Network Space has acquired a high profile 4.8 acre (1.92ha) site in Warrington for an undisclosed sum. The site on Winwick Road, approximately 1 mile from junction 9 of the M62, was sold by National Grid and offers a prime redevelopment opportunity within easy reach of Warrington and the motorway
Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the remains of a 14th century watermill complex at Blenheim ahead of major dredging work being undertaken to Queen Pool by leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water. The stone structures were uncovered at the UNESCO World Heritage Site by Wessex Archaeology
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has resolved to grant Outline Planning Permission to strategic land specialist Terra for the second phase of a £115m ‘canal village’ in Hawkesbury, Warwickshire. The site encompasses a total of 72-acres (29.1Ha). The 39-acre (15.85Ha) phase two development will include 176 homes, landscaped Public Open
To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee leading heating manufacturer Worcester Bosch has gifted royalist Anita Atkinson a limited-edition Jubilee oil boiler Leading boiler manufacturer and a proud Royal Warrant Holder Worcester Bosch has surprised County Durham-based royalist Anita Atkinson with a brand new, one-of-a-kind ‘Jubilee’ edition oil boiler, to help
Two of the biggest environmental challenges we face as a society – tackling habitat loss and designing ‘carbon conscious’ buildings – are areas of focus for Ibstock at this year’s London Festival of Architecture (LFA). The LFA is a month-long celebration of architecture and city-making, taking place every June across
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 June Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire Meet the Graven Hill team on stand B18 Following on from the success of 2021’s event, Graven Hill has announced plans to return to Build It Live, which will take place Saturday 11 June until Sunday 12 June at Bicester Heritage
Two and a half times more households are renting private accommodation in England than they were 20 years ago, say new figures about the rental market. Experts at storage and removals specialists LOVESPACE believe the trend is only likely to increase amid the cost of living crisis currently gripping the
After over a year of transformative investment, the upgrade of MEDITE SMARTPLY OSB facility in County Waterford has been completed. This new world class drying, energy and screening system will enhance resource efficiency and asset reliability for SMARTPLY OSB. For over 25 years, SMARTPLY has been supplying OSB to the
Network Space has acquired a high profile 4.8 acre (1.92ha) site in Warrington for an undisclosed sum. The site on Winwick Road, approximately 1 mile from junction 9 of the M62, was sold by National Grid and offers a prime redevelopment opportunity within easy reach of Warrington and the motorway network. Network Space is now underway with preparing a planning submission to deliver a high quality, multi-let industrial development of circa 100,000 sq ft. Designed to appeal to a range of businesses and with sustainability a priority, Network Space hopes to start on site next year, providing much-needed, modern workspace in the region with the potential to accommodate up to 200 jobs. Joe Burnett, Development Director at Network Space, said: “The acquisition provides a great opportunity to deliver a variety of multi-let, new build space. With a shortage of light industrial space in the area, it will appeal a range of local, regional and national occupiers seeking small and mid-box urban logistics, alongside traditional multi-let users.” The acquisition follows hot on the heels of Network Space’s purchase of the former Manchester College site at Welcomb Street, Openshaw. Joe added: “This development, and that proposed at Openshaw, will continue to grow our industrial and logistics portfolio. We are also bringing forward other new schemes, close to urban areas in the region, such as Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham and the 28-acre former Sovereign Distillery in Huyton.” The Winwick Road site fronts the A49, midway between Warrington town centre to the south and junction 9 of the M62 to the north. It lies close to a variety of well-known retail parks and trade outlets including Network Space’s very successful Gateway 49 Trade Park, which was delivered between 2005 and 2009. B8RE acted for Network Space, Savills acted for National Grid. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the remains of a 14th century watermill complex at Blenheim ahead of major dredging work being undertaken to Queen Pool by leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water. The stone structures were uncovered at the UNESCO World Heritage Site by Wessex Archaeology prior to work commencing to ensure no historical remains are affected. It’s believed the watermill is associated with Woodstock Palace, a royal hunting lodge that played host to no fewer than 16 British monarchs over its 700-year history with everyone from Ethelred the Unready to Henry VIII having spent time there. Demolished in 1720 to make way for Blenheim Palace, it was also the birthplace of the Black Prince and used as a temporary prison for Queen Elizabeth I, who is said to have carved ‘Much suspected by me, nothing proved can be, Quoth Elizabeth prisoner’ on a window sill. Charlie Oakes, Project Manager at Land & Water says, “We are delighted to hear the discovery of some historic findings ahead of the dredge. The project site has been carefully monitored and assessed by Archaeologists so that any significant artefacts can be recorded and protected. “Wessex Archaeology have informed us that the remains found this year comprise part of the stone-lined mill race, directing water from the mill and are surprisingly well-preserved and substantial. They have also discovered stone water channels, which would have been part of a medieval mill site, recorded as being demolished in 1334, and which was partly excavated in the mid-1970s.” The restoration works will see Land & Water begin the first dredge of Queen’s Pool in over 100 years and will look to remove 300,000 cubic metres of silt, enough to fill Wembley Stadium, to return the Capability Brown-designed lake to its original depth of two metres from its current shallows of 30cm. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more than 3,250 apartments, has become the latest Wembley Park building to put residents’ wellbeing first. Designed with notable mid-century modern influences, the homes are all about inner calm – about achieving balance between heart and mind, according to interior designers Fossey Arora. “Madison is all about looking into yourself – about health, wellbeing and protection. About fresh air and inner calm. This is delivered through clean, simple design, with timeless, mid-century modern influences that embody clutter-free living. There’s a sense of calm and precision that flows throughout the building.” Fossey Arora With a super gym and children’s nursery beneath it, the iconic National Stadium on one side and vibrant parkland of Union Park on the other, Madison is certainly well positioned to deliver on the wellbeing front. The importance of health and family are felt throughout the building. As residents step into the super lobby, the atmosphere at Madison immediately feels clean and clear. It’s a sense that arises the moment you enter, contributed to by the bright, circular ceiling lights, black and white chequered floor, deep blue lava stone tiles and gleaming golden post boxes. This classic, 1950s feel pervades Madison, with dark wood panelling, leather sofas, herringbone timber and a host of other textures playing into that mid-century advertising firm vibe that Mad Men encapsulated so perfectly. Set in New York, with the firm based on Madison Avenue, Mad Men became as renowned for its sense of style and fashion as it did for its engaging plotlines, and this same feeling of iconic design can be felt within Quintain Living’s Madison. Shared spaces within the building are both welcoming and functional – comfortable but uncluttered. The comfortable seating in the lobby’s welcome area draws residents into the space, while above it sits the residents’ lounge. A seating/breakout area overlooks the lobby, with the broken plan design facilitating a range of uses. The outlook over the greenery of the new Union Park, the first new park in the area for 100 years, delivers an immediate sense of connection with nature, while the circular lights have the feeling of skylights, inviting residents to work, relax and catch up with friends over coffee in a space that feels snug and calm. On Madison’s upper floor, residents can enjoy a lounge with zones for work or relaxation, with access to the sky lounge and lawned rooftop area, with the iconic Wembley Stadium arch right in front of them. The rooftop has been designed to cater to residents’ wellbeing in multiple ways, serving as the perfect spot for everything from yoga sessions to popup rooftop movie showings. For those looking for calm, there are planted archways to stroll beneath, with tunnels of greenery delivering a sense of protection, enclosure and peace. A smaller roof terrace, meanwhile, uses a simple design to create an open space, packed with greenery, for residents to sit and relax. The use of nature to add to the sense of calm is reflected in the design of Madison’s podium garden. Plants are used to divide up a series of enclosed areas, where residents can encapsulate themselves away from the world and take time to relax. There’s a lawn for pets (welcome in every Quintain Living home) and a play area with sustainable timber play equipment for younger residents. The cleverly designed BBQ area, meanwhile, has zones that allow residents to be as private or as connected as they wish while using the space. And at the heart of the garden is the circular lawn, which invites families to enjoy the space while feeling a sense of togetherness. “There’s a real sense of serenity to the design of Madison. It’s uncluttered and simple – the perfect space for residents to focus on their health and wellbeing, away from the fast pace of London life. That sense flows through both the internal and external spaces. At the same time, the building is perfectly located for those looking to get the best out of their leisure time, the moment they set foot outside the door and into the Wembley Park neighbourhood.” Danielle Bayless, Chief Operating Officer, Quintain Living The apartments themselves are equally restful and are available in two colour palettes – a lighter, sage/beige theme and a darker palette of warm browns and rich blues – while furnishings are curated and provided by John Lewis & Partners. The overall feel is one of warmth and homeliness, with the homes delivering a sense of protection and retreat. At the same time, playfulness is delivered through texture and the creative use of controlled, precise lines that add interest to the space – such as the vertical tiles that lead up to the horizontal storage shelf below the kitchen cupboards. Madison’s bathrooms invite relaxation and harmony. The circular mirror and sink speak to a sense of togetherness, with smooth edges set against the black and white chequered floor delivering a lovely simplicity. Available for occupancy now, Madison provides 381 studios and apartments to rent, ranging from one to three bedrooms. For more information on Quintain Living or to book a viewing, visit www.quintainliving.com, @quintainliving on Instagram or call 020 3151 1927. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has resolved to grant Outline Planning Permission to strategic land specialist Terra for the second phase of a £115m ‘canal village’ in Hawkesbury, Warwickshire. The site encompasses a total of 72-acres (29.1Ha). The 39-acre (15.85Ha) phase two development will include 176 homes, landscaped Public Open Space and park provision, a new bridge over the Coventry Canal connecting Bedworth with Coventry, additional cycle and pedestrian routes, and extensive infrastructure works. The entire length of the development area is bounded by the Canal, with vehicular access provided from Stockley Road and Sephton Drive – both off Blackhorse Road. The site lies just north of Hawkesbury village, which is served by regular bus routes, schooling and local amenities. Solihull-based Terra purchased the land unconditionally and secured its allocation for 380 residential units, infrastructure and community facilities in the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan, which was adopted in 2019. Detailed Planning Approval for the first phase was granted in 2021, and construction work is well underway by Terra’s sister company Living Space and Vistry Group, who are delivering the first 204 high quality dwellings. The initial tranche of community facilities are nearing completion, including a circa 2,000 sq ft community building with a dedicated car park, allotments, orchard, Public Open Space and a children’s play area, a BMX track, cycle and pedestrian routes – including a new Sustrans link – habitat enhancement, landscaping and associated highway works. James O’Shea, Managing Director of Terra said: “Having purchased this 72-acre site unconditionally and then secured the allocation for residential development in Nuneaton and Bedworth’s Borough Plan, we are very pleased to receive a resolution to grant Outline Planning consent for the second phase. This ‘canal village’ is creating a vibrant new community, which is only a five-mile canalside walk or cycle ride into Coventry city centre. The scheme will have a transformative effect on the local area and provide significant community benefits, as well as a total of 380 quality new homes for north Warwickshire.” The 153 open market properties and 51 affordable homes in the first phase will consist of one-bedroom maisonettes, two-bedroom apartments and bungalows, and two-, three- and four-bedroom family houses. A striking mixture of red brick and render will feature in the external elevations of the phase one homes. There are four ponds/pools across the site, including Hawkesbury Farm Pool, which will all be retained and will form a key part of the ecology strategy for the scheme. The site is traversed by three public footpaths, which provide links with Hawkesbury Village to the south; Bayton Road Industrial Estate and Bedworth town centre to the west; and along Coventry Canal and beyond to Coventry Way to the north and south. The development will retain these footpaths, with new links to be created north-south and east-west through the centre of the site. The masterplan for the whole 72-acres has been carried out by Hampshire-based Thrive Architects. Terra is an experienced residential land specialist, which enters into agreements with landowners and then pursues, funds and secures an agreeable planning permission. It also has the financial resources to secure land with or without residential planning consent to assist landowners looking for a quick sale process. Terra has a national reach, having recently secured residential land in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, The West Midlands, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Terra currently controls 21 sites, with circa 830 acres of residential land that is capable of delivering 4,300 new homes. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee leading heating manufacturer Worcester Bosch has gifted royalist Anita Atkinson a limited-edition Jubilee oil boiler Leading boiler manufacturer and a proud Royal Warrant Holder Worcester Bosch has surprised County Durham-based royalist Anita Atkinson with a brand new, one-of-a-kind ‘Jubilee’ edition oil boiler, to help mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The boiler has a specially designed front that commemorates this weekend’s Platinum Jubilee and was installed free-of-charge by Karl and Ross Hawes of local heating and plumbing company KH Heating. Mrs Atkinson is a self-confessed fanatical monarchist having curated a vast and extensive collection of around 12,000 pieces of royal memorabilia, that she displays in her museum in a converted barn in Weardale, Country Durham. She received an unexpected call from Worcester Bosch and was thrilled to hear