March 15, 2024
Artisan Real Estate to Progress with ‘Spectacular’ Green Neighbourhood in Edinburgh City Centre

Artisan Real Estate to Progress with ‘Spectacular’ Green Neighbourhood in Edinburgh City Centre

City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for 256 New Homes at Mixed-use Ferry Road Site. Section 75 Education Contribution Reverts to Planning Officers’ Recommendation Artisan Real Estate is set to progress with the spectacular homes-led redevelopment of one of Edinburgh city centre’s largest potential development sites following planning approval

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Remapping the built environment industry for the 21st century

Remapping the built environment industry for the 21st century

Remap, a technology company aiming to transform the built environment industry, has been launched by former Hawkins\Brown digital design associates Ben Porter and Jack Stewart. Remap stands at the intersection of technology and construction, using creative solutions to address long-standing industry headaches and set new standards. Key services include digital

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Making housing targets discretionary has led to fewer local plans

Making housing targets discretionary has led to fewer local plans

The Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into housebuilding noted that councils’ local plans were crucial for gauging the number of permission approvals needed to meet housing need. The HBF has pointed out that since housing and levelling up secretary Michael Gove’s decision to make housing targets ‘discretionary’ last Autumn, 64

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Modern Locker Rooms: A Combination of Convenience and Architectural Beauty

Modern Locker Rooms: A Combination of Convenience and Architectural Beauty

Remember those old locker rooms – dimly lit, echoing spaces with rows of metal lockers? They served their purpose, but, let’s be honest, they weren’t exactly inspiring. Thankfully, locker rooms are undergoing a significant transformation. Companies like American Specialties, Inc. are leading the charge, reimagining these spaces as functional and

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

March 15, 2024

Artisan Real Estate to Progress with ‘Spectacular’ Green Neighbourhood in Edinburgh City Centre

Artisan Real Estate to Progress with ‘Spectacular’ Green Neighbourhood in Edinburgh City Centre

City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for 256 New Homes at Mixed-use Ferry Road Site. Section 75 Education Contribution Reverts to Planning Officers’ Recommendation Artisan Real Estate is set to progress with the spectacular homes-led redevelopment of one of Edinburgh city centre’s largest potential development sites following planning approval by The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). Councillors at CEC’s Development Sub Committee on Wednesday (13 March) were ‘minded to grant’ consent for 256 low-carbon homes and commercial space at 525 Ferry Road, Edinburgh.  Artisan’s Section 75 Education contribution was voted through in line with the planning officers’ recommendation. Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate, together with fund manager REInvest Asset Management S.A., will now take forward their ambitious plans to redevelop the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, near the Crewe Toll roundabout. The developers are set to transform the vacant site, to be known as ‘525 Park View’, into a new residential neighbourhood providing 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing. Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces. Designed by Edinburgh-based 7N Architects, the proposals will dramatically raise the bar for sustainable city-centre living. More than two thirds of the development area will be made up of high-quality green spaces – including a large central communal garden as well as biodiverse green roofs and a ‘wetland’ area which enhances local ecology whilst contributing to the wider sustainable urban drainage system. Smart technology such as individual air source heat pumps for each home also means no fossil fuels will be used, underlining the Artisan’s commitment to sustainable low carbon development and delivering low energy costs for occupiers. The planning approval follows a comprehensive 14-month consultation programme, with the developers working closely with local community and wider city interests to ensure maximum benefit for both the local area and Edinburgh as a whole.  Welcoming the 525 Park View planning approval, Artisan Real Estate’s ’s Regional Director for Scotland, David Westwater, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to breathe new life into an underused site, whilst ensuring its long-term future by bringing a new sustainable community to an accessible city centre location. “Following the consultation feedback, we have worked hard to make this development not just the right fit for the site but also an integral part of the wider city centre area. We have reduced the heights of the building from nine to seven storeys and ensured the overall architectural design and materials respect  local and historical contexts.” He added: “We are also fully aware that we have the responsibility to ensure that our developments exceed all current environmental standards, setting new benchmarks for smart, sustainable living whilst providing a high quality of internal and external space. Our proposals have been guided by low-carbon design and encompass a mix of apartment sizes and layouts, led mainly by residential as well as much-needed affordable housing and other complementary commercial uses.” Artisan Real Estate has a strong track record in delivering complex residential and mixed-use regeneration projects in sensitive city centre environments across the UK, and in 2023 won the inaugural ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ award at the 2023 Scottish Homes Awards.   Development partner REInvest Asset Management S.A. was founded in Luxembourg as a specialist for future-facing investment ideas and currently manages and develops properties across Europe with a value in excess of EUR 2.3 billion. 525 Park View is held in a progressive property fund within a pan-European portfolio managed on behalf of a German insurance group.  Thomas Merkes, Head of Asset Management at REInvest Asset Management S.A. added: “Our joint venture partnership with Artisan represents a major step forward in providing an innovative and collaborative mixed-use development solution to unlock the potential for this significant city centre site, which is set to create a genuinely transformational development in an accessible city centre location. The planning approval for this complex site demonstrates how we can make a positive contribution to the local area, bringing investment, life and excitement back to this important part of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Remapping the built environment industry for the 21st century

