A pivotal logistics warehouse scheme now completed in Leeds has met and surpassed its net zero carbon construction targets, delivered by McLaren Midlands and North. Successfully achieving an embodied carbon target to practical completion lower than first proposed, ensuring a more sustainable build and reducing the carbon offset payment, McLaren
JQ Rise, a striking new 226-home development at the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, has marked the major milestone of reaching its highest point during construction – known as ‘topping out’. The scheme has been delivered by Birmingham-based residential developer and investor Prosperity Group. JQ Rise is located on Summer
Britain’s most extensive construction project, HS2, is proving to be a catalyst for the growth of small businesses. Recent data reveals that HS2’s civil contractors doubled their spending with SMEs (companies with 250 or fewer employees) in the financial year 2022/23 compared to the previous year. Small and medium-sized businesses,
As the government’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement for developers becomes mandatory, national property consultancy Carter Jonas has announced the significant sale of over 200 units in Cambridgeshire. Legislation comes into force across England this week ruling that planning applications for all major developments must include provision for BNG of
Planning professionals across the public and private sectors continue to report low levels of confidence in their ability to handle new Biodiversity Net Gain requirements in the planning process, according to a survey from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). The measures, introduced under the Environment Act, come into effect
Thames Water, the UK’s largest water and wastewater services provider, has announced the establishment of the FA2050 Technical Partner Framework to support its groundbreaking Strategic Resource Options (SRO) programme. This framework, with a contract value of £300 million and a term of up to eight years, marks a significant milestone
Knauf is delighted to announce it is now an official company supporter of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. The partnership underscores Knauf’s commitment to nurturing a positive impact within the construction sector by championing the wellbeing and mental health of industry professionals. The Lighthouse Charity is the UK’s only charity
3D modelling will enable the creation of more stable and efficient networks Amrax, a 3D modelling and spatial data capture company, has announced a strategic partnership with network planning solution provider Ranplan Wireless. The collaboration will enable designers to use 3D modelling to create ultra efficient wireless networks. Through Amrax’s
SLR CONSULTING has appointed experienced transport advisor Iain Lamb to its Edinburgh-based team as the consultancy launches a new service offering for transport planning in Scotland. Lamb brings almost 30 years of experience to the construction consultancy business and will be responsible for providing comprehensive transport advice to SLR’s portfolio
Esh Construction has been selected to develop over 100 new homes in Pelton, Co Durham. The £25 million project will be delivered on the site of the former Roseberry Sports Community College and has been hailed as a welcome boost for local housing stock. The development will include 52 rent-to-buy
A pivotal logistics warehouse scheme now completed in Leeds has met and surpassed its net zero carbon construction targets, delivered by McLaren Midlands and North. Successfully achieving an embodied carbon target to practical completion lower than first proposed, ensuring a more sustainable build and reducing the carbon offset payment, McLaren Construction Midlands and North completed works on Sherburn42 – a 660,000 sq. ft. logistics warehousing space located in Sherburn-in-Elmet at the end of November, appointed by commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust. The 37-acre Sherburn42 scheme sits adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds and comprises the construction of four Grade-A industrial units ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq. ft., with industrial warehouse and office space to support core building services. The design concentrated on helping occupiers reach operational sustainability targets and the project will be accredited net-zero carbon in construction by the UK Green Building Council. Set to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the logistical hub features EV charging, full PV coverage and LED office lighting, alongside 4MvApower. The Engineering Services Consultancy Ltd (ESC) was appointed by McLaren Construction Midlands and North to undertake a Whole Life Embodied Carbon assessment of the build at as-built RIBA Stage 5. The subsequent report showed that the contractor surpassed its project target of 550 kgCO2e/m2, achieving 458.32 kgCO2e/m2. Net Zero Carbon in construction is a term that refers to the energy used during the manufacturing of materials, combined with the emissions generated throughout the building’s construction, these are then offset through an internationally recognised carbon credit scheme. This was achieved following initial reductions in the embodied carbon, through a focus on material specification. At present, there is no mandatory requirement to report on Whole Life Carbon outside