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January 17, 2023

HS2: First steps on UK’s longest railway bridge

HS2: First steps on UK’s longest railway bridge

HS2 minister Huw Merriman today became the first person to officially walk on top of the UK’s longest railway bridge, which is under construction at an HS2 site just outside London. The first 480m of the Colne Valley Viaduct – which will eventually stretch for more than two miles (3.4km)

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New research highlights potential demand of 150,000 installers – a main barrier to 2028 heat pump target

New research highlights potential demand of 150,000 installers – a main barrier to 2028 heat pump target

The widely promoted 50,000 installers required to meet the Government’s ambitious annual heat pump installation target of 600,000 may be three times lower than the number required, research has revealed. Developing from discussions within the HHIC Systems Group, chaired by Steve Keeton, the organisation has conducted extensive investigations of working

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London leads the way with energy-saving new developments

London leads the way with energy-saving new developments

A new report highlights how the Mayor’s planning regulations are cutting London’s carbon emissions, increasing the use of solar energy and doubling the use of heat pumps in new developments across the city. The Mayor’s 2021 London Plan sets the agenda for the development of the city for decades to

Read More »
‘Perfect storm’ threatens Great Britain’s infrastructure pipeline and economic recovery

‘Perfect storm’ threatens Great Britain’s infrastructure pipeline and economic recovery

High inflation, recession and supply chain uncertainty are jeopardising key infrastructure projects that are crucial to Britain’s chance at economic recovery, according to a new report published today by leading construction consultant, Currie & Brown. The 2023 Infrastructure Cost Predictions Report finds that the total cost of Britain’s National Infrastructure Pipeline

Read More »
Willmott Dixon delivers University of Exeter Multi-Faith Centre

Willmott Dixon delivers University of Exeter Multi-Faith Centre

Willmott Dixon has been appointed to work with the University of Exeter to complete detailed designs to build a new Multi-Faith Centre at Streatham Campus. Construction is due to start in summer this year. Exeter City Council recently approved plans to develop the Multi-Faith Centre, which will replace the existing

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Ceremony marks the opening of £4.8m Lichfield Primary School

Ceremony marks the opening of £4.8m Lichfield Primary School

Fradley Park Primary School in Lichfield, Staffordshire, celebrated the official opening of its £4.8m free school with the local community last week (Friday 13 January). The two-storey building, which was constructed by Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson and completed in summer 2022, opened to 210 primary and 26 nursery pupils in

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Roann Limited reports record breaking sales in 2022

Roann Limited reports record breaking sales in 2022

Granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has reported record-breaking revenue in 2022, with a 15% increase in sales year-on-year. From January to December 2022, the Wakefield-based business reached an annual sales figure totalling over £8.3 million. “We are so proud to be reporting on another positive year for Roann

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8 Tips to Design A New Office Place

8 Tips to Design A New Office Place

Your new office will be the home for your company, and it will be the place that ultimately determines how successful your company will be. Therefore, designing office space that’s comfortable, welcoming, and boosts productivity is essential. A good working atmosphere can benefit your company’s efficiency, productivity, morale, and team

