Cadogan has completed a landmark £235 million development located at the heart of London’s King’s Road, as part of its continued community-led placemaking and investment. The Gaumont will comprise a rooftop bar with panoramic views from Big Ben to Battersea, a 600-seat cinema, enhanced Waitrose, flagship retail, creative space, office
The UK construction industry continued to struggle with spending down 23% in September and planning approvals also down 13% according to the latest analysis by construction analysts Barbour ABI. Meanwhile, planning applications failed to break out of their recent holding pattern. A mixed picture for Infrastructure Infrastructure was a star
A FLAGSHIP new university building with groundbreaking sustainability features designed by international MEP consultancy CPW has been handed over to the University of Birmingham. The £80m Molecular Sciences Building will be the base for more than 500 scientists leading the field in world-class research in chemical, environmental and biomolecular sciences. Innovative technology and a
According to recent research, a significant portion of office buildings in the United Kingdom do not meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) legislation. David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Fans, urges building owners and facilities managers to conduct thorough reviews of ventilation systems to fill in any gaps
Construction is now under way on the comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade II listed Adelaide House in the City of London. Originally completed in 1924 on the site of the original London Bridge, Adelaide House was the City of London’s first steel frame building. At the time of construction, it
The terms under the new Building Safety Act 2022 became enforceable from October 1st this year. Here, Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, examines why creating a ‘Golden Thread’ of information within the new legislation is so important for those involved in the intumescent
Organizations partner to connect the origination of sustainability with the future of building technology In a landmark effort to preserve architectural history and inspire the future of sustainable construction, the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Not-For-Profit and Mighty Buildings jointly announced the design and development of a new visitor center
Winners of the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards, 2023 have been announced Building surveying professional Carolyn Brady has been crowned “Surveyor of the Year” at the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards, which recognise the most inspiring and influential surveyors who have been qualified for up to 10 years. Carolyn, a building surveyor
Whitecode Consulting, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering, has been awarded the prestigious Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Employer of the Year Award for 2023. The company was recognised at the CIBSE Young Engineer Awards ceremony, held at the Royal College of
Guildford-based housebuilder Barratt Southern Counties has appointed a new Head of Sales and Marketing, who has taken over responsibility for sites across the Home Counties including Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex. Alex Dowling returned to the division this month (October 2023), where he began his career as a Sales Consultant more
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Cadogan has completed a landmark £235 million development located at the heart of London’s King’s Road, as part of its continued community-led placemaking and investment. The Gaumont will comprise a rooftop bar with panoramic views from Big Ben to Battersea, a 600-seat cinema, enhanced Waitrose, flagship retail, creative space, office accommodation and 47 residential apartments, as well as an extraordinary art installation by renowned London-based artist Shezad Dawood. Designed by leading architects PDP Studio, with construction undertaken by UK firm Wates Group, the scheme celebrates the community, heritage and architecture of the area. Located at 196-222 King’s Road, it is named‘The Gaumont in honour of its cinematic and theatrical past as the original 1930’s Gaumont Palace Theatre building*, and as tribute to William Friese-Greene, creator of the first moving image whose studio was based nearby in the 19th century. In recognition of the cultural significance of the Gaumont Palace building, the grandeur of its façade has been sensitively renovated, preserving unique Art Deco details and embellishments. Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, said: “The purpose of this project has always been to reinvigorate the King’s Road’s distinct character and contribute to its rich legacy, whilst seeing it enter a new era – from the independent ‘creative cluster’, cinema, major new public art commission to the beautifully restored façade. There are many other plans underway such as finding space for immersive cultural pop-ups, a ‘pub theatre’ and the right new operator to keep institutions like the 151 Club alive. The Gaumont is a major part of a wider revitalisation plan for one of the world’s most famous high streets.” Mark Craig, Regional Director for Wates Construction London said: “We worked closely with Cadogan to implement an innovative solution to support the historic art deco façade of the original Gaumont Theatre building while it was restored by specialists, bringing back to life some of the original features and preserving this iconic London landmark. At the same time, we used modern methods of construction to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency. Through all our work, we look to bring benefit to the local community, and we’re pleased to have donated £83,000 in cash and in-kind donations to local charities, as well as investing 1270 hours volunteering and supporting the local community during the project.” Following a community consultation, which highlighted the resounding call for more independent outlets and spaces focused on the arts, music and literature, a cluster of small spaces in The Gaumont will be home to independent creatives to strengthen and encourage King’s Road position at the epicentre of London’s art, fashion, design and music scene. This follows a local consultation by Cadogan in 2015 which led to the creation of Pavilion Road as an artisan food ‘village’ with extensive outdoor seating and full pedestrianisation. A new addition to the building is the commission of a significant new piece of public art. Selected by a local cultural panel including members of the Chelsea Arts Club, V&A and Royal Society of Sculptors, the internationally acclaimed artist Shezad Dawood has been commissioned to create an artwork for the façade of the building. Two panels, each 6m x 2.9m, will occupy the positions of the historic panelling which featured latest film releases. Hand-sculpted from ceramic tiles with beautiful multicoloured glazes, the work pays homage to the heritage and memory of the site for local residents and communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction industry continued to struggle with spending down 23% in September and planning approvals also down 13% according to the latest analysis by construction analysts Barbour ABI. Meanwhile, planning applications failed to break out of their recent holding pattern. A mixed picture for Infrastructure Infrastructure was a star performer in planning approvals, raising 16% in September and nearly 80% year on year to 3.3bn in Q3. However, it wasn’t all good news, with infrastructure spending falling 28% to less than £900m from August to September and remaining down 41% year-on-year. Energy remains a bright spot, but activity across other sub-sectors was subdued. Barbour ABI Consultant Economist Kelly Forestcommented, “Infrastructure is currently painting an uncertain picture with policy changes around HS2 weighing heavily on the sector’s future. How fast funds are reallocated from HS2 phase 2 and to where will have a huge impact on construction businesses operating in the transport space. Meanwhile, investment in green energy projects remains an important crutch for the industry and a key driver for infrastructure activity. We will have to hope that continues despite Rishi Sunak’s recent vacillating on green policy.” Residential sees sunlight There were some rare positive indicators for residential construction in the latest analysis. While awards were still down from this time last year, they jumped 11% from August due to a revival in activity by local authorities. There was also a mini-resurgence in the latest planning application figures, with a 20% climb in August to £4bn worth of applications. “Any good news for beleaguered housebuilders is welcome as the sector continues to struggle, and September revealed some interesting trends,” said Forrest. “Local Authorities may provide an unexpected lifeline as they seek public-private partnerships to fulfil ever-urgent social housing needs. We have already seen housebuilders such as Vistry switching focus to social housing, and the latest figures show that activity is increasing in this area. “That said, Approvals remain low, so it will be interesting to see how this pans out over the as we head into 2024.” Quarterly trends As Q3 came to a close, patterns also emerged in longer-term trends. Q3 awards were 11% higher than a year ago in all sectors and 20% higher than Q2. Approvals tailed off in September, but Q3 was strong overall, up by nearly 50% against Q2 and nearly 30% higher than Q3 2022. In terms of planning applications, there have been relatively consistent levels in recent months, painting an overall picture of stabilisation – if at a slightly lower level than in 2022. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A FLAGSHIP new university building with groundbreaking sustainability features designed by international MEP consultancy CPW has been handed over to the University of Birmingham. The £80m Molecular Sciences Building will be the base for more than 500 scientists leading the field in world-class research in chemical, environmental and biomolecular sciences. Innovative technology and a range of sustainable solutions have been used throughout the design and construction of the 11,250m² phase 1 of the masterplan, now home to cutting-edge laboratories including 171 high-efficiency fume-cupboards, as well as lecture rooms, offices and collaborative spaces. An experienced design team has collaborated effectively to help the building achieve BREEAM Excellent accreditation and an EPC A [14] rating. The digital-first project includes