Coventry’s redeveloped Warwick Arts Centre has opened its doors as one of the region’s key venues for the city’s tenure as the 2021 UK City of Culture, with low noise level air distribution products supplied by Waterloo. Located on the University of Warwick campus, Warwick Arts Centre has been transformed
Britain’s manufacturers invest more than £500 million to end Britain’s housing crisis – targeting 75,000 sustainable modular homes by end of decade and 50,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK Six modular homes can be installed each day by a single crane and heating costs are slashed by 20% Upscaling
Placefirst’s £8m Manchester residential scheme of 53 high quality apartments in Longsight has topped out. Placefirst is a leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider with over 1,300 homes, and a further 1,000 in the pipeline and under construction. Work on the development began in March 2021. The topping out represents an
“Ambitious investments in production capacity and R&D will allow Daikin Europe to expand market and product leadership,” says Patrick Crombez of Daikin Europe. Market leader Daikin Europe sees an inflection point in the European hydronic heat pump market, with growth rates anticipated to increase from 10% CAGR to 20% CAGR.
More than half the properties at a new housing development in the Buckinghamshire village of Hanslope have now been occupied by residents. Davidsons Homes is building 141 new homes at The Wheatfields, off Long Street Road, where construction work is due to finish by the end of next year. A
Construction work is progressing well at a new development in Cubbington where more than one third of the homes have already been reserved. Bellway South Midlands has sold over 30 per cent of the 80 private homes at Hazelwood which sits between Coventry Road and Rugby Road in the Warwickshire
Now in its 21st year, The Construction Marketing Awards showcase the construction industry’s creativity, innovation and effectiveness in marketing ADEY Innovation, Genuit with SLG Marketing and Fabrick were among the 29 winners announced at the Gala Dinner Previous winners include Tobermore, Jewson and Tensar International ADEY Innovation, Genuit with SLG
Hörmann UK has announced the acquisition of the South Lincolnshire based Fen-Bay Group, in a move which will see Hörmann strengthen its’ position as the market leader in the supply and servicing of loading bay equipment, industrial doors and perimeter systems. Serving a broad, diversified customer base, both from within
Coventry’s redeveloped Warwick Arts Centre has opened its doors as one of the region’s key venues for the city’s tenure as the 2021 UK City of Culture, with low noise level air distribution products supplied by Waterloo. Located on the University of Warwick campus, Warwick Arts Centre has been transformed into an environmentally sustainable multi-artform venue offering three state-of-the-art cinema screens, new gallery, spacious foyer, café and bar, alongside the existing large theatre, and other performance spaces. And coinciding with the long-awaited season when audiences were able to get back inside to enjoy the arts after months of lockdown, the October opening took on a special significance. With a proven track record of providing bespoke air distribution systems for spaces used for performance and exhibitions, this exciting project was the perfect challenge for Waterloo’s expert sales and technical teams. The Warwick 20:20 Project, which began in 2019, has transformed the original 1974 building into a vibrant showcase for the very best in contemporary art, events and entertainment that will appeal to the widest possible audience. Following the phase one refurbishment of the existing theatres, entrance area and restaurant, phase two began in autumn 2019 with the creation of a brand new building to house the new cinemas, large accessible ground floor gallery, new café and a welcoming, spacious foyer. When specifying air terminal devices for performance spaces, optimum air quality is not the only consideration. For moments when the audience should be able to hear a pin drop, low noise generation is crucial. Mechanical & electrical services subcontractor Dodd Group, working in association with engineering consultants Hoare Lea and supported by the Waterloo team, selected Waterloo’s Thermally Actuated Swirl Diffusers (SDACH) for the three auditoria to ensure the lowest possible noise levels. By using a temperature controlled actuator, this diffuser achieves very good control levels in both heating and cooling modes to provide ideal comfort at all times of year. In contrast, the exhibition galleries presented a different requirement. To ensure that the regularly changing exhibits would not be disturbed by air flow, Waterloo’s adjustable Hi-Flo Jet Diffusers (RWH) were chosen because of their ability to provide long throws and 360˚ rotation. Dodd Group’s mechanical engineer James McGugan said: “It was crucial that the air terminal devices chosen for Warwick Arts Centre delivered more than just optimum indoor air quality. Keeping noise levels to an absolute minimum for a performance venue was also top of our list when choosing who to work with on this project. Waterloo was able to provide exactly what was needed to achieve the required standards and the responsiveness of the team ensured on-time delivery.” The requirement for low noise levels also applied to the exterior of the building. Waterloo’s Large Format Fixed Blade External Louvres (WG-EF) were selected due to their 75mm pitch which ensures low noise and pressure drop characteristics whilst offering the necessary protection against water ingress. A polyester powder coating provides long term protection against the elements and a fully galvanized bird screen prevents unwanted inhabitants from nesting in the ventilation system. Air Valves were used in the toilets and for the areas immediately outside the toilets Waterloo specified the adaptable Louvre Faced Diffuser (DF41) which is ideal for integration with a variety of ceiling types whilst maintaining consistency in appearance. The DF41 is available with five frame styles and 14 different air pattern control core designs for vertical and horizontal diffusion.
