December 14, 2021

Building design key to hitting university sustainability targets

A prominent polymer system supplier is advocating the specification of more sustainable heating and cooling solutions in educational buildings following the publication of analysis suggesting most UK universities are not on track to hit emissions targets. The recent release of People and Planet’s annual University League asking ‘how sustainable is

Read More »

NEW REPORT SAYS EMBEDDING HERITAGE-LED REGENERATION KEY TO HISTORIC TOWNS’ FUTURE

Embedding heritage-led regeneration within wider investment programmes aimed at revitalising high streets and enhancing local and regional infrastructure, will more effectively drive the growth and renewal of Britain’s historic town centres, says a new report from national planning and development consultancy, Lichfields. The ‘Historic Opportunities’ report comes at a time

Read More »

Construction and communication: building a better connection

Why improved communication is key for the built environment UK construction accounts for around seven per cent of GDP and employs over 3 million people. But despite its significance, many firms are far behind modernisation and digital innovations seen in other parts of the economy — this includes its tools

Read More »
Vonder Launches All in One Living Concept in Wembley

Vonder Launches All in One Living Concept in Wembley

Vonder, the global lifestyle brand, has revealed its ‘all-in-one living’ concept with the opening of its latest flagship project, Vonder Wembley. Comprising 313 apartments with on-site amenities across over 160,000 sq ft of space, Vonder Wembley pioneers the all-inclusive living model of providing renters with everything they need for both

Read More »
Groundbreaking for Net Zero Carbon Residential Development

Groundbreaking for Net Zero Carbon Residential Development

Gresham House and ilke Homes have cause for celebration, as of 30th November the organisations officially broke ground at their first partnership zero carbon development at Hope Green in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. Delivered by ilke Homes and funded by Gresham House, via its evergreen UK limited partnership Gresham House Residential Secure Income

Read More »
Abode Appoints Frank Cassidy as Project Engineer

Abode Appoints Frank Cassidy as Project Engineer

Abode, award-winning designer and distributor of market leading kitchen taps, sinks, bathroom taps & showering solutions is delighted to welcome Frank Cassidy, newly appointed Project Engineer within its Design & Quality Department to support and manage a wide range of exciting projects and development opportunities currently ongoing, planned-in or new

Read More »
Shanly Wins Housebuilder of the Year Award

Shanly Wins Housebuilder of the Year Award

Shanly Homes has taken home the Housebuilder of the Year award at the 2021 Thames Valley Property Awards. The award was presented during the gala evening held at Ascot Racecourse on Thursday 9th December. Privately owned and headquartered in Beaconsfield, Shanly has been building high quality homes across the Thames

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

December 14, 2021

BOOST FOR LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AS SCAPE UNVEILS £4BN NATIONAL CIVIL ENGINEERING FRAMEWORKS

