Plans have been approved by Oxford City Council to create a new landmark timber cycle pavilion in the heart of Oxford North to provide secure long-stay and short-stay spaces for phase 1a of Oxford’s new £700 million innovation district. Designed by the project’s masterplanners Fletcher Priest Architects on behalf of
The new building control regime introduced under the Building Safety Act does not begin and end with Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs), with some fundamental changes applying more broadly, the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has warned. October 1st marked a key milestone in the implementation of the Act with the
Ecophon now expands its circular offer even further as its Swedish business unit launches a pilot and test market for the reuse of sound absorbers. Ecophon offers to buy back material from existing buildings, for instance in connection with reconstructions, renovations, or tenant customisations. The absorbers are then offered as
A Wakefield based joinery firm’s team is feeling chipper, after scooping an award for its commitment to skills, training and local employment. Joinery Direct, established in 2005, has been awarded sub-contractor of the quarter, by Sheffield Housing Company (SHC) for the work at the Pennine Village development, which has been
Leading property management agent, Rendall & Rittner, has recently supported the work of charity, Ukrainian Action, by sponsoring six trucks of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. With Ukrainians facing the prospect of another winter of power outages and instability, the donations have been distributed across the country where they are most
£48m funding boost to get Penistone rail line on the right track Kirklees Council have been successful with their bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund for £48m to support significant improvements to the infrastructure of the Penistone rail line. The fund is designed to support local authorities to invest
Plans have been approved by Oxford City Council to create a new landmark timber cycle pavilion in the heart of Oxford North to provide secure long-stay and short-stay spaces for phase 1a of Oxford’s new £700 million innovation district. Designed by the project’s masterplanners Fletcher Priest Architects on behalf of Oxford North Ventures, the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope, the prominent two-storey radial building, which was inspired by wheel spokes, will be located in the new market square alongside the Red Hall and central park. The new pavilion will provide 191 first-floor secure long-stay cycle spaces dedicated to people working in the Red Hall and Building 1 & 2. It will include a power gully on the stairs to assist in carrying bicycles, along with ground-floor short-stay spaces and a bike repair station. End-of-trip facilities will be in the basement of the adjacent Red Hall with 16 showers and changing facilities and an accessible provision at ground level. These cycle spaces will be in addition to the dedicated 444 spaces with showering facilities which will be provided in each of phase 2’s recently approved Plot A, B and C laboratory buildings. The pavilion’s radial structure timber frame will significantly reduce its embodied carbon and have low energy usage in operation. The design has been based on timber’s construction characteristics which will reduce the need and carbon intensity of an additional structural material for stability. Simple vertical timber battens will enclose the upper storey and provide views across the market square and a translucency which will create a warm ‘lantern’ effect in the evening to enliven the surrounding area. In addition to the architectural design, the project team has included sustainability, accessibility and inclusive design consultants and lighting, fire and security engineers. David Camp, chief executive officer, Stanhope said: “This decision is great news for cyclists! Our project is focused on transforming local travel habits and making cycling more convenient and sustainable for those working and visiting in the future. “We have positioned the pavilion in a key location at the masterplan’s heart to celebrate the bicycle as a mode of sustainable transport. The circular timber structure will act as a focal point, adjacent to the recently consented, enhanced and expanded Red Hall, the central landscape and market square. The pavilion will provide secure long and short-stay spaces and repair facilities serving our three first-phase buildings that are currently under construction.” Philip Pryke, senior associate, Fletcher Priest Architects added: “We are thrilled that our designs for Oxford North’s new timber cycle pavilion have been given the green light. With Oxford one of the UK’s leading cycling cities, it will give bicycle use the prominence it deserves within the new urban district being created. “Our two-storey approach reduces the building’s footprint and the main enclosed body of the pavilion being raised off the ground will deliver views across the market square. It is about ensuring the building is visible and accessible from all sides meaning that, along with the A40 and A44 cycle improvements, the decision to cycle to and from Oxford North will be as easy as possible.” Oxford North’s Phase 1a is targeting practical completion in Q2 2025. Acting on behalf of Oxford North Ventures for the cycle pavilion were Fletcher Priest Architects, Savills, AKT II, Hoare Lea, Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Pritchard Themis, Turner & Townend Alinea, OFR Consultants, People Friendly Design, Gardiner & Theobald, and QCIC. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new building control regime introduced under the Building Safety Act does not begin and end with Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs), with some fundamental changes applying more broadly, the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has warned. October 1st marked a key milestone in the implementation of the Act with the Building Safety Regulator commencing its role as the new building control authority for HRBs, which include high-rise residential buildings, hospitals and care homes. However, TICA says the Act’s effect has a much wider impact and includes evidencing that individuals and organisations appointed to undertake work are competent to do, regardless of building type. Competence is already a major talking point among many specialist trades, and it is not uncommon to find them bypassed in the search for greater profit – with TICA having already highlighted examples of pre-insulated pipework systems being used with inadequate fire safety and thermal properties. It says there is an inherent understanding that Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors cannot be experts in every specialist trade required on a construction site. However, Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors will need to evidence that they understand specialist trade competence and specification compliance, and that they are therefore competent to award contracts to specialist trade contractors. In many cases the expectations placed upon specialist contractors by the Building Safety Act does not reflect the situation on the ground and the reality facing many TICA members is that they either lose out to a non-spec compliant bid or are encouraged to alter the specification to remain in the race. TICA is the sole trade association for thermal insulation in the UK and ensuring its members are well equipped to meet their own requirements for evidencing competence is a key priority. It is also working with other industry leaders to ensure that junctions between trades are managed correctly. So, what should Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors consider when appointing a thermal insulation contractor? Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol MBE recently emphasised the importance of co-operation, trust and teamwork throughout the supply chain and offered the following analogy: “Just like in a relay race, the baton for building safety needs to be held by someone at all times and properly handed over; if dropped at any point, the team is disqualified. To make it round the track, the team needs to work together, rely on each other, and fine-tune the handover points.” This elegantly highlights the importance of ensuring a correct handover at every stage in a construction project. However, we must not forget that specialist trades are also part of the team. TICA CEO Marion Marsland said “The Building Safety Act will generate a huge amount of secondary legislation that specialist contractors must understand. TICA continues to work hard, ensuring our members have the relevant information and knowledge to comply. Our role in specialist ‘Super Sector ‘ defining our sector competency continues, and we hope to complete this work by the end of 2024.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ecophon now expands its circular offer even further as its Swedish business unit launches a pilot and test market for the reuse of sound absorbers. Ecophon offers to buy back material from existing buildings, for instance in connection with reconstructions, renovations, or tenant customisations. The absorbers are then offered as an alternative to newly produced materials for use in new construction projects. The aim is to reduce resource and energy use and to avoid unnecessary scrapping. Construction and demolition waste accounts for more than a third of all waste generated in the EU1. Utilising resources more efficiently could reduce the industry’s carbon emissions by up to 80 percent2. An increased supply of reused and reusable building materials is needed to meet the rising demand in the industry. Ecophon is now seeking to take responsibility through the reuse of acoustic panels. ‘Everything that is purchased has an impact on the environment. Reuse is a real game-changer as it promotes lower waste, reduces energy usage, and provides products with reduced environmental impact and carbon footprint compared to buying new. We are proud to now being able to offer a reused acoustic solution that meet full functional and aesthetic standards, ‘says Elie Falcand, Innovation Project Manager at Ecophon. Building with reused materials has many advantages. Yet reuse is often associated with challenges in a wide range of areas, from logistics to gaining access to reusable materials. However, there are many arguments in favour of reusing acoustic panels made from glass wool. They are light, modular, and easy to handle. Ecophon acoustic panels are designed to last longer than average interior construction materials, making them