Remapping the built environment industry for the 21st century

Remap, a technology company aiming to transform the built environment industry, has been launched by former Hawkins\Brown digital design associates Ben Porter and Jack Stewart. Remap stands at the intersection of technology and construction, using creative solutions to address long-standing industry headaches and set new standards. Key services include digital transformation strategy, computational BIM & digital design, 2D / 3D application development and design to construction solutions. Ben and Jack each bring over ten years’ industry experience and expertise to the business. Qualified architects turned self-taught software developers, they honed their craft spearheading digital transformation of design and delivery at leading architecture practice Hawkins\Brown. With a solid foundation in design and construction and a passion for using technology to solve problems, they are on a mission to transform the industry from a fresh perspective. Jack Stewart says: “The built environment industry is at a critical juncture, facing challenges that require inventive solutions. There are so many organisations doing amazing work despite the hugely challenging landscape of the built environment industry – manual, unpredictable, adversarial, under-trained, under-funded and often undeliverable. “We believe that creative technologies can be a catalyst for positive change. From estate analysis, through design, construction, and use, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of conventional practices.” Oliver Milton, managing partner at Hawkins\Brown says: ”Ben and Jack’s fresh ideas and commitment to reshaping the industry have greatly benefitted Hawkins\Brown and our clients. We look forward to continuing to work with Remap to help bring about positive change in the built environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Decentralised solutions vital to security of supply for high energy users

Decentralised solutions vital to security of supply for high energy users

The UK government’s plans for new gas power stations as back up for renewables should prompt high energy users to consider decentralised solutions to balance security of supply against the need for greener energy, according to a sector expert. The government says the new gas power stations, which will be capable of operating for as little as one to two hours, are needed to meet demand on days when renewables such as solar and wind cannot deliver. “These plans underscore the looming energy shortages facing the UK’s power network as the energy mix rightly shifts towards renewable sources, which are inherently vulnerable to unfavourable weather conditions,” said Chris Rason, Managing Director of Aggreko Energy Services. “This issue is most acute for high energy users such as manufacturing facilities and data centres, which must maintain resilience while achieving tough voluntary and statutory decarbonisation targets. “Coupled with well-documented challenges relating to grid capacity and connection delays, it is unsustainable for high energy users to wait for centralised solutions from government. These will take many years to come to fruition, following site selection, design, planning permission and construction, and may not be ready when needed by energy intensive industries. As a result, a move towards decentralised generation is crucial.” The short-term decentralised options offered by Aggreko include battery energy storage solutions (BESS) combined with low emission, high performance Stage V generators, supporting or working independently of existing grid supply, with the option to scale to meet increased demand resulting from future expansion. Beyond this, Aggreko is also offering long term renewable solutions on a permanent basis. Chris added: “Adopting decentralised solutions gives control back to high energy users, assuring them of their ability to maintain uptime despite increasing challenges for the security of supply from the grid, while offering the ability to scale up or down depending on grid performance and operational needs.” Aggreko’s support for the energy transition is reflected in its recently launched sustainability framework, Energising Change. The framework allows Aggreko and the organisations it works with to embed low-carbon power technologies in their operations. At the heart of Energising Change are investments that give high energy users access to cleaner and greener energy sources, such as the expansion of its fleets of small, mid and large-size BESS, which builds on $140m earmarked over the last two years to expand Aggreko’s Greener UpgradesTM fleet, including new boilers, Stage V generators, batteries and chillers. To find out more, visit: www.aggreko.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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One new Act. Two different perspectives. A leading architect and manufacturer talk about the impact of the new Building Safety Act