Total value of the SCAPE Civil Engineering frameworks to increase from £2.1bn to £4bn. The re-procurement includes a £3.25bn framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate £750m framework for Scotland, managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland. Frameworks will allow organisations access to net-zero ready specialist contractors to help them achieve their aims around climate change. Up to £4bn of new public sector civil engineering projects for local communities across the UK are set to be accelerated as part of a new set of frameworks being launched by SCAPE. The new format puts net zero carbon construction and work for local SMEs at the heart of delivery. The public sector procurement authority has published details for its third generation Civil Engineering frameworks, with major contractors from across the UK invited to take part in the re-procurement in 2022. The re-procurement includes a £3.25bn framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a separate £750m framework for Scotland, managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland. Running for a period of four years from 2023, with an option to be extended for a further two years until 2029, the fully-managed frameworks will more than double the capacity of infrastructure focused activity procured through SCAPE. This follows the success of its existing frameworks which have commissioned more than 250 projects to date for public sector clients across the UK. The current frameworks are due to expire in January 2023.  SCAPE’s new frameworks will enable local authorities and public sector organisations to accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects – including highways, rail, flood and coastal, broadband and electric vehicle infrastructure – with no defined upper limit for project value. In the face of the climate emergency, the frameworks will also allow organisations access to net-zero ready specialist contractors to help them achieve their aims around climate change. Local businesses will sit at the heart of the new frameworks, with the successful principal contractor expected to engage with an extensive supply chain of SMEs. This allows better access for small businesses to major public sector contracts they might otherwise not have been able to bid for, while also allowing clients to procure locally-sourced specialist services. They will also benefit from being able to agree termed service options following any major works, allowing contractors to form long term relationships with clients and local supply chains. Contractors will also be able to agree cost reimbursable contracts through the addition of NEC Option E. Part of the SCAPE’s suite of direct award frameworks, the new civil engineering frameworks have been developed following engagement with local authorities and other public sector bodies across the country, as well as industry body the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA). SCAPE, which is currently performance managing more than 1,800 publicly funded projects across the UK will be holding virtual market awareness days for prospective bidders on 17th January 2022 for Scotland and 19th January 2022 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bidders are invited to tender for either one or both frameworks. A Contract Notice will be published in February 2022 with preferred bidders announced in November 2022. For full details of timescales and information on the SCAPE Civil Engineering frameworks re-procurement, visit www.scape.co.uk/liveprocurement. John Simons, group procurement director at SCAPE, said: “The expansion of our civil engineering frameworks comes at a time when regeneration and investment in local infrastructure are playing a vital role in creating stronger local economies in a post-pandemic world. “As a leading voice for the public sector, we’ve evolved our frameworks to provide our public sector colleagues with a platform to address the UK’s infrastructure needs in the coming years, with a greater focus than ever on facilitating the journey towards a net zero future. “We’ve received positive feedback from clients using the existing frameworks and by building on its success, we can help local authorities to achieve their objectives while providing a best-in-class direct award route to market that is underpinned by the fully managed approach we’ve developed over the past 15 years.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, added: “Construction activity has been the bedrock of the country’s economic recovery and our civil engineering frameworks will further help contractors to deliver projects that will continue to ignite local economies and drive better outcomes for communities across the UK. “Through the addition of a termed service agreement option, the four-year frameworks will allow contractors to build long-term relationships with clients and supply chain partners, helping them to grow their business and employ new staff from the local communities they serve.”

Read More »

Building design key to hitting university sustainability targets

A prominent polymer system supplier is advocating the specification of more sustainable heating and cooling solutions in educational buildings following the publication of analysis suggesting most UK universities are not on track to hit emissions targets. The recent release of People and Planet’s annual University League asking ‘how sustainable is your university?’ found that despite 46% of higher education institutes making good progress in this area, the majority were still behind. Specifically, the analysis found that over half of the 154 institutions surveyed had failed to match criteria set out for 2020-21 by the Higher Education Funding Council for England in 2010. With these findings in mind, polymer supplier REHAU is highlighting the importance of building design in improving the sustainability of universities. The appeal follows the publication of the company’s recent report ‘Designing Healthy Schools and Universities,’ which surveyed 125 architects and specifiers specialising in educational structures on futureproofing facilities through high-performing building services. “People and Planet’s latest University League re-affirms a long-standing trend in the development of university facilities that must be addressed,” says Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical for REHAU Building Solutions. “Namely, that current building stock is behind both in terms of sustainability targets, and as far as industry attitudes are concerned. “This can be seen in research carried out in our latest report of REHAU’s Designing Healthy series, which looked at this sector. Our findings showed that 67% of architects and contractors we surveyed saw leaving high-quality buildings behind was a high priority in their work, with sustainability also ranking highly as a design priority. Contrasted against these clearly stated views, this new analysis makes for sobering reading.” The report goes on to highlight Office for Students figures showing that UK’s higher education student population is expected to grow by 12.3% between 2020-21 and 2024-25, and the ensuing need for additional campus buildings. This is contrasted against National Audit Office estimates that 60% of current educational building stock was constructed before 1976. Taking these figures into account, REHAU is advocating that contractors and specifiers working on university facilities ensure building services are chosen with healthy design principles in mind. Examples of implementable technologies raised in the report include Thermally Activated Building Structures (TABS), which are increasingly being adopted into new university structures and pair well with heat pump technology to provide sustainable heating and cooling. By selecting these sorts of solutions for upcoming projects, campuses can lower emissions while also improving student and staff well-being. Steve concludes: “The environment is a huge issue for students today, and will continue to rise in prominence as the effects of climate change become more apparent. Alongside this, rising tuition fees mean those attending university have become extremely aware of their status as consumers, and expect eco-conscious, healthy design to match their own priorities. “However, as our report and the latest analysis suggests, more needs to be done in this field. We would therefore implore contractors, specifiers and stakeholders in higher education to look at other options available, including campus-wide district heating systems, and examine available funding options such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.” To download Designing Healthy Schools and Universities, click here.

