GRAHAM has topped out at the University of York’s £130 million flagship student accommodation project, which was built in only 58 weeks with a room completed at a rate of every 1.5 hours. Supporting the University of York’s “Campus for the Future” masterplan, the 1,480-bed scheme is helping to transform
Following recent revelations that UK’s home gas boilers emit twice as much CO2 as all power stations, the construction sector is being urged to accelerate the switch to greener heating solutions such as CO2 heat pumps, which have been described as ‘the future of green heating in the UK’. The
The latest research from Warwick Estates has found that more than half of homebuyers don’t want to see new homes built near their property, with even more stating they don’t need any more new homes in their wider local area. Warwick Estates asked 1,052 homeowners if they thought more new
Eye on the next generation as work experience opportunities made available to University of Ulster students SPIE UK, a subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has been awarded a four-year contract to be the fire systems maintenance contractor with
Prolojik is collaborating with the Smart Building Show this year, joining the impressive list of sponsors as Sponsor of The Training Theatre and Show Catalogue, as well as showcasing the latest SuperSensing range along side SmartServer™ by Diaog. Prolojik, which has developed an open protocol lighting control system that gives
Leeds-based property development and investment company, GMI Developments has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council to create a new mixed-use development comprising a destination restaurant and bar, retail space and 3 apartments at 132-136 Kings Road in central Harrogate. The premises, which have stood vacant since January 2020,
Europe’s first eco-mosque, built by leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has been nominated for the 2021 Stirling Prize Award. Cambridge Central Mosque is one of six projects to be selected from the 54 2021 RIBA National Award winners. RIBA’s Stirling Prize has been awarded annually, with the exception of
Daval Furniture, market leading British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture is proud to partner with the winner of BBC Interior Design Masters 2021, Lynsey Ford, as she designs with Renzo in a luxury family suite Willow Cottage at Another Place, a boutique hotel on Ullswater in the Lake
GRAHAM has topped out at the University of York’s £130 million flagship student accommodation project, which was built in only 58 weeks with a room completed at a rate of every 1.5 hours. Supporting the University of York’s “Campus for the Future” masterplan, the 1,480-bed scheme is helping to transform the Heslington East Campus and will act as a stimulus for the university’s recruitment strategy while meeting the demands of its expanding global student body. GRAHAM is using a state-of-the-art off-site manufacturing facility in the north of England to deliver the scheme, enhancing the quality, safety, and sustainability of the construction programme. Key elements of the development include modular external sandwich panels, prefabricated steel bathroom pods, and pre-assembled services distribution racks. Overall, the project comprises 18 blocks, which house the en-suite bedrooms and 200 living rooms/kitchens, plus 18,000 sq ft of steel frame social Hubs spread over two buildings. In addition to influencing design in partnership with the architects Sheppard Robson and executing the project build, GRAHAM is also a key project investor as part of a consortium. Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Strategic Projects Director: “Topping out at the University of York in the timeframe that we have is a monumental milestone that deserves to be celebrated. Despite the challenges thrown our way by Brexit and Covid-19, we held firm and adapted where we could with our supply chain to deliver within our programme. In just 290 working days, we have erected all the superstructures with minimal disruption using MMC, which has accelerated the build while maintaining quality and environmental standards. Now, we can look ahead to completion and bringing the campus properly to life in this last, but significant chapter of the project.” Hugh Crossley, Equitix CEO: “We commend all our partners at the University, GRAHAM and Derwent for their perseverance and resilience in delivering this crucial infrastructure on programme amidst the challenges of a global pandemic. It is a remarkable achievement. The topping out at the new residences celebrates a significant milestone in Equitix’s 50 year relationship with the University of York. Importantly, it also celebrates significant progress towards a new college that will enable future generations of students to embark upon their University life in an environment that promotes wellbeing, community and sustainability. Equitix focuses on developing and delivering schemes that provide a ‘Best in Class’ Student Experience and, working with GRAHAM, the outcomes delivered here have exceeded expectations.” Completion is planned in time for the 2022 academic year.