One new Act. Two different perspectives – A leading architect and manufacturer talk about the impact of the new Building Safety Act

The new safety regime introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022 came into force on 1 October 2023 putting residents at the heart of a new system of building safety. It makes all players in the construction industry more accountable for keeping buildings, and their occupants, safe. A leading architect and safety manufacturer each offer their thoughts on the implications of this new act will be for architects. Paul Bussey, Architect, RIBA, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris “The Building Safety Act is a whole new world for architects. As the principal designer it significantly increases our responsibilities, designating us as a ‘guiding hand’ for health and safety issues. “Some people think that the Act only applies to higher risk buildings and may think that if they don’t do high rise buildings (HRBs) they don’t need to worry about it. However, this is not the case. The act increases architects’ responsibilities for safety in the design and construction of all buildings. So, what does the new regime mean in practice for architects? “Well, it’s our job to eliminate hazards like fire and falls from height so far as is reasonably practical (SFAIRP). We also need to reduce risks from remaining hazards. “This means specifying safety solutions that will keep building contractors, maintenance workers and residents safe as well as be cost-effective and work well visually and structurally. “Clearly, we can’t be accountable for all the details ourselves, so we’re going to need increased support from the experts in our wider team including structural engineers, CDM advisers, building regulation advisers, fire safety experts, façade consultants and maintenance consultants. “We’re also going to need to work with industry more closely than we’ve done in the past. In particular, we’ll be seeking greater levels of transparency from manufacturers about their products so that we can be confident that we’re specifying solutions that are fit for purpose. “But our responsibilities under the Building Safety Act don’t stop there. Once we’ve decided on the solutions that will keep people safe, we then need to demonstrate to the Building Safety Regulator that we’ve complied with their requirements and that the solutions we’ve specified will actually work. This requires us to provide the regulator with a visual document giving calculations, architectural drawings, sections, structural detail and so forth. “For example, if we take a fall protection system, we must be able to demonstrate that the system will do the job it’s supposed to do – keep someone safe in the event that fall restraint is impossible and if they fall off the edge of a roof the entire fall arrest process is acceptable, including rescue. This means we must be totally confident that the system will work and make sure our client, funder and insurer are happy too. “Manufacturers have a key role to play here in providing us with the high-level information we need to be able to get a solution approved fast. We don’t want chapter and verse on everything – we just need to know what’s relevant and current that will help us demonstrate we’re fulfilling our responsibilities under the new Act. “I recognise that this can all sound a bit overwhelming but remember that as an architect you’re only responsible for managing safety risks so far as is reasonably practical. No one expects you to eliminate risks entirely. Basically, the new regime boils down to all the different players in the construction industry taking a more ethical approach and I, for one, welcome this.” Stuart Pierpoint, Specification Sales Manager, MSA Safety “For manufacturers, the Building Safety Act represents a big change in emphasis, ushering in a world where we need to take a scrupulously ethical approach. The consequences for those who behave unethically are pretty stringent – two years in prison and an unlimited fine. “In practice, the new regime means that manufacturers need to be more transparent when it comes to compliance. An example is when fall protection manufacturers offering products that only comply with the 1997 EN standard, rather than the revised 2012 standard, need to make this clear and avoid making misleading claims that their product meets ‘current standards’. “As an industry, we also need to be much clearer about when a product is ‘fit for purpose’ and when it isn’t – and be able to provide evidence to support any ‘fit for purpose’ claims. It is possible that some fall protection systems have not been tested on the same substrate that the architect is intending to use. Again, the load bearing capability differs between different substrates – thinner pliable substrates will have far less capabilities than heavier and denser substrates and both these factors are important considerations when choosing a fall protection system that is ‘fit for purpose’. “As manufacturers, we need to simplify the correct specification of a system. We need to get our manuals and documentation correct – making it clear what a product can and can’t do, what its limitations are and where it’s successful. And we need to make sure that the wording and imagery in these documents are clear for multiple users and in multiple languages. “We also need to ensure that our labelling, serialisation and evidence for any quality claims are all correct, that we follow quality management processes to the letter, do enough batch conformance testing to know that our products are being manufactured correctly, and carry out the correct audit trail with our manufacturing. “Manufacturers also need to work in close partnership with both installers and architects. When we’ve worked with an architect to help them select a ‘fit for purpose’ fall protection solution, it’s important that their specification for the roofing type is maintained so that our recommendation for the safest system is accurate. “In short, there’s a lot that manufacturers can do to support architects and help achieve the new Act’s vision. Here at MSA Safety, we’re keen to play our part and help make buildings safer for everyone.” Ultimately, the new Building Safety Act is a positive step forward