Read More »

NEW REPORT SAYS EMBEDDING HERITAGE-LED REGENERATION KEY TO HISTORIC TOWNS’ FUTURE

Embedding heritage-led regeneration within wider investment programmes aimed at revitalising high streets and enhancing local and regional infrastructure, will more effectively drive the growth and renewal of Britain’s historic town centres, says a new report from national planning and development consultancy, Lichfields. The ‘Historic Opportunities’ report comes at a time of changing fortunes for the nation’s historic towns and sheds light on the environmental, economic and social contributions that heritage-led regeneration can deliver long-term for hundreds of locations across the country. It considers how long-term thinking and a holistic approach to regeneration are keys to success, recognising that the most effective way to plan for strong and vibrant future high streets and town centres is through projects focused ‘more than ever’ on repurposing heritage assets in ambitious and creative ways to meet society’s changing needs. The report builds on the themes contained in Lichfields ‘Moving on Up?’ report, which analysed over 100 bids for three key funding streams aimed at delivering town centre regeneration: the £3.6bn Towns Fund, the £1bn Future High Streets Fund (of which £95m is set aside for High Street Heritage Action Zones) and most recently the £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund. This revealed that heritage-led regeneration is among six key themes underpinning these bids; the reasons for this are considered in greater detail within the Historic Opportunities report. The report demonstrates that when done well, heritage-led regeneration is not just an expedient ‘sticking plaster’ applied to cover up deep-rooted problems, it can be a powerful and recognisable indicator of change that inspires confidence, local pride and further investment. Almost half of the current buildings in retail use and 33% of office buildings were built before 1919 with many of these suffering from chronic neglect or having been poorly adapted in response to various cycles of economic and social change. However, while targeted investment in the restoration and reuse of heritage assets to deliver wider economic and social benefits is not a new approach, the report finds that the way heritage-led regeneration is being implemented has evolved and is now far more complex and multi-layered.  The report highlights that the tendency to think that simply restoring historic buildings and adding new shopfronts and usable floorspace will be enough to deliver regeneration and attract new occupiers, has given way to more effective heritage-led regeneration projects that are predicated on clearer business and investment strategies. These are designed to complement and form an embedded part of wider investment programmes, which are aimed at improving local economies through investment in infrastructure, new industries and technologies. Embedding heritage-led regeneration in this way harnesses investment’s potential to inspire action and promote initiatives as well as delivering more effective and sustainable regeneration results. James Fryatt, planner and heritage consultant at Lichfields Newcastle office and the report’s lead author, said: “Heritage-led regeneration projects need to be focused more than ever on reusing assets in ambitious and creative ways to respond to people’s changing lifestyle, work and shopping habits. In the high street for instance, this will see historic buildings increasingly adapted to reflect changes in retail and growing demand for leisure activities, creative and flexible workspaces, and housing in sustainable and accessible locations. “It’s also about bringing the history of towns to the surface, engaging communities in heritage projects and enhancing places with the aim of attracting new businesses, visitors and residents.”  The ‘Historic Opportunities’ report also considers two case studies – North Shields Fish Quay in the North East and Grimsby in Lincolnshire – and how they are now looking to a brighter future on the back of far-sighted heritage funding. This funding is continuing to revitalise these places as part of long-term regeneration strategies, which are delivering transformative change whilst also revealing a rich heritage. Nick Bridgland, Lichfields’ heritage director, added: “This is an important report and comes at a time of rapid change for our historic towns. Heritage-led investment must be far more dynamic because it’s such a valuable tool for regeneration. The key to long-term success is to see it as part of an overarching holistic approach embedded within wider programmes of investment aimed at revitalising places that have been left behind. “There are many positives on the horizon and our report points to a successful future for those historic towns that take advantage of the available funding and adopt a fresh approach to heritage-led regeneration work.” Founded in 1962, Lichfields offers a range of planning services including economics, heritage, sustainability, and GIS. Its clients include local authorities and government bodies, as well as developers, landowners and operators in the housing, retail, leisure, commercial, waste and recycling and infrastructure sectors. A copy of the ‘Historic Opportunities’ report is available athttps://lichfields.uk/content/insights/historic-opportunities

Read More »