Following recent revelations that UK’s home gas boilers emit twice as much CO2 as all power stations, the construction sector is being urged to accelerate the switch to greener heating solutions such as CO2 heat pumps, which have been described as ‘the future of green heating in the UK’. The government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028 is an encouraging step but Tim Rook, Chief Markets Officer at Clade Engineering, a leading designer and manufacturer of CO2 heat pumps, is concerned that the UK is a long way off the pace from hitting that target. “Burning natural gas has historically been a cheap, reliable and relatively safe way to heat buildings in this country. But as this study shows, things are going to have to change if we have any hope of reaching Net Zero. CO2 heat pumps are the future of green heating in the UK – they are more efficient, cleaner and have a lower total cost of ownership than gas boilers,” explains Tim. “We need to step up – and that’s going to take more awareness and more clamour across the construction, facilities management, property investment and property management industries,” suggests Tim. The recent energy price crisis adds further weight to this argument and has been caused by several long, medium and short-term factors coming into play at the same time. It’s been coming down the tracks for a while, and touches on a couple of things that Clade Engineering consider extremely important – the decarbonisation and security of Britain’s energy supply. “Installing a heat pump is one of the best things a business can do to decarbonise, and it’s fairly straightforward if engineered correctly. A heat pump will deliver a 60 to 80% carbon reduction and when used for cooling too it’ll do even better. If plugged into a digital platform to optimise performance and provide grid flexibility services it will be able to deliver even more carbon reductions and cost savings. “For the good of the planet, we need to pull our collective fingers out,” says Tim.
The latest research from Warwick Estates has found that more than half of homebuyers don’t want to see new homes built near their property, with even more stating they don’t need any more new homes in their wider local area. Warwick Estates asked 1,052 homeowners if they thought more new homes were needed within their local area and if they would be happy to have these new homes within the immediate vicinity of their own home. 72% stated their local area did not need any new homes and 52% were opposed to new homes being built within the immediate vicinity of their own home, even if a suitable plot of land was available. Should they have to stomach the construction of new homes locally, 87% stated they would prefer developers to repurpose old buildings rather than build brand new homes. 87% stated it was either very important (47%) or somewhat important (40%) that new homes should fit with the wider area and the existing buildings already in place when it comes to appearance. 98% also stated that it was either very important (87%) or somewhat important (11%) that new housing developments considered the wider community and local infrastructures such as traffic control and the development of community areas such as parks when being designed and constructed. COO of Warwick Estates, Bethan Griffiths, commented: “It’s understandable that many homeowners have concerns when it comes to new homes in their local area and we’ve seen a real change in the way we design and construct new build developments to ensure the wider community is considered, and in many cases, benefits. Unfortunately, some still remain opposed to the idea and this can have a real impact on the number of new homes that can be delivered in a given area. For many local councillors with a short-sighted view on reelection, appeasing local unrest often takes precedent over the long-term goal of solving the housing problem within their constituency. As a result, we often see permission for perfectly good housing projects campaigned against and refused, which can be a contributing factor to the shortage of available housing in a given area. We need to take political protectionism out of the planning process and until we do, housing delivery will continue to be hindered.” Survey of 1,052 UK homeowners carried out by Warwick Estates via consumer research platform Find Out Now (30th September 2021). Do you think more new homes need to be built within your local area? Answer Respondents No 72% Yes 28% Would you be happy for new homes to be built within the immediate vicinity of your home if there was a suitable plot of land? Answer Respondents Yes 43% No 57% Would prefer developers to repurpose old buildings or build brand new homes? Answer Respondents Repurpose old buildings 87% Build brand new homes 13% How important is it that new homes fit with the wider area and existing buildings in terms of appearance? Answer Respondents Very important 47% Somewhat important 40% Not very important 9% Not at all important 3% How important is it that new housing developments consider the wider community and local infrastructure, such as traffic control, development of community areas such as parks? Answer Respondents Very important 87% Somewhat important 11% Not very important 1% Not at all important 1%
Eye on the next generation as work experience opportunities made available to University of Ulster students SPIE UK, a subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has been awarded a four-year contract to be the fire systems maintenance contractor with the University of Ulster. The SPIE UK team will be working across all four of the university’s campuses, which are located at Magee (Derry/Londonderry), Coleraine, Jordanstown and Belfast. As part of the contract, SPIE will be conducting planned and reactive maintenance, servicing and repair of fire alarms and gas suppression on a 24/7, 365 days-a-year basis. SPIE UK will also conduct any upgrades to the fire systems as is appropriate. Already being a supplier of services to the university, the SPIE team was well placed to identify bespoke benefits that they could offer to the University of Ulster, including specific system upgrade works. The contract will run for four years, with an optional extension period of a further four years. Working in the community… The University of Ulster has a proud reputation for its regional community engagement and continues to make a major contribution to the economic, social, and cultural development of Northern Ireland. As part of their work with the university, SPIE will likewise be engaging in a number of community benefit pledges. These include the creation of work experience placements across technical and administrative roles for University of Ulster students, as well as participation in the university’s career events. Jim Skivington, Divisional Managing Director, SPIE UK, said, “We are delighted to have been chosen by the University of Ulster to support them as their fire systems maintenance contractor. The team’s deep knowledge and relationship with the university were key to understanding the improvements that needed to be made. I know that that the team is also very much looking forward to supporting the university in its efforts to engage the local community and support its graduate programme, helping to develop the next generation of professionals in the built environment in Northern Ireland.”
