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March 30, 2022

Johnson Controls advances data centre sustainability through industry-first Data Centre Solutions hyperscale platform

The Data Centre Solutions platform delivers innovative, energy-efficient and water-saving cooling solutions that help hyperscale cloud providers meet sustainability targets With Silent-Aire solutions, Johnson Controls is a leader in providing hyperscale data centres with mission-critical, custom cooling equipment and modular data centre technologies Leveraging OpenBlue smart buildings technology and services,

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Closing the gaps on unsafe fire stopping systems

New white paper addresses challenges and highlights a clear four-point plan to drive up standards Built-in fire stopping experts, FSi Limited, have published a white paper that aims to close the gaps that are perpetuating the ineffectual and unsafe specification and installation of cavity barrier systems. In the white paper,

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Leading Fit-Out Contractor celebrates 125th Anniversary

One of the UK’s leading joinery and interior fit-out contractors is celebrating a major milestone this spring. EE Smith Contracts in central Leicester reaches its 125th birthday – and is marking the occasion with numerous celebrations and team building events. The company goes into its 125th year of trading with

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StO ACOUSTIC CEILING SYSTEM BRINGS CALM TO REFURBISHED MUSEUM

An acoustic ceiling system provided by Sto has created a quiet and calm environment for a museum in Hampshire. The StoSilent Distance system has been installed in Petersfield Museum, which has been created by the conversion and refurbishment of Victorian premises that previously housed a police station and court house.

Read More »

Success on Site at ‘Hortonwood 7’ Industrial for Morris Property

Leading Shropshire building contractor, Morris Property, has completed two more industrial units at Hortonwood 7 on the popular Telford industrial estate. The two new steel framed buildings have created 635 m² of warehouse storage and office space for their client, Swancote Energy. The units are clad and roofed using composite

Read More »

Whitecode Consulting aids the ‘electric car revolution’

As part of the Government’s plan to cut carbon emissions and hit its net zero climate targets, it has produced a new mandatory Building Regulation that sets out a new requirement to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points or cable routes to new or existing buildings that is due for

Read More »
Design Company Takes Its Services to the Next Dimension

Design Company Takes Its Services to the Next Dimension

A leading North East design company is harnessing cutting edge technology to bring projects to life for clients, using fully immersive virtual reality. Space VR was set up by a group of illustrators who have over the years created computer generated imagery for projects, mainly within the leisure and architectural

Read More »
IG Masonry Support Helps Create Stunning Brick Details

IG Masonry Support Helps Create Stunning Brick Details

Built on a site that once housed a popular public house dating back to the 1800s, The Astley in the Northern Quarter of Manchester is a beautiful residential development offering 135 privately rented sector apartments. The architect wanted to incorporate a number of brick details to enhance the design quality

Read More »

Tips to Relocate for More Financial Comfort

People relocate for several different reasons. However, finding a better quality of life, moving to a safer country, or searching for more financial freedom are some of the most common reasons. If you’re hoping to relocate for enhanced affordability, we’ve listed some expert tips to help you achieve your goal.

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

March 30, 2022

Johnson Controls advances data centre sustainability through industry-first Data Centre Solutions hyperscale platform

