A joint venture between VINCI UK Developments Ltd and St. Modwen Ltd (“VSM”) has received planning permission for a 26-storey residential tower in Nine Elms, London. The scheme, known as Apex 1, will deliver 201 new homes as well as 5,250 sq ft of retail space on land released as
K2 Management, a leading international renewable energy consultancy, will consult on the development of a pipeline of offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea, after signing a framework agreement with Sunly, the independent power producer in the Baltic States and Poland. K2 Management will undertake pre-development studies and research for
Bovis Homes has released the first properties for sale at a new development on the edge of Cheltenham. The housebuilder, which is part of the Vistry Group, is delivering 50 new two-bedroom apartments at Spectre Hill, off Barley Road near the village of Pittville. Spectre Hill is part of the
Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has joined over 200 forward-thinking companies as the newest member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of
Home building body Homes for Scotland (HFS) has announced the shortlist for its 2022 awards programme as it plans for a return to the largest annual gathering of its kind where winners will be announced. With a focus on “going the extra mile” to deliver developments or practices which stand
Industrial demolition can be as straightforward as swinging a wrecking ball to knock down a structure or as intricate as disintegrating a building using jackhammers and pry bars. Every industrial environment is unique, and so are the objectives behind the demolition. If you are looking to demolish your industrial building,
Are you in the market for a kitchen renovation? If so, you’re not alone! There has been a surge in popularity for kitchen renovations in recent years. Homeowners now realize that kitchens are more than just a functional space – they can be a beautiful and stylish part of the
The right renovation can boost your property’s value, optimize its square footage, improve your home’s functionalities – and even offer a whopping average ROI of over 60%! But, if you have been delaying getting started on your project, you are not alone. Most renovation projects come with upfront costs that
A joint venture between VINCI UK Developments Ltd and St. Modwen Ltd (“VSM”) has received planning permission for a 26-storey residential tower in Nine Elms, London. The scheme, known as Apex 1, will deliver 201 new homes as well as 5,250 sq ft of retail space on land released as a result of VSM’s New Covent Garden Market redevelopment. This zone 1 site is adjacent to the Nine Elms Northern Line tube station and close to the new US Embassy, forming a key part of the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea (VNEB) opportunity zone. Designed by Glenn Howells Architects, Apex 1 is the first building of the wider Apex development site which has outline consent for a further 422 homes and 66,000 sq ft of commercial space. Apex 1 will be a highly sustainable, near net zero development. It incorporates an architecturally distinctive two-storey pavilion to house ground floor retail and a first-floor amenity area for residents, as well as a roof garden. The development will include significant public realm, providing a permanent landscaped pedestrian link (known as Merchants Way) between the Nine Elms Linear Park and Nine Elms tube station. The Apex site is one of four surplus land sites which form part of the ongoing transformation of New Covent Garden Market by the VSM partnership under a Development Agreement with Covent Garden Market Association. The overall redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market will provide for a rationalisation and transformation of the market site and will create a vibrant and distinctive new London District once complete. Nick Smith, Senior Development Manager at St. Modwen, said: “Apex 1 promises to be a high-quality new scheme for Nine Elms. This latest planning decision means we can deliver new homes for the area while achieving another important milestone for the transformation of New Covent Garden Market.” Graham Lambert, Managing Director of VINCI UK Developments, added: “This Planning Consent represents a key milestone for the VSM Partnership and the redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market, and highlights our key priority of designing sustainable developments which create a positive legacy.” –
K2 Management, a leading international renewable energy consultancy, will consult on the development of a pipeline of offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea, after signing a framework agreement with Sunly, the independent power producer in the Baltic States and Poland. K2 Management will undertake pre-development studies and research for Sunly’s offshore wind projects and will advise the offshore developer strategically and tactically in the Baltic Sea, including in the coming auctions. According to WindEurope, the Baltic Sea could host as much as 93GW of offshore wind by 2050 and while Denmark, Finland, Germany and Sweden have made some inroads, a significant opportunity lies ahead for the Baltic States to enter the offshore market. “The Baltic States are in an excellent position to deploy offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea, but the countries have yet to tap into this significant offshore wind potential. This is about to change, and K2 Management is proud to provide its technical expertise, while leveraging its global offshore wind experience to make that happen,” said Lars K Hammershøj, the Co-founder & Owner of K2 Management. Priit Lepasepp, the CEO and Co-founder of Sunly commented: “We believe that now is the time to deliver big-scale renewable energy projects that both improves energy security and contributes to the green transition. That is why Sunly’s experienced team is developing offshore wind parks in the Baltic region, and we are happy that K2 Management will be part of this journey.”
