Commercial property developer and investor Barberry Industrial has today unveiled plans for a £14 million warehouse development in the West Midlands after acquiring a high-quality site in an off-market deal. Barberry plans to deliver a 70,000 sq ft Grade A ‘best in class’ distribution and logistics unit on the last
Momentum is building behind the regeneration of Bolton town centre, as the council partners with leading real estate advisors CBRE to deliver two transformative development projects. Work on both the redevelopment of Crompton Place, and the regeneration of Church Wharf, could start as early as this year thanks to key
INTEGRA Biosciences has completed construction of its new campus and pipette tip manufacturing plant at its headquarters in Zizers, Switzerland. The manufacturing facility will help the company to drastically reduce its transport emissions in line with its long-term sustainability goals. The transport of raw materials and products accounted for 44
MOMENTOUS plans to transform part of the East Lincolnshire coast have taken an important step forward, following unilateral approval of the 336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness. The news, delivered Wednesday 20 March at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle, means the town is on
An official opening event was held on 20th March to celebrate the completion of the new sixth form building at King Ecgbert School in Dore, south-west of Sheffield. Almost a year after R G Carter first started construction on site the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Colin Ross marked the
Thanet District Council’s plans to buy or build at least 400 new affordable rented homes by 2027 are on track. Less than 12 months into the programme, over 200 properties have now been secured. When completed, these homes will be rented to local residents through the council’s housing register. Under
Independent housebuilder Dandara has been awarded five stars in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has achieved the highest accolade. The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest of its type in the country, with responses
Jewson Live, the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople is back – and for the first time ever, will be touring the UK. Hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of STARK UK – Jewson Live will begin its tour with its flagship live event at the
Kori Construction has scooped a £12.2m project that will see the site of a former Milton Keynes fire station turned into a high-quality care home. Kori was awarded the contract by leading UK care provider Porthaven Care Homes after being appointed to a similar project for a client in Harpenden,
Ceramic materials are pivotal in various construction and design projects, ranging from flooring to wall claddings. Their aesthetic appeal, durability, and versatility make them a preferred choice among contractors and designers. However, understanding the intricacies of ceramic testing is indispensable to ensure ceramic installations’ longevity and performance. This article delves
Commercial property developer and investor Barberry Industrial has today unveiled plans for a £14 million warehouse development in the West Midlands after acquiring a high-quality site in an off-market deal. Barberry plans to deliver a 70,000 sq ft Grade A ‘best in class’ distribution and logistics unit on the last site at Quinton Business Park, Ridgeway, Birmingham, after acquiring the land for an undisclosed sum. The company – one of the UK’s leading developers of mid-box industrial units – exchanged contracts within two weeks of instructing solicitors and completed the deal earlier this month, according to development director Jon Robinson. “Our acquisition of this prime site at Junction 3 of the M5 Quinton Business Park is the latest significant investment by Barberry. The acquisition demonstrates the strong financial position of the company, our ability to transact quickly and our continued commitment to the mid-box industrial and logistics sector in key strategic locations. “Importantly, the development of a best-in-class 70,000 sq ft unit will help to address the ongoing shortage of new, high quality mid-box industrial/logistics accommodation in the West Midlands. Our building will be designed to enable businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and deliver financial savings across their operations. Barberry strives to help create flexible space to work while promoting staff wellness, delivering quality accommodation that local, regional and national businesses need in order to expand their operations within the Midlands, delivering new jobs and attracting investment,” said Jon. The site is already allocated for employment uses and Barberry intends to submit a detailed application to Birmingham City Council in May for planning permission for a c:70,000 sq ft unit with a focus on sustainability, built to exceptional ESG standards, targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent accreditation including electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, green initiatives and wildlife walks around the site. Jon added: “We are excited at the prospect of delivering another high quality warehouse and distribution unit. The building will be available for occupiers’ requirements on either a freehold or leasehold basis.” Agents Savills and M1 Agency will be the retained agents acting for Barberry. Quinton Business Park is an established and prestigious business park situated adjacent to junction 3 of the M5 and on a main arterial route (A456) five miles south-west of Birmingham city centre. It hosts a range of corporate occupiers including Wates Construction, Highways