Prolojik is collaborating with the Smart Building Show this year, joining the impressive list of sponsors as Sponsor of The Training Theatre and Show Catalogue, as well as showcasing the latest SuperSensing range along side SmartServer™ by Diaog. Prolojik, which has developed an open protocol lighting control system that gives users complete control over their lit environment; control that reduces energy output and saves money, has become the catalogue and training theatre sponsor at this year’s Smart Buildings Show (ExCeL, London, 6-7 October, 2021). Asela Rodrigo, managing director, commented, “We are thrilled to be sponsoring and supporting Smart Building Show, in partnership with Dialog, as sponsors of the catalogue and the training theatre. It is our belief that as we slowly emerge from the pandemic, the adoption of smart technology in buildings will gather pace as the benefits have become more apparent. We are looking forward to catching up with our industry colleagues; listening and presenting the latest updates in this important sector”. Please come and visit Prolojik on stand E40. Prolojik will also be hosting a panel discussion as well as a CPD session during the show. Re-engaging the Workplace – Thursday 7th October – 13.00pm This panel session looks at how to get the most out of smart tech post pandemic as well as the issues around sustainability goals and understanding the management of challenges such as limited embodied carbon in construction. The panel will be chaired by Helen Parton an architecture and interiors journalist with over 15 years experience, and on the panel will be Asela Rodrigo managing director of Prolojik, Gary Wingrove Global Real Estates Capital Projects Director at Boston Consulting Group, Martin Frohock Head of Facilities UK Global FM Compliance Lead at Arm and Jules Barker Global Director of Product at WiredScore. Super Sensor x Smart Server – Wednesday 6th October – 15:00pm Hosted by Asela Rodrigo and Kalim Shadam Global Sales Director at Dialog Semiconductor this CPD looks at the different challenges to introduce enabling SMART technology in to existing legacy buildings as well as newly built environments and how this can be achieved by implementing SuperSensors and SmartServers over your existings lighting and data networks.
Leeds-based property development and investment company, GMI Developments has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council to create a new mixed-use development comprising a destination restaurant and bar, retail space and 3 apartments at 132-136 Kings Road in central Harrogate. The premises, which have stood vacant since January 2020, comprise a range of interconnected, largely two-storey buildings which extend to more than 7,300 sq ft. Ocean House (134-136 Kings Road), the former Ramus retail unit (132 Kings Road) and an industrial unit fronting Bolton Street will be redeveloped into a mixed-use lifestyle and residential development in keeping with the local area. A pre-let for the ground floor unit in Ocean House has already been agreed with Moxmoor Limited to manage a new concept restaurant and bar, led by experienced local operator Roger Moxham, one of the founding owners of the Cold Bath Brewing company. Roger Moxham has more than 35 years of hospitality expertise, including board level roles in both public and privately funded pub and restaurant companies and co-founded the highly successful Cold Bath Brewing bar opposite the town’s International Conference Centre. The new restaurant, which will create up to 20 new jobs, comprises a 70 seat internal restaurant and bar with external pavement and courtyard seating. Commenting on the offer Roger said “We will serve a diverse array of global meals rooted in Asia and the Americas which we intend to rotate throughout the year. The menu will be underpinned by a weekend brunch offer all supported by a full range of hand crafted cocktails and beers and an interesting selection of soft drinks, teas and coffees.” GMI has submitted a detailed planning application for a change of use of Ocean House to house the new restaurant and bar, as well as two apartments above. The ground floor of 132 Kings Road will remain in retail use with an apartment above and the demolition of the industrial unit on Bolton Street will provide parking and outside amenity space for the new apartments. Situated close to Harrogate town centre and 13 miles North of Leeds, the site’s neighbouring occupiers include Regal Fruiter, a Sainsbury’s convenience store and a number of well-known local indies. Harrogate town is one of the principal tourist centres in the region, benefiting from its position on the A59 which provides access to the local motorway network. Chris Gilman, Managing Director, GMI Developments commented: “Following the recent acquisition of the Kings Road property, we are excited to take this mixed-use development forward to regenerate the vacant site, subject to planning approval. With a proven, successful hospitality expert in Roger on board to create the new restaurant and bar, we are confident that his team will bring a unique and exciting destination restaurant offer to the town complemented by the rest of this high quality scheme.”