Winvic and PATRIZIA Celebrate Topping Out of First Phase of BTR Project at Edgbaston Stadium

Birmingham City Council Leader Lays Brick on Fifth Floor Roof Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects, and client PATRIZIA have celebrated topping out of the first roof at a build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Edgbaston, as well as the commencement of the façade installation programme. Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, was invited to the celebratory ceremony at the site located adjacent to Edgbaston Stadium on Thursday, 9 December and had the honour of laying a brick on the fifth-floor roof. The 375-apartment scheme – which Winvic began constructing in February this year – comprises four concrete-framed stair and lift cores, with blocks reaching to five, six, seven, eight, 13 and 18 storeys. Furthermore, undercroft car parking and bicycle storage, a landscaped podium deck, a residents’ rooftop terrace, a gym and five commercial units on the ground floor, totalling approximately 15,000 sq ft, will be created as part of the project. Winvic’s contract also includes the full fit out of the development, which contains 189 one-bedroom, 169 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom apartments. The Winvic team is currently ahead of schedule and is almost halfway through the programme for pouring the concrete verticals and floor slabs. The façade installation programme comprising a steel framing system (SFS), masonry and windows has now commenced and will continue through to Q4 2023. Fit out to the entrance, ground floor plant, amenity and storage areas begins in the New Year and Winvic will be fitting out the apartments from Spring 2022. At the end of January 2022, the drainage and incoming utility services works will be complete. Lighting installation and landscaping works, with circa almost 3,000 trees and shrubs planted, will begin towards the end of 2022. Progress at PATRIZIA’s Edgbaston scheme can be viewed on Winvic Live on two on-site cameras. Winvic is scheduled to hand over the project in Q3 2023. Mark Jones, Director of Multi-room at Winvic, commented: “PATRIZIA was a new client to Winvic at the start of this year but our aligned vision and focus on the end goal has facilitated an excellent working relationship and reaching this important project milestone is something to be celebrated. I’d like to also thank Councillor Ian Ward for coming along to lay a brick to commemorate the start of the face installation works and the topping out of phase 1. The team has been working hard throughout 2021 on this scheme and we’re on schedule for handover in Q3 2023; they deserve to have a relaxing Christmas break and I know they are looking forward to continuing with the façade programme in January.”  Richard Scutt, Development Director at PATRIZIA said: “Birmingham has one of the largest private rental sectors outside London and PATRIZIA is at the forefront of delivering homes for this growing community. This topping out of phase one is an occasion to celebrate and our construction partner Winvic is doing an incredible job in delivering the scheme swiftly and safely as well as providing assistance with obtaining the sustainable and wellbeing certifications. We are prioritising wellness of residents within the design by targeting Fitwel certification, an international standard of rating wellbeing in a building. The building will also achieve a Homes Quality Mark certification, making it one of the first BTR developments to obtain this accreditation, attesting to high standards of build, running costs, health and wellbeing, and sustainability.” Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Ian Ward, said: “This exciting new development brings city centre standard accommodation to Edgbaston, creating a new rental hub and offering a real alternative for those looking for greener, leafier space. It caters for Birmingham’s wider demographic that wish to live in a high-end apartment close to the city, yet in the beautiful setting of Edgbaston and next to Cannon Hill Park.” Alongside delivery of PATRIZIA’s scheme, Winvic is undertaking improvement works for Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC) at Edgbaston Stadium. To date, completed works include the demolition of a derelict building and Winvic’s contracted S278 works at Edgbaston Road and Pershore Road. Winvic is continuing with the construction of a 56,500 sq ft entrance plaza, reconfiguration of the existing car park and the creation 229 new car parking spaces into next year. Phase 1 of the WCCC works was completed in March 2021 and phase 2 is on track for handover in March 2022, in readiness for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.   