Agency, Police Complaints Commission, VTG Rail, ADT, Lindner Prater and Serco. Barberry has a 2.4 million sq ft industrial/logistics development pipeline with a Gross Development Value of more than £395 million. The company has 500 acres of strategic residential and employment development land across 12 sites under its control and a growing income producing commercial and residential portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Momentum is building behind the regeneration of Bolton town centre, as the council partners with leading real estate advisors CBRE to deliver two transformative development projects. Work on both the redevelopment of Crompton Place, and the regeneration of Church Wharf, could start as early as this year thanks to key council decisions taken this month. On Monday, the cabinet agreed to the provisional sale of land at Church Wharf to local developers Watson Homes to build 417 residential units and a 120-bed hotel. This came just two weeks after a lease surrender agreement on the former M&S building, paving the way for the flagship Crompton Place redevelopment scheme. Progress on both sites had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but strategic advice and support from CBRE has been pivotal in driving the projects forward. Previously an underused brownfield site, direct intervention from the council has turned Church Wharf into a site with real potential as a desirable riverside location at one of the centre’s main gateways. The provisional agreement reached this week will now see CBRE assess the viability and suitability of future plans before the final sale goes through. Nearby, the Crompton Place Shopping Centre is set to be demolished and replaced by what will be the central development project in Bolton’s wider regeneration masterplan. Promoting the opportunity at MIPIM 2024, Bolton set out its vision for a mixture of leisure, commercial and residential units on the site, with new public spaces and enhanced links between Victoria Square and the main thoroughfare of Bradshawgate. In addition to providing advice on demolition, placemaking and asset management at Crompton Place, CBRE is also taking the lead on identifying a developer to take on the site. Adam White, Senior Director, CBRE’s Development Advisory team said; “We are delighted to lead on identifying a development partner with the relevant experience, skills and resources to deliver Bolton Council’s vision for Crompton Place via a public-private partnership. “This is a significant mixed-use, multi-phase regeneration scheme on an important gateway site for the town to transform the area into a distinctive, vibrant place for people to work, visit and live. “We have been instructed to provide multi-discipline advice to the Council to consider the scheme’s optimal route to market, review and manage the demolition scope of works, as well as develop a placemaking strategy for the development. “The Council will undertake a pre-marketing engagement process to elicit initial feedback from potential developers, investors and funders on the appeal of the opportunity, initial thoughts on use mix, massing and programme and views on the delivery structure.” Both Church Wharf and Crompton Place are part of a wider regeneration masterplan developed by Bolton Council which is already delivering a number of schemes in the town centre and beyond. The renovation of Bolton Central Library, the upcoming Bolton Market Food Hall, Elizabeth Park, and the Wellsprings Innovation Centre have been backed by the government’s Towns Fund. Residential developments at Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens will contribute to a growing town centre population which Deloitte projects will reach 5,000 over the next 15 years. Success stories elsewhere in the borough include the Bolton Institute of Medical Sciences and CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s Farnworth Green urban neighbourhood development. Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “As consumer habits change, we have developed a masterplan which consolidates Bolton’s retail offer and creates space for residential, leisure, hospitality, and commercial space. “Several projects are already underway, and the next phase will see the delivery of two major developments that will act as a catalyst for even more private sector investment. “These are large and highly complex projects and the support of CBRE has been invaluable to our work to make Bolton an even better place to live, work and visit.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INTEGRA Biosciences has completed construction of its new campus and pipette tip manufacturing plant at its headquarters in Zizers, Switzerland. The manufacturing facility will help the company to drastically reduce its transport emissions in line with its long-term sustainability goals. The transport of raw materials and products accounted for 44 percent of INTEGRA’s CO2 emissions in 2022. Around 75 percent of this was attributed to the transport of GRIPTIPS® pipette tips from the USA manufacturing facility to subsidiaries and distributors worldwide. Construction of a second pipette tip production facility in Zizers was completed in December 2023, and will help to eliminate the need to ship pipette tips from the USA to European customers, reducing transport emissions by an estimated 26 percent. All of the additional buildings at the expanded Zizers campus have been designed with sustainability in mind. The new buildings have a range of eco-friendly features, with low energy consumption and a 3000 m2 rooftop photovoltaic system to generate electricity. Heat generated by the pipette tip molding facility and fossil fuel-free heat pumps