Bovis Homes has released the first properties for sale at a new development on the edge of Cheltenham. The housebuilder, which is part of the Vistry Group, is delivering 50 new two-bedroom apartments at Spectre Hill, off Barley Road near the village of Pittville. Spectre Hill is part of the wider Starvehall Farm development, where Bovis Homes has already built 137 new homes at its Furlong Rise site. The two-bedroom apartments will be housed in three separate blocks on the 2.2-acre site close to Cheltenham Racecourse. Charles Bond, sales manager at Spectre Hill, said: “This exclusive collection of apartments at Spectre Hill will complement the wide range of two to five-bedroom houses that we have already delivered at our neighbouring Furlong Rise development. A fantastic new community has already formed at Starvehall Farm and we’re hoping that Spectre Hill will further add to its vibrancy. “Some of these beautifully designed modern apartments will feature French doors leading onto a balcony with a stunning view of Cleeve Hill and the surrounding Gloucestershire countryside. The homes have been designed to meet the needs of modern living and will hold particular appeal for first-time buyers looking to live and work in Cheltenham.” There will be 42 apartments housed in two three-storey buildings, with another eight homes built in a two-storey block. The development will feature 50 car parking spaces, six electric vehicle charging points, visitor bays and cycle storage units. Charles said: “The development is ideally situated within a rural setting which is just over a mile from the shops, bars and restaurants of the attractive spa town of Cheltenham. “The apartments at Spectre Hill will be energy efficient, rating ‘B’ on the energy performance certificate, making them both practical and affordable. As such, we fully expect these first homes to be extremely popular with young first-time buyers, as well as investors looking for property in a desirable location close to the racecourse and town centre. “Due to the high level of demand we are anticipating, we would encourage anyone who wants to live in this growing neighbourhood on the edge of Cheltenham to register their interest with our sales team as soon as they can.” Bovis Homes has a history of community building in the area, and in addition to constructing 137 homes at Furlong Rise, is also a continued sponsor of Cheltenham Town FC, most recently extending its sponsorship of the club for the 2021/22 season. For more information about the apartments at Spectre Hill, visit bovishomes.co.uk.
Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has joined over 200 forward-thinking companies as the newest member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software as well as service solutions with some of the most trusted names in the industry. With a history of more than 135 years of innovation, the company delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centres, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its comprehensive digital offering OpenBlue. Johnson Controls is committed to helping solve the climate crisis, supporting customers in achieving their efficiency and sustainability goals through offerings such as OpenBlue Net Zero Buildings as a Service. As a global leader in smart, healthy, sustainable buildings, sustainability has been a central focus of Johnson Control’s operations for decades. The company was among the earliest industrial companies to report emissions and pledge emission reductions and has made tremendous progress – reducing carbon emissions intensity by more than 70 percent since 2002. Johnson Controls continues to take significant steps to further improve its environmental impact and has committed to achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2040 – ten years ahead of the Paris Climate Agreement goal. By 2030, the company aims to cut its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55 percent and reduce Scope 3 emissions by 16 percent. These ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. Johnson Controls also recently became the first S&P500 industrial company to release an Integrated Sustainable Finance Framework as well as issue a Sustainability-Linked Bond. This builds on its green finance leadership following its prior green bond issuance and the linking of its senior credit facility to sustainability metrics. As part of its Integrated Sustainable Finance Framework, Johnson Controls further committed to achieving interim absolute emission reduction targets by 2025. Johnson Controls is a member of both the WBCSD decarbonisation and circular economy working groups for the Built Environment. With an integrated focus on designing buildings with low to no carbon, standardising measurement across the industry, and delivering nature positive solutions, the two working groups are on the forefront of designing the future of sustainable, equitable cities. “We are delighted to join WBCSD”, said Katie McGinty, vice president and chief sustainability and external relations officer at Johnson Controls. “The building sector accounts for nearly 40 percent of global annual CO2 emissions, so there is no tackling climate change without substantial investment in buildings. We look forward to working with and learning from fellow WBCSD members, leading the way to a low carbon, nature positive, sustainable economy, together.