The development of a £40 million state-of-the-art aerospace manufacturing and design facility for Moog Inc. in Gloucestershire has reached practical completion. Developer Barberry Industrial has delivered a 208,000 sq ft centre of excellence on a 10-acre site at Ashchurch, Tewkesbury. The facility is a carbon neutral building, designed to a
Fast-growing flexible office provider, Canvas Offices, has unveiled plans to launch a 35,000 SQ FT building above Holborn Tube Station in conjunction with Israeli real estate giant, Eido Hagag, after securing a long-term lease for the property. Acquired by the Hagag-Gaya Holdings in 2021, ‘88 Kingsway’ is an ornate Victorian
Shell Energy UK Limited (“Shell”) has signed an agreement with Norsk Hydro ASA (“Hydro”), a global leader in aluminium and renewable energy, to help decarbonise its UK operations. The three-year agreement will cover the annual supply of 144 gigawatt hours of natural gas and 56 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity
The ongoing revival of Sheffield’s historic Leah’s Yard on Cambridge Street celebrated an important construction milestone this week, with the building’s new extension reaching its highest point. Leah’s Yard is seen as the jewel in the crown of Heart of the City – the transformative city centre development programme led
Remote teams are being provided with portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits OnSite, the specialist drainage division of South Staffordshire Plc, has announced that it is making major investments in ensuring the safety of its remote teams. They will be providing portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits in
Coming in the wake of the Hackitt review, receiving Royal Assent in April 2022, the Building Safety Act covers a raft of changes for housebuilders and developers. These include a new system of accountability for safety in projects, a construction products regulator and a refreshed regulatory framework. It is claimed
INTERNATIONAL M&E consultancy CPW is set to be featured in the publication titled His Majesty at 75: The leadership and Vision of King Charles III in recognition of the company’s continued commitment to sustainability and training the next generation. CPW has always placed sustainability at the heart of its business practices and projects. Whether meeting
A pioneering cleantech company is set to unveil its prototype flatpack home built using sustainable and advanced materials after undergoing testing at a ground-breaking research facility in Greater Manchester. Vector Homes is working with Energy House 2.0, part of the University of Salford, to develop its new rapid-build housing system.
Morgan Sindall has completed work on a new school in Warwick. Kenilworth School and Sixth Form is part of Warwick District Council’s plans to increase school places and improve facilities in the region. The project involved Kenilworth School & Sixth Form relocating from two existing sites to a new facility
Major repairs to a Grade II listed bridge are progressing on schedule according to North of England contractor, Esh Construction, who is delivering the project on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. A 15-week scheme to deliver emergency repair and strengthening works to the structure got underway in July
The development of a £40 million state-of-the-art aerospace manufacturing and design facility for Moog Inc. in Gloucestershire has reached practical completion. Developer Barberry Industrial has delivered a 208,000 sq ft centre of excellence on a 10-acre site at Ashchurch, Tewkesbury. The facility is a carbon neutral building, designed to a BREEAM excellent EPC A+ standard. It is expected to be operational later this year. Barberry, the West Midlands-based development and investment company, started construction on the site off the A46, near junction 9 of the M5, in April 2021 having agreed a 35-year lease with Moog. Main contractor Readie Construction delivered the £28 million construction contract, which included both Cat A and Cat B fit out works. Jon Robinson, development director at Barberry, said: “This has been a fantastic award-winning project and it has been a pleasure to work alongside Moog, a global leader in aerospace manufacturing, as we hand over their new facility allowing their business to service new contracts, generate new highly skilled jobs and enjoy continued success in Gloucestershire. “We are very proud both to have delivered a wonderful facility on behalf of the company and to have led the way on what is one of the few carbon neutral manufacturing facilities in the UK, fulfilling several green credentials allowing Moog to address sustainability while also incorporating several staff wellbeing provisions within the building including a fully equipped gymnasium and staff relaxation and welfare area providing an excellent working environment for Moog employees.” The building has been fitted with 2,400 450W PV Solar panels capable of generating 1 MW of Energy. Also included is a state-of-the-art 50,000 litre underground rainwater harvesting system which supplies water to the toilets, saving an estimated 1,000 m3 of water energy each year. Elsewhere, it has EV charging points, the highest quality insulation material, bat boxes, bird boxes and insect hotels, heat recovery systems reducing natural gas consumption, and LED intelligent lighting throughout. The new development has easy access to the M5, the M50, the M42 and the motorway network beyond. It is expected to attract substantial investment