The Data Centre Solutions platform delivers innovative, energy-efficient and water-saving cooling solutions that help hyperscale cloud providers meet sustainability targets With Silent-Aire solutions, Johnson Controls is a leader in providing hyperscale data centres with mission-critical, custom cooling equipment and modular data centre technologies Leveraging OpenBlue smart buildings technology and services, this platform delivers greater energy efficiency and leadership in sustainability Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has leveraged its Silent-Aire solutions to offer the industry’s first hyperscale data centre platform focused on helping cloud providers meet ambitious sustainability targets. The Johnson Controls Data Centre Solutions platform delivers innovative solutions that conserve water and reduce energy consumption, including air-cooled chillers, liquid cooling, combination air handler units, future-ready refrigerants and prefabricated modular data centres. “Through its Data Centre Solutions platform, Johnson Controls is offering something unique and valuable to global hyperscale companies,” said Lindsey Leckelt, vice president of Data Centre Solutions at Johnson Controls. “Johnson Controls is the first to provide innovative digital technologies combined with standard and bespoke cooling equipment and modular data centre solutions that optimise energy consumption and water usage. We have the experience and capability to deliver these solutions as global integrated programs at-scale to our hyperscale partners.” Reaching Ambitious Energy and Water Targets Mission critical data centre operations typically require significant amounts of water and energy for cooling, and hyperscale server rack power density is expected to double as soon as 2023. Many cloud providers are prioritising investments that improve their environmental sustainability and making climate pledges specific to decarbonisation. A 2021 survey conducted by Forrester Consulting commissioned by and developed in collaboration with Johnson Controls, “The Race to Decarbonisation: A Spotlight on Data Centers”, found that nearly half of the data centre decision-makers surveyed have indicated that they plan to reduce energy consumption across their portfolio by at least 50% by an average reported target date of 2024. The Silent-Aire and Johnson Controls team is uniquely positioned to support data centre leaders in meeting these goals by designing and deploying cooling solutions that minimise environmental impact while maximising efficiency and productivity. Redefining Hyperscale Data Centre Sustainability Johnson Controls with its Silent-Aire solutions has been focused on innovative, effective ways to support hyperscale customers as they respond to these challenges. Through Silent-Aire, Johnson Controls is a leading provider to hyperscale companies. With its hyperscale leadership and its global sustainability services, world-class engineering and advanced research and development, Johnson Controls is set to support one of the fastest growing segments of the technology industry as it takes on and solves environmental challenges. “We’re thinking beyond singular projects; we’re investing in ongoing partnerships,” said Maik Bohlmann, vice president and general manager, Data Centre Solutions, Johnson Controls. “We’re carefully listening to our customers, and we’re best positioned to support them as they redefine data centres and their energy profiles. From innovative technologies to continuous support through the lifecycle of their progress, it’s as much a revolution in our approach as it is an evolution of design for the data centres.” The Data Centre Solutions platform is backed by Johnson Controls own commitment to sustainability. To date, Johnson Controls has reduced its energy and greenhouse gas intensity by 70% since 2002. Johnson Controls is honoured to be recognised as AAA MSCI rated, among the “Top 100 Most Sustainable Companies” by Corporate Knights and first in its industry segment. The company’s OpenBlue suite of connected solutions empowers customers to drive environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals by enabling significant energy savings and corresponding drop in carbon emissions. To learn more about how to win the race to decarbonisation and how companies are pursuing their sustainability goals, read the study here.

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Closing the gaps on unsafe fire stopping systems

New white paper addresses challenges and highlights a clear four-point plan to drive up standards Built-in fire stopping experts, FSi Limited, have published a white paper that aims to close the gaps that are perpetuating the ineffectual and unsafe specification and installation of cavity barrier systems. In the white paper, FSi uses its expert insight to identify gaps in the specification and installation processes for cavity barrier systems, which are contributing to poor safety standards and inconsistencies across the industry. Despite playing a pivotal role in passive fire protection, cavity barriers can be a hidden part of the total construction process. There is disparity around who is responsible for specifying the systems at which stage of a project. And further lack of clarity during the actual specification stage, which sees generic systems specified instead of a specific manufacturer of system type, which regularly results in inconsistencies in safety standards. The regulation pertaining to the cavity barriers is also not as clear as it could be. Despite there being a much larger range of systems and façades available today, the same regulations apply regardless of the type of product and how complex the building environment is. In the white paper FSi gives an overview of the current regulations and highlights four practical recommendations to address the gaps, including calls for the introduction of a nationally recognised, accredited installer programme, and putting greater emphasis on early collaboration and engagement with all parties at the outset of a build or refurbish project. It also includes a detailed step by step guide to selecting the right cavity barrier products and systems per project. “Ensuring cavity barrier systems provide the correct level of protection relies on a collective and responsible approach by manufacturers, specifiers, installers and building owners,” explains Liam Blears, Business and Technical Development Manager at FSi. “As the industry expert we are determined to lead the way, by driving the changes needed across the industry to improve standards and eliminate the ineffective and unsafe specification and installation of cavity barrier systems.” Download the free white paper here, or visit https://fsiltd.com/trusted-firestop-experts-leave-no-gaps/?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=PR&utm_campaign=Leave+No+Gaps&utm_id=Leave+No+Gaps&utm_content=whitepaper

