and characteristics of the original architecture. A number of double height brick arches were also created and form a central throughway into new communal courtyards seen elsewhere on the estate. In keeping with the architect’s aesthetic requirements, IG’s technical team designed 215mm high flat gauge brick slip feature lintels accommodating a series of brick spans; 910mm, 1360mm, 1472mm and 1585mm. All bricks were cut and bonded offsite onto the load bearing lintels. A consignment of bricks was collected from site to guarantee both quality and reliability in matching the surrounding brickwork. The ceramic bricks were carefully cut in a mitre fashion to conceal the red clay finish underneath and ensure that the ceramic finish on the mitre did not splinter which minimalised brick wastage. All the bricks cut were bonded in a rowlock pattern using BBA approved construction adhesive in a controlled environment without disruption from the natural weather. The patented perforated design of a IG Brick Feature Lintel allows the adhesive to squeeze through the perforations and form a ‘mushroom’ on the inside, providing a mechanical lock between the steel lintel and the bricks. Each prefabricated single piece unit was delivered in line with the build schedule onsite. This reduced health and safety concerns by eliminating the requirement for skilled labour working from height for a prolonged period of time in a busy London area. The contrasting brick types used on the project add to the new design creating pleasing views that clearly define key routes and boundaries. IG’s lintel solutions have ensured the high quality additions to the innovative Bourne Estate will strengthen the character of the conservation area through careful design and close attention to the articulation of the facades. The richness of detail in the brickwork and the quality in construction will ensure the estate will endure for more generations to come.
Work is officially underway to bring over 500 new homes to a key Preston Road regeneration site in Hull. Strata Homes have begun the first phase of this new and exciting housing development located on Preston Road in Hull, which aims to transform the area into a prosperous location for families to live within a strong community. The 500 new high quality home development is a collaboration between the Hull Citywide Developer Partnership (led by Strata and Keepmoat Homes) and Hull City Council and will provide a range of affordable and private sale properties. “The council has an ambitious and well established housing-led regeneration programme and thanks to our strong partnerships with developers such as Strata and Keepmoat we are transforming the housing market in Hull. Together we are building new, sustainable neighbourhoods, and given the partnership’s commitment to using local labour, we are bringing new training opportunities and jobs to the city too,” said Councillor Black, Hull City Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness. Strata will be delivering 242 homes and are on the regeneration site currently, with Keepmoat delivering a further 172 homes as the second phase. The homes will comprise of two-, three- and four- bedroom properties which will be available across various purchasing options from open market sale, homes to rent and affordable housing. “Working alongside the Council and partners the commencement of works on site brings together many years of hard work which will see the area transformed providing a range of new mixed tenure homes. This is a really exciting next step in the redevelopment of the site which will see new homes, roads and open spaces delivered to strengthen the existing community,” added Mark Leaf, Land and Planning Director at Strata. As part of their commitment to the local community and the City of Hull, the Citywide Partnership has pledged to support local people and help generate opportunities in training and employment, work placements, apprenticeship opportunities and supporting the growth of local businesses and supply chains, to further boost the city’s economy, which will be delivered throughout the lifetime of the project. Work at the development is expected to take four years, with the first homes becoming available to purchase in 2022.
At a time when the health and wellbeing of students has never been more important, the use of daylight in educational facilities can be a hugely beneficial way to maximise student performance and productivity whilst at the same time helping to lower a building’s energy use. By introducing rooflights, including domes, vaults, pitched skylights or panel glazing systems, it is possible to deliver resilient and future-proofed educational spaces that encourage learning, concentration and positive student behaviour. Despite the closure of schools and colleges and the disruption caused by the pandemic, children spend on average more than 7,800 hours at school throughout their education with a large amount of time in the classroom. Studies have shown that students felt at their best under rooflight or natural lighting, whilst teachers appreciate the good light transmission, good colour rendition and good behaviour demonstrated under the conditions created by rooflights. According to The Department for Education Building Design Bulletin 90, ‘The school designer should assume that daylight will be the prime means of lighting when it is available’. With daylight considered a fundamental design criterion, rooflights can help maximise the transmission of natural light to the interior of a school. Partnering with local authorities, architects and schools, Brett Martin has a deep understanding of the specific requirements of the education sector. Providing expert, impartial technical advice on rooflight specification, the manufacturer’s team has access to the widest choice of rooflight products available, in the full range of glazing materials. An intuitive and experienced technical team ensure compliance with Part L and help to achieve higher BREEAM ratings. In addition to new build construction, architects and designers refurbishing and upgrading older school buildings can reap the benefits of rooflights. Brett Martin has offered guidance and advice to specifiers wanting to transform courtyards into classrooms, provide canopies and covered walkways, replace existing rooflights and develop bespoke daylight solutions for halls and circulation areas, leisure facilities and classrooms.
