Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust has appointed Glencar, a construction company specialising in industrial, logistics, distribution and manufacturing, to deliver a 340,000 sq ft logistics warehousing scheme in South Yorkshire. The 24-acre site, called Barnsley340, will include a Grade-A warehouse unit spanning 320,000 sq ft, along with
Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Tall Building Working Group (TBWG) have published a report which investigates the causes of noise emanating through the fabric of some tall buildings, identifies methods of remediation and provides guidance for affected buildings. The Tall Building Working Group (TBWG) was formed in 2018
The Gateway Central and Gateway West buildings at the White City Place business campus in west London are now completed and currently being marketed to prospective tenants by Stanhope, on behalf of Mitsui Fudosan and AIMCo and some of its clients. Both Gateway buildings have a Platinum WiredScore, the highest certification for pre-enabled connectivity. Gateway Central
UK public buildings to cost £25-30Bn in decarbonisation attempts : Last week, it was announced that UK public sector buildings will cost up to £30bn in decarbonisation attempts1. This estimated cost of retrofitting older properties with the latest equipment to help the UK meet carbon neutrality targets, is based on
RESEARCH by the British Property Federation and Savills, predicting a huge expected growth of build-to-rent (BTR) homes in the UK over the course of the next decade – from 76,800 to more than 380,000 – is a product of a changing Britain says Paul Staley, director at Wise Living. Paul
Leading property maintenance and decarbonisation specialist Novus Property Solutions is celebrating a series of wins for its dedicated Sustain service, having been named as an approved supplier for several prestigious frameworks and organisations. Since its launch less than 12 months ago, Sustain has offered Novus’ customers across the housing sector
Are you thinking about the type of fencing to get for your property? If so, you might be wondering what types of electric fencing are available, and if they are suitable for your needs. Whether you are looking for a security solution to protect your property from intruders, or are
Moving into a brand new home can be incredibly exciting, especially with the knowledge that no one has lived here before you. You may want to do your best to make your new home as comfortable as possible while still implementing the same amount of sustainable, ethical living that you
Homebuilder Keepmoat Homes is supporting its employee Kelly Clark, 57, from Rotherham, who will be representing England in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in New Zealand in November, just eight years after she started powerlifting to improve her arthritis. Kelly was selected for the British team to compete in the World
Walters & Cogen Architects, an award-winning London-based practice with an innovative and contemporary portfolio, has been working on the new Wetherby Arts School, in collaboration with Alpha Plus Group. Part of a £1.3 billion redevelopment of Olympia, the new 60,000-square-foot performing arts school will open in partnership with the BRIT
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust has appointed Glencar, a construction company specialising in industrial, logistics, distribution and manufacturing, to deliver a 340,000 sq ft logistics warehousing scheme in South Yorkshire. The 24-acre site, called Barnsley340, will include a Grade-A warehouse unit spanning 320,000 sq ft, along with 20,000 sq ft of highly specified office space. Work will start imminently, with completion expected in Q3 2023. In line with Firethorn’s enhanced specification, the scheme will be delivered to net-zero carbon in construction and target an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. A sustainable design is featured throughout to reduce operating costs and increase energy efficiencies, with initiatives including rainwater harvesting, provisions for HGV EV charging and capabilities for 100% Photovoltaic arrays. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Glencar again, on what will be its third appointment on a Firethorn logistics development. We are continually impressed by the team’s expertise and ability to deliver schemes that are in keeping with the values of Firethorn, ensuring that future occupiers will benefit from a high-quality, flexible and market-leading design. “Widely regarded as a prime logistics site in an area benefitting from ongoing inward investment and regeneration, Barnsley has become a highly sought-after location for ambitious businesses looking to expand their operations. As market demand for modern logistics space continues to grow, we are confident that the Firethorn specification will unlock the full potential of this site, whilst bringing economic and societal benefits into the area.” Also commenting on the project appointment, Pete Goodman, Glencar Managing Director Midlands and North, added: “Glencar prides itself on solid partnerships and has built its business based on long-term, mutually successful relationships with our customers. We are therefore delighted to receive our third project instruction to date from Firethorn following other recent appointments in Erith and Peterborough. “As Firethorn continue to expand their portfolio of sites and presence in the logistics real estate sector around the UK, we are ready, willing and able to support that growth and fully committed to a long-standing partnership. “We look forward to getting started on this project and delivering a first-class outcome to the net zero in construction benchmark specification which is rapidly becoming the new norm in the sector.” Fronting the Dearne Valley Parkway, less than one mile from J36 of the M1, Barnsley340 offers ideal connectivity to the UK logistics network, with direct motorway access to Leeds, Doncaster and Sheffield. Enquiries should be directed to the scheme’s agents Gent Visick and Knight Frank. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Tall Building Working Group (TBWG) have published a report which investigates the causes of noise emanating through the fabric of some tall buildings, identifies methods of remediation and provides guidance for affected buildings. The Tall Building Working Group (TBWG) was formed in 2018 to address a global phenomenon where creaking can be heard in tall residential towers in high wind conditions. The group was established under the umbrella of trade body Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and set about bringing together the entire supply chain, namely developers, tier 1 contractors, manufacturers, architects, specialist drylining contractors and engineers who are involved in the specification and construction of buildings where noise issues have been reported. The starting point was to investigate the root cause of this phenomenon and then look at how occurrence can be reduced or better managed in new towers by providing better guidance for architects, engineers, designers and developers. The group engaged with individuals and organisations from across the globe and absorbed the findings of all available secondary research before embarking on a structured research programme of their own, funded by members of the TBWG. Further research was carried out by structural engineers WSP to present, in a graphical format, the inter-storey differential movement in vertical and horizontal directions affecting partitions and other elements of fit out. This document explains to the project fit out designer how a high-rise tower reacts to external loads. The key to reducing the phenomenon occurring in future tall towers is sharing the information contained in the structural engineer’s movement and tolerance reports early with the system owners of the drylining, and providing movement joints to allow the elements of the internal fit out to move independently. Manufacturers have been exploring different solutions and methods of mitigation. At this stage none have been able to completely eliminate the sound. Commenting on the work, FIS CEO Iain McIlwee said: “I think this is a first. I cannot think of a single time when the construction supply chain has attacked a problem in this way. Rather than battening down the risk hatches, reaching for the contract and starting the blame game, this was a genuine attempt to work together to understand and collaborate to solve it. This is a body of work all involved can be proud of, not just because it will help unravel some potentially complex issues or maybe help people sleep more soundly, but because it is an example of how we can collaborate and be better as an industry.” The TBWG is planning to hold another conference to share the report outcomes with the delivery teams, meanwhile a summary report is available here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Gateway Central and Gateway West buildings at the White City Place business campus in west London are now completed and currently being marketed to prospective tenants by Stanhope, on behalf of Mitsui Fudosan and AIMCo and some of its clients. Both Gateway buildings have a Platinum WiredScore, the highest certification for pre-enabled connectivity. Gateway Central is an eleven-storey building comprising 280,000 square feet of total floor area, including two outdoor terraces at Levels 4 and 8. L’Oréal UK and Ireland have taken the five upper floors of the building for their new UK Headquarters and are currently fitting out the new space. The design of Gateway Central with its solar-control glass with shading from external fins and shelves – enables the building to use less than half the energy a comparable building requires to cool. The building is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and an energy efficiency EPC ‘A’. The building will provide a unique opportunity post-COVID for L’Oréal to build a workplace for tomorrow, designed around modern working methods that encompass L’Oréal’s ethos of creativity and innovation. The new HQ will also feature a training academy, a flagship training hub which plans to upskill 10,000 hair professionals from across the country each year. Gateway West is a four-storey building comprising 25,000 square feet which offers the rare opportunity to accommodate a stand-alone headquarters while also being flexible for a multi-tenanted occupation. It is a distinctive, angular brick and ceramic building, accessed via a new, landscaped public garden. A collaborative approach to sustainability has resulted in a low level of embodied carbon in the building. It has also achieved 2025-2030 energy performance targets and the site now supports twice the