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CONCERN OVER DROPS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING DELIVERY AS SCOTLAND FACES 100,000 HOMES SHORTFALL

Trade body Homes for Scotland (HFS) has expressed its concern at latest Scottish Government housing statistics which show marked drops in housing association completions and approvals. HFS Director of Policy Fionna Kell said: “Whilst overall levels of housing delivery are up on last year’s figures, it is extremely concerning to see that housing association completions have dropped by 17 per cent (620 homes) and quite staggering that approvals have fallen by 54 per cent (3090 homes). “Unfortunately, this chimes with what our members have been telling us.  Highlighting the interconnectedness of the whole housing system, rising costs have hit those delivering homes to both the public and private sectors extremely hard. Grant funding levels must be reviewed, as a matter of urgency, to reflect these exceptional circumstances and arrest this decline otherwise we will see ever decreasing numbers of affordable homes coming through the pipeline.” Kell’s comments follow a recent HFS report highlighting that Scotland’s cumulative housing shortfall since the global financial crisis is now approaching 100,000 homes.

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Leading Fit-Out Contractor celebrates 125th Anniversary

One of the UK’s leading joinery and interior fit-out contractors is celebrating a major milestone this spring. EE Smith Contracts in central Leicester reaches its 125th birthday – and is marking the occasion with numerous celebrations and team building events. The company goes into its 125th year of trading with its largest ever order book, totalling an impressive £115 million, which will lead to record annual revenues of £60 million this year and £70 million next year. To support the ongoing business growth and with eyes on the future, they continue to expand their award-winning apprenticeship scheme. This year, the business is increasing its number of employees more than ever before across its factory and site operations with 40 apprentices currently earning while learning across various departments in London and Leicester. The business was founded back in 1897 by Edward Elijah Smith who supplied and repaired gas stoves and chandeliers from Canning Street, Leicester. In 1937, he employed 14-year-old apprentice Basil Richardson who, after serving in the Second World War, returned to find Mr Smith in poor health, leaving Basil as the managing director and foreman at just 22! Basil put the company back on the road to prosperity, and later taught his eldest sons, Rodney and Nigel, who worked their way up through the business to take over in 1989. Under their guidance, EE Smith Contracts continued to thrive when the company expanded and developed into the super prime residential and five-star hotel market before a management buy-out in 2016, including Basil’s youngest son John Richardson. Rodney Richardson said there are not many companies in its sector that have been in existence for as long as EE Smith Contracts and with such a wide breadth of experience. “We have always delivered to a very high quality, with a real customer focus and I think that has been vital to our success and longevity,” he said. This trade-based, directly employed but customer centric approach to the joinery and interior-fit out sector led the company to undertake some of the most iconic projects across London such as the Savoy Hotel, Battersea Power Station, the Houses of Parliament, One Hyde Park Penthouses and The Corinthia Hotel. Further testament to the excellence EE Smith has continued to offer over the decades is the 40-year continuing relationship with the Edwardian hotel group, culminating in the recent fit out of The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square which is the largest in the company’s history and included a full fit out of 355 bedrooms and bathrooms and all of the public area spaces. Neil Bottrill, managing director at EE Smith Contracts, said that the 125-year milestone was an incredible achievement and was a testament to the hard work and skill base throughout the company and the loyalty of the staff who give the business, despite its size, a real family feel. “Our current portfolio of projects is amongst the best in the UK fit-out and joinery markets and we have every reason to believe that further exciting times are ahead for the business,” he said. “We are growing year-on-year and we currently have 40 apprentices, doubling last year’s apprentice joiner workforce. We hope they will rise through the ranks and be an asset to the company as we teach them the skills we have always relied on for EE Smith Contracts to prosper. “Despite our evolution over the years our core values established by Edward Elijah Smith in 1897 are the same, as we strive to deliver the highest quality product and service whilst operating as a close-knit community, with our incredible people at the forefront of our success. “We will continue using the latest cutting-edge technology and seamlessly merging this with our unparalleled craftsmanship to continue setting the standard in our industry. Here’s to the next 125 years!”