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BDC 319 : Aug 2024

January 17, 2023

HS2: First steps on UK’s longest railway bridge

HS2: First steps on UK’s longest railway bridge

HS2 minister Huw Merriman today became the first person to officially walk on top of the UK’s longest railway bridge, which is under construction at an HS2 site just outside London. The first 480m of the Colne Valley Viaduct – which will eventually stretch for more than two miles (3.4km) across a series of lakes and waterways outside Hillingdon – have been built over the last seven months using an enormous 700 tonne ‘bridge-building machine’. Construction of the HS2 project, which is designed to improve rail links between London, Birmingham and the North, help level-up the economy and provide a low carbon alternative to car and air travel, is ramping up across the UK with almost 30,000 jobs now supported by the project. Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “This is an extraordinary feat of engineering and architecture, designed to enable spectacular views across a beautiful part of our British countryside which is being preserved and protected by this project. “It was incredible to be the first person to officially walk on top of it today – another milestone for this monumental project which will transform journeys for people up and down the country, creating almost 30,000 jobs and providing a low carbon alternative to cars for decades to come.” Known as a ‘launching girder’, the 160m long bridge-building machine is the only one of its kind operating in the UK and is used to lift the giant concrete deck segments that form the viaduct’s arches into position. Once each section is complete, the machine inches itself forward to build the next stage. The first 141 – out of a thousand – deck segments are now in position, with each one weighing up to 140 tonnes. To allow for the gentle curves of the viaduct as it crosses the valley, all the segments are slightly different shapes and made on site at a purpose-built temporary factory close to the north abutment. Welcoming the milestone, HS2 Ltd Project Client David Emms said: “After seven months of hard work, it’s great to be able to finally be able to walk on part of the Colne Valley Viaduct. Once complete, this record-breaking structure will form a key part of the HS2 route – helping to deliver better connections across the UK, free up rail capacity on the existing train network, and offer passengers zero carbon travel options. “I’d like to thank all those involved in getting us to this exciting stage and look forward to seeing the whole viaduct come together over the coming years.” The huge viaduct project is being led by HS2’s main works contractor Align JV – a team made up of Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick. Originally built in 2004, the launching girder was first used during the construction of the Hong Kong East Tsing Yi Viaduct. Specially designed to handle complex viaduct construction, the machine is named ‘Dominique’ in memory of Bouygues engineer Dominique Droniou who played a leading role in its design and development. Align Project Director, Daniel Altier, said: “The team at Align, along with supply-chain partners VSL, Kilnbridge, KVJV, VolkerStevin, Tarmac, Sendin andVaughan Plant Haulage, have worked incredibly hard to get us to this point. They have demonstrated exceptional teamwork and expertise and I’m incredibly proud of what they have achieved so far. In particular, the successful completion of the A412 crossing which involved collaboration with multiple stakeholders to minimise disruption to our local community.” 56 piers each weighing around 370 tonnes are being constructed along the Colne Valley ahead of the girder, with the machine moving from one pier to the next, installing the deck segments as it goes. Segments are placed alternately on each side of the pier, using a cantilever approach to balance the structure, as two half-arches are constructed simultaneously. Steel tensioning cables are then threaded through the segments to strengthen the bridge. The viaduct pre-cast factory where the one thousand segments are made uses a ‘match-casting’ technique. This approach – where each segment is poured against the previous one – will ensure the whole deck fits perfectly when assembled on the piers. Up to 12 segments a week can be cast at the mammoth 100m long factory, which has an internal volume of 105,000 cubic metres – making it larger than the Royal Albert Hall. Once construction is complete, the factory and surrounding buildings will be removed and the whole area between the viaduct and the Chiltern tunnel will be transformed into an area of chalk grassland and woodland as part of HS2’s ‘green corridor’ project. The design of the Colne Valley Viaduct was inspired by the flight of a stone skipping across the water, with a series of elegant spans, some up to 80m long, carrying the railway around 10m above the surface of the lakes, River Colne and Grand Union Canal. Set low into the landscape, wider spans will carry the viaduct crosses the lakes, with narrower spans for the approaches. This design was chosen to enable views across the landscape, minimise the viaduct’s footprint on the lakes and help complement views across the natural surroundings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New research highlights potential demand of 150,000 installers – a main barrier to 2028 heat pump target

New research highlights potential demand of 150,000 installers – a main barrier to 2028 heat pump target