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Making housing targets discretionary has led to fewer local plans

Making housing targets discretionary has led to fewer local plans

The Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into housebuilding noted that councils’ local plans were crucial for gauging the number of permission approvals needed to meet housing need. The HBF has pointed out that since housing and levelling up secretary Michael Gove’s decision to make housing targets ‘discretionary’ last Autumn, 64 councils have paused or withdrawn their plans. The number of plans adopted last year was the lowest for a decade. Planning consultancy Lichfields’ research points to the fact that this could cause a drop of 77,000 homes a year. The trade body said most councils who have done this are concentrated in southern England and accused Mr Gove of pandering to ‘nimbyism’. The Housing Pipeline Report shows the number of units approved in 2023 was the lowest since 2015 in the Southeast, the lowest since 2013 in London and the lowest since 2012 in the Southwest.  Year-on-year, each of these regions saw falls of 13, 26 and 18 per cent respectively. The same regions have already seen annual falls of more than ten per cent in new build completions. Unit approvals for the North of England dropped 18 per cent for 2023 compared to 2021, 23 per cent for the Midlands and 28 per cent for the South of England. Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders were concerned the planning process had become so complicated and underfunded causing unacceptable delays for SME housebuilders. Developers were disappointed the chancellor Jeremy Hunt failed in last week’s budget to help first-time buyers with getting a deposit together to enable them to get their foot on the property ladder. They argue this is a further blow to the government’s target of building 300,000 a year by the mid-2020s. The construction industry is also blaming Natural England’s policy on maintaining nutrient neutrality of rivers across different parts of England for halting 150,000 new homes. They argue that intensive farming rather than housebuilding is the main pollution culprit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Paratop Bridge Formwork is Core to the Rapid, Reliable Formation of Road Link to Cancer Care Centre

Paratop Bridge Formwork is Core to the Rapid, Reliable Formation of Road Link to Cancer Care Centre