will also be used to heat the campus. In addition, 1625 m2 of roof space will be seeded with 50 species of native wildflowers to support local biodiversity. Ursula Leuthold, Sustainability Coordinator for INTEGRA Biosciences, said: “We are dedicated to a proactive and company-wide approach to sustainability. Manufacturing GRIPTIPS in Europe is a huge step in reducing our carbon footprint and achieving our corporate emissions reduction targets.” Visit the INTEGRA Biosciences website to learn more Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MOMENTOUS plans to transform part of the East Lincolnshire coast have taken an important step forward, following unilateral approval of the 336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness. The news, delivered Wednesday 20 March at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle, means the town is on the cusp of receiving more than £300 million in economic benefits, delivering hundreds of local jobs. Projections undertaken by the Gateway team showcase the scheme will deliver employment benefits of £289.7 million, £20.5 million and £16 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) measurability for commercial, industrial and retail sector jobs. The proposed Local Development Order is seeking to expedite the delivery of up to 1000 new homes and more than 49 acres of combined business, industrial and community space. Situated to the west of the town, on land principally owned by Croftmarsh, with additional areas owned by the Scarbrough family, the Skegness Gateway scheme is set to breathe new life into an area of the Lincolnshire coast that drastically needs change in order to secure its future, boosting the local economy and providing the education and jobs for local people that will encourage them to stay in the area. Sue Bowser of Croftmarsh, said: “This is a milestone moment for the people of Skegness and an important step in revitalising our town and community. It is a pathway for people to carve a real future in the town, with employment, skills and learning opportunities all situated within one site, connected by an ambition to restore Skegness at the heart of East Midlands economic investment. “Having farmed the land at Croftmarsh for 30 years, it was always hoped that it could eventually be used for development. Now, it’s a chance for prospective consultants, developers and investors to look more closely at our plans and be a part of transforming Skegness’ future. It will become a new home for thousands of families, a place of ambition and prosperity, with a lasting legacy for generations to come.” As part of the proposals, the Skegness Gateway site also includes provision for a new crematorium, 78 acres of green open space, supported living options and a new local centre. The scheme has garnered wide stakeholder and public support since its launch three years ago, following a series of engagement sessions and appearances at local community events. Last November, it was described by Matt Warman, MP for Boston and Skegness as a catalyst to ‘allow people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get the jobs they want.’ The scheme was also mentioned in the House of Commons as offering a ‘significant boon to local NHS services.’ Enabling works on the new Skegness TEC college, which is situated on the Skegness Gateway site, is already underway, following planning permission being granted in February last year. Adrian Clarke, group vice principal for corporate services at TEC Partnership, said: “The new campus will provide fantastic opportunities for the local community to undertake courses in further and higher education and develop the skills the area needs for its future.” Chris Baron, chair at Connected Coast, said: “We are seeing unprecedented investment in Skegness which is supporting the delivery of aspirational and transformational projects. “The Skegness Gateway represents a further and significant opportunity to create much-needed facilities for the area and enhance Skegness for people who live and visit here. “Together the opportunities, interventions, and investment – which includes the Towns Fund and the recently announced Long Term Plan for Towns – will bring long-term, sustainable benefits for Skegness which will be felt for generations to come.” Councillor Steve Kirk, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for coastal economy, said: “I am delighted to see another positive step taken towards delivering this transformational piece of investment to Skegness and East Lindsey as a whole. “By supporting these plans, we are helping to create new jobs, new education and skills development options, new homes and new opportunities for businesses and the local economy. This is yet another example that shows Skegness is a great place to live, work, play and invest. “Alongside our ongoing Towns Fund and Levelling Up projects, the positive impact of these developments will be felt for generations to come, and I look forward to continuing to see them become a reality in the months and years ahead.” For more information on the Skegness Gateway, visit https://skegnessgateway.