Read More »

Industry leaders gather for crucial Constructing Excellence South West summit

Building safety, hitting net zero targets, and the skills shortage were at the forefront of a major event for the South West’s construction industry. Constructing Excellence South West (CESW) hosted the CESW Construction Summit at Sandy Park, Exeter, and industry leaders and professionals gathered to discuss how the sector must come together and work collaboratively to tackle the current challenges. The jam-packed summit included an impressive line-up of speakers who all took centre stage to highlight the existing challenges facing the construction industry and how to tackle them head-on. Gary Townsend Vila, BSF Charter Strategic Lead, talked about the Building Safety Charter and its commitment to creating safer buildings and safer homes, and how this requires an urgent and positive cultural shift and behaviour change. While Ian Nicholson, Value Delivery Lead at Construction Innovation Hub, discussed the recently developed Value toolkit designed to help the industry drive better social, environmental and economic outcomes through value-based decision making. CEO of CESW and board member of CLC Construct Zero, Andrew Carpenter, also revealed the CLC Construct Zero nine priorities and the 28 detailed metrics needed to reach the net zero goals in construction. “It was good to see so many people come together to discuss the future of construction,” comments Andrew Carpenter. “This is such a pivotal time for the industry both regionally and nationally, as there’s many challenges to overcome but equally, huge opportunities to take advantage of. “The sector has a history of being fragmented but now is the time to work collaboratively to tackle the key issues, like building safety and net zero targets, so we can make positive changes for the future.” CESW leads the change agenda in construction regionally as part of Construction Excellence’s national mission to improve the industry’s performance and produce a better built environment. For more information about the Construction Summit and to access all speaker presentations, which are available to download, visit: https://constructingexcellencesw.org.uk/event/cesw-construction-summit/ 

Read More »

Construction and communication: building a better connection

Why improved communication is key for the built environment UK construction accounts for around seven per cent of GDP and employs over 3 million people. But despite its significance, many firms are far behind modernisation and digital innovations seen in other parts of the economy — this includes its tools for communication. Here, Kristian Torode, Director and Co-Founder of business phone systems provider Crystaline, explores why construction needs to up its communication game. Besides its slow uptake of digital technologies, pressures from COVID-19 and Brexit have also created productivity challenges across the construction sector. For instance, research from the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) found that 80 per cent of the 900 construction business owners it surveyed have had to postpone or cancel projects because of the pandemic. As a result, industry is falling behind in productivity, operating on very tight profit margins and therefore the smallest inefficiencies are having a considerable impact. Challenging comms According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), poor communication is the main reason why construction projects fail one-third of the time. In fact, more than half of project budget risk is due to ineffective and improper time management of project communications. Even if the project doesn’t fail, the effect of poor communication can still be detrimental. The PMI found that, in projects with minimal communication, only 37 per cent were completed on time and just 52 per cent met their original goals. In contrast, projects where effective communication was implemented resulted in 71 per cent completing on time and 80 per cent meeting their goals. Considering the industry is already under pressure from external, uncontrollable challenges, it must make improvements to reduce communication problems that can worsen these issues. Playing catch up Construction may be one of the largest industries in the UK, but it’s also one of the least digitised. 2020 research by IDC and Autodesk found that while almost three quarters of construction firms say digitalisation is a priority to improve their processes, business models and ecosystems, only 13 per cent are well on their way to achieving this. The emergence of IP-based telephony, along with cloud (hosted) technologies and Unified Communications, presents greater opportunities to upgrade legacy systems and develop effective communication tools for construction businesses. IP-based telephony such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls will become a necessity from 2025 when British Telecoms (BT) switches off the public switched telephone network (PSTN), moving to an entirely IP-based model of voice communication. This comes with numerous opportunities for construction. Firstly, VoIP works independently from local power and systems availability, so as long as the user has a stable internet connection, they can enjoy high-quality voice calls with 99.9 per cent connection uptime. Uptime can be boosted even further by ensuring access to a backup power source in case of power outages. So, in the event of an unpredicted outage, workers can still access the people and information they need from any internet connection or mobile device. Furthermore, there is no additional maintenance costs with VoIP as the hardware is located offsite in a data centre. Improving communication In remote and rural areas where connectivity isn’t reliable, it can be difficult for colleagues on-site to communicate with those located elsewhere. So, how do dispersed teams keep in touch? If time-sensitive information isn’t available in real-time, such as last minute changes or updates that could impact work safety, workers must wait to retrieve it, delaying work. Construction companies should implement a Unified Communication system such as Vodafone One Net Business, provided by Crystaline. This solution integrates landlines, mobiles, desktop and tablet connectivity on one system, allowing on-site workers, project managers and those back at headquarters to remain connected on any device. This ability to remain connected enables workforces to have a live, shareable view of project information at their fingertips, helping to bridge the gap between on site and the office. Construction is renowned for costly overruns, expensive equipment and increasingly narrow project schedules. But, by streamlining communication into one system that does not rely on cellular connectivity, projects will run faster and more efficiently, helping the industry to combat its productivity challenges. To find out how Crystaline can support your construction project, visit crystaline.uk.