Britain’s manufacturers invest more than £500 million to end Britain’s housing crisis – targeting 75,000 sustainable modular homes by end of decade and 50,000 highly skilled jobs across the UK Six modular homes can be installed each day by a single crane and heating costs are slashed by 20% Upscaling modular housing would provide capacity for 75,000 additional new homes by the end of 2029 Up to six houses installed each day by a single crane and a factory produces each house in just two hours Modular homes cost 20% less cost to heat, and use 30% less energy as a whole due to cutting-edge design With a 25% reduction in the workforce between 2016-2025 construction labour will be the new haulage industry unless action is taken now Upscaling modular housing can create 50,000 flexible future economy jobs where they are needed across the UK With up to 96% less embodied carbon modular housing is vastly more sustainable than traditional homes 33% of UK construction businesses are currently based in the South East of England. Modular housing can use the nation’s buoyant housing markets to drive employment in other parts of the country supporting the levelling up agenda Modular homes achieve net zero through the use of solar panels, air source heat pumps, superior building materials and production which delivers almost zero defects for energy efficiency Today Make UK launches a new trade body Make Modular, bringing together Britain’s leading modular housing manufacturers with a plan to solve the country’s housing crisis by delivering 75,000 affordable high-quality homes before the end of the decade. The UK housing market is at a tipping point where it could transform into the most advanced housing manufacturing market in the world in under a decade delivering in excess of 75,000 new homes via modular housing. Make Modular members’ factories can produce a new home every 2 hours. These homes are near defect free with 97% less embodied carbon than traditional builds. Make Modular members have already invested more than £500 million in new factories, cutting edge processes, and state of the art technology. The UK construction sector will have lost at least 25% of its workforce by between 2016-25. There is a major risk that by the next election construction has become the new haulage with economic competitiveness undermined by an ageing workforce leaving the industry. More than 2,000 new jobs have been created by Make Modular members in the last 3 years. By moving people off-site and into clean, safe, modern working conditions volumetric can rebuild the construction workforce bringing up to 50,000 new younger people into the workforce. Uniquely in the construction sector, modular housing provides the opportunity to construct offsite and in regions where labour is available. Homes are then transported to the areas where demand for new homes is the highest. Current factories driving the start of the modular revolution are already located in the Midlands and the North of the country, providing highly skilled and sought after careers using the latest digital and automated technologies with innovative design bringing about the highest environmental credentials. Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK said: “Imaginative and speedy solutions are required to tackle Britain’s housing crisis and modular housing could certainly play a significant part in helping local authorities deliver the challenging home building targets set for them by Government. But to make real significant progress, modular housing needs to have equal access to land for construction with many sites still favouring traditional modes of construction. “Modular also needs to have the weight of Government procurement behind it using a joined-up approach including education, defence and housing to build much needed scale the UK’s modular industry.” Modular housing manufacturers are also keen to accelerate the development of building regulations to match a new, more ambitious new normal when it comes to quality and energy across construction as a whole, driving forward the world’s biggest challenge of climate change. Dave Sheridan, Chair of Make UK Modular said: ‘Modular housing has grown rapidly in the last few years. The establishment of our own trade body is the crucial next step in this process. As a natural partner to Government to solve the housing crisis, deliver the levelling up agenda, and combat climate change Make Modular will accelerate and advance the MMC agenda through one strong voice rather than a series of disparate ones.’