an impressive two-storey energy centre, created on the edge of the site by CPW to mitigate the impact vibrations on the sensitive experiments and research to be undertaken. The central design achieves a desire for a highly logical building organisation that is focused around an optimised laboratory zone and maximising efficiency for ventilation services. CPW has also used pioneering heat recovery technology to reduce the building’s energy waste and consumption, with the latest air source heat pumps cutting carbon emissions by as much as 70%. Antonios Agapakis, director at CPW, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our skills in bringing progressive and sustainable buildings to life, which will have a positive effect on the environment and our net zero carbon ambitions. “It has been a major project involving in-depth collaboration with a number of partners and the result is a world-class facility that can take the university’s research in these pioneering fields to new levels.” CPW’s building services engineering expertise has seen a number of impressive sustainability measures introduced, including: Carbon benchmarking on the scheme will be used to address further carbon reductions in planned future phases of the site’s development – expected to be 50,000 sq m when completed. The ‘as-built’ model of phase 1 will act as a digital twin to the physical building and will contain all the carbon data associated with building materials and elements. The ambitious first phase has been a triumph of collaboration with the university, led by Morgan Sindall Construction working with CPW, Associated Architects, Ramboll and MGAC. CPW’s involvement followed the success of its complex work on the university’s new £40m energy-efficient Collaborative Teaching Laboratory on the Edgbaston campus, reaching both BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. Antonios added: “It is exciting to be part of the university’s long-term plans to successfully compete on the international stage thanks to these high-tech laboratories and teaching areas. Phase 1 of the building adopts the university’s aspirations for smart campus and infrastructure, which will enable the collection of data for future analysis during building operation and be used to enhance the experience of students. “We’re proud to think that the next generation will be learning from the development of sustainable scientific laboratories in such collaborative environments – it really is the key to all our futures.” The Molecular Sciences building will provide a designated hub for the university’s School of Chemistry and facilities for the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES). The University of Birmingham’s aim is for the research undertaken in the extensive facility to help address some of the biggest scientific challenges of our time, including using materials for energy applications or healthcare, making plastics recyclable and the environmental effects of drugs in the ecosystem. Trevor Payne, the University of Birmingham’s Director of Estates, said: “This building is vital in developing important research and enabling spaces for academic and commercial partnerships to flourish. It also reflects our ambition to create a sustainable and fully connected campus for the future, which we must thank our experienced project partners, such as CPW, in supporting us with. “The building has innovative technology and solutions built into its fabric. And we hope it will spark greater collaboration between different teams just by nature of being in the same building – that’s quite often where the best ideas happen.” 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
According to recent research, a significant portion of office buildings in the United Kingdom do not meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) legislation. David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Fans, urges building owners and facilities managers to conduct thorough reviews of ventilation systems to fill in any gaps in compliance with the MEES and also Part F of the Building Regulations. Leading UK property consultancy Carter Jonas conducted research revealing only 31.6% of the office stock currently meets the minimum proposed MEES standard of EPC band C or better, which is needed by 2027. Even more concerning, a mere 8.3% of office stock sits in EPC band B, which is the minimum MEES requirement by 2030[1]. With the tightening of MEES regulations, a substantial proportion of office buildings could be unlettable by 2027 unless necessary upgrades are carried out. Following this revelation, David encourages building services stakeholders to look into how ventilation systems are performing. David said: “Keeping a close eye on energy consumption related to ventilation systems can not only help quickly identify performance issues but also contribute to overall sustainability efforts. Addressing these inefficiencies translates into reduced operational costs and a more environmentally friendly operation that complies with the MEES. “We encourage building owners and facilities managers to collaborate with ventilation experts, to pinpoint areas where energy efficiency improvements can be made. As MEES regulations continue to evolve, the need for proactive action becomes increasingly evident. Taking these steps