previous levels of biodiversity, prior to its redevelopment. The building is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and an energy efficiency EPC rating of ‘A’. David Camp, Chief Executive, Stanhope, said: “Finishing the Gateway Central and Gateway West buildings is a significant milestone in the regeneration of White City, creating new dynamic spaces for this world class business and innovation district. The redevelopment of White City Place enables us to meet the significant demand for office space from global creative and life sciences companies now and in the future.” Rupert Wingfield, Real Estate Head, Europe, AIMCo, said: “We are proud to have completed the Gateway Central and Gateway West buildings in West London’s creative campus in White City. They represent yet another step towards our vision of transforming the area into a global business and innovation district.” Tomoo Nakamura, Managing Director, Mitsui Fudosan UK, said: “Completion of the Gateway Central and Gateway West buildings provides exceptional opportunities for industry-leading creative and life sciences enterprises to thrive in this rapidly developing part of White City. We look forward to welcoming new businesses, large and small, to these high-quality buildings in White City Place.” Cushman&Wakefield and Knight Frank are acting as agents for Gateway West and Gateway Central. The project team, whose combined and outstanding efforts delivered the buildings on time, includes Sir Robert McAlpine (Construction Manager), Allies and Morrison (Architect for Masterplan and Gateway Central), Gort Scott (Architect for Gateway West), AKT II (Structural and Façade Engineers), Sweco (MEP Engineer) and Deloitte (Cost Consultant). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK public buildings to cost £25-30Bn in decarbonisation attempts : Last week, it was announced that UK public sector buildings will cost up to £30bn in decarbonisation attempts1. This estimated cost of retrofitting older properties with the latest equipment to help the UK meet carbon neutrality targets, is based on today’s prices and should not be seen as the actual budget needed to move to low carbon heating. With the government’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from public buildings by 75 per cent by 20372, it is likely that older properties will need to have the latest equipment retrofitted. Nikki Mehta, director of energy and sustainability at Honeywell welcomes the UK government’s decarbonisation attempts and comments on how investing in software can help businesses achieve sustainability targets. “Many businesses have pledged to meet sustainability targets over the past few years, but it is likely that some of them do not have the tools or knowledge to accurately measure progress and optimise their carbon and energy footprints. There is now software available that can help track energy performance against carbon reduction goals thus offering better insight into what carbon reduction targets should be set company wide. “By investing in carbon energy monitoring systems, businesses can determine how electricity, gas, and other utilities are used. Not only does this enable building owners and energy managers to monitor carbon emissions on an intrinsic basis but also the software provides visibility into how to forecast more accurate carbon reduction targets and optimize and manage energy use. “Once carbon reduction goals have been identified, software can make use of analytics and data capabilities to decrease carbon emissions and, ultimately, support sustainability efforts throughout the organisation. By using smart meters, sensors and utility data, businesses can piece together consumption and energy emissions by utility type. Coupled with data analysis, alongside real-time inputs like occupancy and weather, energy managers can better curb energy use. “The UK Government’s nation-wide sustainability targets will encourage a holistic approach to building energy management as well as better insights into their carbon impacts. Implementing efficient software will play a vital role in the building energy management process in setting where and how targets can be measured and achieved.” 1 – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63514562 2 – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/public-sector-decarbonisation-scheme Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RESEARCH by the British Property Federation and Savills, predicting a huge expected growth of build-to-rent (BTR) homes in the UK over the course of the next decade – from 76,800 to more than 380,000 – is a product of a changing Britain says Paul Staley, director at Wise Living. Paul said: “With the ongoing housing crisis, interest rate hikes on mortgages and an increased pressure on raising housing standards that are squeezing private landlords, professionally managed BTR homes are becoming more essential in the UK as the buy-to-let industry struggles to keep up with demand as home ownership becomes more unattainable. “People need a place to call home and it looks increasingly like BTR homes are poised to fill the gap within the housing market and will take a leading role. So, while the origins of BTR were student accommodation and city centre apartment schemes, this will expand into the rise of BTR single family homes (SFH). “Therefore, the predictions that SFH are