Placefirst’s £8m Manchester residential scheme of 53 high quality apartments in Longsight has topped out. Placefirst is a leading and award-winning build-to-rent provider with over 1,300 homes, and a further 1,000 in the pipeline and under construction. Work on the development began in March 2021. The topping out represents an exciting construction milestone, with the former job centre’s rooftop extension now complete and the building reaching its highest point. The rooftop extension has given a new lease of life to this building and will accommodate eight homes with stunning views across to the Manchester City Centre skyline. Ground floor residents will have the luxury of private entrances and dual aspects with windows at the front and rear. The overall scheme comprises a mix of high-specification apartments, ranging from studios to 3 beds, and is on track for completion in Spring 2022. Alongside the topping out, the internal fit out is also well underway and the build programme is making great progress. Interiors will include high quality, modern kitchens and bathrooms and residents can expect top spec finishes throughout and bright communal areas. All apartments will also be available with a furniture package, and show homes will be launching in the coming weeks. Longsight has fantastic links to the centre of Manchester, making it an ideal location for commuters, and in turn shall add further value to the local community with increased footfall for amenities and leisure facilities. Placefirst worked with Project 3 Architects to repurpose and transform the former job centre, paying close attention to sustainability and modern design. The regeneration specialists also partnered with an arboriculturist and Manchester City Council to plant new trees and install new public realm, also adding a perimeter hedge and protect high value trees in the southwest corner of the site. Energy efficiency of the apartments will be maximised by incorporating renewable sources such as solar panels, improving Psi values to limit heat loss and electric panel heaters that have a high level of control for residents. All apartments will be available for long-term let through Placefirst as part the professional landlord’s commitment to offering a viable alternative to outright home ownership. Residents will also benefit from a dedicated resident services manager as part of the developer’s dedication to high quality service and community engagement within their schemes. David Mawson, chief executive at Placefirst commented: “We are excited to have reached this construction milestone where despite the challenges of the past year, the hard work undertaken by our team and partners has seen a former derelict building brought back into use, to transform it into a thriving, sustainable neighbourhood and providing 53 new homes. “This development in the up-and-coming area of Longsight is another great demonstration of our commitment to placemaking and shall provide high-quality apartment living for local residents with excellent links to Manchester City Centre and surrounding areas. “To see the building topping out is a great step in bringing this building back to life, and we look forward to its completion next year and residents moving in.” Craig Smith, architect director for Project 3 Architects, added: “It has been fantastic to work in partnership with Placefirst on this project for the adaptive re-use of a former office building, and witness the completion of the roof structure. The rooftop extension, which has been designed to complement the existing surroundings, helps bring the building to life and will create desirable and attractive much-needed homes for local residents, whilst also offering stunning views of the city skyline.”