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StO ACOUSTIC CEILING SYSTEM BRINGS CALM TO REFURBISHED MUSEUM

An acoustic ceiling system provided by Sto has created a quiet and calm environment for a museum in Hampshire. The StoSilent Distance system has been installed in Petersfield Museum, which has been created by the conversion and refurbishment of Victorian premises that previously housed a police station and court house. “The StoSilent Distance system is well-suited to this type of refurbishment project,” comments Sto’s acoustics project manager, James Gosling. “It delivers outstanding acoustic performance, but also offers tremendous flexibility as it can be used to create large seamless ceilings, sharp joints and creases, or curved ceilings and vaults. This gives architects and designers great freedom while still allowing them to accommodate the existing structures found on a refurbishment project such as this.” The Sto system was specified for the building by Hampshire County Council Property Services, as part of a project to create a series of new, welcoming spaces at the museum. “This is just the latest in a long line of projects where our StoSilent acoustic solutions have been installed in museums,” adds James.  “A room’s acoustic performance can influence our sense of well-being, and if that performance is poor, noise from speech, movement and everyday activity can create an unpleasant environment where sounds are unclear, communication is difficult, and concentration is impossible. The need for acoustically absorptive measures is therefore clear and the StoSilent Distance system can provide both outstanding acoustic performance and the sort of unobtrusive visual presence which is essential for this type of building.” Installed on this project by specialist applicators The Broadsword Group, the StoSilent Distance system can function as a suspended ceiling, or as a wall-covering over a cavity. It features a metal profile sub-construction fitted with acoustic panels, which are manufactured from expanded glass granulate, making them lightweight and easy to handle, and allowing them to be adjusted to suit any room shape and create a smooth, seamless surface. Different system variants are offered to suit different types of application. The boards were finished with StoSilent Décor M, a spray-applied acoustic plaster which can be tinted to match an extensive range of shades from the StoColor system. This solvent and plasticiser-free plaster creates a classic fine-stipple finish which is ideally suited to a museum environment. It is also Natureplus approved and easy to refurbish. The construction work formed part of the museum’s £3.75m ‘Pathways into the Past’ expansion and refurbishment project. This has seen the museum’s buildings and exhibition spaces undergo a complete transformation, along with the creation of an exciting new outdoor courtyard space.

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Success on Site at ‘Hortonwood 7’ Industrial for Morris Property

Leading Shropshire building contractor, Morris Property, has completed two more industrial units at Hortonwood 7 on the popular Telford industrial estate. The two new steel framed buildings have created 635 m² of warehouse storage and office space for their client, Swancote Energy. The units are clad and roofed using composite cladding panels and include both pedestrian and roller shutter doors for easy access together with glazed areas to enhance the working environment. Externally there is a tarmac car park and delivery yard, landscaping and new drainage. Swancote Energy, which produces renewable energy from a combination of commercial food waste and purpose grown energy crops, commissioned Morris Property to build the unit due to an increase in demand for its services. The company has invested around £700,000 in the new premises. The Morris Property team are working on a growing number of commercial, residential and education sites in Telford, employing a range of sub-contractors and trades from the local area. Steve Flavell, Construction Manager, said: “We feel privileged to be working in Telford and securing ongoing contracts with both the public and private sector. We wish Swancote Energy all the best in their new premises.” Morris Property is part of a fifth-generation family business group which has been building, restoring and leasing property for over 150 years.