now secures the long-term sustainability and marketability of non-residential properties while providing more comfortable and energy-efficient spaces for tenants.” To meet the impending legislative requirements of MEES, it is essential to also align operations with other regulations such as Part F of the Building Regulations, which governs ventilation, stresses David. One uplift that came during the uplift of the regulations last year is that it is now required for CO2 monitors to be installed to measure air quality in new build office spaces[2]. “At the same time of conducting a review, we advise that to maintain optimal indoor air quality and be compliant with Part F, continuous monitoring is essential, especially in populated spaces such as offices. Although CO2 monitoring is only mandated for new build offices, we encourage everybody to install these systems as they provide lots of other benefits and can help define indoor air quality strategies,” said David. “Monitors provide continuous tracking of crucial indoor air quality parameters. Last year, we launched our partnership with Airthings for this reason to allow building and facilities managers to track CO2 levels, particulate matter, noise levels, relative humidity, temperature, relative light intensity and more. Moreover, the Airthings systems receive constant improvements and over-the-cloud upgrades directly to the device, ensuring accurate and up-to-date data.” “This approach not only promotes occupant health and enhanced productivity but also ensures compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. By combining efficient ventilation system management with continuous indoor air quality monitoring, building owners and facilities managers can create safer, healthier, and more sustainable indoor environments,” concludes David. To find out more about air quality monitoring solutions click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is now under way on the comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade II listed Adelaide House in the City of London. Originally completed in 1924 on the site of the original London Bridge, Adelaide House was the City of London’s first steel frame building. At the time of construction, it was also considered the tallest building in the City. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for St Martins Property Investments, the refurbishment will enhance and celebrate the existing structure of the building, whilst improving accessibility and weaving in contemporary services and facilities as required by tenants today. New interventions and materials pay homage to the building’s historic elements, whilst referencing the modern context. Staff and visitors will have access to high quality amenities onsite which include a new business lounge within the reception area on the ground floor. The roof top, originally a rose garden and putting green for building occupiers, will once again be accessible to tenants as it is converted into a communal terrace with extensive views over the River Thames. The BREEAM Excellent design will provide double the number of cycle parking spaces and changing facilities than currently recommended by the British Council of Offices, facilitating a greener commute to work. With Galliford Try appointed as the Main Contractor, the building us expected to be complete in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The terms under the new Building Safety Act 2022 became enforceable from October 1st this year. Here, Bob Glendenning, Fire Design Engineering Manager of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, examines why creating a ‘Golden Thread’ of information within the new legislation is so important for those involved in the intumescent coatings industry. The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) has been developed as a new framework for the design, construction and occupation of ‘higher risk’ buildings. These buildings are defined as being a minimum of 18 metres or seven storeys in height and comprise of at least two domestic premises. These regulations required that all existing occupied high-risk buildings should be registered with the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) from April 6, 2023 and no later than October 1, 2023. The BSR is an independent body which forms part of the Health and Safety Executive, which aims to raise building safety standards and the performance of buildings whilst also monitoring the competence of regulators and industry professionals. The reality of this new legislation is that under the terms of the Act, a Principal Accountable Person who fails to register an occupied higher-risk building ‘without a reasonable excuse’ will be liable to either a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. The Principal Accountable Person is described as the organisation or person who owns, or has responsibility for, the building. It may also be an organisation or person who is responsible for maintaining the common parts of a building, for example corridors or lobbies. The three Gateways provide evidence The Golden Thread is an information trail that runs through all of the three Gateways from the outset to completion and occupation so that end users can be assured of compliance, quality and safety and have confidence in the products used to provide fire and life safety. For the protection of structural steel with intumescent coatings, those who may need to submit information may include main contractors, architects, designers, specifiers, fabricators and applicators. Indeed, any party who is responsible for fire safety critical elements or components. Importantly, the criteria for the Golden Thread requires all relevant documents and evidence to be stored digitally to prove that adequate steps have been taken in the construction and ongoing maintenance of a building. Gateway 1 – covering the planning stage. This has been in force since August 1, 2021 and sets out the framework for the second and third stages. Applicants need to demonstrate that fire safety matters have been incorporated into the planning stage for all buildings. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who are now also the BSR, will be part of the consultation. If a fire statement is required to be submitted with a planning application it will be an issue for consideration for the Local Planning Authority (LPA) when reaching its decision on the application. Contractors should take note that if the LPA considers the statement inadequate it can refuse the application. At Sherwin-Williams, our policy of early engagement and collaboration between all parties helps to clarify any points up front before they become a problem with the subsequent knock-on effect on time and cost. It is clear that engaging multiple stakeholders – including designers, fabricators and applicators – early and consistently throughout the process is key to delivering a successful, safe and cost-efficient solution. Working together, we share knowledge and help our clients to reach their goals. After all, we are ALL now part of this renewed responsibility. We encourage and fully support this early engagement, and with the correct information from the project team we can provide information and guidance on a safe and efficient structural fire protection approach. Gateway 2 – submitting building control approval to the Regulator. This should include written declarations covering the competency of the main contractor, designer, a description of works and plans and a planning statement from Gateway 1. Importantly, there should be information about how evidence is being captured to maintain the Golden Thread. The Regulator has a 12-week period to approve or reject these building control applications or to approve subject to fulfilment of certain requirements. Any major changes at this stage will also need approval from the Regulator, and records of the controlled change – including an explanation of compliance with Building Regulations – will also need to be maintained. The categorisation of major and ‘notifiable changes’ are still subject to consultation under the new legislation. Gateway 3 – providing information to ensure the building is safe for occupation. There is a requirement to submit a completion certificate application and provide updated plans. These plans should reflect the scale of the higher-risk building, key building information, a list of mandatory incident reporting and signed declarations from the main contractor and principal designer that the works and building comply with Building Regulations. Finally, confirmation that information for the Golden Thread has been handed over to the accountable person should also be declared. There is then a 12-week period for the Regulator to approve the application for a completion certificate. We all have a role to play Remember – responsibility lies with us all. Nobody in the supply chain can absolve themselves. The Accountable Person must have assessed all building safety risks and taken all reasonable steps to control them, give the safety case report to the Regulator on request and apply for a building assessment certificate. To be clear, the information stored in the Golden Thread needs to be accurate, easily understandable, up to date and readily accessible. In echoing the point made by Dame Judith Hackitt, we at Sherwin-Williams emphasise that the Golden Thread constitutes any relevant package of information which refers specifically to a project or programme of works. This could come in various forms including a product specification, marked-up drawings, CAD data, a BIM model, a product / member DFT schedule, application records or datasheets for example. As long as it provides evidence of good practice and compliance, it is relevant. It is important to
Organizations partner to connect the origination of sustainability with the future of building technology In a landmark effort to preserve architectural history and inspire the future of sustainable construction, the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Not-For-Profit and Mighty Buildings jointly announced the design and development of a new visitor center and museum at the site of the legendary architect’s iconic “Bucky Dome” home. Located in Carbondale, IL, this architectural marvel has earned its rightful place on the National Register of Historic Places, and has captivated visitors for decades. The joint project is intended to connect Fuller’s impressive legacy to innovations that represent the future of sustainable building, thanks to Mighty Buildings’ new materials and groundbreaking offsite 3D printing construction methodologies. R. Buckminster