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News
Home building body Homes for Scotland (HFS) has announced the shortlist for its 2022 awards programme as it plans for a return to the largest annual gathering of its kind where winners will be announced. With a focus on “going the extra mile” to deliver developments or practices which stand out from the crowd, those companies making the judges’ first cut are: Development of the Year – large (100+ units) sponsored by Hacking and Paterson Barratt and David Wilson HomesThe Strand, Edinburgh CCG (with South Lanarkshire Council hub South West)Whitlawburn Regeneration, Glasgow Link Group & McTaggart ConstructionRiverside Dalmarnock, Glasgow Places for PeopleChapelton, Aberdeenshire Springfield PropertiesBertha Park, Perth Stewart Milne GroupDunnottar Park, Stonehaven Development of the Year – medium (26-99 units)sponsored by VELUX CALA Homes (East)Boroughmuir Phase 2, Edinburgh CCG (with City of Edinburgh Council)Bingham Avenue, Edinburgh Cruden Homes (East)Bonnington Mill, Edinburgh Lovell PartnershipsClaish Farm, Stirlingshire Westpoint HomesOne Hyndland Avenue, Glasgow Whiteburn ProjectsCaerlee Mill Phase 2, Innerleithen Development of the Year – small (up to 25 units)sponsored by Openreach Cruden Homes (East)Muirwood Gardens Phase 1, Kinross Hadden HomesGlenluie Green, Perthshire Panacea HomesThe Primary, GlasgowRural RenaissanceDarnick Green, Melrose Innovation of the Year (Transition to Net Zero)sponsored by Shoosmiths Barratt DevelopmentsThe Z House PixelOnline selection systems Stewart Milne Group with Barratt Developments and Forster GroupAIMCH Project Associate Member of the Yearsponsored by Anderson Strathern Winner announced at the HFS Annual Lunch, with no prior shortlist released With last year seeing an amalgamated 2020/21 shortlist and virtual awards showcase due to restrictions caused by the pandemic, updates to 2022 categories include a focus on the transition to net zero within the Innovation of the Year category – designed to showcase examples of real innovation within the sector as it contributes to a national commitment of net zero emissions by 2045. In a further change, no prior shortlist has been released for the Associate Member of the Year category, with members of the HFS senior management team asked to nominate candidates within the HFS membership who have gone the extra mile, engaging with the organisation’s work and providing vital support to other members over the course of the year. Reflecting the programme’s ongoing robust judging process, the independent panel will be undertaking site visits to all those shortlisted in the Development of the Year categories alongside corresponding online interviews to determine who will take one of three headline Home Builder of the Year awards. Those shortlisted under the Innovation of the Year (Transition to Net Zero) category will also be invited to an online interview. Winners will be revealed at the Homes for Scotland Annual Lunch (sponsored by Burness Paull) at the EICC on Friday 20 May which will be hosted by impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw. Over 900 senior industry representatives and guests are already confirmed to attend what remains the date in the Scottish home building industry calendar. Chair of the independent judging panel David Knight, former Managing Director at Avant Homes said: “I was delighted to be asked to Chair this year’s refreshed judging panel and have been hugely impressed by the demonstrations of “going above and beyond” which have been evident throughout the entries received. “Whether that be examples of innovation, diversity, sustainability measures or meeting customer needs, HFS members have shown their commitment to delivering high quality places for people to live during what remain difficult circumstances. “With the judges now set to embark on the site visit and interview stage of the process, I am very much looking forward to seeing these submissions come to life and to the difficult task of deciding upon the winners.”