“Ambitious investments in production capacity and R&D will allow Daikin Europe to expand market and product leadership,” says Patrick Crombez of Daikin Europe. Market leader Daikin Europe sees an inflection point in the European hydronic heat pump market, with growth rates anticipated to increase from 10% CAGR to 20% CAGR. This will lead to annual heat pump installations of 4 million heat pumps by 2030, up from 1 million in 2021. Daikin Europe is responding by investing in production and innovation capacity, warehousing and logistics and increased training for installers and service technicians across the EMEA region. Patrick Crombez, General Manager Heating and Renewables at Daikin comments, “Switching our heating systems to heat pumps represents a historical transformation to low-carbon heating, with benefits for climate change but also healthier living environments. We are proud to lead this transformation in Europe.” Daikin Europe’s business unit ‘Heating & Renewables’ is growing fast and – as the European market leader in this category – is outperforming the European heat pump category growth. “For us 2021 has been a turning point for heat pumps”, says Patrick Crombez. “Consumers and policy makers have never been more eager to decarbonize heating systems.“ Over the past decade, the European market for heat pumps has grown at a strong pace, with an annual growth rate of 10% (CAGR) from 2011 to 2020, resulting in the expected installation of 1 million heat pumps in 2021. In the coming years, Daikin – in line with other industry experts – anticipates a sharp acceleration in heat pump adoption. By 2030, it expects 4 million heat pumps will be installed each year, representing an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. At that point, 1 out of 3 heating systems installed will be a heat pump, up from 1 out of 10 in 2020. While this represents steep growth compared to recent years, Daikin Europe considers this the minimum to ensure a move to a decarbonized residential heating market in Europe. Patrick Crombez: ”From all available data, it is clear that heat pump adoption is hitting an inflection point this year and the already robust growth of the category will only accelerate.” A key driver for heat pump growth has been the introduction of legislation governing new builds in many European countries, ranging from general regulations in France such as RT2012 (which sets a new minimum standard for thermal insulation of dwellings), to a ban on combustion boilers in the Netherlands. Additionally, incentives in France, Germany and Italy have successfully increased the appeal of heat pumps in the replacement- and renovation market. At the same time, heat pump technology has evolved to make heat pumps an attractive option: the arrival of ‘high temperature’ heat pumps means existing fossil fuel boilers can be replaced without the need to update or modify existing radiators. Daikin Europe invests in production capacity, innovation In the coming years market leader Daikin intends to more than triple its European heating production and expects their heating business to become one of the key pillars of Daikin’s revenue by 2025. Today, 5 of 14 Daikin’s EMEA factories are dedicated to heat pump production. All Daikin heat pumps sold in Europe are developed and produced in Europe, with main Daikin factories in Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic. A recently announced investment plan for the next 5 years includes a sizable investment in the heat pump category. Patrick Crombez, Daikin Europe notes, ”Without offering a detailed breakdown of our investments, a substantial part of Daikin EMEA’s planned 840 million EUR investment over the next 5 years will be allocated to heat pumps. This will allow us to expand our European market leadership in heat pumps.” Part of the investment aims to expand production capacity to keep up with demand. Another area of investment is the planned construction of a cutting-edge development complex ‘European Development Center (EDC)’ in Ghent, Belgium, allowing Daikin to strengthen its leadership in innovation and to allow a faster and wider development of heat pumps. The EDC complex represents an investment of €140M, will offer 380 jobs locally and will also function as the Daikin global centre for heating product development. Daikin Europe expands European warehousing, training and deliveries to support transition to decarbonized heating In 2021, production of Daikin Europe heat pumps will amount to 1.5 million units (covering residential, commercial and industrial hydronic heat pumps produced within the EU). It currently handles some 71,000 deliveries per day from its 30 warehouses all over Europe, and it is ready to scale this to meet demand. Patrick Crombez comments, “In the next few years, we will increase our number of warehouses to allow us to reduce delivery distance to our customers. Our integrated stock and warehouse management approach allows us to move stock faster, offer better service and lower logistics costs.” Finally, Daikin Europe offers support and training to installers in 54 training centers across Europe. Training ranges from starter courses on installation of heat pumps and direct expansion technology, to advanced troubleshooting courses and