to the region and safeguard the employment of a highly-skilled workforce while creating new jobs. Mark Lawton, ACC Division General Manager at Moog, said: “Moving into our new manufacturing and design facility in Gloucestershire marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Moog. The Barberry team has delivered an outstanding centre of engineering excellence.” Moog’s existing Tewkesbury Aircraft Controls Segment operation is the global centre of excellence for design of servo valves and has a large engineering division housed within its existing facility. It is the town’s largest employer and has operated from there for over 40 years. The highly anticipated new facility will help foster further growth in Moog’s Engine and Flight control products for military and commercial aerospace programs. Moog sees the expansion as an integral part of its commitment to long-term manufacturing and sales in the UK. Barberry has a 2.4 million sq ft industrial/logistics development portfolio with a Gross Development Value of more than £355 million. In 2023, Barberry is proudly celebrating 40 years of successful property investment and development. The company is opportunity driven and is actively seeking further development and investment opportunities. It is active in all sectors of the property market including industrial, offices, retail, strategic land and residential. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fast-growing flexible office provider, Canvas Offices, has unveiled plans to launch a 35,000 SQ FT building above Holborn Tube Station in conjunction with Israeli real estate giant, Eido Hagag, after securing a long-term lease for the property. Acquired by the Hagag-Gaya Holdings in 2021, ‘88 Kingsway’ is an ornate Victorian building which retains many of its original external features. Once home to the British Electrical Federation in 1915, 88 Kingsway is accessible at street level, where the stone emblem of a flanged wheel and electrical bolts can still be seen above the entrance. Having signed terms in August 2023, Canvas now plans to work with Hagag-Gaya Holdings to transform the space into an authentic and modern work environment through an extensive refurbishment project – culminating in the launch of a vibrant and inspiring space which effectively blurs the lines between home and work. Having doubled the size of its portfolio within the last 9 months, Canvas now boasts 15 sites of prime commercial real estate throughout leading London locations, including Shoreditch, Farringdon, and Mayfair; with two additional sites currently under negotiation. This latest news follows a series of exciting developments for the innovative flexible office space provider, having recently opened new buildings in Oxford Street and Farringdon, with both having sold-out within a few weeks of launch. Yaron Rosenblum, Co-Founder and CEO of Canvas Offices, confirmed: “88 Kingsway is an incredible building that still boasts a number of original features throughout. Spanning seven different floors, the space has amazing potential to be transformed into a thriving, design-led workspace in one of London’s top locations with highly accessible transport connections east to west and north to south via the Central Line and Piccadilly Lines respectively. We are really excited to commence works, have a unique and engaging design concept in place and are aiming to open its doors to our first tenants from spring 2024.” Established in 2018, Canvas Offices is on an exciting trajectory for growth after securing a £2.5 million in debt investment in October 2022, and boasts plans to further accelerate with the launch its first investment round this autumn. Underpinned by a growing team of industry experts, Canvas buildings are home to hundreds of ever-expanding businesses from start-ups to Global unicorns, including influential brands like Rough Trade, Patchwork, Malin+Goetz, and Augustinus Bader. Hagag-Gaya Holdings was founded by Mr. Eido Hagag, an Israeli entrepreneur and co-founder of the publicly traded Hagag Group, one of Israel’s leading property developers. The company specialises in property investments, development and management in the UK and Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shell Energy UK Limited (“Shell”) has signed an agreement with Norsk Hydro ASA (“Hydro”), a global leader in aluminium and renewable energy, to help decarbonise its UK operations. The three-year agreement will cover the annual supply of 144 gigawatt hours of natural gas and 56 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity to the company’s UK sites. As part of the deal, Shell Energy will supply electricity backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates* generated from the Rhyl Flats Windfarm.