Industrial demolition can be as straightforward as swinging a wrecking ball to knock down a structure or as intricate as disintegrating a building using jackhammers and pry bars. Every industrial environment is unique, and so are the objectives behind the demolition. If you are looking to demolish your industrial building, it is important to do it the right way to avoid any safety hazards or obstructions to the redevelopment project. Here’s a 6-step approach that you can follow to get the job done to your satisfaction and objectives. #1 Creating a Decommissioning Plan As an owner or site manager, you need to consider various aspects of your demolition project and communicate your requirements clearly to the service provider. This is crucial to creating your project’s decommissioning plan, which defines the scope of work, risk assessments and waste management. All these factors put together will be subject to approval by authorities before the demolition begins. It is important to have all the drawing plans and site specifications ready before the demolition team arrives. Allow them a couple of hours or days to pour through the documents and provide a time and price estimate. #2 Make Your Key People Part of the Process People who have been running your industrial site for years should be actively involved in the demolition process. In some cases, demolition can take months or even years to complete. Having your key people to oversee and advise throughout the process will help the demolition team decommission your industrial site efficiently. Making your demolition service provider fully aware of your site’s nuances, past accidents, and critical zones will allow them to decommission your site to the best quality and safety standards. #3 Cleaning and Decontamination Accidents can happen in any industrial environment. Suppose one of your employees spilled a barrel of chemicals 5 years ago. Your demolition team must know about this accident so they can decontaminate and clean accordingly, paving the way for environmentally-friendly redevelopment projects. Not just floors, but the equipment, ducts and machinery should also be thoroughly cleaned before the demolition work begins. #4 Removal/Disposal of Assets Once the demolition team is through with the planning and decontamination, they will begin to mobilize the crew to your site. All your equipment and machinery will be transported to a storage or recycling facility as instructed by you. Things can get misplaced or broken when it comes to a process as massive as industrial demolition. That said, equipment handling and transportation is an important step where the involvement of your key personnel is essential. #5 Strip-Out and Waste Management The demolition method can vary depending on your requirements and objectives. Whether it’s total demolition for a vacant site or selective demolition for a mothballed facility, it is important to discuss your options with your service provider before proceeding. Once the demolition is complete, and all that is left to handle is asbestos and universal waste, the next step is waste management. However, demolition and waste management can go hand in hand in some cases. Waste management may include flushing tanks and pipes that carry harmful chemicals or ammonia. The process will also include the disposal of universal waste in an off-site landfill. #6 Closeout and Site Handover Your demolition service provider will maintain a record of every activity as your demolition progresses through stages. Once the demolition is complete, assets are secured, and the waste is carried off to a designated landfill, the site will be handed over to the next concerned entity for redevelopment. Final Words From preparing industrial or commercial demolition for Total Wrecking to asset management, waste disposal and recycling, your participation can be invaluable to the process. Therefore, it is important to hire a demolition team that can work closely with you and stick to the guidelines to keep legal troubles off the fence.
Are you in the market for a kitchen renovation? If so, you’re not alone! There has been a surge in popularity for kitchen renovations in recent years. Homeowners now realize that kitchens are more than just a functional space – they can be a beautiful and stylish part of the home. If you’re looking for some unique kitchen remodel ideas to help inspire your renovation, read on! When Should You Renovate Your Kitchen? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to renovate your kitchen will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. However, there are a few general things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to renovate your kitchen. One of the most important factors to consider is your current kitchen layout. If you’re not content with the way your kitchen is currently laid out, a renovation may be the perfect solution. Similarly, if your kitchen is outdated or in need of repair, a renovation will likely be more cost-effective than attempting to fix individual problems. What are Some Unique Kitchen Renovation Ideas? When it comes to renovating a kitchen, there can be endless possibilities. You can mix and match styles and ideas to get the best outcome as per your wish. However, if you’re looking for something unique, here are six ideas to get you started: 1. Install a Kitchen Island: A kitchen island can provide additional counter space, storage, and seating – perfect for busy families or those who love to cook. 2. Add a Breakfast Bar: A breakfast bar is a great way to add extra seating and storage to your kitchen. It is also used as a makeshift dining area for casual meals. 3. Create a Chef’s Kitchen: If you love to cook, consider creating a chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and plenty of counter space. 4. Install a Backsplash: A backsplash can add style and personality to your kitchen. It’s also an excellent way to save your walls from splashes and spills. 5. Add Built-in Shelving: Built-in shelving is a great way to add extra storage to your kitchen. It can also display dishes, cookbooks, or other items. 6. Paint Your Cabinets: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to update your kitchen, consider painting your cabinets. This simple change can significantly impact your space’s overall look and feel. Top Kitchen Renovation Trends Here are six kitchen design trends predicted to be popular in 2022: 1. Mixed Materials: One of the biggest trends in kitchen design is mixing different types of materials. It can add visual interest and create a unique look for your kitchen. Common combinations include wood and metal, stone and concrete, or tile and fabric. 2. Matte Finishes: A trend gaining popularity in recent years is matte finishes. These give your kitchen a sleek, modern look and are a great alternative to traditional glossy finishes. 3. Natural Materials: Another trend to make rounds is using natural materials in the kitchen. It can include stone countertops, wooden cabinets, and metal fixtures. It can give the kitchen a warm and rustic feel. 4. Industrial Style: If you’re looking for a more modern and industrial look, there are a few trends to consider. One is using black appliances and hardware. Another is adding concrete or brick accents to the kitchen. 5. Bold Colors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with color in your kitchen! Nowadays, more and more homeowners use bold, bright colors to add personality to their space. This can be anything from a brightly colored backsplash to cabinets in a fun hue. 6. Unique Storage: One final trend in kitchens is unique storage solutions. This can include open shelving, creative cabinet organization, or hidden storage areas. These are just a few trends and kitchen remodel ideas that will be popular in 2022. If you’re planning a renovation, keep these ideas in mind to create a stylish and unique space that you’ll love for years to come. Consult the best kitchen renovation company in your area to get guidance and design ideas.