Fuller, celebrated as a pioneer in architectural innovation, called the Bucky Dome “home” from 1960 to 1971. Today, it stands as a symbol of his visionary work, with a recent restoration breathing new life into this historic gem, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its significance. An exciting next phase of the restoration project is the construction of a state-of-the-art 2,400 square-foot visitor center and museum, designed by architect Thad Heckman of Design Works, that will be erected adjacent to the Bucky Dome. The museum aims to educate visitors about the profound legacy of Buckminster Fuller while exploring the future of architecture and sustainable building. “Preserving Buckminster Fuller’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of sustainable design has been an incredible honor,” said Thad Heckman. “Through our collaboration with Mighty Buildings, this project represents a bridge between the past and the future, inviting visitors to explore the rich history of architectural innovation and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.” Mighty Buildings, a trailblazer in 3D printing construction technology, has worked alongside Mr. Heckman to create parametric panels that pay homage to the Dome Home’s original design. These panels, which emulate the geodesic geometry Fuller pioneered, will be 3D printed offsite and assembled on location next to the Dome. This innovative approach highlights the unique capabilities of Mighty Buildings’ next generation Mighty Kit System, an easy-to-configure platform that features rigorously tested and internationally certified building materials that are designed to be sustainable, climate resilient, and offer significant improvements over prior 3D printed technologies. These innovations can significantly reduce onsite construction timelines and enable building sites with near-zero waste. Additional essential services that are critical to the success of this project have been selflessly donated by W. Gray Hodge, P.E., S.E., of Hodge Structural Engineers, and Civil Engineer Sean Henry, P.E., of Klingner & Associates, P.C. Local student construction assistance is provided by the Construction Management Program at John A. Logan College. Scott Gebicke, CEO of Mighty Buildings, commented, “We are proud to partner with the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Not-for-Profit in creating a sustainable future in harmony with Fuller’s masterful vision. The design of our parametric panels pays tribute to his groundbreaking work while showcasing the capabilities of 3D printing in construction. Together, we are advancing the cause of sustainable architecture combined with advanced construction technology.” The City of Carbondale, IL, has been instrumental in providing approvals and support for the project, with City Manager Gary Williams adding, “The City Council’s decision to invest in the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home restoration reinforces the City’s commitment to sustainability and embodies Fuller’s assertion that ‘to change something, you have to build a new model that makes the old model obsolete.’ We believe that this 3D printed visitor’s center does just that.” For more information about the Bucky Dome project, please visit https://fullerdomehome.com/index.html. About Mighty Buildings Founded in 2017, Mighty Buildings is committed to transforming the housing construction sector through the development of beautiful high-quality, sustainable, and climate-resilient prefab homes. By leveraging 3D printing, advanced material science and automation for offsite prefabrication, Mighty Buildings can build houses up to 3-4 times faster than the industry standard, with near zero waste, and significantly reduced environmental impact. Mighty Buildings works with compliance and regulatory agencies to develop future-forward materials that are tested and certified to the most rigorous standards, and have been certified for high-velocity hurricane, earthquake and water damage resistance. Mighty Buildings is actively collaborating with developers to build communities of single-family homes in various configurations, based on its unique, panelized and patented Mighty Kit System. For more info, visit www.mightybuildings.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winners of the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards, 2023 have been announced Building surveying professional Carolyn Brady has been crowned “Surveyor of the Year” at the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards, which recognise the most inspiring and influential surveyors who have been qualified for up to 10 years. Carolyn, a building surveyor and regional lead partner for global quantity surveyor and construction consultancy firm Rider Levett Bucknall in Belfast, won the Building Surveyor/Control Surveyor of the Year award, in addition to securing the overall RICS Matrics Surveyor of the Year title in the face of stiff competition from other category winners from around the UK. Carolyn was one of five women on the list of 11 category winners in a year when female professionals represented just under 45% of those shortlisted, despite making up just 18% of UK surveyors. The number of women shortlisted this year is 150% higher than in 2018, and 350% higher than in the