[1] Situated 8km off the coast of Llandudno, the 25-turbine site has 90MW of installed capacity. The ability to provide 100% renewable electricity demonstrates Shell Energy’s ability to help its customers decarbonise their operations and accelerate their transition towards net-zero emissions. Hydro is headquartered in Norway, with operations around the world in a broad range of markets including aluminium production, energy, metal recycling, renewables and battery manufacturing. In the UK, its primary activities include extrusion, fabrication, recycling, die manufacturing, surface treatment and thermal break. Hydro is intent on leading the way towards a more sustainable future and creating more viable societies by turning natural resources into products and solutions in innovative and efficient ways. Its product portfolio continues to evolve, with sustainable offerings that are significantly less carbon intensive (per kg) to produce than the primary global average of virgin aluminium,[2] while the company is also working hard to accelerate its transition to net-zero emissions. Lars Lysbakken, Energy Portfolio Manager at Hydro, commented: “While extensive research and development is helping to significantly lower the carbon intensity of our products, looking for new and innovative solutions to help decarbonise our wider operations is considered a board-level priority. “When it came to finding the perfect energy partner, we wanted to identify a long-term collaborator that could support our transition to net-zero. Shell Energy demonstrated extensive understanding of our business, our sector, and our ambitious decarbonisation roadmap. “The ability to provide REGO certificates from the Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm was another important part of the agreement. While we’re committed to using less energy, it’s positive to know that our operations will now be powered entirely by asset-specific renewable electricity.” In 2022 alone, Shell invested $4.3 billion in low-carbon energy solutions,[3] and has already reduced its own Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions by 30%.[4] To help to transform the energy system, the company is focused on driving a shift towards renewable electricity;[5] developing low and zero-carbon alternatives to traditional fuels (including biofuels, hydrogen, and other low- and zero-carbon gases); working with its customers to decarbonise their use of energy; and addressing any remaining emissions from conventional fuels with solutions such as carbon capture and storage and carbon credits.[6] Greg Kavanagh, Head of Industrial and Commercial Sales at Shell Energy added: “Rather than a transactional agreement, we see our contracts as long-term strategic collaborations that provide Shell Energy with the opportunity to accelerate customer progress in reaching net-zero emissions. “In the case of Hydro, we were able to offer a solution that perfectly aligned to its sustainability ambitions. We’re looking forward to working closely with the company to offer our knowledge, guidance and support over the longer term.” To find out more about Shell Energy, visit uk.shellenergy.com. [1] Main site for the first 12 months of the contract. More information can be found here: https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/240657/ [2] https://www.hydro.com/en-GB/aluminium/products/low-carbon-and-recycled-aluminium/ [3] https://reports.shell.com/energy-transition-progress-report/2022/financial-framework/investing-in-net-zero.html [4] https://reports.shell.com/energy-transition-progress-report/2022/our-performance/absolute-emissions-progress.html#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20our%20total%20combined,with%202016%2C%20the%20reference%20year [5] https://reports.shell.com/energy-transition-progress-report/2022/decarbonising-our-portfolio/transforming-the-energy-system.html#:~:text=provide%20more%20electricity%20to%20customers,their%20use%20of%20energy%3B%20 [6] https://reports.shell.com/energy-transition-progress-report/2022/decarbonising-our-portfolio/transforming-the-energy-system.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The ongoing revival of Sheffield’s historic Leah’s Yard on Cambridge Street celebrated an important construction milestone this week, with the building’s new extension reaching its highest point. Leah’s Yard is seen as the jewel in the crown of Heart of the City – the transformative city centre development programme led by Sheffield City Council and their Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry. The former collection of small industrial workshops is currently being transformed into a new social hub for creative independent businesses. This Grade II* listed building was recently removed from Historic England’s ‘Building at Risk’ register following preliminary structural and roof work, which has brought the building back into usable condition. Work on adding a complementary and sympathetic extension to the building, designed to vastly improve public accessibility and create extra commercial space, began earlier this year and the steel structure has now hit its peak. To celebrate this latest milestone for Leah’s Yard, Sheffield City Council welcomed key representatives from Queensberry, RF Joinery, Turner & Townsend and Lathams, alongside Tom Wolfenden and James O’Hara – the future venue operators – for a tour of the site, along with an official topping-out ceremony. Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are delighted to see Leah’s Yard reach this milestone. The redevelopment of this cherished heritage ensures that the building will remain a key focal point in our city centre for decades to come. This new hub for independent retailers and creative workshops will deliver a modern, fresh and vibrant destination – one that really reflects what Sheffield is all about.” Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry, added: “Leah’s Yard is progressing well and on track to open early next year. The plans for this space are completely unique and, alongside the neighbouring Cambridge Street Collective food hall and live entertainment venue in Bethel Chapel, we expect it to become the social and cultural heartbeat of the city centre.” Once completed in Spring 2024, the venue will be run by Tom Wolfenden, who manages the Cooper Buildings on Arundel Street, and James O’Hara, who runs acclaimed bars such as Public and Picture House Social. The duo plan to breathe new life into the site by transforming it into an experience-led destination for local independent retailers and businesses, creative workshops and social events. A bustling central public courtyard will be surrounded by small boutique shops, while the first and second floors will host around 20 independent working studios. Tom Wolfenden said: “It’s been a long journey to get to this point, but we’re delighted to finally see the end in sight and can’t wait to open next summer. On the upper floors we’re already starting tours of the offices and studios to build our tenant community.” James O’Hara continued: “We’re also speaking to independent retailers and starting to map out the exciting tenant mix within the courtyard. We can’t say much at the moment but get ready for some big news over the coming months.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Remote teams are being provided with portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits OnSite, the specialist drainage division of South Staffordshire Plc, has announced that it is making major investments in ensuring the safety of its remote teams. They will be providing portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits in each of their vans as well as ensuring that personnel undertake the professional training needed to use them. The decision to invest in these life-saving tools and training was based on several factors, including the increased use of heavy mechanised plant, cutting equipment (both mechanical and motorised), isolated sites, remote working and an ageing workforce. With 90% of its workforce operating in high-risk environments every day, OnSite understands the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure their safety. Working in remote or awkward locations can make it almost impossible for emergency services to respond in time to a cardiac arrest or stroke, or even a catastrophic cut. Therefore, OnSite is proud to invest in these life-saving tools and training to ensure that its personnel has the best chance of survival in case of an emergency. OnSite believes that this proactive approach to health and safety will not only protect its workforce but will also give its clients peace of mind, knowing that OnSite is committed to ensuring the safety of its teams. The company has identified sites like Darnford Moors Ecology Park (see photograph), currently being restored by the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust to showcase the importance of this approach through promotional projects and collateral. In the case of Darnford Moors, as a legacy gift on completion of the works OnSite will be leaving a defibrillator at an agreed location for the public to access if ever it should be required. This initiative highlights OneSite’s commitment to the health safety of its colleagues and is, in part, why it remains a top choice for customers looking for a reliable and responsible partner. Steve Brown, OnSite’s specialist first aid practitioner and operations supervisor, said, “As a company, we understand that the safety and well-being of our workforce is our top priority. We operate in high-risk environments every day and it’s essential that we take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks. By investing in portable defibrillators and specialist cut trauma kits, as well as providing the necessary training, we are equipping our remote teams with the tools they need to respond in an emergency. This initiative is not just about meeting legal requirements, it’s about ensuring our colleagues are protected and can return home safely to their families. We are proud to be taking this important step and look forward to continuing to set the standard for safety in our industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Coming in the wake of the Hackitt review, receiving Royal Assent in April 2022, the Building Safety Act covers a raft of changes for housebuilders and developers. These include a new system of accountability for safety in projects, a construction products regulator and a refreshed regulatory framework. It is claimed to be the biggest change in building safety for over 40 years. More than a year on, with many key aspects of the act now in force, industry professionals are still grappling with the implications to ensure their operations and developments are compliant. Providing an opportunity to get to grips with the latest information and achieving building safety standards through modern methods of construction, Offsite Expo 2023, being held at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 and 20 September – is the place to go to hear direct from industry experts about achieving safe and compliant buildings. Offsite Masterclasses Chaired by Tom Mason, Director of Fire Safety Engineering at Kiwa Fire Safety Compliance – the CPD accredited Fire Protection Masterclass will shine a spotlight on building safety. David Fitzpatrick, Head of SFS, will focus on the impact of ‘the new Building Safety Act on Smoke Control Systems.’ SFS is a division of Extye Hargreaves which delivers complex engineering projects including HVAC and full mechanical and electrical systems, associated structural steelwork and civil engineering. David has worked within the building services industry for 35 years and has been a member of CIBSE for over 25 years and has had two periods on the CIBSE board. Passive fire protection specialist FSi, will be using the Fire Protection Masterclass as a platform to highlight the benefits that offsite construction can bring in the efficient installation of cavity barriers to help protect buildings in the event of a blaze breaking out. With the recent announcement that the government’s cladding safety scheme is to be expanded, fire protection measures continue to be a major consideration in all aspects of construction. Liam Blears on behalf of FSi will discuss how ‘Forward Planning is Key to Ensure Correct Sequencing in Offsite Construction’ and also how the controlled environment used to create modules supports excellence in cavity barrier installation, including the ability to carry out on-site checks. Presenting ‘The New Fire Safety Regulations and the Benefit of Offsite Construction’ – Nichola Harrison is passionate about health and safety. Assistant Director – Facilities, Fleet and H&S at Paradigm Housing Group, Nichola has had great success leading organisations in creating healthier and safer environments and improving their safety culture by making use of her diverse background in medium to high risk organisations. In the Structural Timber Masterclass, Julie Bregulla Strategic Advisor for high profile organisations such as Swedish Wood, Structural Timber Association and Timber Development UK – will introduce ‘The Timber Fire Safety Platform.’ Previously Executive Director of the Building Research Establishment – Fire and Building Technology Group, Julie has over 20 years’ experience working in academia, consulting and construction. She has been active in research, testing and certification of construction products and systems, including timber. ‘Fire Safety in Building in Cavities’ will be presented by Craig Fyall, Category Director – Walling for Permavent in the Facades & Fenestration Masterclass. Craig has over 20 years of extensive experience in roofing and construction membranes and building structure fire safety. In 2012 Craig led the design team in the specification and detailing of the first Passivhaus 56-bedroom care home in the UK. Curated by Leading Offsite Experts The masterclasses at Offsite Expo will provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective from a host of renowned experts. Delegates will experience an interactive learning environment which will actively encourage engagement with the key themes. One of the reasons Offsite Expo has experienced incremental growth year-on-year is the quality of the speaker programme. Helping the development of new skills and specialisms and a central part of the Offsite Expo experience – with over 80 confirmed distinguished speakers, Offsite Masterclasses and Spotlight on Offsite Sessions are the place to gain insights, learn from the best and meet experts offering in-depth analysis and technical know-how in an extensive range of CPD-accredited sessions – all free of charge. For the full seminar programme visit: www.offsite-expo.co.uk/masterclasses Register To Attend Offsite construction is changing the norms for contractors, developers, architects, engineers and specifiers. There is an urgent need for construction professionals to get to grips with the latest industry innovations and building safety regulations. Offsite Expo is the place to go to take a deep dive into the emerging trends that are making the building process safer, faster and more sustainable to reach net zero goals. With the government mandating 70% pre-manufactured value (PMV) in all public sector projects and developers recognising the safety, quality and predictability benefits – offsite technology is becoming an increasingly dominant force in the world of building safety and construction. Offsite Expo will be taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 and 20 September 2023. Entry to the exhibition, CPD Accredited Explore Offsite Masterclasses and Spotlight on Offsite Panel Discussions – are free of charge. To book tickets go to: www.offsite-expo.co.uk/book Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INTERNATIONAL M&E consultancy CPW is set to be featured in the publication titled His Majesty at 75: The leadership and Vision of King Charles III in recognition of the company’s continued commitment to sustainability and training the next generation. CPW has always placed sustainability at the heart of its business practices and projects. Whether meeting strict energy efficiency targets for the University of Leicester’s George Davies Centre, the largest non-domestic Passivhaus project, or decarbonising historic, listed buildings for the University of Oxford – bringing buildings to life in ways that are better for the world is key to its approach. This is in close alignment with the causes His Majesty has supported throughout his life, championing sustainability and working closely with business and leaders to tackle climate change head on. Neil Foster, director at CPW, was interviewed for the book, which is set for release later this year on 14 November to celebrate the King’s 75th birthday. Neil said: “It is an honour to be showcased in His Majesty at 75: The Leadership and Vision of King Charles III for our focus on sustainability, a passion that we share with the King. “The built environment is a huge contributor to emissions, so we are highly conscious of the impact of sustainable design and acknowledge our responsibility to improve industry standards. With every building we design, we aim to minimise carbon emissions and its environmental impact. That’s why we are so proud to be one of the built environment