The right renovation can boost your property’s value, optimize its square footage, improve your home’s functionalities – and even offer a whopping average ROI of over 60%! But, if you have been delaying getting started on your project, you are not alone. Most renovation projects come with upfront costs that would put off even the most motivated of homeowners! Luckily, there are several finance options that can help you fit a renovation project into your current budget. Start with the ones below. Take Out a Home Equity Line of Credit Over three-quarters of Americans believe that real estate is the safest and most beneficial investment. After all, owning your own home can be an important step towards financial freedom and long-term wealth. But even more importantly, holding equity in a property can give you access to a wide range of financial benefits. For example, if you hold at least 20% equity in your home, you may be eligible for a Home Equity Line of Credit – also known as HELOC. A HELOC allows you to access a revolving credit line that often has low and tax-deductible interest rates and can be used to cover large expenses. HELOCs are secured by your property, using it as collateral in the case of missed repayments. Apply For a Home Equity Loan Another way to use your home equity to finance your renovations is to apply for a home equity loan. These loans, also known as second mortgages, allow homeowners with a minimum equity of 20% and a loan-to-value ratio below 80% to use their home’s equity to secure the funds necessary for a renovation. What you need to know about home equity loans is that they come with associated closing costs similar to the ones of your first mortgage – which can amount to 2-5% of the loan’s value. These loans might not offer the lowest interest rates, but, unlike a revolving line of credit or credit cards, they provide borrowers with the benefit of an expected and regular repayment schedule. Consider the Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance Cash-out refinance is an excellent option to upgrade your current mortgage, benefit from more favorable terms, and take advantage of today’s low interest rate environment. But what’s even more important is that refinancing your mortgage can help you get some extra cash that you can use to pay for your property renovation. It’s a win-win situation! Use Your Credit Card If you can keep expenditures within the 30% utilization rate and repay your balance within weeks, credit cards provide a much more accessible and straightforward alternative to loans or mortgages. What’s more is that your credit card provider might offer rewards, bonuses, and 0% APR for a few months or weeks. Using your credit card to pay for a renovation project during this period can help you enjoy the greatest benefits without having to worry about high interest rates. Pay For It in Cash Loans, mortgages, and lines of credit can help you finance your property renovation without having to face steep upfront costs. But if you have enough cash to cover the costs of the project, paying out of your pocket can help you avoid added fees, penalties, and repayment schedules. If you are looking to renovate on a budget, paying for all or a percentage of your project in cash can help avoid interest and save up to 6% on closing costs. Taking Out a Mortgage: How Much Will it Cost? Taking out a loan or mortgage is the most popular way for homeowners to finance a home renovation. And, with the right financial product, this solution is perfect for homeowners to avoid large upfront costs, take advantage of high returns, and enjoy affordable monthly rates. However, before diving into the search for the right loan, it is crucial to understand what to expect from monthly repayments, associated fees, and the length of the agreement. A mortgage calculator can help you better understand how a mortgage will impact your financial situation, what to expect from monthly repayments, and what kind of interest rates you’ll be able to secure. Once you know all this, it is much easier to choose a mortgage product with confidence. Bottom Line Renovation projects can impact several aspects of your life, from your home’s value to your property’s livability and insurance costs. If the aspect that has been putting you off from renovating your kitchen or bathroom is the project’s upfront costs, you could take advantage of the strategies seen above. But don’t forget to consult your financial advisor before taking this important step.