that she would be getting her very own royal themed boiler to add to her jaw-dropping collection. Speaking of her new boiler, Anita said; “I was over the moon when Worcester Bosch got in contact with me. We’ve had our current Worcester boiler since 2006 so it was perfect timing for an upgrade. The Jubilee is all about community and coming together, so I also want to say thank you to KH Heating for going above and beyond by installing the boiler.” Mrs Atkinson will be spending her jubilee weekend running a royal pop up at a tearoom in Bishop Auckland. The event is in collaboration with Bridge Creative, a social enterprise that creates opportunities that remove barriers to employment for adults with learning disabilities. Vic Billings, Director of Marketing commented; “It is a historic achievement for the Queen to reach seventy years of service to this country, and we’re honoured to have been warming communities for sixty of those. To celebrate both the jubilee and our own birthday celebrations, we wanted to find someone who really embodied the spirit of the jubilee celebration and gift them something meaningful. “Anita stood out thanks to the enthusiasm she has evidenced by her majestic collection of royal artifacts. The fact she displays them for all to enjoy and also undertakes so much local volunteer, we knew that she was the ideal person for this giveaway.” Find out more on Worcester Bosch and its 60th Birthday celebrations here: https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/60-years Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Two of the biggest environmental challenges we face as a society – tackling habitat loss and designing ‘carbon conscious’ buildings – are areas of focus for Ibstock at this year’s London Festival of Architecture (LFA). The LFA is a month-long celebration of architecture and city-making, taking place every June across London. The festival’s mission is to open up discussions around architecture, test new ideas and uncover and promote new talent. The theme for the LFA 2022 is ‘Act’. Through the festival, Patrons such as Ibstock and its visitors will be asked to examine how we can act for ourselves, each other, our cities and the environment. Inspirational speaker line-up Ibstock says it has put biodiversity and environmentally sensitive specification right at the heart of its content programme at this year’s festival. Bringing together inspirational speakers from the worlds of diversity and wildlife, alongside members of its Design & Specification and Sustainability Teams, Ibstock is hosting four inspirational events at its i-Studio focused on key themes within its new ESG Strategy to 2030. Each talk is designed for broad appeal to both architects and designers and even eco-conscious self-builders, homeowners and nature-lovers. EVENT 1 Making friends with the ‘Bat Pack’: How to design urban environments that support a diverse eco-system and the bat population Guest speaker: Jo Ferguson from the Bat Conservation Trust and Helena Rivera from A Small Studio. This brilliant team collaborated to change the way the built environment supply chain – from planners, to architects, to home-owners & their children, through to landlords and building managers – views bats and how we can support them. We’ll find out how they did it – and how it’s delivering positive change. Event Hosted by: Ibstock Design Advisor Irina Hughes & Ibstock Specification Consultant Agne Metlovaite. Date: 14 June 2022 (12:30 – 15:00 BST) EVENT 2 Why Bugs Matter: How to encourage a strong, Diverse and Healthy Ecosystem in Urban Habitats Guest speaker: BUGLIFE’s Paul Hetherington, Director of Fundraising and Communications.Paul is a truly inspirational figure driving positive change in the world of biodiversity – he’ll be sharing his passion for insects – and details of his charity’s recent Bugs Matter survey. Event Hosted by: Ibstock Design Advisor Irina Hughes & Ibstock Specification Consultant Agne Metlovaite. Date: 22 June 2022 (12:30 – 15:00 BST) EVENT 3 & 4 Carbon Conscious Specification: How to take a Balanced Approach to Design & Specification The built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. So, what can we all do to drive this figure down? Our design and sustainabilty team present the facts, figures and supporting evidence for more carbon-conscious approaches to specification. Event Hosted by: Ibstock Design Advisor Irina Hughes & Ibstock Specification Consultant Agne Metlovaite – with Michael McGowan, Ibstock Group Sustainability Manager, and Emily Landsborough, Ibstock Group Sustainability Advisor. Date: 09 June 2022 (12:30 – 15:00 BST) 29 June 2022 (12:30 – 15:00 BST) Ibstock’s Group Sustainability Advisor Emily Landsborough commented: “At Ibstock, we’re witnessing an increased demand for products that address biodiversity and environmentally sensitive specification. Through our new ESG Strategy to 2030 we are also doing all we can through to deliver positive change in the built environment, which is why we’re putting these key sustainability issues right at the heart of our presence at the London Festival of Architecture. We are delighted to be hosting four inspirational events at our I-Studio where we’ll talk about the ways in which we can tackle habitat loss and how to design and specify ‘carbon conscious’ buildings.” How to register Ibstock’s events at London Festival of Architecture are open to anyone with a passion for sustainability. But, numbers are limited – visitors are asked to book ahead to confirm their place. All of our events are free to attend. Carbon Conscious Specification: How to take a Balanced Approach to Design & Specification – 9th June. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carbon-conscious-specification-london-festival-of-architecture-tickets-324716865887?aff=ibstockweb Making friends with the ‘Bat Pack’: How to Design Urban Environments that support the Diverse Eco-System and the Bat Population – 14th June. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-friends-with-the-bat-pack-london-festival-of-architecture-tickets-324925339437?aff=ibstockweb Why Bugs Matter: How to encourage a strong, diverse and healthy Eco-System in Urban Habitats – 22nd June. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/why-bugs-matter-london-festival-of-architecture-tickets-324929602187?aff=ibstockweb Carbon conscious specification: How to take a Balanced Approach to Design & Specification– 29th June. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carbon-conscious-specification-london-festival-of-architecture-tickets-324922761727?aff=ibstockweb COMPANY INFORMATION Ibstock is a leading manufacturer and supplier of clay and concrete building solutions to the UK construction industry, specialising in products and systems for the building envelope and infrastructure. Ibstock comprises two divisions – Ibstock Clay and Ibstock Concrete – both with leading market positions in the UK. Ibstock Clay: Our Clay division offers the largest range of bricks manufactured in the UK as well as prefabricated elements, precast solutions and brick-faced façade systems for both low rise and high-rise developments. Ibstock Concrete: Our Concrete division manufactures high quality, precast concrete products for the residential housing and hard landscaping markets and also has a growing position in infrastructure. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 June Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire Meet the Graven Hill team on stand B18 Following on from the success of 2021’s event, Graven Hill has announced plans to return to Build It Live, which will take place Saturday 11 June until Sunday 12 June at Bicester Heritage in Oxfordshire. Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self and custom build development site, will be providing in-depth information about the site’s latest crop of self-build plots as well as what prospective residents can expect from the self-build journey. Visitors will also benefit from the return of Graven Hill’s popular ‘outdoor cinema’, which will inform viewers of the history of the development, its progress to date and what the future holds for the first-of-its-kind community. Additionally, some of the site’s self-builders will be sharing their stories during Q&A sessions on the stand over the weekend. Build It Live is set to provide a weekend of workshops, demonstrations and home inspiration, equipping budding self-builders with all the knowledge they might need to take on their dream project. Tickets to the event are available online. Gemma Davis, customer experience director at Graven Hill said: “Following our success at Build It Live last year, we are excited to have the opportunity to show attendees how far the development has come since the last event in October. “The constant growth of the development is evidence of the unique proposition available at Graven Hill, where like-minded people from all walks of life have been able to create a home that fits their own unique visions and requirements. “Build It Live is the perfect opportunity for those who are looking to start a self-build project of their own to learn about what Graven Hill has to offer.” Claire Drakeford, marketing director at Build It Live commented: “Built It Live is unique amongst self-build shows in that it offers people planning a bespoke home the detailed practical advice they need to start their project. “Build It Live Bicester has successfully partnered with Graven Hill since 2016 as the combination of Build It’s impartial advice and Graven Hill’s availability of self-build plots creates a wonderful opportunity for people wanting to commission their own home. “Hence a day spent at Build It Live is the ideal way to start your self-build journey.” Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Two and a half times more households are renting private accommodation in England than they were 20 years ago, say new figures about the rental market. Experts at storage and removals specialists LOVESPACE believe the trend is only likely to increase amid the cost of living crisis currently gripping the UK. In 2000, Statista.com shows there were two million households in private rented accommodation in England and by last year this figure had reached 4.43m – in statistics published just weeks ago. The number of social renter households is just under four million. Marriage and relationship breakdown, the appeal of maintenance-free rental contracts and the need for flexible accommodation continue to fuel the demand for private rented flats and homes, alongside an increasing population. A spokesperson for LOVESPACE said: “Although we are seen as a nation of people striving to own their own home, the number of people opting to rent privately is rising, and has been doing so for the last two decades. There is nothing to say this upward trend is going to do anything other than increase further over the next