specialists recognised for our efforts in this commemorative album.” CPW’s apprenticeship programme, which was established more than 25 years ago, is also highlighted within the book and is committed to nurturing local, home-grown talent and bridging the skills gap by developing the sustainable engineers needed for the future of the industry. More than 15% of its workforce is currently part of the apprenticeship programme across a variety of levels in all offices, marking CPW’s investment into the next generation of engineers. Neil added: “It’s a huge achievement for the whole team, across all our offices, to be featured within the book. It’s a real testament to our dedication to sustainability, I’m excited to have the opportunity to showcase our ways of working, projects and apprenticeship programme within this slice of history.” His Majesty at 75: The Leadership and Vision of King Charles III, produced by publisher St James’s House, is authored by royal biographer Robert Jobson and will feature pictures by royal photographer Arthur Edwards. It is available to order on the St James’s House website. For further information on CPW’s sustainability work visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A pioneering cleantech company is set to unveil its prototype flatpack home built using sustainable and advanced materials after undergoing testing at a ground-breaking research facility in Greater Manchester. Vector Homes is working with Energy House 2.0, part of the University of Salford, to develop its new rapid-build housing system. The prototype is a low-carbon, one-bedroom bungalow measuring 40sq metres which has been constructed using recycled materials, including steel and plastics, as well as advanced materials such as graphene. Vector is designing affordable, energy efficient homes with features including low-embodied carbon materials, infra-red heating, solar cells, breathable mould-resistant plaster and render, as well as embedded technology to provide smart environmental controls that efficiently measure and control the temperature, humidity and air quality in each room. Its homes are designed for rapid production and assembly. Vector is looking to mass manufacture homes in a range of shapes and sizes which are sold as flatpacks to be built by a small team of people. By incorporating graphene into the structures, the panels used in the construction of a Vector home have improved tensile strength, a greatly-reduced flame spread and increased UV resistance. Vector has worked with the University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre to develop ways of incorporating the material into its housing systems. Vector is using the unique features of Energy House 2.0 to test the prototype’s thermal properties and its efficiency in different climates. Energy House 2.0 can recreate temperatures from -20C to 40C, representing 95 per cent the inhabited earth, as well as recreating snow, wind, rain and solar energy to put the Vector home through its paces. Launched earlier this year, the £16m Energy House 2.0, at the heart of the University of Salford’s Peel Park Campus, is globally unique and is helping to drive innovation in the housing sector already, through work with housebuilders Barratt and Bellway, and manufacturer Saint-Gobain. Vector, which is led by chief executive Nathan Feddy and chief technical officer Dr Liam Britnell, has so far received backing from SFC Capital, GC Angels, the Greater Manchester Investment Fund which is the investment arm of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Innovate UK, the European Regional Development Fund and social housing investment firm HSPG. Liam said: “Our mission is to cut carbon and costs in construction and our homes are designed to have 80 per cent fewer carbon emissions in the building process compared to a standard brick house. “They are also designed to be dismantled rather than demolished at the end of life, with the components finding a second or even third life elsewhere. From the microstructure to the superstructure of a Vector home, everything links back to efficiency and sustainability. Our homes will be super standardised to ensure the rapid production of components and assembly. “The opportunity to work with Energy House 2.0 has been a dream come true. It’s a one-of-a-kind facility which enables testing for new types of construction methods. “The Energy House 2.0 team have been incredible to work with, and in a few months’ time our housing system will have more empirical data than any other in the world. This will enable us to continue our iteration cycles to take Vector to the next level.” The Vector Homes prototype will be officially unveiled at an open day and housewarming event on Thursday, September 21, which is being hosted in conjunction with specialist finance firm Together, for housing associations, local authorities, private developers, housebuilders and investors. As well as showcasing the Vector Homes prototype, other digital technologies such as AI-assisted site planning, smart home and digital tools and other new materials will be exhibited. Also exhibiting will be F&T Terrix, Ambion Heating and HAHN Plastics, which have provided mould-resistant plaster and render, infra-red heating and outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic respectively for the prototype. Prof Will Swan, director of Energy House Labs, said: “This type of project is exactly what our unique Energy House 2.0 facility was built for. Vector Homes is an ambitious, innovative north west company and if we can help them to develop a new product which can provide cheap, safe and, most importantly, warm housing, then there will be huge benefits.” Elliot Vure, director of corporate sales at Together, said: “We’ve been incredibly impressed with Vector’s vision to provide quality, sustainable and affordable housing, made from innovative materials. “The prototype building that Vector has produced is a fantastic example of researchers and the private sector working in partnership, and we believe that Vector’s low-carbon, rapid-build homes can go some way to providing a solution to some of the UK’s future housing challenges.