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Whitecode Consulting aids the ‘electric car revolution’

As part of the Government’s plan to cut carbon emissions and hit its net zero climate targets, it has produced a new mandatory Building Regulation that sets out a new requirement to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points or cable routes to new or existing buildings that is due for implementation in June this year. Approved Document S: Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles, applies to new residential and non-residential buildings; buildings undergoing a material change of use to dwellings; residential and non-residential buildings undergoing major renovation; and mixed-use buildings that are either new, or undergoing major renovation. The approved document does not apply to work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before 15 June 2022, provided the work is started on site before 15 June 2023. The new regulations include specific criteria for each type of building that a developer needs to consider on a new or existing site, as Jamie Mitchell, Associate Electrical Engineer at Whitecode Consulting, explains: “A new housing scheme that requires 100 new car chargers can result in large infrastructure upgrade costs if the existing network is unable to deliver the required power. The new regulations include an average connection cost* cap of £3600 (excluding VAT) per electric charge point. “If the developer can prove that the connection costs exceed £3600 per electric charge point, they will only be required to install the maximum number of charge points until this cost is reached. The developer is then required to install cable routes only** which can be accessed in the future when the infrastructure is upgraded.” To show that the connection cost is greater than £3600 at least two formal quotes must be given to the building control body during the notice/plans stage of a project. At least one quote should be from a distribution network operator. The quote must clearly show the maximum number of EV charge points that can be installed before the extra grid connections costs exceed £3600 per charge point per dwelling. Whitecode Consulting offers a full utility service which includes applications to energy providers. As technical engineers with a team of expert statisticians on hand that are experienced in negotiating with energy suppliers and providing the required technical guidance if a load is going to exceed its cap. As a specialist consultancy, Whitecode provides its clients with three quotations for every project, so it is already exceeding the standards asked for by the regulators in this instance. The engineers at Whitecode have also developed schemes with Dynamic Load Management Systems that can measure the real time power usage of EV chargers on site and can use the capacity of other loads on an installation when they are not in use. This allows for the total capacity on a site to be maximised to provide EV chargers with the total amount of power possible without compromising power quality throughout the site. These will no doubt become more widely implemented as more large-scale car charger installations are required in the future. With the Government planning on banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 there is a real possibility that there will not be enough charger points to meet demand. If the regulations do not go far enough to entice the construction and utilities industries to upgrade infrastructure and provide EV charging points, the move to electric could stall altogether. In a mixed-use development the problem could be exacerbated if service vehicles that may need charging more regularly are competing with residents for access to chargers. Figures published just last month (January 2022) by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), showed that in 2021 plug-in vehicles accounted for a record one in six registrations, while battery electric cars alone rose to one-in-nine, with more registered last year than 2016-2020 combined. The ratio of vehicle charge points to electric vehicles needs to also grow to match this trend. It comes as no surprise that Shell has opened its first electric vehicle charging hub in Fulham, London. It is the first time the company has converted an existing fuel station into one catering solely for electric vehicles. These charging stations will become more common in the future if people are unable to charge their vehicles at home. The new regulation also differentiates between covered and uncovered car parks. There is not as much provision required for covered car parks. Mitchell believes that this is down to the costs associated with upgrading the infrastructure in the future in covered car parks compared to open car parks where the process would be simpler. For new residential buildings, if all car parking spaces sit within a covered section (this excludes garages and car ports), cable routes for chargers must be installed in all spaces if there are 10 or more spaces, or installed in the total amount of spaces per dwelling if there are less than 10 spaces, or all spaces if there are fewer spaces than dwellings. In new buildings other than residential or mixed-use buildings where all parking spaces are within a covered car park, the requirement to install an electric vehicle charge point does not apply. However, cable routes must still be provided for a minimum of one in five parking spaces. “We have worked on a number of large developments over the last few years that have underground basement car parks with a significant amount of car chargers. It’s clear this section of the regulations does not specifically cater to this type of development. This could result in an increased demand for housing with EV chargers in town and city centres.” Mitchell reasons. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson, when announcing the new laws, said the force driving change would not be government or business, but young people who can see the consequences of climate change and will demand better. Mitchell doesn’t believe it is that simple. He said: “Although this new regulation is a significant improvement on the allocation of EV chargers,