five years. “Factors to account for include the continued rise in housing costs amid the cost of living crisis, plus a trend to more remote working which accelerated during the pandemic. Many employers are looking to move North from the South or expand and the quality of rental homes and available amenities mean renting holds increasingly huge appeal.” LOVESPACE says the costs of stamp duty and raising funds for a deposit also deter people from buying a house, along with rising house prices making it harder for people to get onto the property ladder. But it also says many people just enjoy the flexibility of renting through a landlord too – being able to move between or across cities and towns with ease, without being anchored to a specific postcode, and not having to pay if the boiler breaks down suddenly. LOVESPACE has been operating for ten years and has seen demand increase across a full range of age, genders and ethnicity, reflecting the buoyant rental marketplace in all sectors. It recently launched new drive-up secure self storage units at a number of car parks in London, alongside a new UK-wide removals service. This is alongside its storage with collection and delivery service which can help renters move or make the most of their space at home. Did the pandemic have a marked impact on the private rental market? LOVESPACE says yes – people now place more importance on having quality living space, including outdoor and green space, which is fuelling extra demand for a storage service, to free up more space at home. LOVESPACE predicts privately rented properties that continue to offer compelling ‘baked in’ amenities such as a gym, concierge and appliances will remain hugely sought after, although it recognises many people still strive for the long term investment and security of owning their own home. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
After over a year of transformative investment, the upgrade of MEDITE SMARTPLY OSB facility in County Waterford has been completed. This new world class drying, energy and screening system will enhance resource efficiency and asset reliability for SMARTPLY OSB. For over 25 years, SMARTPLY has been supplying OSB to the construction industry, steadily building the brand over time. Investment and product innovation being at the heart of the company’s success. From 2016 MEDITE SMARTPLY has been focusing on investment and product innovation. An initial investment of €59 million was made to the SMARTPLY facility which saw the creation of a new forming and finishing lines with a new state-of the art continuous press. This was the beginning of the next generation of SMARTPLY OSB, the panels were smoother, flatter and underpinned by the brands strong environmental ethos. €44 million was invested for this latest significant upgrade to the drying, energy and screening facility. The completion of the upgrade is a very exciting stage of development for SMARTPLY OSB. The construction of the biomass energy plant ensures that SMARTPLY will operate on 100% renewable biomass material for process drying and heating. The crucial upgrade means that SMARTPLY OSB will have an improved output, at a time when demand is high, and is predicted to grow further throughout 2022. The UK’s built environment is responsible for almost half of the UK’s carbon emissions, with the initial embodied carbon accounting for approximately 30% of this. This is a challenge as the industry is aiming to reach Net Zero. However, using renewable timber products is a solution. “We are extremely delighted with the completion of this project,” commented Chris King, Managing Director – Commercial at MEDITE SMARTPLY. “Not only will this upgrade allow us to deliver more sustainable best in class timber panel products, but the increased output of SMARTPLY OSB will enable us to support existing customer positions and develop new market sectors and opportunities as part of our strategy and growth plan.” The completed upgrade follows the successful launch of SMARTPLY SURE STEP, a T&G structural OSB/3 panel with improved slip resistance and durability. This joins a range of sustainably produced speciality and technical products, from moisture resistance to flame retardance, demonstrating MEDITE SMARTPLY’s consistent innovation and contribution to the future of sustainable building. Wood is the most effective carbon stores in comparison to other building materials. Wood’s carbon performance is key to manufacturing, therefore there is an increasing demand to use sustainable timber in construction, as wood absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this has been backed by numerous reports including the Climate Change Commission in the UK Housing: Fit for the future report 2. SMARTPLY products are made from sustainable, fast-growing timber, only using forest thinnings of new-growth pine and spruce, including the tops which are not used to make any other wood-based product. OSB panels are manufactured by compressing precisely engineered strands of woods with exterior resins at high temperature to create an outstandingly robust, and environmentally friendly structural panel suitable for numerous applications such as roofing, flooring, and timber frame construction. The MEDITE SMARTPLY product ranges are supplied carbon negative to the facility gate and are used in applications that lock in the carbon within the lifetime of their use. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