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An official opening event was held on 20th March to celebrate the completion of the new sixth form building at King Ecgbert School in Dore, south-west of Sheffield. Almost a year after R G Carter first started construction on site the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Colin Ross marked the occasion with a special ribbon cutting ceremony surrounded by staff and students from the school eager and excited to start gaining the benefit of this new state-of-the-art facility. “It is with great pride that we open the new sixth form building today. It took only a year to build but the project was many years in the making, so this marks the end of a long journey. I want to pay tribute to our Director of Sixth form, Rebecca McCairns who deserves the credit, along with students, for the detailed and thoughtful interior design specifically to meet the needs of sixth form students.” says Head teacher Paul Haigh “It is exciting to consider all the future opportunities the facility will help provide for our students, inspiring them on their future journey to become the graduate professionals of the future.” Representatives from the school’s governance, Mercia Learning Trust, Sheffield City Council and members of the build and design team and R G Carter and HLM attended the official celebrations. Further to speeches, guests had the opportunity for a tour of the new sixth form and find out how the students are getting on in the early days of moving into the space. Rebecca McCairns, Director of Sixth Form at King Ecgbert School said, “This building is all about the future. It has been built for the future with its eco-friendly design and University feel. It will be a place where students genuinely want to come to study; a home away from home. It will house our future medics, lawyers, athletes, artists and hopefully teachers. It will support our current students’ futures and that of the next generation including those in our community.” Chris French, CEO of Mercia Learning Trust, said: “This new Sixth Form building embodies our commitment to providing cutting-edge educational facilities that inspire and empower our students to reach their full potential. I want to commend King Ecgbert School for their unwavering dedication and vision in bringing this project to fruition, working closely with the Local Authority, Architects, and the construction firm. The journey from concept to completion is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the school’s leadership, staff, students, and the wider community.” The new 1294 m2, one-storey building provides King Ecgbert School with a stunning, dedicated modern space for sixth form lessons, with 15 new state of the art classrooms for specialist teaching. Featuring a giant wall-to-floor glass study room, the facility was designed around the feeling of university study spaces enabling students to learn in a relaxed, adult environment with stunning views out over the south Yorkshire countryside. Students from the school worked closely with HLM Architects and the interior designers in the early stages of the building’s development to ensure the building reflected their needs and tastes. Ideas incorporated into the scheme included soft colour pallets for the classrooms, wooden flooring and the addition of quiet spaces needed by some of its students with learning difficulties. This ethos was continued throughout the construction process with Core Architects and R G Carter. Tim Owen, Senior Project Manager for R G Carter Lincoln Ltd, said: “We’re extremely proud to have been part of the successful partnership with King Ecgbert School, its Multi Academy Trust Leadership team and Sheffield City Council in delivering this outstanding new sixth form building. It has been wonderful today to see people using and enjoying the new space we have built and for the students to see how their ideas have come to life. We hope it provides both students and staff with the very best learning environment for many years to come.” Cllr Maroof Raouf, Deputy Chair of the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “It is great to see the opening of the new King Ecgbert School Sixth Form facilities in Dore.” “Having worked at a number of Sixth Form schools in the city, I know there is more pressure on school provision places than ever before. I know the opening of this new building will be a source of pride for Sheffield, symbolising the commitment we are making to rapid progress and investment in education in this city. “We have worked alongside our partners to provide the right setting for students to prepare for further and higher education, apprenticeships, or employment. We hope pupils, staff, and parents alike enjoy using these new facilities.” The Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Colin Ross, who officially opened the building said, “I am very pleased to welcome this new sixth form block to King Ecgbert’s School. This is a very popular and successful school and the new facility will enable the school to increase its overall capacity and meet the demand for places. It is important that as far as possible that students can attend their local school and an increase in student numbers across the South West of the city has made this difficult to achieve without this new building.” King Ecgbert School is a large 11-18 secondary school of around 1,450 students. The sixth form currently accommodates around 380 students; with A Level and BTEC students moving into this new bespoke sixth form facility, it will enable the school to free up space within the main building, creating room for the increasing level of Year 7 intake of pupils. The facility will also enable the school to meet the demand in catchment for school places. R G Carter Lincoln Ltd secured this project under the YORBuild3 Medium Works Framework. The project is funded by Sheffield City Council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thanet District Council’s plans to buy or build at least 400 new affordable rented homes by 2027 are on track. Less than 12 months into the programme, over 200 properties have now been secured. When completed, these homes will be rented to local residents through the council’s housing register. Under the ambitious plans first unveiled in July 