Read More »
Vonder Launches All in One Living Concept in Wembley

Vonder Launches All in One Living Concept in Wembley

Vonder, the global lifestyle brand, has revealed its ‘all-in-one living’ concept with the opening of its latest flagship project, Vonder Wembley. Comprising 313 apartments with on-site amenities across over 160,000 sq ft of space, Vonder Wembley pioneers the all-inclusive living model of providing renters with everything they need for both their personal and professional lives. Located at 1 Olympic Way, next to Wembley Park Tube and just a few minutes’ walk from the renowned stadium, Vonder Wembley spans 15 floors and offers 174 studios, 121 one-bedroom apartments, and 18 three-bedroom apartments. The flats all come fully furnished with a contemporary stylish design for Vonder members – Vonderers – to enjoy. Taking urban living to a whole new level, Vonder Wembley also includes state-of-the-art amenities such as 73 co-working desks and three conference rooms, a 1,250 sq ft fitness studio, a yoga room, a 18-seat cinema, reception area with pool table, foosball, televisions and communal kitchens and bike storage. In addition, the 14th floor of Vonder Wembley presents a 18,000 sq ft exclusive members’ lounge that can accommodate up to 50 people. The lounge will host community and cultural events and provides spectacular panoramic views of the capital. Designed by Vonder’s in-house design team, the ‘all-in-one living’ spaces have been inspired by the building, its setting, and the lifestyles of the Vonderers. The bright colourways, reflect the vibrant nature of Wembley, and are complemented by designer furniture from a mixture of Scandinavian, British and Italian brands. Commenting on the scheme for Vonder Wembley, Tomer Bercoviz, CEO and Co-founder of Vonder, said: “’All-in-one living’ is a new concept that reflects the ever-changing lifestyles of younger renters. Hybrid working and a greater focus on achieving an optimum work-life balance means that people are looking for something that provides them with more for their money. Vonder Wembley is a direct response to the needs of young renters, providing them with high quality, well-designed and inspiring spaces in which they can live, work and socialise. All the communal spaces can be booked easily via our Vonder App, which also allows our members to interact with each other and enjoy additional value-added services. “The response from renters has been incredibly positive, with demand outstripping supply for the first phases of apartments available. Vonder Wembley demonstrates that by listening to renters, thinking creatively, and working with the right partners, a new and highly relevant approach can be delivered in such a competitive rental market as London.” This flagship development, Vonder Wembley, join Vonder’s existing London property schemes including Vonder Skies, Vonder Hill, Vonder Shoreditch, Vonder Village and many more, and will continue to strengthen the growth of Vonder’s international portfolio of over 30 locations spread across London, Berlin, Munich, Warsaw and Dubai. The company is also in active negotiations to increase its portfolio in the UK, the US and continental Europe as it rolls out the ‘all-in-one living’ concept.

Read More »
Groundbreaking for Net Zero Carbon Residential Development

Groundbreaking for Net Zero Carbon Residential Development

Gresham House and ilke Homes have cause for celebration, as of 30th November the organisations officially broke ground at their first partnership zero carbon development at Hope Green in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. Delivered by ilke Homes and funded by Gresham House, via its evergreen UK limited partnership Gresham House Residential Secure Income LP (GH ReSI LP), the development at Hope Green is set to become one of the first and largest operational net zero carbon residential developments to be delivered in the country. Sales launch off plan in January 2022 and will be marketed by the sales and marketing team at SO Resi exclusively for shared ownership. Due to additional investment by Gresham House more than two-thirds of the properties at Hope Green will include innovative technology meaning the houses will generate enough energy to become operationally carbon neutral. Crucially, the boilers will be replaced with air source heat pumps, which require just a third of the energy of conventional heating systems. In addition, photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed which will generate electricity to support the functionality of the home. Gresham House have worked with ilke Homes to build in other sustainable measures including highly insulated homes, efficient LED lighting, and water fittings. Alistair Wardell, Investment Director within Gresham House’s Housing team comments: “It is vital that corporations consider the long-term sustainability implications for delivering residential housing. This is particularly the case for the affordable housing sector, where more acute financial constraints generally preclude investment into greener living and technology. We are proud to be working in partnership with ilke Homes to deliver Hope Green, as the first of several pioneering residential developments in the pipeline for the partnership, which is seeking to break the mould while working towards a greener future. With most houses being upgraded to operational zero carbon, our investment at Hope Green is helping to create a genuinely affordable development for future homeowners alleviating fuel poverty issues whilst protecting the environment. “Gresham House’s aim to invest in better placemaking through sustainable innovation is supported by the ilke Homes’ fully modular construction method. The homes are built in a factory setting, which allows for greater build efficiencies with significantly less waste and reduced carbon emissions during the construction process. The speed of delivery to site, provides enhanced returns from the development and means the model can deliver much-needed housing at a rate closer to market demand.”