Europe’s first eco-mosque, built by leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has been nominated for the 2021 Stirling Prize Award. Cambridge Central Mosque is one of six projects to be selected from the 54 2021 RIBA National Award winners. RIBA’s Stirling Prize has been awarded annually, with the exception of last year, since 1996 to buildings deemed to be the most significant of the year for the evolution of architecture and the built environment. This year’s winner will be announced on October 14. Cambridge Central Mosque is the first eco-friendly mosque in Europe. Marks Barfield Architects, who are in the running for the award, designed the building to accommodate up to 1000 worshippers. The building is credited by RIBA with creating a new, 21st century, non-denominational British mosque that is both specific to its place and time and which resonates with wider Islamic and religious buildings. To have achieved this in Cambridge, with its world-famous tradition of structural expression in religious architecture, yet without contrivance is a remarkable achievement. The project involved a range of highly complex construction methods. A defining feature is its intricate glulam timber frame, which comprises 30 interconnecting ‘tree’ like structures. Each ‘tree’ is formed by 16 interwoven timber members, the geometry of which provides the frame’s strength. Works on the building also included café, offices, residential property for the Imam and his family, separate student accommodation and a mortuary, a basement car park for 80 cars and Mosque facility above. Gilbert-Ash has had three projects shortlisted for prestigious prize prior to Cambridge Central Mosque. Shortlisted projects have included the Lyric Theatre in 2012, the Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Centre in 2013 and the Everyman Theatre, which went on to win the 2014 Stirling Prize. “We are delighted to see Cambridge Central Mosque make the shortlist for this most prestigious award. It is a unique building in so many ways, with remarkable intricate attention to detail, that not only looks exemplary but supports an ambition to achieve environmental sustainability,” commented Ray Hutchinson, managing director of Gilbert-Ash. “One of the core values of Gilbert-Ash is collaboration, and this was central in keeping momentum on this project. We were able to work closely with the client team early on to develop technical solutions and innovative methods to overcome challenges and keep the project progressing. This was an incredibly rewarding project to deliver, and we are proud to see it recognised as one of the most significant of the year.” Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued success to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It continues to complete a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, education, science and technology, retail, residential and student accommodation.
Daval Furniture, market leading British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture is proud to partner with the winner of BBC Interior Design Masters 2021, Lynsey Ford, as she designs with Renzo in a luxury family suite Willow Cottage at Another Place, a boutique hotel on Ullswater in the Lake District. Yorkshire-based interior designer and architect, Lynsey Ford, has been commissioned to transform Willow Cottage, a self-contained family suite complete with two bedrooms, kitchen and bar, boot room and ample storage via the custom wardrobes and desk space. “Sourcing and procuring materials for my projects locally wherever possible is really important to me. Daval is based in the same village as me, Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, so it was naturally my first port of call when exploring cabinetry designs for the suite at Another Place,” said Lynsey Ford, owner and founder of Lynsey Ford Design. “Sustainability is integral to all my work. I hate waste and the thought of anything useable going to landfill. So, I’ve chosen cabinetry from the award-winning Renzo range by Daval for part of the scheme as the cupboard doors are made from 100% recycled materials, meaning I can balance my keen interest in sustainable design while still achieving the deep, rich and textured aesthetic I want to create. I’ve taken inspiration from the views at Another Place, and the colours, textures and materials that surround it. There are lots of natural woods in the hotel already, and a lovely palette of rusty colours and greens.” In fact, Renzo is the ideal furniture solution for this project as the range offers rich textural variety with five high-texture door finishes – three contemporary timbers and two mineral-inspired options with fine-textured, stone effect surface. Designed to empower the eco-conscious homeowner, every door within the Renzo collection is made from 100% recycled raw materials at our factory in the heart of Yorkshire. “We are delighted to collaborate with Lynsey as trends for 2022 indicate a growth in family-friendly spaces, both in residential and hospitality sectors as more and more Britons explore UK beauty spots in the wake of the pandemic. As we have the expertise to manage projects for homeowners, as well commercial properties we can constantly innovate our made-to-measure, made-to-order furniture to meet all specifications and end-user requirements, as well as support ‘Buying British’. We are therefore absolutely thrilled to help bring Lynsey’s design ideas to life and realise a deluxe family-friendly lifestyle retreat dubbed Willow Cottage – due for completion Q1/22,” added Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval Furniture.