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall has completed work on a new school in Warwick. Kenilworth School and Sixth Form is part of Warwick District Council’s plans to increase school places and improve facilities in the region. The project involved Kenilworth School & Sixth Form relocating from two existing sites to a new facility at Southcrest Farm, Glasshouse Lane in Kenilworth. Spanning over 36 acres of land, the new three-story campus offers 2,200 places, an increase of 440, helping to cater for the growing population in Kenilworth, a market town six miles southwest of Coventry. Procured through the Pagabo Framework and delivered for Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust (KMAT) and Warwick District Council, the school is now one of the largest in the UK. The design includes extensive teaching and social provision including two floodlit all-weather pitches, natural grass pitches and hard-court areas; a dining room with “grab-and-go” options, hall and theatre, community sports and changing facilities, and a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) suite. Following completion, the community and local sports clubs will have use of new sports and leisure facilities, and community groups will be able to hire the hall/theatre and other facilities at the school. The local air cadet group, 496 (Kenilworth & Balsall Common) Squadron, have also been invited to share the facilities. Richard Fielding, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “KMAT already had an existing reputation as one of the best schools in the area, so it was an honour to be a part of developing it even further. The completion of the new school marks exciting progress in the provision of public services for the growing town of Kenilworth. We are delighted to have completed construction works on one of the largest schools to have been built in the UK, and to deliver facilities which will benefit not only students and staff at the school, but the wider community for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Major repairs to a Grade II listed bridge are progressing on schedule according to North of England contractor, Esh Construction, who is delivering the project on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. A 15-week scheme to deliver emergency repair and strengthening works to the structure got underway in July after the stone bridge, which carries the A163 over the River Derwent, was hit by a car in September 2022, causing significant damage to the headwall and parapet. The first phase of works saw the installation of an encapsulated scaffold which allowed grit blasting, steel girder reinforcement and masonry repairs to the parapets to be carried out safely. At the half way point, masonry repairs which include the use of steel staples to pin the stonework together for additional strength are now complete, and the steel girders have been refurbished. The next critical phase will see specialist vacuum excavation works undertaken to remove the fill from the eastern and western bridge arches, this will allow steel anchors and concrete infill to be installed to further strengthen the structure. Steven Garrigan, divisional director for Esh Construction’s civil engineering division, said: “We are pleased with progress to date and remain on schedule. “We understand the strain the closure of the bridge is having on the local area and as such made a commitment to procure local suppliers and sub-contractors where possible to do so given the specialist nature of some of the trades required. I am delighted to report that more than half of the contract value has been re-invested within 20 miles of the site. “While we have overcame any obstacles so far to allow us to remain on programme, we would like to remind everyone that the risk of uncovering further structural issues still remains high, but we are working collaboratively with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to ensure they are fully informed every step of the way.” Adam Holmes, director of infrastructure and facilities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are pleased with the progress of the repair and strengthening works on this bridge project. “We’d like to thank Esh Construction for being so accommodating with its work schedules to help speed up this work so we could plan for the bridge to be reopened sooner, and for its support of local businesses during this scheme.” Additional work to be delivered in the coming weeks includes the installation of a vehicle restraint system to prevent any future damage of a similar nature, as well as kerbing, ducting, surfacing and road marking. Originally built in 1798 and a Grade II listed structure, all repairs undertaken are sympathetic to the existing bridge and its surroundings. The project is due to complete at the end of October 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