The widely promoted 50,000 installers required to meet the Government’s ambitious annual heat pump installation target of 600,000 may be three times lower than the number required, research has revealed. Developing from discussions within the HHIC Systems Group, chaired by Steve Keeton, the organisation has conducted extensive investigations of working practices through the membership. It has revealed a figure of circa 150,000 workers is required to meet the Government’s target if today’s working model is followed. Not only does this finding triple current predictions, it also reveals the need for 100,000 new entrants to the industry – a figure almost equivalent to the entire current Gas Safe Register.  To align with net zero by 2050 there is an urgent requirement to decarbonise UK heating systems, with many leaning on the promise of increasing heat pump installation. Whilst a positive initiative, data from the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) suggests the actual workforce requirement to attain 600,000 new installations per year could heavily outweigh current estimates, by as much as 200%. Commenting on these findings, Steve said: “The industry is at a pivotal point, with an ageing workforce and exacerbated demand for modernised skillsets we really must look to new entrants as fundamental in providing the solution. The Government must push harder than ever to engage and incentivise existing heating engineers to build skills in renewable technologies. In addition, it must attract more new people to enter the industry and appeal to the younger generation to proactively include low-carbon technologies in their portfolio. It is the cornerstone we need in order to achieve our nation’s emissions goals.” Whilst heat pump installation is a priority, the HHIC says there is no one silver bullet approach to decarbonisation. Collectively, the UK must look towards supplementary alternatives if its to hit 2028, and 2050 sustainable heating targets. A hydrogen economy is cited as the next step in heating system developments, with the HHIC noting the importance of recent government proposals to mandate hydrogen-ready boilers. This government initiative is backed by UK manufacturer’s ‘price promise,’ meaning the boilers installed in 1.7 million homes each year could be ready for net zero at no extra cost to consumers compared to equivalent models today. Steve added:” It is imperative that the UK’s heating strategy looks at a multi-dimensional approach. This gives the Installer options and the customer choice. If we are to successfully meet our 2050 ambitions, Heat Networks and hydrogen must be part of the strategy in tandem with heat pump initiatives. This is inevitably going to require an upskilling, and incentivisation, of the workforce, so we must work from the grassroots up in order to create the bedrock of multi-skilled installers to successfully decarbonise the heating economy.” To download the report and find out more about the research, visit the HHIC Website here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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London leads the way with energy-saving new developments

London leads the way with energy-saving new developments

A new report highlights how the Mayor’s planning regulations are cutting London’s carbon emissions, increasing the use of solar energy and doubling the use of heat pumps in new developments across the city. The Mayor’s 2021 London Plan sets the agenda for the development of the city for decades to come. It includes policies that address the climate emergency, the housing crisis and sets out how to make London a greener and healthier city for all Londoners. The newly published ‘2021 Energy Monitoring Report’ illustrates how these policies are making a tangible difference through the planning system. Key findings include: Where new developments have a shortfall between on-site reductions and zero carbon, applicants make a cash-in-lieu contribution into the relevant Local Planning Authority’s (LPA) carbon offset fund (based on a £/tonne of CO2 price).   The new Carbon Offset Funds Report shows that since 2016, the Mayor’s carbon offsetting policy has realised £145m across London to support activities that tackle the climate emergency. Projects benefitting from offset funds include energy efficiency in buildings, district heating and installation of renewable energy generation. Of the £145m, over a third (£55m) has been collected or secured for collection since the 2020 survey.  These reports were published shortly after the government’s net zero review. They demonstrate how the Mayor is using his powers to boost London’s green economy while accelerating climate action. The Skidmore Review shows that the UK is falling behind on key climate policy targets and needs to be more ambitious. Cities like London are leading the way for example with planning policies that deliver far more carbon savings than those set by national regulations, while helping Londoners become more energy efficient.  Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Energy Shirley Rodrigues said: “Buildings in London are responsible for 78 per cent of London’s emissions, so it’s important that we do all we can to ensure new buildings in the city will meet our net zero climate targets and improve energy efficiency. “Thanks to the Mayor’s London Plan we are seeing huge reductions in carbon emissions from proposed developments. Not only are energy efficient buildings better for the environment, but the use of heat pumps and solar panels can also bring down energy bills long-term, helping people through the cost-of-living crisis. “The Mayor has repeatedly called for the Government to be bolder with climate change policies and devolve powers and funding, as well as provide more support to Londoners. London’s pioneering approach means that we are reducing carbon emissions far quicker than if we followed national policy. However, there is still much more to be done to build a better London for everyone – a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.” The Energy Monitoring report and Carbon Offset Funds report and are available to read online. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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‘Perfect storm’ threatens Great Britain’s infrastructure pipeline and economic recovery