Read More »
Abode Appoints Frank Cassidy as Project Engineer

Abode Appoints Frank Cassidy as Project Engineer

Abode, award-winning designer and distributor of market leading kitchen taps, sinks, bathroom taps & showering solutions is delighted to welcome Frank Cassidy, newly appointed Project Engineer within its Design & Quality Department to support and manage a wide range of exciting projects and development opportunities currently ongoing, planned-in or new to both brand and business. “I have always been resolved to improving and refining processes to create the best possible, quality products for the end user and so it was an easy decision for me to accept the offer to join Abode. The in-house product design and development team, which is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire is renowned for its industry-wide commitment to delivering market leading products – year in, year out. I am therefore eager to make an impression and be at the forefront of brand development alongside some of the company’s best award-winning designers,” commented Frank Cassidy, newly appointed Project Engineer at Abode. Frank’s new role will largely impact future growth as Abode enters a new phase of business evolution in 2022 with a series of product innovations and new commercial prospects to be unveiled next year. His previous role as Quality, Technical & Maintenance Manager for a leading kitchen manufacturer saw him responsible for tooling development and process improvements, which will be put to good use given the level of excellence and ingenuity on offer at Abode.  “We are thrilled to welcome Frank to the Adobe family and are keen to harness his extensive industry experience to focus on generating new market potential for our portfolio of products. With over 34 years’ experience and extensive technical knowledge, his addition will be a genuine advantage to us as we continue to develop the Abode brand over future years,” said Matthew Pitt, Managing Director at Abode. “Frank is so tuned in to our company values and for us, tap and sink design is not just about problem solving, it’s a real skill. Our mission has always been to deliver the right mix of aspirational design, quality, performance and product evaluation and I am confident Frank will help strengthen our position market-wide,” added Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode.

Read More »
Shanly Wins Housebuilder of the Year Award

Shanly Wins Housebuilder of the Year Award

Shanly Homes has taken home the Housebuilder of the Year award at the 2021 Thames Valley Property Awards. The award was presented during the gala evening held at Ascot Racecourse on Thursday 9th December. Privately owned and headquartered in Beaconsfield, Shanly has been building high quality homes across the Thames Valley and South East England for over fifty years. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the performance of Shanly’s Thames Valley division has remained strong. Group Residential Managing Director, Tim Nutt accepted the award on behalf of Shanly Homes. He commented: “We are delighted to receive the Thames Valley Property Award for Housebuilder of the Year recognising the success of our team, supported by our fantastic contractors and partners in what has been a very challenging year. We are committed to creating sustainable, innovative developments that deliver environmental and community value to improve quality of life for people that live and spend time there. What we have achieved for example at Waterside Quarter in Maidenhead has been pivotal in the regeneration of the town, creating an attractive and integrated riverside destination for all the community to enjoy.” The Thames Valley is Shanly’s heartland where flagship developments include Waterside Quarter in Maidenhead and Merchants Place in Aylesbury. These are significant schemes in terms of shaping the future of these town centres, not only delivering new homes, but also exciting public realm and outdoor space to create places where communities will thrive. Homes built by Shanly Homes appeal to a wide range of homeowners including first time buyers, families and downsizers. With its market leading standards of customer service and quality, many of the schemes have sold out rapidly this year. As well as building outstanding new homes, Shanly also prioritises making a positive contribution to communities across the Thames Valley. The Shanly Foundation was set up as the company’s charitable arm and has in its lifetime contributed in excess of £25 million to good causes. Its Coronavirus emergency response fund donated almost £185,000 worth of funds to over 100 local charities and community projects in the Thames Valley and wider area.

Read More »