service controls on new products. Patrick Crombez says, “Despite the difficult conditions due to COVID-19, we are proud to report that the number of trainees – both online and in real life – doubled in 2020. Our investments strengthen our existing production and distribution network and allow us to look forward to the next decade with confidence and excitement.” Supporting “a historical transition” The investments and growth plans of Daikin Europe Heating and Renewables fit into its vision of decarbonizing residential heating throughout Europe. As fossil fuel-based residential heating is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, this transformation will allow Europe to achieve its ambitious emissions reduction targets for 2030. Patrick Crombez states, “The coming years will be pivotal in decarbonizing the heating of residential and commercial buildings. It’s a truly historical transition that will contribute to a stable climate, safer and healthier homes, and more affordable energy bills. We are proud and we could not be more excited to take the
More than half the properties at a new housing development in the Buckinghamshire village of Hanslope have now been occupied by residents. Davidsons Homes is building 141 new homes at The Wheatfields, off Long Street Road, where construction work is due to finish by the end of next year. A total of 79 private homes are now built and occupied at the development, while a further 38 houses have been sold or reserved off plan ahead of their completion. Davidsons Homes is delivering a range of homes at the Hanslope development, including three, four and five-bedroom designs, alongside areas of green open space. “There are now only 24 homes still to be sold at The Wheatfields – less than a fifth of all properties– which illustrates just how popular the development has been. Right from the outset there was a huge amount of interest both from local people and buyers from outside the area. The local buyers were keen to stay close to their families and their roots, while we have had many enquiries from prospective purchasers in London wanting to leave the capital behind in search of more value for money and a better quality of life,” said Simon Tyler, Sales Director for Davidsons Homes South Midlands. “The Wheatfields offers commuters great transport links via train services to London from Milton Keynes, as well as road access to the nearby M1. The development also provides, for all of its residents, the opportunity to live in a new, thriving community in a peaceful rural setting.” Davidsons Homes is providing funding of more than £2.2 million towards local services and infrastructure as part of the planning agreement for the development. Contributions include £1.1 million for education and £200,000 towards local healthcare facilities, as well as a £32,737 community hall contribution, £105,750 neighbourhood play contribution and a £137,633 playing field contribution to Milton Keynes Council. A selection of four-bedroom homes are currently available, with prices starting from £499,995.
Construction work is progressing well at a new development in Cubbington where more than one third of the homes have already been reserved. Bellway South Midlands has sold over 30 per cent of the 80 private homes at Hazelwood which sits between Coventry Road and Rugby Road in the Warwickshire village. The Cubbington development will consist of 133 new homes, with one, two, three and four-bedroom properties for private sale, and a number of affordable homes being provided for local people through shared ownership or rent. “Work at Hazelwood is progressing very well and demand for the homes remains consistently strong. We have not only sold over a third of the private homes, but we have also already built and handed over around a quarter of those to new residents. As more and more residents move in, we can see a vibrant new neighbourhood taking shape,” said Elaine Brown, Head of Sales for Bellway South Midlands. Hazelwood will occupy two neighbouring parcels of land, one with road access from Rugby Road and the other from Coventry Road, with nearly a third of the site dedicated to green open space. Elaine added: “As well as providing much-needed affordable housing for local people, this development is delivering a wide range of homes for buyers. Hazelwood really does tick the boxes for buyers on every stage of the property ladder. The mix of properties on offer ranges from one-bedroom maisonettes to four-bedroom homes, so we are catering for single people, young couples, downsizers and growing families. “The development is in a very desirable semi-rural location. It is on the edge of the village yet only ten minutes away by car from the shops and bars of Leamington Spa. Warwick and Coventry are both about a 15-minute drive away with the M1, M40 and M6 also all easily accessible. “There are homes now available on the Coventry Road side of the development, with homes due for release on the Rugby Road side in due course. Construction work on this second phase of the development is expected to start towards the end of next year or early the following year.” There’s currently a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes available at Hazelwood with prices starting at £230,000.