of London. However, the UK Government is committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “We’re proud to announce that our team has surpassed net zero carbon targets for this pivotal Leeds scheme. “Our project team worked hard to ensure the most sustainable materials were specified, liaising closely with our supply chain. While championing sustainability for the build through the reduction of embodied carbon in the project, we’ve also managed to ensure the offset payment is as low as possible for our client, Firethorn, of which we have a fantastic relationship. “Now complete, Sherburn42 will provide incredible opportunities for the region’s workforce, allowing occupiers of all sizes – from multi-national distributors to small and medium-sized enterprises, an attractive, fit-for-purpose, sustainable workspace, providing a head start on achieving their own net zero targets.” Rhiannon Butcher, Sustainability Manager of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Firethorn was the first industrial and logistics project in McLaren Construction, to achieve net zero carbon in construction. We were able to reduce the embodied carbon in construction and meet the client’s target in part through a high use of cement replacement. “The project team worked hard to collate all of the data required for this assessment, and it has been a learning process for us. As-built assessments will become more commonplace, especially as McLaren Construction works towards its own net zero carbon in construction goals – of net zero carbon for Scopes 1 & 2 by 2025 and Scope 3 by 2045. “We are creating baseline carbon assessments in this sector to provide ourselves and our clients with more robust estimates of embodied carbon from the early RIBA stages.” Hugo Briars, Development Manager at Firethorn Trust, commented: “It has been a pleasure working in close collaboration with McLaren Construction, whose team clearly shares our passion for sustainability. Their knowledge, professionalism and commitment to quality and innovation has enabled us to exceed our environmental aspirations for Sherburn42, which we have developed on behalf of the site owner, Cain International.” James Sanders, Associate Director at Firethorn Trust, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing this state-of-the-art net-zero scheme into a market that continues to witness an erosion of committed development pipeline. “Sherburn42 benefits from an excellent road network alongside an immediate and plentiful supply of labour. Coupled with its ultra-modern specification, the scheme is ideally positioned for occupiers seeking to upgrade and expand their operations, whilst benefitting from significantly reduced running costs. We’re encouraged by recent levels of occupational demand and look forward to announcing new occupier relationships as we head into the new year!” Sherburn42’s close proximity to junction 42 A1 (M) provides direct connections to Leeds, the M1, M62 and coastal ports of Hull and Grimsby, as well as a number of regional rail stations and airports. For leasing enquiries, please contact the scheme agents, Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton or Carter Towler. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
JQ Rise, a striking new 226-home development at the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, has marked the major milestone of reaching its highest point during construction – known as ‘topping out’. The scheme has been delivered by Birmingham-based residential developer and investor Prosperity Group. JQ Rise is located on Summer Hill Road & Goodman Street. The new homes are spread across three blocks ranging from four, eight and a 25-storey tower and includes external communal gardens for residents. The milestone was celebrated by members of the Prosperity Group team, as well as some of the scheme’s major contributors, including FPMcCann, CBP Architects, and Thornley & Lumb Partnership. The building has topped out two years after groundworks were laid. The internal fit out of the building is also being completed at pace, with the development set to welcome its first residents in Summer 2024. All 226 new homes have already been sold ahead of completion of the new milestone residential scheme. JQ Rise is among several Prosperity Group-led projects being developed across Birmingham in 2024, with works set to begin on 146 new homes on Kent Street in Southside and 687 new homes in Digbeth later this year. Joe Billingham, Chief Executive at Prosperity Group, said: “I am delighted that we have now reached this milestone as we draw closer to completing the entire development of JQ Rise. It is a fantastic project for Birmingham and one that we are extremely proud of. It has seen us transform of a brownfield site to deliver new homes as well as local growth and prosperity. “JQ Rise is a key part of our exciting development pipeline for 2024, as we continue to deliver high-quality places for people to live. This moment is a clear sign that we are delivering for the city.” Mark McCann, Director at FPMcCann, said: “We’ve been delighted to partner with Prosperity Group on this excellent project. It is a great showpiece scheme right in the centre of Birmingham and one with great unique features that helps elevate the value JQ Rise creates for the city and local area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Britain’s most extensive construction