particularly suitable for reuse. ‘We continuously work closely with customers and partners to design workable solutions for the reuse of materials. Large-scale reuse requires early planning and the right materials, as well as a systemic approach that includes the entire value chain. It also involves debunking myths about reused materials being inferior in terms of appearance and performance,’ explains Erika Edlund, Sustainability specialist, Ecophon Sweden. The initiative is currently at the pilot stage, and Ecophon is actively seeking more projects where they can help increase resource efficiency by buying back, checking, and then selling reused absorbers. Thanks to a thorough selection and screening program, the products put to sale again are, despite the natural ageing, deemed to be as good as new. Ecophon also offers recycling of non-reusable absorbers through SoundCircularity, a recycling service that won the Circular Initiative of the Year award at the Swedish Recycling Gala 2022. The reuse initiative is intended to complement the SoundCircularity recycling initiative, in the many cases where sound absorbers have second-hand value. The recycling service will continue to be offered for off-cut fractions and materials that cannot be reused. Read more about Ecophon work with circularity and innovation here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Wakefield based joinery firm’s team is feeling chipper, after scooping an award for its commitment to skills, training and local employment. Joinery Direct, established in 2005, has been awarded sub-contractor of the quarter, by Sheffield Housing Company (SHC) for the work at the Pennine Village development, which has been built by delivery partner Keepmoat. SHC is Sheffield City Council’s joint venture development company with private developer and top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat and Great Places Housing. Established in 2011 it has an ambitious target of building 2,300 properties on a total of 23 sites by the end of 2026. Every three months, the council monitors the performance of SHC’s subcontractors – with a focus on the employment and training opportunities they provide. These could be work placements, apprenticeships, training and educational programmes and the number of jobs created. Joinery Direct has provided more than 15 training and employment opportunities for people in Sheffield. This includes the recruitment of apprentice Thomas Hewitt, 19, who has achieved an NVQ level 2 in carpentry and joinery and is now working towards his level 3 qualification. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed the experience and teaching I’ve received during the first years of my apprenticeship and look forward to continuing to work towards my level 3 qualification.” Joinery Direct has over 45 employees and works with a large variety of clients throughout Yorkshire, providing joinery services for new build, residential and social housing projects. The business prides itself on the quality of its work and in training the next generation of joiners to the very highest of standards. The award was presented to the business’ Joinery Supervisor, John Howarth, at SHC’s Eclipse development, by SHC Development Manager, Howard Young. He said: “This is a really rewarding part of my role, recognising businesses that support SHC’s objectives and help us to deliver our projects. As an organisation our ethos is about improving housing choice in the city, whilst also investing in the region by supporting local supply chains and businesses. This in turn creates opportunities for individuals like Thomas, to acquire new skills and employment.” Councillor Douglas Johnson, Chair of the Housing Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, added: “SHC thrives when working in partnership with great organisations and we’re pleased to add Joinery Direct to the list of subcontractor award winners – in recognition of their excellent performance. Well done to all involved.” SHC is committed to supporting organisations, communities and individuals within the city. To date, working with its partnering organisations, it has delivered 75 apprenticeships and contributed over £50,000 to local community groups, schools and good causes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management agent, Rendall & Rittner, has recently supported the work of charity, Ukrainian Action, by sponsoring six trucks of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. With Ukrainians facing the prospect of another winter of power outages and instability, the donations have been distributed across the country where they are most needed. The team of Rendall & Rittner volunteers drove over 1,000 miles from Woolwich in 48 hours to hand over the aid to volunteers in Poland. The trucks were stacked with a range of aid items, including medical provisions, clothing and school supplies, and have since been taken across the border into Ukraine with some of the supplies being taken to homes for children and young people in Lviv. The six trucks have also been donated and have been taken to the front line for use in delivering supplies, transporting people, and assisting the wounded. Ukrainian Action is a volunteer-run charity that is committed to sending vital aid to the citizens of Ukraine. Since March 2022, it has delivered over 200 vehicles filled with