Now in its 21st year, The Construction Marketing Awards showcase the construction industry’s creativity, innovation and effectiveness in marketing ADEY Innovation, Genuit with SLG Marketing and Fabrick were among the 29 winners announced at the Gala Dinner Previous winners include Tobermore, Jewson and Tensar International ADEY Innovation, Genuit with SLG Marketing and Fabrick were among the winners at the recent Construction Marketing Awards Gala Dinner. Endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Construction Industry Group (CIMCIG) and the Construction Products Association (CPA), the Construction Marketing Awards are the most sought-after accolade in the industry’s marketing calendar. The winners were crowned by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including James Ellis, chair of CIMCIG and head of marketing at Certsure, Ross Sturley, principal of Chart Lane and CIMCIG committee member, Steven Plimmer, head of marketing (commercial) at RIBA and Mike Leonard, chief executive at Building Alliance. The awards were held at Hilton London Bankside and hosted by multi award winning South African comedian, Loyiso Gola. This year’s awards featured 29 categories, including Best Use of Content Marketing, Best Distributor Marketing Campaign and Marketing Team of the Year. ADEY Innovation scooped the prestigious Marketing Team of the Year and Best Product Launch awards for its unrivalled performance in delivering marketing excellence for clients, whilst Genuit with SLG Marketing were awarded the Strategic Planning and Management award and Fabrick triumphed in the Agency of the Year category. Claire Miller, marketing director of ADEY Innovation said: “We are extremely proud of everything the ADEY marketing team have accomplished together. To have won Marketing Team of the Year as well as Best Product Launchat this years’ CMAs is a true accolade to the team’s hard work and creative minds. Our customer-centric approach really helps to deliver truly meaningful marketing to all our audiences.” James Ellis, chair of CIMCIG, said of the night: “The construction sector is renowned for its innovation and creativity and when it comes to marketing, the awards confirm that the industry recognises and celebrates the insight, creativity and impact of marketers in construction. “The competition this year was so strong that to be considered as a finalist for one of the awards available meant showcasing astounding talent, innovation and an ability to make a genuine difference and deliver tangible results. Many congratulations to all the finalists and winners, it was a fantastic night to celebrate and honour marketing excellence across the built environment.” Maggie Jones, director of qualifications and partnerships at the CIM added: “We’ve been very impressed by the breadth of talent entering this year’s Construction Marketing Awards. Despite the economic and social uncertainty we have faced over the past 20 months, it is great we have been able to recognise and celebrate the insight, creativity, and impact construction marketers are having within the industry. Many congratulations to all the winners and finalists, they reflect the very best in construction marketing talent and originality across the industry.” Now in its 21st year, The Construction Marketing Awards celebrate creativity, innovation and effectiveness in marketing across the construction industry, and the awards shine a spotlight on excellence at a business and individual level. To see the winners list, please visit – http://www.cmawards.co.uk/2021-finalists/ For more information about CIM – the world’s leading professional marketing body, becoming a member, volunteering, or upcoming marketing events in construction, visit: https://sigs.cim.co.uk/construction-industry-group/
Hörmann UK has announced the acquisition of the South Lincolnshire based Fen-Bay Group, in a move which will see Hörmann strengthen its’ position as the market leader in the supply and servicing of loading bay equipment, industrial doors and perimeter systems. Serving a broad, diversified customer base, both from within the retail end-user sector as well as the construction market, Fen-Bay is well known in the market for being a leading manufacturer and installer of loading bay equipment, industrial doors, and security barriers – priding itself on maintaining strong, and long-lasting relationships with its customers. The acquisition also includes TransDek who became part of the Fen-Bay Group in 2020. Based in Doncaster TransDek are a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of modular loading bays and lifting systems. Employing 150 staff, part of its turnkey offering includes the provision of 24/7, nationwide service support employing over 100 fulltime engineers. Commenting on the acquisition, Wolfgang Gorner, Managing Director of Hörmann UK said, “We are delighted to welcome the Fen-Bay Group to the Hörmann family. We see this as a natural fit and a key part of our drive to increase our footprint in the Industrial and Service sectors. The Fen-Bay Group with its excellent brand, reputation and nationwide coverage will complement our existing operations, but will allow us to compete even more so in these areas. We are also excited to build on the success already achieved by TransDek throughout Europe and we are committed to ongoing investment in the Fen-Bay Group operations. We see great potential moving forward.” Carl Sedlan, Managing Director of the Fen-Bay Group added, “We already have extensive experience of Hörmann and its’ strong family values, which resonated strongly with our Management Team. Everyone is genuinely excited by the opportunities moving forward and becoming part of such a well-known and respected Group.”