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Design Company Takes Its Services to the Next Dimension

Design Company Takes Its Services to the Next Dimension

A leading North East design company is harnessing cutting edge technology to bring projects to life for clients, using fully immersive virtual reality. Space VR was set up by a group of illustrators who have over the years created computer generated imagery for projects, mainly within the leisure and architectural industry. But now they are using their experience in creating 3D images not only to offer the opportunity to get inside the actual space they are creating, but to also move into new areas such as health care. Space VR, based at Boldon Colliery, Tyne and Wear, was set up by Jeremy Ramsay, Marc Hardy and Michael Simmons, who also run leading interior design company, Space ID. The growth in VR and its widespread applications across a whole host of sectors has led to it being set up as a stand-alone company, able to offer clients a unique visual perspective. Jeremy and his team create CG models which are then run through a special computer programme, resulting in an avatar which can be guided through the space. “The experience is further enhanced with the ability to fully interact with the space, changing materials, switching on lights and even opening doors, all in real time,” he said. “It means clients can actually get inside the project and get a completely immersive experience. Virtual reality is changing the way the industry works, allowing an immediate understanding and functionality to the built environment – without the need for costly site visits or part constructions. “We are proud of the fact that we are really leading the way in the use of VR across so many different applications. It’s a very exciting new world and one which means we are constantly growing and improving the level of service we are able to offer our clients.” Along with working across all areas of the hospitality and construction industry, Space VR has also recently created animations for artificial limbs and replacement joint systems for health care. “There are so many applications and we are working with the top VR technology research and development in the country so we can confidently say we are one of the first companies to be able to introduce this new technology to our clients,” said Jeremy. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News

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IG Masonry Support Helps Create Stunning Brick Details

IG Masonry Support Helps Create Stunning Brick Details

Built on a site that once housed a popular public house dating back to the 1800s, The Astley in the Northern Quarter of Manchester is a beautiful residential development offering 135 privately rented sector apartments. The architect wanted to incorporate a number of brick details to enhance the design quality of the building. IG Masonry Support provided a number of products to ensure the finished building met the aspiration. The Astley is an eight to fourteen-storey development which comprises stunning apartments at the corner of Port Street and Great Ancoats Street. The apartments range from 430 sq ft one-bedroom accommodation through to 900 sq ft three-bedroom apartments, with the ground floor offering a reception area and residential lounge. Around 6,000 sq ft of commercial space is also provided. As well as the upper levels offering scenic vistas of the city and Peak District, there are communal roof gardens on the elevation facing south-west.  The main contractor engaged IG Masonry Support and requested its teams to develop a range of brick slip products to achieve intricate brick detailing on the exterior of The Astley apartment block. Going above and beyond to fulfil this demand didn’t stop there; IG also provided a huge amount of design support prior to engagement in terms of drawings and sample products. On all its projects, IG Masonry Support strives to exceed customers’ high expectations in terms of quality. The Challenge The main challenge that this project posed was in terms of the ground floor deep brick soffits which required a detailed design to be developed by a masonry specialist, in conjunction with the design team. The architect and design team produced the design intent, with IG Masonry Support providing detailed design and input including a selection of brick bond pattern set-outs. A header bond pattern was chosen for the outside edge of the soffit and a stretcher bond pattern on the soffit panels. To achieve the detailing required for the deep soffit reveal, IG created a series of interlocking brick slip soffit panels that could be simply installed on site to create the agreed visual appearance. As the prefabricated units were manufactured offsite and delivered complete with the bricks bonded, the lightweight panels facilitated fast and efficient installation. Consequently, this allowed an uninterrupted continuation of brick on the underside of the first floor. Elsewhere, numerous brick soffit solutions had to be created to accommodate a variety of different sized window and balcony openings across The Astley’s exterior. The smallest window opening was 0.9 metres in length. The largest windows on the façade required a continuous brick soffit that spanned over 4.5 metres in length. Furthermore, the largest openings over the balconies spanned 3.7 metres in length. IG’s Brick Slip Lintels achieved the brick soffits over the smaller span openings and IG employed welded masonry support and its B.O.S.S. (brick on soffit system) units for the larger openings. On the window and balcony openings, the header bond has helped to differentiate the soffit from the brickwork on the main façade. The Solution On this project, IG Masonry Support has demonstrated the breadth of its product range and ability to design and supply a range of solutions. Living up to its reputation as an innovative solution provider, IG Masonry Support offered both seamless designs and service. As well as designing all the masonry support, lintels and brick soffit products, IG took time to attend site regularly and provide the installation team with training and support to ensure products were fitted correctly. Further proof of its commitment to quality, IG Masonry Support was sent a consignment of brick identical to the ones used onsite to ensure the prefabricated components blended effortlessly with the façade’s brickwork. To achieve the details traditionally, onsite labour would have been a time-consuming task that required brick cutting and additional skill. Moreover, when achieving the deep reveal around the ground floor, the utilisation of IG’s brick slip soffit panel instead of traditional methods negated the need for mechanical lifting. IG Masonry Support’s lightweight brick slip panels utilise 25mm brick slips to reduce  the weight of the installation. As it is supplied in 1/2m2 panels the system not only eliminates mechanical lifting, it is quick and easy to install. A stunning development, the presence of IG’s seamless and quality brickwork support solutions has ensured this modern apartment block truly stands out from the crowd in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News