‘Perfect storm’ threatens Great Britain’s infrastructure pipeline and economic recovery

High inflation, recession and supply chain uncertainty are jeopardising key infrastructure projects that are crucial to Britain’s chance at economic recovery, according to a new report published today by leading construction consultant, Currie & Brown. The 2023 Infrastructure Cost Predictions Report finds that the total cost of Britain’s National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) is set to reach £483 billion by 2026, of which £84 billion is the direct result of inflation. Inflation-driven cost increases could amount to the equivalent of an additional £32,000 per minute, or more than £1,250 per person over five years.    A drastic new approach to infrastructure projects is crucial  The report highlights that if measures are not taken, cost increases, inefficiencies and wastage – all compounded by inflation – will slow down, limit, or cancel infrastructure projects that are essential for Britain’s economic recovery. It finds that, within the current recessionary climate, there is no room for cost increases of any kind, and that ‘business as usual’ project and cost management, could put planned infrastructure projects at risk. Indeed, for every 1% increase in required expenditure resulting from inefficient project and cost management, the cost of delivering the infrastructure pipeline could rise by an additional £1,500 per minute. Therefore, clear and early planning and effective cost management will be essential to ensure projects are not dramatically descoped or scrapped altogether – in turn wasting precious time, resources and taxpayers’ money.  Risk to economic recovery and the levelling up agenda  The threat to the infrastructure pipeline has the potential to undermine Britain’s domestic growth ambitions and prospects for foreign trade, as well as putting the Government’s levelling up agenda at risk. Northern and Central England have promised infrastructure investment of at least £72 billion by 2026, but with spiralling costs and inflation potentially adding £13.4 billion to this figure, the viability of projects going ahead with their original scope is at great risk. This could impact many high-profile planned projects including Northern Powerhouse Rail, Midlands Rail Hub and HS2 Phase 2b. Nick Gray, Currie & Brown COO UK & Europe, said: “Britain has entered recession and inflation remains a significant threat to the financial health of the country. The Chancellor has prioritised infrastructure as a key lever for driving labour market participation, growth and productivity, and for accelerating the levelling up agenda. “However, with budgets so tight and such pressure in the wider economic landscape, we must urgently change the way we approach infrastructure investment if projects are to be successfully delivered. A business as usual approach is simply not feasible. We are calling on the government, local authorities and stakeholders to take immediate action. Early and informed decision making will be critical to safeguarding the infrastructure pipeline, and Britain’s economic recovery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Miller Homes unveils phase two of major developments in the North East