Doka’s versatile ParaTop bridge formwork provided the ideal solution for the rapid, high-specification creation of concrete decks that are integral to providing patients with a crucial new transport link to a cancer care centre. The 56-metre single-span bridge will improve road access to the Velindre Hospital in Cardiff. Known as the ‘Hospital of Hope’, the facility offers specialist and complex cancer services to more than 1.5 million people in south east Wales and beyond. Doka’s ParaTop bridge formwork was selected by principal contractor, Walters, as the ideal system for the rapid, effective formation of the bridge’s concrete parapets. ParaTop was created using modular principles, whereby the system can be adapted to specific applications. Its strength is its versatility, allowing ParaTop to be fixed to concrete or steel superstructures. The system contains an innovative insert-shoe, making it simple to erect whilst its cantilever formwork makes it easy work for cranes to install and lift when required via hard-plated insert-cones. ParaTop removes the need for platforms or scaffolds beneath the superstructure and fewer bracket planes are also required. Erection and dismantling times can be significantly reduced by using bolted, rather than threaded joints. In addition, ParaTop’s cantilever arm formwork eliminates the threading of tie rods in readiness for the concrete pouring process. For the Velindre Hospital Bridge project, the ParaTop bridge formwork was installed by Wyndham Construction. It was attached, via crane, to the bridge’s 2.3 metre-high, 1.2 metre-wide Corten steel beams. In total, the composite ladder beam-type plate girder bridge comprises 293 tonnes of steel. Rhodri Jones, Sub Agent at Walters, said Doka’s ParaTop bridge formwork ensured an installation that was rapid and issue-free. “The system hooked on quickly and easily to the bridge’s beams” he said. “The dismantling process was equally as straightforward, requiring the removal of just three bolts in what was a very simple and time-effective process. Overall, we’re delighted with the ParaTop bridge formwork’s performance on this incredibly worthwhile project for south east Wales.” The Velindre Hospital Bridge means visitors can travel to the cancer care centre, which is staffed by clinicians and scientists who are world leaders in their field, with greater convenience and comfort. Doka is proud to have supplied the high-quality formwork that is core to the structure’s long-term stability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Inaugural National Retrofit Conference Highlights Pressing Need for Skilled Workforce as Award Winners Lead the Way

Inaugural National Retrofit Conference Highlights Pressing Need for Skilled Workforce as Award Winners Lead the Way