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Tips to Relocate for More Financial Comfort

People relocate for several different reasons. However, finding a better quality of life, moving to a safer country, or searching for more financial freedom are some of the most common reasons. If you’re hoping to relocate for enhanced affordability, we’ve listed some expert tips to help you achieve your goal. Choose an Affordable Destination When financial comfort is the goal of your relocation, it’s wise to only look into the most affordable countries in the world. These regions include the Philippines, South Africa, Russia, Morocco, and others. These countries typically offer pocket-friendly housing prices, cheaper food prices, and other low costs of living. In addition, you must research each destination thoroughly to determine which is affordable enough to provide you with a comfortable quality of life that you can maintain. Invest in a Home When relocating abroad for financial comfort, it’s best to buy a home instead of renting since renting costs the same as paying off a mortgage loan, if not more. The main difference is that you won’t have a property in your name. That said, don’t forget to look for property listings in affordable countries to determine how much it will cost to buy a home. Let’s say you’re planning to relocate to the Philippines. In that case, you can find an affordable house and lot for sale in Iloilo City and in other metropolitan cities like Manila, Quezon City, and Pasig. Assess the Job Market Another crucial factor to weigh in when choosing a country is the condition of the local job market. Unless you are a digital nomad or freelancer that works in the international job market, you’ll need employment security. Consider job market specifics like minimum wage, in-demand skills, and the general work-life balance in the country. Get Health Insurance Whether traveling for a vacation or relocating, it’s important to get health insurance. Not all countries offer top-quality healthcare access, especially for most developing countries. In this case, the best approach is to purchase international health insurance. This type of insurance cover will give you access to quality health care no matter where you relocate. Before the big move, make sure to research if there are certain country-specific conditions. Sell Everything for an Affordable Move Relocating can be a massive expense, even more so if you move all your household contents. Instead, you can save a fortune by selling your things or giving them away. Before moving, sell your items at platforms that accept pre-loved goods or host a yard sale. You can also give some of your things to your friends, relatives, and loved ones as memorabilia. Moreover, the money you make from selling your possessions should be ideal for purchasing new items when you arrive at your destination. Evaluate Expat Tax Responsibilities Tax is substantially higher in some countries, which can hold back the working class. Although some countries have a low cost of living, they might have a significantly high income tax. South Africa is one such country where affordability is almost abolished when considering the tax. Instead, look into affordable countries and find options that don’t expect too much income tax for expats. In fact, some regions don’t charge expats any tax. These countries include Morocco, Bermuda, and the United Arab Emirates. When relocating for affordability, there are several important factors to weigh in as an expat. Overall, it’s vital to choose a country that allows you to enjoy its benefits without breaking the bank.

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