Miller Homes unveils phase two of major developments in the North East

WOULD-be North East homebuyers can get a first glimpse of the new phases of a range of leading housing developments at a series of VIP buyer events. Miller Homes is set to unveil the second phases at two of its prestigious sites in the region –   Stephenson Meadows, Callerton, Newcastle and at Longridge Farm, Bedlington – over the next few months. And in a separate event it will also be showcasing the Roman Fields development at Corbridge, which offers a mix of luxury three, four and five bedroomed homes, perfect for anyone wanting to downsize, buy a second home or looking for an investment property in a picturesque location. The events will also highlight to potential homeowners the support available to them from Miller Homes at every stage, giving them all they need to purchase their dream home. The company has created three events which will take place throughout the first months of 2023, where visitors will be able to see the range of homes on offer at all three sites, as well as have a free consultation with an experienced independent financial adviser who can give details of available mortgage options. The first event is being held at Longridge Farm on 28 January where between 11am and 4pm visitors can see phase 2 for the first time. This will be followed by a showcase event at Roman Fields, Corbridge on 21 February where guests will be able to enjoy a wine and cheese evening – courtesy of The Corbridge Larder – as well as talk to the independent financial advisor and speak to a local estate agent about the area’s investment potential. The final event is being held at Stephenson Meadows at Callerton, seven miles from the centre of Newcastle, and which features 261 three, four and five bedroomed luxury homes. The open day will run from 11am to 4pm on 4 March, giving those looking for a new home in this desirable area the opportunity to see the newest properties for the first time. Anyone interested can just turn up at any of the events on the day, but those who register in advance will be entered into a draw at each session for a hamper of locally sourced goodies, courtesy of Coastal Hampers. Free spaces can be booked at : Longridge Farm – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expert-homebuying-advice-at-longridge-farm-bedlington-tickets-511899263477 Stephenson Meadows – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expert-homebuying-advice-at-stephenson-meadows-callerton-tickets-511922111817 Roman Fields –https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cheese-wine-expert-homebuying-advice-at-roman-fields-corbridge-tickets-511934278207 Everyone who attends an event will also receive a Miller Homes goody bag. Aisling Ramshaw, Sales Director at Miller Homes North East believes these three events  will offer the perfect opportunity to see the variety of the properties available and what each location has to offer. “We are very excited to be able to showcase phase 2 of both Stephenson Meadows and Longridge Farm and also to highlight what Roman Fields has to offer,” she said. “More than 80 per cent of the properties at Corbridge have been sold, so this really will be the last opportunity for buyers to own a home at this very popular development. “This will be the first opportunity to talk to our team about the new phase of  these developments and what they offer for those who recognise that bricks and mortar are a sound investment. “We believe these are going to be fantastic events which will really support our buyers.” The events are all free to attend and anyone interested can pop in throughout the day. For further information visit www.millerhomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Willmott Dixon delivers University of Exeter Multi-Faith Centre

Willmott Dixon delivers University of Exeter Multi-Faith Centre

Willmott Dixon has been appointed to work with the University of Exeter to complete detailed designs to build a new Multi-Faith Centre at Streatham Campus. Construction is due to start in summer this year. Exeter City Council recently approved plans to develop the Multi-Faith Centre, which will replace the existing Muslim prayer rooms and multi-faith spaces in the Old Library with a 50 person Muslim prayer space and a multi-faith space. It will also house communal meeting space, a kitchen, a dedicated office for the Multifaith Chaplaincy Team, a Changing Places facility and an external terrace area. “We are really excited to progress our plans for the new Multi-Faith Centre. The University is committed to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion and developing cultural competence working with partners across Exeter and Cornwall, and the wider region,” said Shraddha Chaudhary, Assistant Director for Culture and Inclusion at the University of Exeter. Sustainability and reducing carbon emissions are fundamental to the design of the new Multi-Faith Centre, which aims to achieve the Passivhaus standard. Features include the use of highly efficient porotherm blocks, air source heat pumps and PV panels on the building’s roof. Willmott Dixon has been working with a professional team, that includes Faithful and Gould, Group Emmett Design, SE3Design, Sands, SDS and ARUP. “Having worked with the University of Exeter on a number of projects, we are looking forward to delivering this new and inclusive Multi-Faith Centre and supporting the University’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, culture and heritage of its students and the wider community. This project aligns with our commitment to push the boundaries of sustainable design construction and operation of building,” added Rob Woolcock, Director at Willmott Dixon. The contractor has worked for the University of Exeter before on several projects. It has also several Passivhaus projects under its belt, including the Centre for Medicine at the University of Leicester and the Harris Academy in Sutton. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ceremony marks the opening of £4.8m Lichfield Primary School

