December 1, 2022
Firethorn Trust awards Leeds Logistics contract to McLaren Construction Group

Firethorn Trust awards Leeds Logistics contract to McLaren Construction Group

Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has appointed McLaren Construction Group to deliver 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing in North Yorkshire. The contract for Sherburn42 marks McLaren’s first appointment to a Firethorn development, and will see the delivery of four highly specified Grade-A units, ranging from 57,750

Read More »
Euroform obtains BDA Agrément for Easyboard®

Euroform obtains BDA Agrément for Easyboard®

Construction materials supplier Euroform confirms that its ‘Easyboard®’ exterior grade fibre cement board now has BDA Agrément certification. Easyboard®, which makes an ideal exterior sheathing board for steel frame system (SFS) walling, is one of the first boards of its kind to combine the benefits of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

Read More »
First homes released onto the market at Whitehouse Park

Bellway releases first homes onto the market at Whitehouse Park

The first homes at Bellway’s latest development in Milton Keynes have now gone on sale, following the start of construction work on site this summer. The housebuilder is delivering 175 properties in the first phase of Bellway at Whitehouse Park, including 53 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership.

Read More »
Will Rudd completes Topgolf in Glasgow

Will Rudd completes Topgolf in Glasgow

Multi-award-winning engineering consultancy Will Rudd Davidson is nearing completion at Topgolf, a high-tech golfing experience, which is due to open its first complex in Glasgow. The company has been carrying out core civil and structural service, with the entertainment venue opening to the public imminently. Located on Duchess Place, just

Read More »
5 Ways The Construction Industry Utilizes Shipping Containers

5 Ways The Construction Industry Utilizes Shipping Containers

Shipping containers have long found their way into the business world. Some of the reasons behind this move are that these containers are mobile and can be used for various purposes. Any sector can take advantage of shipping containers, and construction isn’t an exemption.   The construction industry uses shipping containers

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

December 1, 2022

Johnson Controls and Asset+ deliver a 50% reduction in public building carbon emissions for Hounslow Council

Johnson Controls and Asset+ deliver a 50% reduction in public building carbon emissions for Hounslow Council

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has partnered with Hounslow Council to decarbonise schools and public buildings. After acquiring Asset+ – a specialist provider of energy reduction and zero-carbon measures for the UK public sector – in May this year, Johnson Controls will help Hounslow Council deliver on the goals of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). Before the project, schools in Hounslow were responsible for 67% of the Council’s carbon footprint across their estate. Legacy infrastructure and gas heating across schools and other public buildings would make it impossible to reach the Council’s net-zero goals by 2030. In 2020, after securing a £19 million grant from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Asset+ began its project to decarbonise buildings and reduce energy consumption in schools and corporate buildings across Hounslow. The scheme was rolled out to 61 properties, including schools and corporate buildings, switching from gas boilers to air source heat pumps, installing solar panels and implementing LED transformation. The technology has been installed at schools such as Heathland School and Rosary School, as well as in leisure centres in Brentford and Isleworth.  As a result of the project, carbon emissions across Hounslow’s schools and public buildings dropped by 50%. This reduction in energy use translated to a 50% reduction in cost, with on-site energy production and the use of LEDs able to offset the increase in electricity use. To date, Hounslow saved over 17 million kWh per energy across its corporate and school sites, equating to over 3,000 tonnes of carbon.  In addition to helping councils work towards net-zero goals, the scheme works with the local community to provide permanent jobs for local residents and protect public sector organisations from the drastic increase in utility bills. The decarbonisation scheme is delivered on top of an award-winning partnership between Asset+ and Hounslow Council. “Partnering with Asset+, and later Johnson Controls, has brought benefits to our entire public estate,” said Charles Pipe, Energy Manager at Hounslow Council. “With schools representing over two-thirds of our estate’s carbon emissions, cutting these by 50% is a huge step towards our net-zero goals. The electrification of our buildings sets a great example for our local area and we look forward to working together closely until we complete the project.” David Lloyd, Head of Connected Energy Performance UK&I at Johnson Controls commented: “In a sector where every penny counts, supporting energy and cost savings for councils is vital. Squeezed by ever-increasing fuel bills and the rising cost of living, being able to offer a reduction in energy consumption and costs can be a lifeline for councils. Through the use of our technology, we will also continue to educate and inspire the next generation of Hounslow citizens on the importance of protecting our environment. We look forward to moving onto the next phase with Hounslow Council and working with more London boroughs to help them achieve their net-zero goals.” To learn more, visit www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Firethorn Trust awards Leeds Logistics contract to McLaren Construction Group