award’s inaugural year in 2014; an increase that has happened in a period when representation of women in the industry has become much stronger with many more female role models. The judges described Carolyn as, “Someone who inspires others and supports them with passion and commitment to the profession. Driven by a desire to make a change and transform the sector was clear in this submission and it is why they are a worthy winner.” “Already a leader in our sector, an incredibly strong application that is very impressive.” “This candidate is head and shoulders above many in respect of giving back to the profession.” Carolyn is a Liverpool John Moores University building surveying graduate who worked with Atkins in Warrington, England, before starting with Rider Levett Bucknall in 2017. Carolyn was responsible for opening Rider Levett Bucknall’s first office in Northern Ireland and in a short space of 18 months, she grew the team to 16 across building surveying, project management, quantity surveying and health and safety disciplines. Carolyn has been an active member with RICS over the years, she has been an APC counsellor and assessor for the past four years, and in 2021, Carolyn was appointed the RICS NI regional board, and chairs the RICS Northern Ireland High Street Regeneration Forum. Marking a decade of these awards, the winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Cherry Healey on 20th October at The Londoner, Leicester Square. The following surveyors were recognised for their outstanding career achievements in their respective sectors and disciplines: This year’s judging panel consisted of 18 industry leaders including Justin Sullivan, RICS Senior Vice President who said: “The RICS Matrics Surveyor of the Year Award is a true testament to Carolyn’s dedication to the industry over the years. She is a well-deserving winner who goes above and beyond for not only her company, but also RICS in Northern Ireland. “Year on year we see immense levels of talent from high-achieving professionals who are the industry’s future leaders. Each winner is having a profoundly positive impact in their local community, and we’re proud to champion and recognise the hard work of each of these surveyors.” Full details on each category winner can be found here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitecode Consulting, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering, has been awarded the prestigious Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Employer of the Year Award for 2023. The company was recognised at the CIBSE Young Engineer Awards ceremony, held at the Royal College of Engineers on 12th October 2023, demonstrating Whitecode’s dedication to nurturing young engineering talent and promoting the engineering profession. CIBSE’s Employer of the Year award acknowledges companies that excel in the training and development of young engineers. Whitecode Consulting was honoured as the overall winner of the small business category, exemplifying its commitment to the professional growth of its young engineers. Alex Hill, Managing Director at Whitecode stated, “At Whitecode, we are highly committed to the training and progression of our talented pool of young engineers who will not only contribute to our organisation but also play a crucial role in shaping the future of engineering. A huge well done to our entire team for helping us to achieve this brilliant accomplishment.” Whitecode’s emphasis on education is made evident through its “Apprenticeship-to-Directorship” approach which offers structured career paths for young engineers. Jason Tramontano, Whitecode’s Technical Director, who is also a former degree apprentice, has spearheaded the company’s CIBSE Training and Development Scheme alongside Katie Maxwell, Human Resources Manager. This initiative, launched in 2021, seeks to receive full CIBSE accreditation, providing employees with a structured route to becoming engineers and gaining CIBSE membership. Moreover, to ensure the continuous growth of its engineers, Whitecode consistently invests in training and development, with 30% of staff undergoing training at any given time. The company frequently runs internal training sessions and attends external CPDs to support the development of its engineers. Likewise, Higher education is a priority for Whitecode, with several trainees currently attending the London South Bank University (LSBU) pursuing Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) courses. Notably, three trainee engineers achieved BEng Degrees with First Class Honors, with their accomplishments formally recognised within the company, including Amy Webb, who received an award for Best Dissertation and has since been promoted to Intermediate Sustainability Consultant. Whitecode’s promotion of engineering as a viable career choice extends to its Apprenticeship Scheme, where the company actively engages with local schools. As a testament to its efforts, Whitecode has trained a total of 60 engineers through degree apprenticeships over 28 years, creating a positive impact on students’ lives and the engineering industry. Mikolaj Ogorek, a Junior Building Services Engineer at Whitecode, shared his experience: “Whitecode’s commitment to nurturing the professional growth of its young engineers is clear from the moment you step into the