Ceremony marks the opening of £4.8m Lichfield Primary School

Fradley Park Primary School in Lichfield, Staffordshire, celebrated the official opening of its £4.8m free school with the local community last week (Friday 13 January). The two-storey building, which was constructed by Midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson and completed in summer 2022, opened to 210 primary and 26 nursery pupils in autumn last year – being the first school to be built in the area in over 40 years.  “We’re delighted to have marked the official opening of Fradley Park Primary School, working collaboratively alongside Staffordshire County Council and Entrust, which has provided much-needed school places for young children within the local area. The brand-new facilities and state-of-the-art classrooms have created enhanced environments for children to learn and grow, and the ceremony was a great opportunity to see them explore their fantastic new school,” said Kevin Dodds, Construction Director at G F Tomlinson. The opening ceremony was attended by Ben Robinson, High Sheriff and County Councillor Jonathan Price from Staffordshire County Council, Construction Director Kevin Dodds from G F Tomlinson, and CEO of John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust Mike Donoghue. As well as approximately 50 guests, comprising school staff and governors, John Taylor MAT directors and members, and colleagues from the local authority and other partner and community organisations. “I was really pleased to officially open Fradley Park Primary, which is the latest primary school in the county to be built in response to growing demand for school places in the area. It’s been great to see the first classes of children settling in well to their new school, which looks to be a fantastic place for them to start their education journey,” commented Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education Jonathan Price. The occasion was marked with speeches and a presentation of the school’s journey, before the Lichfield school was officially opened by Ben Robinson, High Sheriff of Staffordshire County Council and County Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND. The school was delivered through the Staffordshire County Council Framework, and project managed by Entrust, and is now being managed by the John Taylor Multi Academy Trust. This is one of six educational schemes that G F Tomlinson has delivered within Staffordshire alongside Entrust, with the Derby-headquartered firm recently completing the latest scheme – Bramshall Meadows First School in Uttoxeter. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Roann Limited reports record breaking sales in 2022

Roann Limited reports record breaking sales in 2022

Granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has reported record-breaking revenue in 2022, with a 15% increase in sales year-on-year. From January to December 2022, the Wakefield-based business reached an annual sales figure totalling over £8.3 million. “We are so proud to be reporting on another positive year for Roann Limited. We have experienced extensive growth over recent years and there’s no sign of it slowing down anytime soon. We’re looking forward to another busy year,” said Scott Wharton, Operations Director of Roann Limited. Notable key projects for this period included collaborations with established companies including Crest Nicholson, Barratt Homes, and Taylor Wimpey across the UK. Over the past four years, the business has experienced significant growth and has increased sales by almost 50%, when comparing figures between 2018 and 2022. A representative from Roann Limited has reported that in 2023, the business has forecasted further sales growth.  Established in 1990, Roann Limited specialises in manufacturing, supplying, and installing high-quality granite and quartz worktops within the house building, property development and construction sectors. With more than 30 years’ experience, Roann Limited is dedicated to procuring stone worktops that help developers significantly reduce costs on their projects by selling direct to them. Roann Limited’s purpose-built factory in Wakefield houses more than £2 million worth of state-of-the-art stone manufacturing machines and equipment, enabling the business to fabricate more than 15,000 worktops every year. Roann Limited proudly holds accreditations with many of the industry’s leading health and safety schemes, including SSIP certification, and is also ConstructionOnline Gold Approved. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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8 Tips to Design A New Office Place