project, HS2, is proving to be a catalyst for the growth of small businesses. Recent data reveals that HS2’s civil contractors doubled their spending with SMEs (companies with 250 or fewer employees) in the financial year 2022/23 compared to the previous year. Small and medium-sized businesses, constituting over 70% of HS2’s supply chain, collectively received a substantial £942 million—a significant increase from the £456 million spent in the preceding year. This injection of funds provided a welcome uplift for construction companies nationwide grappling with challenges tied to rising inflation and supply chain disruptions from the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. The magnitude and pace of HS2’s construction in that year reached its zenith, with the project hitting peak construction and the workforce reaching a record-breaking 30,000. Robin Lapish, HS2’s Supply Chain Lead, expressed, “From the outset, we set ambitious targets to ensure that UK-based SMEs would benefit from HS2’s extensive construction programme. Our contractors, through their procurement processes, embraced the challenge, resulting in just under a billion pounds flowing into small businesses across the country in a single year of our civil engineering programme.” “2024 promises to be another year of opportunity, with a procurement pipeline worth over £1 billion set to be released by our construction partners, along with the award of our railway systems contracts totalling £5 billion. We want to see more local businesses stepping forward and benefiting.” In the financial year 2022/23, HS2’s seven construction partners (stations and civils) achieved an impressive combined average of 20% total spending with SMEs. Align JV and EKFB JV, responsible for delivering the central sections of the HS2 route, surpassed the average, with respective total spends of 33% and 26%. EKFB JV’s commitment to supplier diversity was acknowledged by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply in 2020 when it received the ‘Best Initiative to Build a Diverse Supply Base’ award. Chris Read, Supply Chain Management Lead at EKFB JV, attributes the team’s early focus on achieving supplier diversity to its continued success. Chris added, “We developed a detailed action plan as soon as we secured our civils contract with HS2 Ltd, setting out a procurement approach that would ensure both SMEs and local businesses benefitted.” “Today, 70% of our supply chain consists of SMEs, and in the last year, 20% of EKFB’s contracts were awarded locally. Making a difference to local communities and British businesses is just one of the legacy benefits of HS2, and we’re proud to be a key contributor.” Haulage specialist Vaughan Plant Haulage LTD, among the many SMEs benefiting from repeat contracts, has experienced substantial growth since joining forces with Align JV on HS2. The Denham-based firm has seen increased exposure and business opportunities, leading to the recruitment of more staff from the local area. John Vaughan, Managing Director at Vaughan Plant Haulage LTD, stated, “Since beginning work on HS2, Vaughan Plant Haulage LTD has benefited from the spotlight HS2 has shone on our business, leading to more exposure in our industry and therefore further work.” “Naturally, the upturn in work has meant we have been able to employ more skilled staff, most of which are local to the project. Working with HS2 has proved to be very beneficial to our business and many other local businesses now presented with new opportunities that were not there before.” All subcontract opportunities with HS2’s stations and civils construction partners are posted on CompeteFor approximately two weeks before the procurement process begins. Interested suppliers can view and download the subcontract procurement pipeline on the HS2 website. Companies of all sizes can express an interest in winning work with HS2 and its contractors by registering their details on CompeteFor. For information and advice about becoming an HS2 supplier, read HS2’s Supplier Guide or email scc@hs2.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the government’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement for developers becomes mandatory, national property consultancy Carter Jonas has announced the significant sale of over 200 units in Cambridgeshire. Legislation comes into force across England this week ruling that planning applications for all major developments must include provision for BNG of at least 10% so habitats are left in a better state than they were pre-development. Previously, developers needed to ensure any damage done to biodiversity was offset, but new regulations mean they must also provide an additional 10% gain. If applicants cannot provide this extra 10% on site, they will need to purchase BNG units off site, which is where the opportunity exists for landowners. In what is one of the first large-scale public sales of its kind, Carter Jonas is acting for Ground Control’s Evergreen Fund to market The Devana Centre for Environmental Recovery in West Wickham, Cambridgeshire. Mark Russell, Partner at Carter Jonas, said: “The introduction of mandatory BNG has been a long time coming but will now open opportunities for landowners who are interested in the natural capital markets. “Selling units is a big commitment as the land must stay in the scheme for a minimum of 30 years, so decisions should be made within the context of a long-term strategy for the farm or estate. “In the case of the Devana Centre, there is a clear plan and a strong desire from the Evergreen Fund to deliver nature recovery, so the natural capital route is a really good option.” Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company and The Devana Centre forms the latest example of its Evergreen Fund’s commitment to building a network for nature recovery through direct action. It is the Evergreen Fund’s second site, adding to its 296-acre Wildfell Centre for Environmental Recovery in Braintree, Essex. Chris Bawtree, Nature Recovery Director for the Evergreen Fund, said: “Devana represents a key part of Natural Cambridgeshire’s ambition to double land managed for nature across the region from 8% – one of the lowest in the country – to 16% which is the national average. “The new location will provide a home for 20-25 native tree species, 15-20 native shrubs, a wide variety of native wildflowers and grasses, creating valuable habitats for a range of other fauna such as pollinators, birds, bats, mammals and reptiles. “The land will also provide corridors for biodiversity to spread by linking directly into the Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure network via woodland and hedgerows on site and the neighbouring semi-natural ancient woodland Rand’s Wood.” The price range for BNG units from The Devana Centre starts from £22,500. For more details contact Mark Russell at the Carter Jonas Cambridge office on 01223 346600. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning professionals across the public and private sectors continue to report low levels of confidence in their ability to handle new Biodiversity Net Gain requirements in the planning process, according to a survey from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). The measures, introduced under the Environment Act, come into effect today (12 February), and will require local planning authorities to assess and seek mitigation of the expected biodiversity net gain impact of planning proposals. However, an ongoing survey of our RTPI members found that: The updated figures show that 41% of public sector planners still cannot confirm whether they’ll have access to the necessary ecological expertise to comply with the new BNG requirements before implementation. This is a slight improvement from September’s report, where 61% of planners were uncertain. Victoria Hills, Chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “We made it clear to the Government that, without adequate funding, new BNG requirements could add disruption and delays in already overstretched Local Planning Authorities. While we welcome the additional resources from DEFRA, we feel that only time will tell whether this funding will be enough. “However, planners in the public and private sectors are still calling out for guidance, advice, and support to help them improve the biodiversity of new development from today. We’ve recently seen almost a thousand RTPI members sign up for a webinar on BNG in the hope of finding out information on the process and will be holding more events in the future to help planners implement these changes effectively.” The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed funding of £10.6m for next financial year. The RTPI has been advocating for additional resources since the proposal of these new requirements. While the Institute has welcomed the Government’s commitment to fund new burdens from the Environment Act, it remains uncertain whether the allocated funding will be adequate. Planners are encouraged to report any issues with the implementation of BNG using the RTPI’s survey. Input from RTPI members will help the Institute to provide Government with a detailed picture of the challenges planners face when implementing BNG. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thames Water, the UK’s largest water and wastewater services provider, has announced the establishment of the FA2050 Technical Partner Framework to support its groundbreaking Strategic Resource Options (SRO) programme. This framework, with a contract value of £300 million and a term of up to eight years, marks a significant milestone in Thames Water’s commitment to ensuring sustainable water resource management for the future. The SRO programme, essential for addressing the evolving needs of the community and the environment, is guided by a gated process prescribed by the Regulators’ Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID), ensuring rigorous adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements throughout the development cycle. The Arup Binnies joint venture (JV), along with two other suppliers, is poised to lead on three pivotal SRO programmes: These projects are characterised by a significantly greater scale and complexity than works within typical water utility capital delivery programmes. The new framework encompasses a comprehensive array of services across dozens of disciplines, including engineering, environment, planning, land, engagement, project management and consultation analysis. Binnies UK Managing Director, Scott Aitken commented “The Arup Binnies joint venture is delighted to support Thames Water’s ambitious goals through the Strategic Resource Options. Our team offers a strategic, comprehensive and adaptive approach tailored to deliver large infrastructure schemes that leave a lasting legacy for future