For all the advantages of a remote work environment, collaborating with others remains a challenge. How do you perform as a team when everyone is working from home? Thankfully, there are ways to boost collaboration with technology, tools, and techniques from the front-line innovators of online business. Here’s what they have to share on the subject. Keep the Culture Many businesses have struggled to keep their company culture intact during the remote work era. But those that put culture first are rewarded with great work and a dedicated workforce. “The old rules of teamwork still apply, especially in remote setups. You need a culture built on trust, empowerment, and mutual respect. Don’t ruin employee engagement and satisfaction by taking away these key components of a strong culture.” – Tracey Halverson, Co-Founder of Fastspot “With many employees opting to work hybrid and remote, we have more space in the office to form open-spaced pods where our team can collaborate in person while remaining socially distant. So we often schedule in-house brainstorming sessions for small groups of employees to get together in person to share ideas about new content and collaborate on ways to enhance our user experience.” – Tyler Faux, Founder and CEO of Supergreat “Create a quarterly or annual face-to-face retreat with your team. This gives everyone worthy incentives and will promote collaboration within the team. When everyone knows they are going to meet face to face together at some point, the way they collaborate with each other will shift.” – Jordan Nathan, CEO of Caraway “To enhance collaboration in a remote work environment, schedule monthly virtual happy hours. If you can work from home, you can drink from home, and this cultural event will help everyone interact with each other in a different way. This will improve the morale of your team and promote collaboration within the organization.” – Darren Litt, Chairman and Co-Founder of MarketerHire “The best way to jump-start collaboration amongst a team is to try and socially connect. This can be done remotely. I encourage management to set up one on ones amongst co-workers, create certain subject matters to discuss, this will break the ice and help everyone connect. Once you are able to connect on a social level it will be easier to collaborate and each employee will feel more comfortable, even remotely!” – Aidan Cole, Co-Founder of TatBrow Tools of the Trade If your digital tools aren’t up to the task, online collaboration can only go so far. Equip your employees with powerful tech tools for the best results. “We have found that functional communication software is very important. Employees need these tools to collaborate on projects and tasks. Loom allows us to have those video conversations that are a bit more personal – better than communicating via email. Also, managing projects via Basecamp or traditional email is key to staying on top of big-picture tasks.” – William Schumacher, CEO of Uprising Food “Just look at the success of online courses on LinkedIn and Skillshare, and it’s clear that creating a sense of community is essential. And with a thoughtfully structured lesson plan combined with engaging, easy-to-follow instruction, businesses can create an intensive learning experience online for their remote and hybrid employees.” – Harris Rabin, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at R3SET “One way we have jump-started collaboration in a remote environment has been utilizing Slack to create an engaging way to collaborate. Slack allows us to stay connected at all points of the day no matter where we are, at the office or at home.” – Lauren Picasso CEO of Cure Hydration Overcommunication Is it possible to communicate too much in the world of remote work? We don’t think so, and today’s business leaders agree. “A great way to collaborate when operating in a remote environment is to set up virtual meetings for 30 minutes three times a week. This will give co-workers an opportunity to see each other’s faces. It is important to create a remote environment where everyone is still connected even though no one is physically in person together. Make these meetings interactive, don’t just preach as a manager or leader. This will help a remote group connect.” – Sean O’Brien, CMO of Modloft “Setting up 1-on-1s with your team is a great way to jump-start collaboration in a remote work environment. These one-on-ones can be great at solving problems, discussing internal issues, and developing your employees. You can address both personal and professional goals for your team members and reiterate that your team has your support even when working remotely.” – Chris Gadek, Head of Growth at AdQuick “Encourage informal discussions before and after meetings. This will help keep your team synced and on the same page. It will also unify your team to learn to work together on clients, customers, and internal issues.” – Craig Carter, CEO of Jack Mason “In a remote work environment, communicating often with your employees is key. Taking the time to send emails and meet regularly online can go a long way. Some companies are able to jump-start collaboration by coordinating online scavenger hunts, online mystery parties, and other games. Forming teams in that type of relaxed environment can help employees who would not normally meet have the opportunity to network. This can help fuel collaborations and lead to better teamwork in the future.” – Dennis Hegstad, Co-Founder of LiveRecover “As a manager, I continually promote communication. Communication is the best and most effective tool for teams, especially while working remotely. Start each week or project with clear and achievable goals. Allow your team to ask questions and contribute to the goal. You are now all on the same page and your employees can leave the Zoom call understanding their tasks and your expectations fully.” – Lo Bosworth, CEO and Founder of Love Wellness Full Flexibility Everybody works a bit differently from home – be ready to accommodate different schedules and styles, and try to find common ground. “Offering flexible hours opens