company. Whitecode is generously sponsoring my Bachelor of Engineering degree, giving me a strong foundation for my career, and has also encouraged me to apply for a Master’s Degree in the future if it aligns with my professional goals.” The CIBSE Employer of the Year award reflects the company’s ambition to support the next generation of engineers and promote diversity and equality within the industry, presenting Whitecode as an exemplary employer that truly values and invests in its talent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Guildford-based housebuilder Barratt Southern Counties has appointed a new Head of Sales and Marketing, who has taken over responsibility for sites across the Home Counties including Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex. Alex Dowling returned to the division this month (October 2023), where he began his career as a Sales Consultant more than 15 years ago. Alex will be responsible for leading the sales function and implementing marketing strategies across the division. Alongside this, Alex will oversee pilot schemes aimed at boosting first time buyer homeownership, with the newly-launched Rent then Buy programme available across selected developments. “It is a difficult market at the moment, and I would say the first truly challenging market I have experienced in the industry, given the changes over the last 18 months in particular,” says Alex. “Yet this isn’t a time to shy away, and there is a unique opportunity here to spearhead homeownership for first time buyers through our pilot Rent then Buy scheme. I’m passionate about helping buyers on every rung of the ladder to achieve their homebuying goals.” Alex has more than 20 years’ experience in the new homes industry, initially beginning his career as a Sales Consultant in London before securing his first role at Barratt Southern Counties. After five years’ as a Sales Consultant for the division, Alex progressed to a Project Sales Manager, followed by Part Exchange Manager and then Head of Customer Service. Alex comments: “I managed to gain experience in a variety of roles early on in my career, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of the customer journey. I was involved in the creation and execution of numerous processes that are still in practice today, benefitting our customers and ensuring we maintain our excellent standards for buyers.” In 2015, Alex moved to FABRICA by A2 Dominion for a year on a project-basis, but was drawn back to Barratt in 2016 where he joined the Southampton division as a Sales Manager. “I enjoyed working in London for a year, but when I was offered the opportunity to return to Barratt, it was an easy decision,” says Alex. “As a PLC housebuilder, there are endless opportunities for progression, including transferring between divisions for personal development.” Looking for the next step in his career in 2020, a Senior Sales Manager position arose within Southampton division. Here, Alex was responsible for selling landmark schemes including Harbour Place, New Quarter and Heritage Quarter. Alex comments: “Progressing to Senior Sales Manager, particularly in the height of the post-lockdown property bubble, presented a new challenge and it was an exciting time to be selling new homes. We were extremely busy, and I enjoyed working in a new area.” When the position of Head of Sales and Marketing became available at Southern Counties division, this was the natural next step for Alex following his wealth of experience over the years. “Barratt is an excellent company to work for and champions promotion from within if you are willing to work hard. It feels like a full-circle moment to be back in the Guildford office, leading a 29-strong sales and marketing team.” Alex adds: “The property market is never straightforward, and whilst it is undeniably a challenging time, I am confident that we are a resilient division. Our land team is strategic in its investments, and as a result we have a number of new developments recently launched or due to launch over the next 12 months that are in desirable patches across Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex. Cost-of-living remains top of the agenda for buyers, who are more conscious than ever before on factors such as sustainability, energy efficiency and connectivity.” Barratt Southern Counties has a number of new developments planned to launch in the coming months, including 199 homes at The Poppies in Aylesford, and nearly 400 homes in Westham, including at Brookwood Meadows. In addition, the housebuilder recently launched its Finchwood Park development in Finchampstead, with an initial 100 homes delivered in the first phase. All new developments have been planned in preparation for Future Home Standards with enhanced energy efficiency measures including combi boilers with integrated flue gas heat recovery, waste water heat recovery system, photovoltaic panels, decentralised mechanical extract ventilation and electric vehicle charging points. To find out more about the enhanced energy efficiency measures visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/efficiency-built-in/features-and-benefits. For further details about Barratt Southern Counties visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 355 8498. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