2023, two new projects were identified that would provide the first 51 properties. This includes 41 homes at the Spitfire Green development at New Haine Road in Ramsgate. This week the council reached a new milestone when it took ownership of 23 new homes for affordable rent at the Spitfire Green site. The new properties are a mix of houses and flats and have been built by Barratt David Wilson Kent. The council is buying a further 18 homes at Spitfire Green, and expects the purchase to be completed within the next eighteen months. Cllr Helen Whitehead, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This handover, and this milestone, marks an important step forward in our programme to deliver the new council homes desperately needed for our residents. “We are tracking far ahead of our projected timeline for this programme and I’m delighted that we’re delivering faster than our initial plans indicated we would. Every home we bring onto the council’s books means that another family moves into secure and well-maintained housing. “Housing is the very foundation of our community; when we provide the genuinely affordable housing residents need we know that we are providing far more than a roof and shelter; we are providing certain safety, security, and a solid base for residents and families to grow from in an often uncertain world. Our continual commitment to increasing the number of council homes available will relieve many of the pressures that residents currently face. “To fully address our environmental commitments and the cost of living pressures on residents, only are these homes affordable, but they have also been built to stringent environmental standards. They all have energy performance certificates rated B, which minimises the ongoing cost to households of heating them, and very importantly, reduces their environmental impact. We have worked in close partnership with Barratt David Wilson Kent to both design and produce these homes, and I am extremely proud of everyone who has worked on our new housing strategy to deliver what our residents need.” William Walsh, Managing Director for Barratt David Wilson Kent, comments: “We are committed to building high quality housing for a mix of tenures in Kent, and are particularly proud to expand our partnership with Thanet District Council. The agreement will deliver much needed housing for affordable rent in Ramsgate, meeting key local targets, and crucially providing much needed affordable housing to the community. “Spitfire Green is our flagship scheme in Ramsgate, and we are continuing to invest in the local community through our ongoing commitments, including through our Section 106 commitment to support key local amenities, alongside creating much needed housing available to buy or rent affordably.” Residents who need affordable housing should register on Kent Home Choice, the council’s lettings system. Once registered, they can bid on suitable homes as they become available. Find out more on the council’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent housebuilder Dandara has been awarded five stars in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has achieved the highest accolade. The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest of its type in the country, with responses from nearly 50,000 new build homebuyers. It awards housebuilders with a ‘Star Rating’ based on responses to the questions, including how satisfied buyers are with their new properties, the service received during the sales process and if they would recommend the builder to a friend. For Dandara to have been awarded the maximum 5 stars means that over 90% of its customers would recommend their homes to a friend. Dandara, established in 1988, is committed to creating homes which combine innovative design with the highest standards of quality, whilst also putting customers first. With its customer and quality focus, this is what delivers consistently high recommendation scores. Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home of Federation commented: “To have 90% of consumers recommending you is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the industry’s overwhelming commitment to delivering high levels of customer service. “Despite hundreds of thousands of homes being built each year, this year’s survey shows the vast majority of customers are happy with their purchase and the service provided by their builder. “Homebuilders remain focused on driving improvements in this area and the creation of an independent New Homes Ombudsman and a more robust Consumer Code will support this drive and should lead to even higher levels of customer satisfaction moving forward.” The 5-star rating comes on top of Dandara being awarded several Quality Recognition Awards for its regions, demonstrating the companies persistent aim to build quality homes for its customers. Trevor Dempsey, CEO of Dandara, said: “To achieve five stars again this year is a fantastic success for Dandara, and testament to our customer experience, build product and quality of homes across the country. After our continued growth as a company, it is great to see that our customers are recognising our hard work and love for creating new homes, and there’s nothing better than hearing so many of our customers would recommend their home to a friend. We have big plans for the year ahead and we look forward to building and selling five-star quality homes across the UK.” Dandara is continuing to grow throughout the UK, with regional offices in Isle of Man, East Scotland, Aberdeen, Tunbridge Wells, Milton Keynes, Braintree, Southampton and Wales, which are focused on delivering good quality family housing in desirable locations. To find out more about