The pressing need for a skilled retrofit workforce was once again the topic of much industry debate at the UK’s inaugural National Retrofit Conference, which took place at London’s ExCeL last week. Curated by The Retrofit Academy, the three-day Conference, in partnership with Futurebuild saw policymakers, industry leaders and other interested parties share their views on the best retrofit practice that will accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future. Day one of the Conference was focused on Retrofit Policy, Programmes and Leadership with keynote speakers such as Lord Martin Callanan, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero. Discussing the Government’s plans to help decarbonise 27 million homes, Callanan and the wider panel outlined how the industry can support the Government’s plans to retrofit homes at scale. The Retrofit Academy also launched a proposed Retrofit Workforce Roadmap to highlight specifically how the business intends to train and upskill thousands of individuals to join the retrofit revolution within the next five years. This year, The Retrofit Academy will be opening a consultation with local government and industry professionals with the aim of agreeing a collaborative roadmap geared towards achieving this goal. The second day of the Conference saw the focus shift to an exploration of how the Government and industry is rising to the challenge of decarbonising 27 million homes. Multiple panel discussions addressed topics such as keeping residents at the heart of the process and the importance of creating a close team of PAS 2035 professionals capable of delivering the quality required. One of the sessions, ‘Developing our Workforce and Growing the Supply Chain’ was chaired by David Pierpoint, CEO of The Retrofit Academy, and enabled the audience to understand in real terms the approaches they can take to develop their own partnerships capable of delivering high-quality retrofit successfully. Finally, the third day of the Conference concluded with a focus on Unblocking Skills and Unlocking Innovation. This included the panel discussion on ‘Retrofit at Scale’ chaired by Loreana Padron, Associate Director at ECD Architects where the shortage of retrofit-literate architects and design professionals was addressed. The discussion followed Loreana’s contribution to The Retrofit Academy’s Domestic Retrofit Designer course. Developed by over 20 leading industry professionals over an 18-month period, the new course will help to address this skills gap by upskilling architects and design professionals around retrofit design best practice. David Pierpoint said: “The UK’s very first National Retrofit Conference was a huge success. During the three-day event, multiple industries were able to come together and discuss ways that we can tackle the challenges we face, all the way from MPs to those on the ground conducting the work. In a conference arena that was twice the size of last year, and with the apparent lack of empty seats, it was evident that the industry is really engaging with retrofit and the challenge at hand. Our team was able to have multiple meaningful conversations with interested individuals looking to upskill into retrofit and help become part of the solution, especially those looking to become retrofit designers. “As a partner to the event, we were able to shine the light on vital topics such as tackling the skills gap through our Retrofit Workforce Roadmap and how we are striving to qualify competent professionals to complete projects to the PAS 2035 standard. At the 2025 National Retrofit Conference, it will be amazing to measure the progress made and see how far we have come in achieving net zero.” Excellence celebrated at The Retrofit Academy Awards Day one of the conference concluded with this year’s The Retrofit Academy Awards which celebrated both individuals and businesses making significant effort to help decarbonise the UK housing stock. The full list of 11 award winners is as follows: Commenting further on the Awards, David added: “All of the individuals and businesses who took home awards are setting the standard for how retrofit should be conducted to achieve high quality results and pleased residents. They are showing those interested in a career in retrofit what could be achieved and how this booming industry has so much to offer those who upskill into it. Throughout the next year, all these people and businesses will go on to decarbonise the UK housing stock and lead the way for others to become next year’s nominees.” For more information about The Retrofit Academy, please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Options Skills Offers Skills Bootcamp for Electricians to Upskill in Sustainable Technologies

Options Skills Offers Skills Bootcamp for Electricians to Upskill in Sustainable Technologies

Electricians can now upskill in sustainable technologies, thanks to a new Electrical Skills Bootcamp focussed on Solar Installation, EV Installation and Energy Storage Systems. Led by accredited training provider Option Skills, this program is fully funded as part of the UK government’s Skills for Life campaign, delivered by the Department for Education. The Electrical Skills Bootcamp offers comprehensive training in Solar (PV) Photovoltaic Systems, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge Points, and Electrical Energy Storage Systems. These skills are essential in a world increasingly focused on renewable technologies. Mick Fitzgerald, Director at Options Skills, said, “Our Skills Bootcamp is a unique opportunity for electricians to stay ahead in their field by mastering sustainable technologies. It’s not just a course; it’s an investment in the future of our trade and our planet.” “To thrive in the evolving landscape of electrical work, it’s crucial to adapt and expand your skill set,” added Fitzgerald. “Our Skills Bootcamp does exactly that, preparing electricians for a future where these technologies are the norm.” The Skills for Life – Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills. Eligible candidates must hold an N/SVQ 3 in Electrical Installation or equivalent and have the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) certification. The program includes 80 guided learning hours combining centre-led training and webinars across 6 – 8 weeks.  Currently available at their Birmingham training centre, the Options Skills Electrical Skills Bootcamp will soon be offered in Manchester and London, bringing this vital training to electricians across the UK. For more information on training opportunities, visit here. Or call 0800 802 1306. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Modern Locker Rooms: A Combination of Convenience and Architectural Beauty