critical donations. Rendall & Rittner’s recent participation marked the charity’s 45th convoy of aid. Jeff Hartman, Founder of Ukrainian Action comments: “We are very appreciative of the vital support of Rendall & Rittner. Together, we are protecting lives and making a difference to numerous Ukrainians who are affected by the continuing humanitarian crisis. Your generous involvement and support enables us to continue providing essential provisions to those who are most vulnerable, and the vehicles are being used to deliver supplies and to help the wounded which will increase the likelihood of their survival.” Rendall & Rittner’s involvement with Ukrainian Action was kickstarted following the return of Area Director, Elisa Keating, from a six-week sabbatical period. During this time, Elisa began volunteering with Ukrainian Action in an administrative capacity. Since returning to her role at Rendall & Rittner, Elisa has continued to provide procurement and logistics support for the charity. Catherine Riva, CEO of Rendall & Rittner Ltd comments: “Assisting the incredible work of charities has always been very important to us at Rendall & Rittner. Following her sabbatical, Elisa shared her experiences working with Ukrainian Action with us. With the war in Ukraine creating an unimaginable situation for those who live there, we are proud to have supported the work of this incredible organisation. We would like to thank our team who drove the vehicles and our colleagues, clients, and customers for their generosity, helping us to collect aid supplies and raise over £28,000 for this urgent humanitarian cause.” To find out more about Ukrainian Action please visit their website and to show your support please donate on the JustGiving page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
£48m funding boost to get Penistone rail line on the right track Kirklees Council have been successful with their bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund for £48m to support significant improvements to the infrastructure of the Penistone rail line. The fund is designed to support local authorities to invest in local infrastructure that has a visible impact on people and their communities. The Penistone rail line runs between Huddersfield, Penistone and Sheffield, via Barnsley, providing an important link between communities and is a sustainable alternative to road travel. However, the line currently experiences capacity issues and has a number of infrastructure constraints that allow only one train to travel per hour along the northern section between Huddersfield and Barnsley. This, added to speed limits of 50mph or lower at some sections, all contribute to long journey times, averaging 1 hour 15 minutes, end to end. These slow journeys hinder connectivity between communities and are unattractive to commuters who turn to other forms of transport like private car travel. For lower income families without access to a car, it creates additional barriers to access employment, leisure and cultural attractions. The funding announced today will enable a package of infrastructure and access measures that will make the Penistone rail line a significant link between Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield. Councillor Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Transport, says: “Here in Kirklees, our connectedness is one of our greatest strengths. We not only have great towns and beautiful countryside, we’re also slap bang in the middle of some of the north’s most influential cities – and our rail links help connect us with those cities, with the rest of the north, beyond that, the whole of the UK. The benefits of improving these connections, both to individual residents and to our local economy as a whole, are huge. “It’s also important to remember that this project is part of a much bigger picture in terms of developing Kirklees’ transport system, which will also help make public transport a more viable option across the district, tying in with our green agenda. For example, as Huddersfield is a stop on the Transpennine Route – which is currently being upgraded – there is also the opportunity to connect more people to this and other planned infrastructure projects. “It’s very exciting to see so much transformation across Kirklees and beyond.” Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, says: “I am delighted that the Levelling Up Fund bid for this project has been successful and will allow us to deliver significant improvements to the Penistone line and provide numerous benefits to businesses and communities along the route. “Our transport links not only give us the opportunity to broaden the labour market for businesses in our area but provides easier and faster access to employment opportunities and leisure activities or events in the wider region. “We submitted four Kirklees bids for Levelling Up funds, and all have now been successful. That is testament to the hard work our officers have put into designing and producing high quality bids. I want to thank Tracy Brabin, all the MPs, businesses and local people who supported us to put some brilliant plans together. “We will keep working to bring investment to all parts of Kirklees and this great selection of ambitious plans will help us deliver the economic growth we all need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