Dandara, please visit https://www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jewson Live, the annual event for the UK’s professional tradespeople is back – and for the first time ever, will be touring the UK. Hosted by national builders’ merchant Jewson – now part of STARK UK – Jewson Live will begin its tour with its flagship live event at the Birmingham NEC on Friday 26 th April – which is entering its seventh year. Jewson Live On Tour will then head to Kent Exhibition Centre, Maidstone, on Thursday 16 th May; SEC, Glasgow, on Thursday 6 th June, and Westpoint, Exeter, on Thursday 13 th June. Each of the four events will feature a full programme, running from 8am to 2pm, covering three distinct areas – the Trading Zone, Future Zone, and Wellbeing Zone. In each zone, high profile speakers and trade experts will share the latest industry news and developments, detailing how they impact tradespeople on a day-to-day basis. There will be product demos and exclusive on-the-day deals available from many of the 150 Jewson suppliers and partners exhibiting, as well as a wealth of competitions and giveaways. Darts legend Phil Taylor and darts commentator Emma Paton will host the show at the NEC, with several other celebrity guests expected to make an appearance. The NEC show will also be used to officially launch Jewson’s company rebrand, with representatives of parent group STARK UK taking to the main stage to explain more about the company’s vision for the future. Attendees will also get a sneak preview of Jewson’s ‘branch of the future’, which will provide insights into the transformation of the Jewson brand and how it is changing to meet the future needs of the trades. In addition, the winners of Jewson’s inaugural Making Better Homes Awards – celebrating the UK’s tradespeople dedicated to building sustainable homes – will be announced. Businesses will take home the winning prizes for each of the competition’s three categories – Best Use of Renewable Energy in a Project, Best Building Fabric in a Project, and Sustainable Project of the Year. John Carter, CEO of STARK UK – part of STARK Group, which acquired a collection of businesses including Jewson from Saint-Gobain in March 2023 – said: “Jewson Live has long been recognised as one of the standout exhibitions in the construction calendar. With the industry facing a particularly challenging period, we believe this is the perfect time to support the UK’s tradespeople even more and host a series of live events that builders and tradespeople can look forward to and get a lot out of. “We’re proud to partner the trades and that’s why we’re offering not one but four regional events to give our hardworking customers and industry friends a great day out. Ourbranches are at the heart of communities, so it makes a lot of sense to take Jewson Live on tour – bringing it closer to the people we work with every day.“Jewson Live On Tour is something we’ve been thinking about for a long time, and we’re proud to say what was once just an idea is now coming to life. We’ll bring our suppliers and partners on the road with us, so existing, returning and prospective customers can enjoy all the benefits of Jewson Live much closer to home. “Each event promises to be informative, productive and invaluable for tradespeople who want to grow their business; and as well as that, it’ll be exciting and a lot of fun. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”Register here for any of the Jewson Live On Tour shows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kori Construction has scooped a £12.2m project that will see the site of a former Milton Keynes fire station turned into a high-quality care home. Kori was awarded the contract by leading UK care provider Porthaven Care Homes after being appointed to a similar project for a client in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. Demolition of the former fire station building, which has stood empty since 2020 when the fire service was relocated to a new Blue Light Hub at West Ashland, has already been completed. It will be replaced by a four-storey, 75-bed care home described as ‘tranquil and settled’ by the developer, which will provide comprehensive care services for older people as well as those living with dementia. Jordan Connachie, Managing Director of Kori Construction, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Porthaven Care Homes again, to bring forward this much-needed development. “The scheme has been designed as a high-quality landmark building which will provide a safe and relaxed environment for residents, both inside and out. Residents will also benefit from a range of first-class amenities as well as main views that look out across green space. Couple this with the high standard of care Porthaven is renowned for providing, and it will be a fantastic asset to the local community.” The care home will consist of 75 bedrooms over three floors, complete with wet rooms, with staff and service facilities located on the fourth floor. Amenities include a gym, hair salon, café, cinema, activity room, community lounge, community and private dining areas, and private, landscaped gardens. Work to prepare the site got underway in November 2023 and the development will take around 18 months to complete. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ceramic materials are pivotal in various construction and design projects, ranging from flooring to wall claddings. Their aesthetic appeal, durability, and versatility make them a preferred choice among contractors and designers. However, understanding the intricacies of ceramic testing is indispensable to ensure ceramic installations’ longevity and performance. This article delves into the essential aspects of ceramic testing that every contractor must be familiar with, covering the why, what, and how of the process. Importance of Ceramic Testing Ceramic testing is a critical evaluation that guarantees the safety, durability, and aesthetic integrity of ceramic materials used in construction projects. It involves a series of standardized tests that assess various physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of ceramic tiles and products. These tests identify ceramic suitability for specific applications and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards. In ceramic materials, porcelain stands out for its density, low porosity, and high resistance to wear and tear. As such, certified porcelain testing is a specialized segment of ceramic testing that focuses on evaluating the quality and performance of porcelain tiles. This rigorous testing procedure ensures that the porcelain tiles meet the stringent standards set for water absorption, breaking strength, and scratch resistance, among other criteria. Overall, contractors can use certified porcelain tile to comprehensively assess their tiles’ quality. Key Tests In Ceramic Testing Ceramic materials are integral to construction and design, offering beauty, resilience, and versatility. However, their performance and longevity depend on their properties, which require thorough testing. Understanding key tests in ceramic testing is essential for contractors to ensure the materials chosen meet the required durability, aesthetics, and functionality standards. These tests include: 1. Water Absorption Test The water absorption test is pivotal in evaluating a ceramic’s durability, particularly in moisture-rich environments. By measuring how much water a tile can absorb, this test offers insights into its frost resistance and structural integrity over time. Tiles with lower water absorption rates are less prone to cracking and weathering, making them ideal for outdoor or wet applications. Contractors must understand a tile’s water absorption to determine its environmental suitability and longevity. 2. Breaking Strength Test Floor tiles are subject to constant stress from foot traffic and furniture, making the breaking strength test critical for assessing their load-bearing capabilities. This test determines the force at which a tile will succumb to breaking or cracking, ensuring that the selected tiles can withstand the demands of their intended use. High breaking strength values indicate tiles that offer superior durability and are less likely to require premature replacement, thereby upholding the structural and aesthetic integrity of the flooring over time. 3. Scratch Hardness Test Maintaining the aesthetic quality of ceramic surfaces in high-traffic areas is paramount, and the scratch hardness test addresses this need by evaluating a tile’s resistance to surface abrasions. This test is instrumental in selecting tiles that will retain their appearance despite frequent use or exposure to abrasive materials. Tiles that excel in scratch hardness tests are ideal for areas where aesthetics are as crucial as durability, ensuring that the surface remains pristine and visually appealing even under strenuous conditions. 4. Chemical Resistance Test Ceramic tiles’ interaction with chemicals, ranging from mild detergents to aggressive solvents, is inevitable, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and industrial settings. The chemical resistance test assesses a tile’s resistance to chemical damage. This test is essential for ensuring that the tiles’ aesthetic and structural properties remain intact, even after repeated exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Tiles that pass this test are well-suited for environments where chemical spills and cleanings are routine, providing peace of mind regarding their long-term performance and appearance. Choosing The Right Testing Laboratory Selecting a reputable and accredited laboratory for ceramic testing is crucial. The laboratory should be equipped with the latest testing technologies and staffed by experienced professionals who can provide accurate and reliable results. Accreditation by recognized bodies ensures that the testing procedures adhere to international standards, providing contractors with the confidence that their ceramic materials are thoroughly evaluated. Understanding Test Results Interpreting the results of ceramic testing is as crucial as conducting the tests themselves. Contractors must understand the implications of the test outcomes to make informed decisions about material selection. For instance, a high water absorption rate may indicate the ceramic is unsuitable for outdoor or wet-area applications. Similarly, lower breaking strength values might restrict the use of certain tiles for wall applications rather than flooring. The Role Of Testing In Sustainability Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in construction projects. Ceramic testing plays a pivotal role by ensuring that materials meet environmental standards, contribute to energy efficiency, and are responsibly sourced and manufactured. Contractors committed to sustainable building practices should consider the environmental credentials of ceramics as part of their testing criteria. Conclusion Ceramic testing is a cornerstone in selecting and applying ceramic materials in construction projects. It offers a systematic approach to assessing the suitability, performance, and durability of ceramics, ensuring that they meet the specific needs of a project while adhering to industry standards. By understanding and utilizing the insights gained from ceramic testing, contractors can enhance their projects’ overall success and sustainability.