Firethorn Trust awards Leeds Logistics contract to McLaren Construction Group

Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has appointed McLaren Construction Group to deliver 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing in North Yorkshire. The contract for Sherburn42 marks McLaren’s first appointment to a Firethorn development, and will see the delivery of four highly specified Grade-A units, ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq ft. Set across 37 acres, the site lies adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, and will be constructed to net-zero carbon, with a ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. With 15% translucent roof panelling, LED lighting, and future provisions for renewable power generation, the development will offer a modern, flexible and highly sustainable base for occupiers, whilst providing excellent transportation links to the UK logistics network. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn, commented: “We pride ourselves in creating industry-leading schemes for occupiers, whilst effectively responding to evolving market demands. Not only does McLaren have the expert capability to bring Sherburn42 forward at pace, but the team has demonstrated a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation. “Having received full planning consent last month, we look forward to moving this project forward with McLaren and beginning works on site imminently, which will put us on track for completion by Q4 2023.” Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, says: “We are very pleased to be appointed by forward-thinking developers, Firethorn, on this significant development, situated in one of the most sought-after, accessible locations in North Yorkshire. “Providing fantastic opportunities for the region’s workforce, the four high-quality Grade-A industrial units will create an attractive, fit for purpose, sustainable workspace for multi-national distributors and ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises.” “We look forward to building a long-lasting relationship with Firethorn, and working closely to deliver this landmark project.” Enquiries should be directed to the scheme’s letting agents: Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton, and Carter Towler. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Guinness Homes launch 211 shared ownership apartments at Signal Park, Tolworth

Guinness Homes launch 211 shared ownership apartments at Signal Park, Tolworth

Nationwide housing provider, Guinness Homes, part of The Guinness Partnership, has launched Phase One of its new Signal Park development in Tolworth, Kingston-upon-Thames. At the recent launch event, prospective buyers had the chance to see how the development will look once completed. Viewers also had the opportunity to make reservations for the first time. The scheme comprises 78 one-bedroom apartments, 103 two-bedroom apartments, six two-bedroom duplex apartments and 24 three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from £87,500 on a 25 per cent share (£350,000). By purchasing a percentage of the property between 25 per cent and 75 per cent and renting the remainder from the landlord, shared ownership opens the door to people who might not otherwise be able to access a property on the open market. Situated within a three-minute walk of Tolworth station, Signal Park is strategically located amongst nearby amenities. From Hollywood Bowl, M&S and Surbiton Raceway to Go Ape, Chessington World of Adventures and Hampton Court Palace, its central location is ideal for young people and families. The line leading through Tolworth station takes travellers directly to Waterloo in 31 minutes, stopping at Clapham Junction and Vauxhall beforehand for convenient access into the city. Hellyn Fairbrother, London and South East Regional Sales Manager at Guinness Homes said: “The launch of Signal Park Phase One was a great success, with many local residents and renters coming to see what Guinness has to offer at this desirable South London location. “These Shared Ownership homes at Signal Park provide a more affordable route onto the property ladder, and we are looking forward to the show apartments being ready to view in the spring next year.” For more information visit https://www.guinnesshomes.co.uk/find-a-home/signal-park-tolworth/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Actis joins event aimed at inspiring young people to choose careers in the construction industry

Actis joins event aimed at inspiring young people to choose careers in the construction industry

Actis regional sales director Jemma Harris and sales manager Melanie Porter have been flying the flag for the construction industry as a career path for young people at an educational event in Yorkshire. The pair were among seventy organisations taking part in an annual initiative aimed at educating, developing and upskilling the next generation in the region and addressing the skills shortage. Foundations Live 2022, organised by construction firm Hobson and Porter, and supported by Jewson, the Construction Industry Training Board and agricultural college Bishop Burton College, was aimed at inspiring people from as young as four up to adults looking at retraining to explore opportunities within the sector. Jemma, also a Women in Construction ambassador, and Melanie are among a number of Actis colleagues passionate about inspiring young people and women in particular to pursue a career in a currently male-dominated profession. Jemma has given inspirational talks in schools, while specification manager Amaret Chahal has co-written the latest Actis CPD material. In her talks Jemma, who is responsible for sales growth in the UK Northern region, has shared her own career path working in two very traditionally ‘macho’ environments – the Royal Navy, where she worked as a weapons engineer, and construction. Amaret explains: “I enjoy the fact that as a young woman of colour I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and technical understanding on all types of specifications, both simple and complex. The Actis team in the north is all-female and I love that we are women working in a demanding industry which is traditionally male dominated.” The Foundations Live event is captured on video, with Jemma talking about the joys of working in construction around six minutes in. In it she explains: “In the construction industry it’s definitely not boring. You get to meet various different people on a daily basis. No day is the same. One day you could be on a building site, the next day you could be stood in front of an architect doing a CPD presentation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Euroform obtains BDA Agrément for Easyboard®