expected to grow to 18% of all BTR stock from its 12% today is not a surprise. More people, right across the UK – not just in cities – want to rent a family home.” This change in the UK housing landscape is also influencing the behaviours of property stakeholders who are responding to these trends, according to Paul. Paul said: “For investors and housing developers, this has meant a shift in the types of portfolios they are creating. It makes sense to diversify and spread both the risk and opportunity. They are doing this by looking outside of the more established BTR markets and into SFH in suburban towns. “In fact, as the UK follows European trends and continues to change from a buying generation into a renting culture, it is highly likely that SFH will outpace other types of BTR housing eventually. At Wise Living we have seen this demand in-action, with over 15 schemes delivered in the past few years and a healthy pipeline of single family BTR developments.” As the industry grows this will inevitably increase the number of BTR specialists who will enter the market too, however this needs to be approached with caution, explained Paul. Paul said: “The industry has grown considerably over the last decade, but its success is dependent on the knowledge of the BTR specialists who need to guide investors, developers and local authorities in making the best decisions. Everything from location, housing layouts and types must be looked at and specifications developed to maximise return on investment, while also providing housing that is both high quality and value for money. “The earlier the conversation when it comes to coordinating value for BTR opportunities makes the process more efficient, less risky and speeds up return on investment.” To find out more about Wise Living, visit www.wiselivinghomes.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property maintenance and decarbonisation specialist Novus Property Solutions is celebrating a series of wins for its dedicated Sustain service, having been named as an approved supplier for several prestigious frameworks and organisations. Since its launch less than 12 months ago, Sustain has offered Novus’ customers across the housing sector a one-stop-shop for specialist assistance in achieving net zero targets through the contractor’s Centre of Excellence comprising in-house professionals and external partners. The contractor’s Sustain service has been successfully named in the CHIC North Wales eight-year programme, which will see Novus carrying out optimised retrofit installations across properties in the region. Furthermore, the contractor has also secured a place on the national CHIC Optimised Retrofit Programme for Lot 1 and Lot 5, covering low and zero carbon retrofit solutions. Procure Plus, a social housing regeneration consortium, has named Novus in its five-year domestic retrofit delivery programme across the North West. Novus has been successful in Lot 2 and Lot 3, which refer to turnkey programme delivery and installation delivery respectively. The contractor has also been awarded a place on each of the ten lots within the £500 million Prosper Procurement framework. The two-year framework involves a range of decarbonisation retrofit works on domestic and public buildings across all regions of England and Wales. Commenting on Novus’ recent decarbonisation successes, Matt Hiley, Executive Director at Novus Property Solutions said: “We’re proud to have been named as an approved supplier for several prestigious frameworks in recent months, further establishing Novus’ position as an expert in decarbonisation retrofit services. “Our dedicated Sustain service is an important element of our ambitious plans for growth, and has already proven its value for our clients across the housing sector. It offers a partnered approach to an end-to-end service, helping local authorities and housing associations not only complete important net zero refurbishments but also secure the funding to do so, and we look forward to continuing to grow this vital service.” To find out more about the impact Novus’ Sustain service can have on your property portfolio, visit the contractor’s stand at Homes UK exhibition on the 23rd and 24th November in the Unlock Net Zero area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Are you thinking about the type of fencing to get for your property? If so, you might be wondering what types of electric fencing are available, and if they are suitable for your needs. Whether you are looking for a security solution to protect your property from intruders, or are looking to keep your livestock from predators, there are many reasons that you might consider installing an electric fence. This article will take a look at some of the benefits of using electric fencing, and explain how you can choose the right fence. To Protect Your Land from Intruders There are several reasons why you might be thinking about getting an electric fence for your land. One of the reasons is to protect your land against intruders. Burglars could also try to break into your property to steal your possessions or damage your home. Therefore, you might consider it to protect your belongings or livestock. An electric fence adds extra security to your property. Although a criminal can get past it if they know how to, it will be more difficult for them to do so. To Protect Your Livestock From Other Animals If you have cattle, sheep, or other farm animals you want to keep on your property, an electric fence can help keep them safe from predators and other wild animals. Fencing can also keep your animals within your property – just ensure that they do not get harmed by your fence. Be aware that this fence can still be damaged – so depending on how you use it (as any fence can), you could combine it with a wooden fence to add an extra layer of security. Additionally, ensure to maintain your fence regularly and check for hazards. To Take Advantage of Its Flexibility A benefit of electric fencing is that it can be very flexible. This type of fencing can be adapted based on your needs. It can be moved frequently. Grass production can be negatively affected by various factors. However, electric fences can be repositioned to support their productivity. This may be helpful if you are trying to optimize your grass production and need to maximize yield. To Get a Fence That Can Last a Long Time if Looked After An electric fence can last for a long time if it is properly maintained. maintenance is minimal, but you should still regularly check it’s functioning properly. You should repair any damage and remove any hazards. This can help to ensure that your fence lasts as long as possible and poses no danger. To know more about electric fencing, you can consult a specialist. To Get an Affordable, Secure Fence Depending on the length of the fence, its installation may be more affordable than other options. Since it can be used as both a permanent and temporary fence, it can give you flexibility when it comes to its usage. There are different types of electric fences available depending on the level of security required. You can install a fence that is best suited to your requirements. Ensure to Do Research Before Going Ahead With Your Electric Fence If you are looking to install a new fence, there are many reasons you might be considering an electric fence – but there are also many things to research and be aware of. We have disclosed some of those things here. For example, you need to check with your local council to see if you are allowed to install one. You need to remove all hazards like overhanging vegetation, as otherwise, they can pose a possible shorting hazard. Your fence must be earthed properly so that it poses no danger or does not go out of order. You should also regularly check whether it is in full working order, maintain it, and fix any damage immediately, as otherwise, the electric fence can be hazardous. These are just a few examples of the many things to know – so do research before installing an electric fence. It is essential to take additional security measures in addition to your electric fence, as it may not be fully reliable at all times (as no fence is). Its energiser can discharge or be out of order, or a wire can get out of its insulators. It can also be destroyed, allowing intruders or predators to come in, or your livestock to escape if you have any. If you decide to install an electric fence, it may be suitable to combine it with a wooden fence. Additionally, you want to consider other security measures. For instance, installing an alarm, locking your doors and windows, and so forth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Moving into a brand new home can be incredibly exciting, especially with the knowledge that no one has lived here before you. You may want to do your best to make your new home as comfortable as possible while still implementing the same amount of sustainable, ethical living that you use within the rest of your life. To do so can be rather simple, and involve a combination of new products and making good use of those that you already own. Sustainable wall art The materials you use for your wall art can be rather important when trying to live more sustainably. Rather than opting for imagery made out of items that would end up in a landfill site, you might want to consider the materials that, should they become damaged in the future, can be easily recycled. Due to this, you may instead consider using a stylish magnetic poster hanger or metal prints on your walls rather than traditional photo frames. In addition to this, they can also look incredibly sleek and stylish, allowing you to also fit in with home design fashion. These prints can feature some of your own home photos, allowing you to simply upload your design and have an image printed onto the metal itself. Re-use items you already own When you move home, it can be tempting to buy new items to fit in with colour schemes, or simply create a fresh look. This can be both a waste of money and resources. Instead, you might want to consider upcycling your old furniture. To accomplish this, you may want to sand down old pieces of furniture to remove existing layers of paint, and repaint them to match your new designs. You could even change handles as well. For fabric, such as sofa cushions, you may also want to look into the ways you can create new cushion covers to make more use out of your current furnishings. Opt for living décor Rather than filling up your new home with ornaments and knickknacks, you may instead want to consider how you can breathe life into the space. Buying items for the sake of it could be bad for both your bank account and the environment. Therefore, you may want to turn your eyes onto how plants can decorate a space. There may be a number of different varieties of flora that could flourish in an indoor environment. You may want to consider different styles of plant depending on where they would be placed within the home. For example, some plants may be better suited to the damp and humidity of the bathroom, while others may be happier on a windowsill in your lounge. Making sustainable decorating choices doesn’t mean you need to turn your back on style. By thinking about the materials and the items themselves, you may be able to create a beautiful home that causes as little harm to the environment as possible. Doing so could also help you to save some money along the way. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homebuilder Keepmoat Homes is supporting its employee Kelly Clark, 57, from Rotherham, who will be representing England in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in New Zealand in November, just eight years after she started powerlifting to improve her arthritis. Kelly was selected for the British team to compete in the World Powerlifting Championships in 2019, where she came 4th, and earned both bronze and silver medals with Team GB at the World Bench Press Championships in 2021. She has also won the title of British Equipped Bench Press Champion in 2020 and All England Equipped Bench Press Champion in 2022. These extraordinary qualifications have earned Kelly the chance to represent England in December at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships, run by the International Powerlifting Federation in Auckland, New Zealand. “Lifting weights has done wonders for both my mental and physical health, and what started out as some fun and seeing what I could achieve has enabled me to really believe in myself and be placed amongst some of the best in the country. To now have the same opportunity at the Commonwealth Championships in New Zealand is amazing. If someone had told me I would be this mobile, let alone competing in international competitions ten years ago I would never have believed them, and meeting and competing with incredible people along the way has been a dream come true,” said Kelly. Kelly works as People Development and Engagement Manager for Keepmoat in Doncaster, supporting people through leadership and soft skills training. The business will be supporting Kelly with costs such as flights and accommodation, as well as added paid annual leave to enable her to take part in the competition. “Without the support from Keepmoat I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this dream. The sponsorship in itself is incredible, but the amazing backing from my team and the agile working has allowed me to train for this opportunity. The business is really focused on developing people and communities, with values that align with my own, and this support has proved that,” she added. Keepmoat is a leading UK home builder that provides high quality, affordable homes across the country, developing areas of brownfield land and regenerating local spaces to build communities and transform lives. Kelly Clark will be jetting off to New Zealand on the 24th November, to compete on the 29th November. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Walters & Cogen Architects, an award-winning London-based practice with an innovative and contemporary portfolio, has been working on the new Wetherby Arts School, in collaboration with Alpha Plus Group. Part of a £1.3 billion redevelopment of Olympia, the new 60,000-square-foot performing arts school will open in partnership with the BRIT School as soon as 2025. Walters & Cohen has developed the concept, look, and feel of the Wetherby Arts School, working alongside the developer’s architects, SPPARC and the contractors architects HLM Architects. “We are delighted to be working with Alpha Plus on their very exciting vision for a new Arts School in the new Olympia Development. We have enjoyed the challenge of designing a multi-level state of the art, urban school that will bring the community into the school through use of the theatre and also allow the school to use facilities in the new development when desired,” commented Michál Cohen, Founding Director, Walters & Cohen Architects. The building was originally a multi-storey car park, with a listed façade. The goal was to keep the charm of the original building, while getting the right amount of light into the deepest parts of the plan. A new atrium will cut through the middle of the school, linking all levels, while a three-floor extension on the roof provides a dining hall that opens onto an outdoor terrace. Taking over the school for children aged 11 to 18 is Alpha Plus Group in partnership with the BRIT School, which will provide community classes after school hours on weekends and holidays. They will also provide funding for some children to attend the BRIT Kids classes free of charge. Wetherby Arts School will specialise in drama, dance and music, including a theatre run by the BRIT School. “We are delighted to be expanding our portfolio into this vibrant West London quarter of transformational and exciting placemaking. It has been a privilege for our team to be working with Future Olympia (our landlord) and the verve and skill of W&C once again,” added Richard Jones, Director of Property, Alpha Plus Group. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