generations to benefit from. With our consortium’s wealth of experience in engineering, environmental stewardship and strategic planning, we are uniquely positioned to realise Thames Water’s ambitions for securing and enhancing water resources in the south east and London region. We are dedicated to fostering positive change and creating a resilient future for the communities served by Thames Water.”Arup incoming Chair, UK, India, Middle East and Africa Region, Paula Walsh remarked “Arup is proud to be a global leader on water solutions, with significant experience in the UK delivering work for Thames Tideway Tunnel, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales among many others. We are honoured to be invited to collaboratively support Thames Water’s ambition for more sustainable water solutions. The complexity and challenges of these projects is significant, but with our diverse experience we look forward to developing nature-led sustainable designs for these major new pieces of infrastructure. We have all seen first-hand how the climate emergency is causing water shortages in the UK. We are proud and ready to act to bring more secure, sustainable and resilient solutions that leave a legacy for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Knauf is delighted to announce it is now an official company supporter of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. The partnership underscores Knauf’s commitment to nurturing a positive impact within the construction sector by championing the wellbeing and mental health of industry professionals. The Lighthouse Charity is the UK’s only charity that is 100% dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families. Its mission is to ‘improve workforce welfare and wellbeing for this generation and the next.’ By becoming a company supporter, Knauf aims to contribute to the charity’s vital mission of promoting better mental health and wellbeing across the construction community. The collaboration gets to the heart of Knauf’s value ‘Menschlichkeit’ meaning humanity in German. It represents Knauf’s stance on ensuring everyone is treated with justice, integrity and respect. By becoming a company supporter of the charity, Knauf will be providing an annual charitable donation, meaning the charity can count on a sustainable income to allow the continuation and extension of its crucial services. Colleagues at Knauf will be able to benefit from enhanced support from the charity, such as 24/7 telephone support from their Construction Industry Helpline, their self-support app and network of Lighthouse Beacons that offer a safe space for people to share their concerns and challenges. “We are excited to announce our partnership with the Lighthouse Charity, an organisation that shares our commitment to the wellbeing of those in our industry” said Emma Delaney, HR & Sustainability Director, Knauf UK & Ireland. “At Knauf, we believe in creating positive and supportive environments within the industry, and this partnership aligns seamlessly with our values. Together, we hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of construction professionals ad contribute to a healthier, more resilient industry.” The collaboration with the Lighthouse Charity reflects Knauf’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and its recognition of the importance of mental health support in the construction field. By actively participating in initiatives that promote well-being and providing financial support where it’s needed most, Knauf aims to foster a culture of care and support within the industry. More information on the Lighthouse Charity can be found here. About Knauf Established in 1932, Knauf has evolved from a family business into a global force, operating in 90 countries with 41,000 employees. As a leading building products manufacturer, Knauf UK and Ireland started in 1988 with a state-of-the-art plasterboard factory in Sittingbourne, Kent, producing top-quality plasterboards and laminates. Following success, the Immingham Plasterboard Plant was built in 1990, to the same modern technical specification and has the capability to produce the complete range of Knauf plasterboards, thermal laminates and foil-backed plasterboards. In 1993, the Sittingbourne facility expanded with the UK Powder Plant, adding diverse products like Knauf Plasterboard Adhesive. In 2006, the Immingham plant expanded with energy-efficient technologies. The whole plant insulated, and two huge heat exchangers added, saving 10% of the plant’s energy requirements In 2013, Knauf unveiled The Cube, a modernist hub and training centre at the Sittingbourne site. The UK expansion continued in 2022 with the acquisition of a Newport, South Wales plasterboard plant, which will further increase plasterboard capacity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