Modern Locker Rooms: A Combination of Convenience and Architectural Beauty

Remember those old locker rooms – dimly lit, echoing spaces with rows of metal lockers? They served their purpose, but, let’s be honest, they weren’t exactly inspiring. Thankfully, locker rooms are undergoing a significant transformation. Companies like American Specialties, Inc. are leading the charge, reimagining these spaces as functional and beautiful environments. Modern locker rooms are no longer just about storing belongings. By combining cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, these modern spaces elevate the user experience, making them a true pleasure. Read on to discover how innovation and aesthetics are coming together to create the future of locker rooms. Convenience in Modern Locker Rooms Gone are the days of fumbling with combination locks and trying to jam a bulky gym bag into an old metal locker. Today’s lockers offer a wide range of features that make storage and access more convenient than ever before. Here’s how technology and thoughtful design are revolutionizing locker rooms. Technological Advancements Imagine ditching the key altogether! Modern locker rooms often utilize keyless entry systems, allowing access through secure methods like wristbands or smartphone apps. This eliminates the hassle of lost keys and simplifies entry, especially when you’re in a hurry. Plus, integrated charging stations ensure your devices stay powered up, whether you’re tracking your workout or listening to music. Some lockers even feature environmental controls for extra comfort, allowing you to adjust the lighting and temperature to your liking. Storage Solutions Catered to Modern Needs Modern lockers go beyond simply storing your clothes. Gone are the days of struggling to fit your gym bag into a cramped space. Today’s lockers come in various sizes, with some specifically designed to accommodate bulkier equipment like sports bags and yoga mats. Many lockers also feature specialized compartments for shoes, electronics, and even wet items, keeping your belongings organized and protected. Some lockers even boast built-in, convenient drying systems, perfect for damp towels or workout clothes. Promoting Wellness and Recovery Modern locker rooms are increasingly designed with your well-being in mind. Some facilities incorporate designated areas for stretching and pre-workout routines, allowing you to prepare for your workout in a dedicated space. Additionally, hydration stations with filtered water access are becoming a standard feature, encouraging users to stay hydrated before, during, and after their workout. The Architectural Beauty of Modern Locker Rooms Beyond their functionality, modern locker rooms are also designed to be visually appealing. No longer an afterthought in gym design, these areas now boast high-end finishes and luxurious touches that rival those found in spas. Here’s how architects and designers are transforming these spaces into aesthetically pleasing environments. Material Choices for Durability and Style Durability meets style in the materials used in modern locker rooms. High-quality, easy-to-clean surfaces like waterproof tiles and polished concrete ensure a space that can withstand heavy traffic and frequent cleaning. These materials also create a sleek and modern aesthetic. Sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled wood are finding their way into locker designs for warmth and eco-consciousness. Imagine sleek bamboo lockers contrasting beautifully with polished concrete floors – a stunning combination that elevates the overall design. Lighting Design for Functionality and Ambiance Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming and functional environment. Modern locker rooms often incorporate a layered approach to lighting. Task lighting illuminates individual lockers and vanity areas, ensuring good visibility for tasks like changing and grooming. Recessed or track lighting provides overall ambient lighting, while accent lighting adds a touch of drama to the space. Natural light is also highly valued in modern locker room design. Large windows or skylights bring abundant natural light into the space, creating a bright and inviting environment. Creating a Sense of Community Through Design Modern locker rooms are increasingly designed to foster a sense of community. Open floor plans with designated social areas encourage interaction and team spirit. These areas might include comfortable seating, charging stations, or even vending machines for healthy snacks. Additionally, incorporating team logos or artwork into the design can create a sense of belonging and pride within the user community. The Future of Locker Rooms: A Seamless Integration of Technology and Design The future of locker rooms is brimming with exciting possibilities, with options offered by companies like ASI Global Partitions seamlessly integrating technology and design to create an even more user-centric experience. These companies also excel when it comes to bathroom fittings. Although not as common, visually-pleasing commercial bathroom stall partitions can make visitors feel more at ease. Imagine smart lockers that adjust the temperature based on your workout or greet you with a personalized welcome message. Biometric access systems could eliminate the need for keys or codes, allowing for a truly touchless experience. Interactive displays throughout the locker room could showcase team information, workout routines, or even motivational messages. This enhances functionality and fosters a sense of community within the space. As technology and design evolve, locker rooms will transform into more functional, beautiful, and inspiring environments.

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