8 Tips to Design A New Office Place

Your new office will be the home for your company, and it will be the place that ultimately determines how successful your company will be. Therefore, designing office space that’s comfortable, welcoming, and boosts productivity is essential. A good working atmosphere can benefit your company’s efficiency, productivity, morale, and team attitude. A nice and healthy workplace design helps employees and sends a positive statement to clients and customers. Design your first office in such a way that it may convey a sense of optimism, foster an atmosphere favorable to productive work, and exude elegance. Here, we’ll go through some tips for how to get a balanced look and feel for your first office space. 1.                Examine And Then Make a Proper Plan Examine and determine the most efficient use of space before beginning the design process. Think about how much space each department needs, such as the average time employees might spend at their desks, meeting rooms, and other company areas. Optimizing how you use the space in your workplace requires less space than you had initially assumed, which could result in cost savings. You can take the suggestions of the design-build firm to determine the perfect office layout. 2.                Welcome More Natural Lights Introduce more light in your office space. Nothing beats a light and airy atmosphere as a place to get things done. Providing employees with access to natural light has improved their mood and motivation, which is useful in any effort to maximize output. Getting rid of the blinds in the office might make for a warmer and more pleasant atmosphere. After all, you want your workplace to be where people like spending their time. Using less artificial light can help save money on energy bills over time, freeing up capital that can be put toward other needs. 3.                Consider Glass Walls You can install glass walls in your office to give it a more modern look. Adding extra glass to your office is a great way to give your office a fresh and modern look.  It’s common for modern businesses to use glass partitioning systems to allow for more natural light, create a more open layout, and still maintain some privacy. A fantastic alternative for traditional workplace partitions like walls and doors, allowing you to create quiet spaces for work, meetings, and other private activities. Glass walls can be used to improve the aesthetics of an office rather than detract from it. 4.                Avoid Big and Heavy Furniture Bulky, heavy and hefty furniture makes the office space feel less open and more cramped. Therefore avoid big heavy furniture to keep your working place open and airy. Use space-saving furniture that will consume less office space and will not crowd out your functional area. It is essential to those business owners with comparatively small office space. In today’s market, choices are abundant when it comes to designing lightweight office space and choosing furniture which is Flexible and has multiple functions. Try to use expandable table chairs and small corner workstations or desks to make the most of a small office space. 5.                Take the Remote Workers Into Count If you have employees who work for you remotely, remember to consider them. Though they might not visit the office daily, They require a place to set up and work, when you bring them into town for annual meetings or weekly visits. Add a few more workstations and desks and equip them with necessary office items and technology so they can work properly whenever they are at the office. It will save you from the hassle of temporarily setting up a desk and arranging things for them. And it will also give your remote workers a better sense of belonging in the office.  6.                Choose the Colour Carefully Infuse color purposely, do not just use any color here and there. Use a color theme that goes well with your brand, company message, or the environment you want to create in the office space. Traditionally, Using light colors is mainly suggested for working places as these colors reflect lights and give an office a more open, airy, and spacious look. In today’s modern corporate world, colors like blue, grey, white, brown, black, etc., are considered the most suitable colors for the office. On the other hand, colors like orange, purple, green, and yellow are avoided. Different shades of blue are also famous when it comes to designing offices. You can use rich blue shades like  Cerulean blue, navy blue, Prussian blue, etc. these hues creates a business-like office look and goes very well with corporate vibes. 7.                Add A Lounge You can add a coworking area or a comfortable lounge space for the employees. Sitting at a desk all day long is boring and exhausting for the workers. A short break in a new setting may do wonders for revitalizing the staff and getting them back into the swing of things at work. A change of environment can make the employees feel refreshed and recharged to work. Adding a sofa to your workspace may give it a more inviting appearance. Tables with high tops, booths, and comfy couches can be dispersed throughout the office. 8.                Place Indoor Plants In The Office Put some potted plants in your office to brighten the space. Plants within the house have been shown to reduce stress naturally. These plants effectively induce feelings of relaxation, serenity, and greatness in their surroundings. According to several studies, the presence of indoor plants in a working environment may significantly reduce employees’ stress, in addition to having a favorable influence on concentration and creativity. Not only that, but by placing plants in the office, you will be highly increasing the overall aesthetic attractiveness of your workplace. Also, indoor plants improve the air quality of your office. Final Words There are many ways to design an office. It also has to do a lot with the business owner’s preference, company size, budget, etc. Still, we believe the above-mentioned essential

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