3D modelling will enable the creation of more stable and efficient networks Amrax, a 3D modelling and spatial data capture company, has announced a strategic partnership with network planning solution provider Ranplan Wireless. The collaboration will enable designers to use 3D modelling to create ultra efficient wireless networks. Through Amrax’s Metaroon, Ranplan’s customers can visualise, experiment with and optimise the design of networks to ensure seamless connectivity and operational efficiency. Metaroom enables users to 3D scan environments to create 3D models of rooms, floors, or entire buildings. Over 7,300 users, including key players in the lighting, wireless planning and AEC industries, have registered through the Metaroom app and joined the Amrax B2B ecosystem dedicated to spatial design and 3D modelling. Notable new additions to the customer base include Siemens, Tulux, LTS and Voglauer. Key benefits of the collaboration between Ranplan and Amrax include: Time Efficiency:Metaroom eliminates the need for tedious drawings and CAD imports, ensuring a streamlined process and saving valuable time in the critical planning phase. Future of 3D Modelling:Representing the future of modelling the physical environment, Metaroom® sets a new benchmark for the industry by offering fast and precise 3D scanning. Seamless Data Transfer:The integration ensures a seamless data transfer between Metaroom® and Ranplan Wireless, enhancing the overall user experience and operational efficiency. Martin Huber, CEO of Amrax, said: “This strategic partnership with Ranplan Wireless marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of wireless network planning. By integrating Metaroom’s cutting-edge 3D scanning capabilities, we are not just streamlining workflows but setting new industry standards. Our technology eliminates inefficiencies and opens up new possibilities for businesses and telecom operators alike.” Per Lindberg, CEO Ranplan, said: “The alliance between Ranplan Wireless and Amrax transcends a mere partnership; it’s a fusion of technological expertise. Our collaboration is designed to empower businesses, telecom operators, and enterprises with state-of-the-art wireless network solutions. We’re paving the way for enhanced network reliability, scalability, and sustainability, ensuring that businesses remain connected in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SLR CONSULTING has appointed experienced transport advisor Iain Lamb to its Edinburgh-based team as the consultancy launches a new service offering for transport planning in Scotland. Lamb brings almost 30 years of experience to the construction consultancy business and will be responsible for providing comprehensive transport advice to SLR’s portfolio of development clients in Scotland, and elsewhere across the United Kingdom. “Sustainability and decarbonisation are top of the agenda when it comes to transport planning, combined with people’s changing travel patterns following the pandemic. I’m excited to guide our developer partners through their projects with SLR’s sustainability ethos at the forefront,” Lamb said. Lamb and the wider Edinburgh-based SLR Consulting team will provide integrated transport and master planning advice along with OPEN colleagues as part of a new service offering. “There’s a great agility within SLR and a significant number of projects in the transport and infrastructure market that we’re involved with, so it’s a very exciting time to join the company and contribute to its broader growth strategy,” Lamb added. His previous work in transport planning consultancy includes roles with Mott MacDonald and Steer Davies Gleave. Lamb joins SLR following seven years with Edinburgh-based Transport Planning consultants. With Lamb’s appointment, SLR Consulting equips itself with a broad experience of transport planning and enhances its ability to provide tailored transport planning advice in its role as trusted advisor to a wide range of clients. SLR Consulting is a global leader in sustainability solutions. Initially starting out as a UK business 25 years ago, it now operates worldwide with more than 3,000 people delivering client solutions across six regions. For more information about SLR, visit www.slrconsulting.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Esh Construction has been selected to develop over 100 new homes in Pelton, Co Durham. The £25 million project will be delivered on the site of the former Roseberry Sports Community College and has been hailed as a welcome boost for local housing stock. The development will include 52 rent-to-buy properties, a mix of two and three bedroom family homes aimed at people looking to take the first steps on the property ladder, alongside 31 apartments and eight bungalows for over 50s. Chris Hale, Esh’s Pre-Construction Director, said: “This is a significant contract award for our affordable housing division, and we’re delighted to build on our successful working relationship by securing another scheme with Karbon Homes. “More than 70 properties will be built utilising timber frame, providing additional environmental efficiencies throughout the build process. We look forward to getting work underway and delivering more environmentally friendly new build affordable homes across the North East.” The development will be part-funded through Karbon’s £165 million strategic partnership with Homes England, to develop 2,200 much-needed affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire by 2028. The new homes in Durham have been designed to meet the highest energy efficiency standards by Esh Construction. The houses and bungalows will all achieve an energy performance certificate rating of A, will be fitted with solar photovoltaic panels and electric charging points, and will be powered by air source heat pumps. The apartments will also benefit from a communal green heating system, with heating and hot water provided by an exhaust air source heat pump. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