Euroform obtains BDA Agrément for Easyboard®

Construction materials supplier Euroform confirms that its ‘Easyboard®’ exterior grade fibre cement board now has BDA Agrément certification. Easyboard®, which makes an ideal exterior sheathing board for steel frame system (SFS) walling, is one of the first boards of its kind to combine the benefits of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) into a light weight ‘score & snap’ building board, making it quick and easy to install. The BDA Agrément certification confirms Easyboard® performance as a building board for non-structural use in indoor and outdoor non-loadbearing applications, such as for use in the planking and lining of walls, for sheathing timber frame or steel frame supporting walls, and for ceilings and roof truss structures. “Easyboard® is a highly durable OPC based board that has the same workability as a gypsum-based board,” says Euroform’s technical director John Taylor. Whereas traditional cement-based boards require cutting with power tools, creating dust and taking time, Easyboard® is manufactured with a process that combines the cement with a reinforcing matrix that enhances its workability, so that it can be scored and snapped with a traditional utility knife.  The edges do not require sealing as would be the case with an external plasterboard installation. Currently being installed as part of a SFS wall at a large commercial/residential project at The Castings, Manchester, subcontractor AM Structure’s dry liner reports, “I couldn’t believe how easy the board was to score and snap, especially for an OPC board.  It is such a time saver and better for dust.  We should like to use the board on future SFS sheathing installations.” Easyboard®’s BDA Agrément certificate confirms the product’s fire performance as being A1 non-combustible in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.  Euroform points out that, in all cases Euroform should be consulted to discuss specifier/project requirements to advise on the suitability of Easyboard® in respect of fire resistance. Other product characteristics independently assessed through the BDA Agrément process include moisture control, strength and durability.  Details of water impermeability, water absorption, load resistance, impact resistance and thermal performance are all available. Easyboard®  is quicker to install than traditional cement based boards due to its lower density of 900kg/m3 (minimum). A video demonstrating the ease with which Easyboard® can be cut via the ‘score & snap’ method can be seen at: https://www.euroform.co.uk/easyboard/ Euroform has been developing, fabricating and supplying materials for the construction industry since 1995.  Euroform specialises in ensuring fire and thermal compliance across its product range.  Each product is supported by an experienced and knowledgeable technical team to provide advice and guidance.  Based at Warrington, Euroform is part of Performance Technology Group an SIG Trading Ltd group of companies specialising in supporting the construction industry to meet acoustic, fire, thermal and vibration challenges. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
First homes released onto the market at Whitehouse Park

Bellway releases first homes onto the market at Whitehouse Park

The first homes at Bellway’s latest development in Milton Keynes have now gone on sale, following the start of construction work on site this summer. The housebuilder is delivering 175 properties in the first phase of Bellway at Whitehouse Park, including 53 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership. A further 277 homes will follow in subsequent phases, bringing Bellway’s total contribution to the wider regeneration of the Western Expansion Area of Milton Keynes to 452 properties. Phase one at Bellway at Whitehouse Park will feature a mix of two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses for sale on land off Watling Street. The first residents at this development are expected to move into their completed properties early next year. Luke Southgate, Sales Director at Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: ““Bellway at Whitehouse Park will form a major part of Milton Keynes’ future development. It will provide a range of modern new-build properties in an attractive semi-rural location just a few miles from the city centre and Milton Keynes Central railway station. “With construction work underway and first homes now released for sale, we are on schedule to finish the first properties on site in February 2023. “This is the fourth successive year that Milton Keynes Council has met its housing supply target and we have made a significant contribution towards that. “We are currently building at two developments in Wavendon, one at Tattenhoe Park, and are hoping to start construction work on a new site in Greenleys next summer. We have strong ties to Milton Keynes as our divisional office is based in the city and are committed to helping to provide the new homes which are needed for the city to continue to grow and thrive.” For more information about Bellway at Whitehouse Park, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/northern-home-counties/bellway-at-whitehouse-park.         Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Will Rudd completes Topgolf in Glasgow

Will Rudd completes Topgolf in Glasgow

Multi-award-winning engineering consultancy Will Rudd Davidson is nearing completion at Topgolf, a high-tech golfing experience, which is due to open its first complex in Glasgow. The company has been carrying out core civil and structural service, with the entertainment venue opening to the public imminently. Located on Duchess Place, just off the M74, the multi-level complex spans 45,000 sq ft and is seen as an integral part of the ongoing regeneration in the city’s east end. “It’s great to see this magnificent project now ready to open. I am incredibly proud of the team for all of their hard work in delivering what will likely be a popular leisure destination for people from all across Scotland and further afar,” said MJ O’Shaughnessy, Managing Director, Will Rudd Glasgow and Ireland. “Given the site’s complexities, it was really important that we worked closely with all of the design team and contractors to deliver what was required, especially in relation to the complex drainage network. For us, it was a great opportunity to showcase the broad range of skills Will Rudd has to offer and it is excellent to see it reach completion,” MJ added. The firm’s Glasgow division were able to utilise many of its in house specialisms at Topgolf, including their façade engineering and contractor design experience to deliver the project that includes a complex series of multiple façade types, ornate stairs design and curtain walling along with an intricate underground drainage network. Established in 1982, Will Rudd Davidson is a multi-award-winning engineering consultancy providing civil, structural and conservation engineering in the UK and Ireland. Operating from two practices in Glasgow and Edinburgh, the expert team delivers engineering and design services, working collaboratively with clients to deliver creative and innovative solutions across a range of sectors including conservation, energy and renewables, transportation and infrastructure, healthcare, and education, and residential and hospitality including large masterplanning developments. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
5 Ways The Construction Industry Utilizes Shipping Containers

5 Ways The Construction Industry Utilizes Shipping Containers

Shipping containers have long found their way into the business world. Some of the reasons behind this move are that these containers are mobile and can be used for various purposes. Any sector can take advantage of shipping containers, and construction isn’t an exemption.   The construction industry uses shipping containers since they’re cheaper to purchase and install than permanent structures. As a result, they can save money and enhance their bottom line. If you own a construction business, consider following suit to ensure your enterprise continues to grow with efficiency.  That said, you must find the right shipping containers for your company. The best way to achieve that is by partnering with a reputable vendor. By working with a good seller, you’re guaranteed to find high-quality products. Consider finding shipping containers from a company like Royal Wolf or any other similar provider. Any construction company can utilize shipping containers in various ways. They include the following:   You’ll probably spend a better part of the day supervising employees’ work on the construction site. However, you’ll still need to handle some administrative tasks like responding to client emails and completing paperwork. But to do that, you need an office.  Constructing a permanent office on the construction site will likely take a lot of time. Besides, you’ll likely demolish it when you’re through with the project. That makes shipping containers the perfect solution for your office needs.  Shipping containers can be modified to make a comfortable and functional office. And because some of them are large, they can allow you to put in two or three chairs and a table where you can place your computers and files.   Besides, as noted earlier, shipping containers are mobile. Therefore, you can take your office to the new site after completing the current project. That goes a long way in enhancing your efficiency.   When completing a construction project, you may want to find someplace to store the work tool and building materials. Some people consider hiring a place for this purpose. But taking that decision can be more expensive since you must pay the rental and transportation costs. Besides, long-distance travel may damage your equipment and construction materials. For that reason, consider using shipping containers as your storage space.  Depending on the size and quantity of your items, you can always find the right shipping containers to serve you. And because they allow you to use padlocks and lock boxes, you won’t be worried about the security of your items. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything is protected from theft and damage.   Doing construction work comes with a lot of risks. For instance, some of the work tools and equipment are very dangerous, and they can injure employees.  You should take the injured workers to the hospital for medication and treatment. But before that move, you may want to administer first aid to them. For that reason, you need to have a first aid station on your construction site.   The simplest and the most cost-effective way to establish a first aid station on a construction site is to use a shipping container. You can customize it to hold first aid amenities, like an exam bed, an HVAC system, and other emergency medical supplies. You can also use shipping containers as mobile hospitals for your employees.   Sometimes, you might be doing a construction project somewhere far away, where you cannot transport your employees to and from work. At the same time, renting rooms for them can be too expensive in the long run. The best option could be to construct apartment units for your workers on your construction site. You can achieve that by utilizing shipping containers.  Large shipping containers can be perfect for apartment units. You only need to modify them to accommodate the living needs and even preferences of your employees.   Your employees will want to have access to a bathroom after completing daily work. But since you aren’t on that site permanently, you don’t need to construct permanent bathrooms. That’s where investing in shipping containers becomes necessary. To make temporary bathrooms out of these containers, you only need to fit them with amenities like toilets, showers, and sinks to wash hands, bodies, and faces.   Takeaway As detailed above, you can utilize shipping containers in various ways at construction sites. But you must select the most suitable option for your needs. Remember to conduct some research so that you find the right containers for your project.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »