McAleer & Rushe has been appointed by Retirement Villages Group (RVG) as the construction partner for its latest integrated retirement community in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The new development, which brings to life the former ABC cinema site, will create 167 one and two bedroom later living apartments arranged around a
North of England contractor committed to providing purposeful investment and engagement beyond the construction site Across the United Kingdom, the construction industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth and development while also shaping social and environmental landscapes. The latest Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report revealed more than
John Nash’s last surviving church gets a new Welsh Slate roof. The only surviving church by the Georgian/Regency architect John Nash is enjoying a new lease of life in its bicentenary, thanks to Welsh Slate. All Souls Church, in the Harley Street Conservation Area of Marylebone, London, has been reroofed
The Nemetschek Group, a leading software provider for the AEC/O and media industries and Hexagon’s Geosystems division, the global leader in digital reality solutions, today announced they have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate the digital transformation of the AEC/O industry. As a first step, the partnership is driving the
Geotechnical specialists from CAN have embarked on a 20-week programme at the Port of Dover designed to protect the chalk face by removing around 400 tonnes of loose chalk and vegetation across an area measuring 225m long and 40m high. The project is the second phase in a four-year undertaking
Ayesa, a leading global provider of technology and engineering solutions, announces it has won its biggest contract ever in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, worth 95 million euros. The National Water Company (NWC), a key figure in the water industry, has appointed the Andulasian firm to provide consultancy services for
Morgan Sindall Construction has completed work on an extra care facility in Leeds. The Sycamores in Woodlesford is Morgan Sindall Construction’s second Extra Care scheme for Lovell Later Living, Leeds City Council, and integrated housing and care provider Home Group, following the completion of the Greenmill Gardens Wellbeing community in
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched a new horizon-scanning programme with a set of scans that identify the most pertinent environmental issues facing the built environment over the next ten years. Developed by leading academics, The Environmental Challenge themed horizon scans provide foresight into the most significant
Easter weekend will mark the launch of a unique retrofit development in Devizes, Wiltshire. Designed to offer a more sustainable way of life, Marlborough Close by Annington will bring to the market just five four-bedroom homes, each having been carefully refurbished to become smarter and more efficient. Each home at
Farming equipment is the backbone of any successful agricultural operation. Tractors, harvesters, planters—these machines are crucial for every step of the food production process. But just like any workhorse, farm machinery needs proper care and attention to keep running smoothly for years to come. The good news? There are simple
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed by Retirement Villages Group (RVG) as the construction partner for its latest integrated retirement community in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The new development, which brings to life the former ABC cinema site, will create 167 one and two bedroom later living apartments arranged around a central courtyard with nine lower ground floor retail units. Part of RVG’s Thrive Living collection of more connected, urban communities for an active and sociable older generation, there will be genuine connection between the new development and the surrounding town centre with street facing retail units, a publicly accessible courtyard and integrated thoroughfares linking different parts of the town. Situated on a prominent corner of Church Road and Mount Pleasant Road, the development will transform a brownfield site that has lain derelict for over two decades. Construction works are set to begin on the development this month and once complete will provide a high-quality landscaping scheme with flexible spaces across multiple levels including podium landscaped terraces. Drawing inspiration from surrounding buildings, the architecture will reflect that of the art deco cinema that formerly occupied the site, and the mid-century town hall which faces the building. In a sector leading initiative, RVG has committed to developing the site as a whole-life net zero carbon project, meaning the new community will be net zero carbon across both its development and operational lifespan. The development design will implement an all-electric heating and hot water model through roof top ASHP systems. Floor to ceiling windows will maximise sunlight throughout the 1.5-acre development and the apartments will be complemented by communal amenity spaces including a restaurant, private dining rooms, and wellness facilities. With an extremely complex site topography, including a 9-metre differential in levels and positioned above a Network Rail Tunnel, the design and construction methodology will carefully address each of the unique constraints and challenges. This contract signifies an entrance into the later living sector for McAleer & Rushe, which the business has strategically targeted to diversify their offering as a leading Design & Build Contractor. Commenting Shane McCullagh, Director at McAleer & Rushe said: “McAleer & Rushe have a long and established history of delivering homes, rooted in our origins within social housing in Northern Ireland and our expansion into the later living sector reflects a natural evolution of our capability. With decades of experience in both hotel and residential projects, including build to rent, co living, and affordable housing, we are well positioned with an enviable skillset and proven track record to enhance buildability for our industry partners. “We see the later living sector increasing in the market, to meet the needs of today’s society for modern retirement housing that centres on community and social connection. We look forward to working closely with RVG to bring their vision to life, to create and integrate an enhanced retirement community with the wider urban town setting, benefiting all in the transformation of this brownfield site.” Will Bax, Chief Executive Officer at Retirement Villages Group, said: “We are thrilled to bring Thrive Living to Tunbridge Wells and unlock a brownfield site that has sat derelict in the heart of the town for over 20 years. “Thrive Living is a step-change in the way we should think about later life. We intend to challenge the stereotypes of vulnerability, loneliness and dependency and replace them with a new narrative. Modern retirement living needs to reflect the attitudes of a new generation of elders, who want to live with purpose and embrace the opportunities of connected and sociable living, creating their own active, urban community in an existing town setting. “It’s a pleasure to partner with McAleer & Rushe; we are all excited about the opportunity to revive this space and build a vital, open community in the heart of this great town.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
North of England contractor committed to providing purposeful investment and engagement beyond the construction site Across the United Kingdom, the construction industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth and development while also shaping social and environmental landscapes. The latest Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report revealed more than £1 billion was spent in social value projects for 2022. Under the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 businesses are required to consider the economic, social and environmental wellbeing from commissioned projects and the positive impact on communities is gaining pace. Esh Construction has always sought to stay ahead of the curve in providing community benefits around its construction schemes and currently delivers social value through 30 bespoke programmes, some of which are award-winning. In continuing to grow its Yorkshire portfolio, and since the implications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Esh has restructured its social value offering by developing a Constructing Local Strategy centred around six themed ‘E’s’ – Employment, Education, Engagement, Even Greener, Employees and Economy. Initially joining Esh in November 2021 as a community co-ordinator, Megan Roberts (main picture) had a lot of catching up to do on commitments that couldn’t be delivered due to school closures and lockdown rules. By the summer of 2022, Megan was promoted to Social Value Manager for Yorkshire with a key ambition to get into the communities in which Esh operates and build a social value legacy. Investing in social value Spearheading Esh’s social value activities in Yorkshire, Megan has seen opportunities blossom, with over £2.8 million worth of social value delivered in the region in the last 12 months alone, with an average 18% social value return on investment. The steadfast approach to social value has not gone unnoticed, with Megan being named in the Top 30 Under 30 Leeds and West Yorkshire list for new business talent, owing to the manner in which she has developed collaborative partnerships to grow Esh’s offering and support established organisations at the heart of the local communities. Reflecting on progress over the past three years, Megan said: “When I joined Esh, I spent a period of time playing catch up on commitments that couldn’t be fulfilled throughout the lockdown period and social distancing restrictions. In the past 12-18 months though, there has been vast change and improvement in our social value programmes and partnerships, coinciding with growth in our work in the South Yorkshire region – it’s a really exciting time to be working in social value, and construction. Attendance at key industry events, including the North Star Science School 2023 at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park and Get Up to Speed with STEM at Magna Science Adventure Centre both this year and last year bore fruit as Esh engaged with over 4,000 students and linked up with RNN Group, The Work-wise Foundation and Skills Street. Key initiatives launched in the last two years include Construction in the Curriculum and a water themed Get into STEM programme, which offer real life insight into construction careers. It results in communities surrounding Esh’s live and pipeline projects benefitting from a range of opportunities, as the company drives local employment and local spend opportunities to subcontractors and suppliers, while taking part in volunteering and providing charitable donations to relevant community groups. Esh’s social value commitments in the region have been developed in line with key housing and civils contracts through the last few years. From housing developments at Fir View Gardens and Pemberton Road in Sheffield and Castleford respectively, to active travel projects that are improving the transport infrastructure between Broom Road and Wellgate, Sheffield Road and the Maltby Bus Corridor in Rotherham, Esh’s visibility in South Yorkshire has grown too. Changing mindsets Charitable endeavours, investing in employees and CSR activities haven’t always been labelled as social value, but it was always there. Since 2012, tender requirements have steadily introduced a growing impetus for social value benefits and Esh has grown its social value team to meet the demand. Megan is buoyed from the buy-in she gets from Esh’s forward-thinking project teams and senior team. The 25-year-old Pontefract native said: “There has been a monumental shift in mindset on social value in the last 5-10 years and we’re seeing clients join us on our journey. The majority of Esh’s current projects in the region involve improving infrastructure and public realm and new build affordable housing schemes, and we can deliver a targeted and tailored approach to social value in partnership with our respective client for each project.” Earlier this month, Esh was announced as a Skills Investor partner with Skills Street at its new interactive learning facility at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park. The site is expected to welcome 16,000 students annually, while activities will be accessible to the general public, community groups and leisure visitors. And there’s more to come, according to Megan. She said: “As project teams become more familiar with social value terminologies and the associated community impacts, the pick-up from Local Authorities, careers organisations and educational establishments has enabled Esh to maximise its support for people across the region. “The social value weighting in tenders is on an upward trajectory and that’s where education and client buy-in is required. Thankfully though the pick-up from local authorities, careers organisations and educational establishments has helped Esh Construction maximise its support for people across the region. “By working collaboratively, we can progress on the social value journey together and develop a lasting legacy locally.” Building on its community-focused roots, supporting communities and young people, and providing aspirational opportunities has been embedded into Esh Construction’s culture from day one. As part of its fabric, social value continues to thrive, and Esh is taking Yorkshire along on its journey. Find out more about how Esh’s social value team can support you at https://www.eshgroup.co.uk/constructing-local/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John Nash’s last surviving church gets a new Welsh Slate roof. The only surviving church by the Georgian/Regency architect John Nash is enjoying a new lease of life in its bicentenary, thanks to Welsh Slate. All Souls Church, in the Harley Street Conservation Area of Marylebone, London, has been reroofed with 20″ x 12″ County-grade Penrhyn Heather Blue slates from Welsh Slate as part of a wholescale refurbishment of the iconic Grade I listed building. The first phase, to the external fabric, required a temporary roof and full scaffolding reaching to the top of the spire which now has ability to light up in any colour to suit the seasons and festivities. The scaffolding had to be engineered in great detail as the church occupies 100% of its ownership footprint. The Welsh slates were installed over 240m2 of the main nave roof, which has a pitch of 28°, using 38mm thick copper nails, and the flat roofs of the aisles, half of which had been covered in copper after the Second World War, were laid with 16 tonnes of lead, by roofing contractors Lead Roof Solutions for main contractor Quinn London. The roof, which is hipped at the south-west end and incorporates a timber louvred structure for ventilation, is also fitted with several conservation rooflights which sit flush with the slates. To improve ventilation, the Welsh slates were counter-battened to raise the roof level, and to incorporate this, secret gutters were used at the abutments and around the rooflights. A slate and a half were employed on all abutments, and ridges and hips were finished with a lead roll and wing detail. Although the church was built in 1824, it was damaged by bombing in 1940 and the roof was renewed during the post-war rebuild, so the Welsh slates that were most recently replaced were likely to be about 75 years old, if they were installed new. Specifiers Matthew Lloyd Architects, who specialise in historic and heritage buildings and are a conservation-accredited practice, have specified Welsh Slate on numerous occasions for a variety of church and secular buildings. Director Alex Sherratt explained that during All Souls’ quinquennial inspection in 2019 it was identified that the slate roof and remaining areas of copper roof had numerous defects and were near the end of their serviceable lives. In addition, there were a number of stonework and other issues which required attention. The client, the parochial church council, therefore decided to carry out a single conservation project on the entire external building fabric, to leave it in the best condition possible for its bicentenary in 2024. The conservation work required the use of traditional materials, consistent with those that would have been used on the original building in 1824. So, as the project largely consisted of like-for-like conservation work, Westminster deemed that planning permission was not necessary for anything other than the re-lighting of the spire, which was a component part of the project. The project was also subject to permission from the Diocese of London, who were supportive of the proposals. Consultees also included the Georgian Group and Historic England. Alex said: “Welsh Slate was the natural choice, as the church would always have been roofed in Welsh Slate from its original construction in 1824. Re-roofing the nave in Welsh Slate was possibly the most significant element of the project, as it prevents problems with ongoing water ingress, and contributes greatly to the longevity of the roof, and the church as a whole. “The church is an iconic building, occupying a key position on Regent Street, and is highly visible from the surrounding streets, therefore the aesthetic qualities of Welsh Slate were a major consideration. The roof at All Souls is overlooked from BBC Broadcasting House and is often used as the backdrop for filming current affairs programmes from the studios and rooftop terraces.” The aesthetics of Welsh Slate were not the only reasons for specification, however. Alex said: “Across the project, British materials were sourced and specified wherever possible, to ensure that historically authentic materials were being used, to support local industries and to minimise the need for transport. “One of the driving factors behind the project was the need to extend the lifespan of the building as far as possible by using appropriately durable materials. The 100+ years of useful life offered by Welsh Slate was an important factor in the selection of Welsh Slate for a roofing material at All Souls. The fact that the material is 100% natural and has a low carbon footprint were also important considerations in the specification of Welsh Slate.” He added: “Welsh Slate was specified for its strength and durability, and for the aesthetic qualities given by its purple hue. Physical performance of the slates was one of the key drivers for the project, and the Penrhyn slates were selected for their particular suitability to the roof at All Souls. The combination of Welsh Slate and lead provides authentic and robust weathering details throughout. “The client body recognises the significance of the church, and their responsibility as custodians of a significant heritage asset to use the best possible materials in the repair of the building. They are totally committed to the use of appropriate materials and are delighted by the result.” Andy Mead of Lead Roof Solutions said: “Although All Souls Church is a very significant building, the actual reroofing project was straightforward. We have used Welsh Slate on many a project and they are always a joy to work with.” Phase Two of the refurbishment of the church, which attracts 1,500 visitors per week, will focus on its interior. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Nemetschek Group, a leading software provider for the AEC/O and media industries and Hexagon’s Geosystems division, the global leader in digital reality solutions, today announced they have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate the digital transformation of the AEC/O industry. As a first step, the partnership is driving the adoption of digital twins by offering their customers a seamlessly integrated end-to-end workflow for efficient and sustainable building operations. While huge amounts of data are created during the lifecycle of a building, much of this valuable information resides in silos and becomes outdated over time. Such incomplete and archaic information leads to poor and error prone decisions which negatively affect a building’s performance and increase operational costs. Nemetschek and Hexagon are both convinced that digital twins are key in transforming the industry and overcoming the challenges building owners and operators are facing. A digital twin enhances visibility, increases efficiency and delivers data-driven insights. dTwin, Nemetschek’s new horizontal, open, and cloud-based Digital Twin platform delivers data-driven insights and helps customers to efficiently manage facilities from design to operations. It is the first solution in the industry that fuses all data sources of a building in one overarching view. dTwin is bringing together all relevant information from CAD/BIM, IWMS, and more with the real-time streams from building operations and thus provides value via visualisation, data analysis and assets management. With the platform, owners and operators can optimise building operations based on real time information and data-funded decision criteria. Hexagon leverages its end-to-end reality capture and Scan2BIM solutions to automatically capture accurate and real-time field data to create Digital Twins across all sectors. Furthermore, it uses its AI powered solutions to support building analytics and simulations, generate progress insights as well as provide an immersive experience navigating assets during design, construction and operations through its VR/AR and positioning technology. Jointly, Nemetschek and Hexagon will provide customers with the tools, services and expertise for an end-to-end digital twin workflow by joining the up-to-date building data through Hexagon’s latest reality capture solutions with the smart and efficient building operations powered by Nemetschek’s dTwin. “We are very excited to partner with Hexagon”, says César Flores Rodríguez, Chief Division Officer Planning & Design, and Digital Twin at the Nemetschek Group. “Together we will build digital twins for the large market of existing buildings, making those future proof. Also, we aim to address efficient and sustainable building operations and smart renovation, retrofit or revitalisation projects.” Thomas Harring, President Geosystems division, Hexagon, adds that “The future is here – digital twins make work easier, insights available and decisions better. With that, they are paving the way for a more sustainable future. Through our combined strength, we make this a reality for our customers and supercharge the buildings and infrastructure industry with data continuity and digital twins at scale.” By bringing together the accurate building data and visual reality, information from CAD/BIM, IWMS, and the real-time streams from building operations, a digital twin enables data-driven decision making and true Building Lifecycle Intelligence™. [Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Geotechnical specialists from CAN have embarked on a 20-week programme at the Port of Dover designed to protect the chalk face by removing around 400 tonnes of loose chalk and vegetation across an area measuring 225m long and 40m high. The project is the second phase in a four-year undertaking at the busy port with CAN, an RSK Group company, taking on the role of principal contractor for the chalk face stabilisation works. The project has been carefully planned to take into account port operations, while being mindful of the impact on wildlife, including nesting birds. CAN Geotechnical Project Manager Andy Pope said: “The team is very excited to work on a project associated with protecting such a quintessentially British landmark. Of course, our work is crucial from a very practical perspective: to make sure that the area remains safe for those who work in the Port of Dover. We will achieve this through a combination of light and heavy scaling to prepare the cliff face for further safety measures designed to prevent loose chalk falling from the cliff. The light scaling work will be carried out using small hand tools, supported by heavy scaling using excavators with bucket attachments. “Increasingly, CAN is being called on to advise on cliff stabilisation strategies. Coastal erosion is a challenge that has hit the headlines in recent months across the UK, but regular evaluation and maintenance work such as this can make all the difference.” The CAN team, which has previously worked on Brighton’s chalk cliffs, will also remove material including an old catch fence, cranked palisade fencing, existing steel hoarding and large concrete blocks. Andy said: “Once we have removed these materials and scaled the cliff face to remove loose chalk, we will install a 225m long, 5m high rock fall barrier or catch fence, which is part of the rock fall barrier systems designed to collect and retain any future loose chalk. There will also be periodic maintenance work carried out to remove any rocks from the catch fence.” The CAN Geotechnical team is well known for putting its rope access skills to impressive use at considerable heights, but, while this is a feature for some of the Dover cliffs work, mobile elevated platforms and excavators will provide the main points of access. These will deliver technicians to heights of 40m, allowing them to evaluate and remove loose chalk. Andy said: “The mobile platforms and excavators are more suitable in this instance, as the cliff crest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This equipment is safe and efficient, ensuring minimal disruption to this sensitive environment. The team will also use a large rotating telehandler with modifications designed by CAN to make this suitable to drill into the cliff face to secure the high-level catch fence and upslope supporting anchors.” The team has worked closely with the Port of Dover to tackle logistical challenges such as planning ahead to ensure team, material and plant deliveries comply with the Port of Dover requirements and UK border control. CAN has been supported by another RSK company on the project, RSK SafeGround, which provided ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveying services. These are vital for a project such as this, as GPR is used to identify any buried or hidden services that could potentially impact on the work. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ayesa, a leading global provider of technology and engineering solutions, announces it has won its biggest contract ever in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, worth 95 million euros. The National Water Company (NWC), a key figure in the water industry, has appointed the Andulasian firm to provide consultancy services for the design of 190 cutting-edge, sustainable water projects that will enhance both the quantity and quality of the resource. This contract is a part of NWC’s commitment to provide safe drinking water and effective sanitation with a planned investment of around 200 billion euros by 2030 into comprehensive water cycle infrastructure including water treatment and sanitation processes to the delivery of potable water to its population. In respect of Ayesa’s contract, the Spanish Engineering leader will design major hydraulic infrastructure across four regions of the country—south, west, northwest, and north. This comprehensive plan includes the construction of multiple water storage tanks to enhance the reliability of the water supply, alongside the development of pumping stations, treatment plants, purification facilities, and widespread distribution networks. The projected capital expenditure for these projects stands at approximately five billion euros. Ayesa will deliver the design of these hydraulic projects as well as provide environmental services such as Environmental Impact Assessment and Ecological assessments to the NWC during the bidding stage for the construction of the infrastructures. Ayesa will leverage the most innovative technologies in water treatment, sustainable materials, and measures to optimize energy usage. José Ramón Delgado, Ayesa’s Country Manager in Saudi Arabia, highlighted the contract’s significance: “This contract marks a historic milestone for the company, representing the largest contract in hydraulic works design for Ayesa to date. This contract is an opportunity for transformative growth, positioning Ayesa as a global leader, and leveraging the strengths and experience of our engineering hubs across various locations in Saudi Arabia, Spain, Ireland, Bahrain, and India. This major win establishes Ayesa as a leading engineering and technology services provider in the Middle East.” Ayesa is currently in the Top 20 (#17) worldwide for water supply as surveyed in the 2023 ENR Global Sourcebook. To find out more about Ayesa’s award-winning engineering work, click here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction has completed work on an extra care facility in Leeds. The Sycamores in Woodlesford is Morgan Sindall Construction’s second Extra Care scheme for Lovell Later Living, Leeds City Council, and integrated housing and care provider Home Group, following the completion of the Greenmill Gardens Wellbeing community in the Seacroft area of Leeds in October 2022. The £13.4m scheme – designed by P&HS Architects – will maximise the independence of people requiring ongoing care and support, such as those with health conditions and older people. The Sycamores comprises 62 one and two-bed self-contained apartments with contemporary kitchen facilities, ensuite bathrooms and a private balcony or patio. The scheme also includes communal areas and landscaped gardens alongside a community café and hair salon which will be available for use by residents and the local community. Throughout its build programme, Morgan Sindall undertook a comprehensive social value programme to ensure the community benefited from the project. 33 apprentices were employed on the project, with a local labour spend of 75%. £2.67 was reinvested in the Leeds economy for every £1 spent on the project (figures calibrated using the LM3 methodology), while there were also over 60 hours of educational engagement. To reduce waste and save cost, Morgan Sindall deployed its Intelligent Solutions approach to alter the build sequence and ceiling details throughout the building so full-size plasterboards with no offcuts could be installed. This resulted in the equivalent of over 1,000 boards being saved. Other innovations on site resulted in 33.7 tonnes of CO2 being saved during the construction process – the equivalent amount of CO2 it would take to heat 12 UK homes annually. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched a new horizon-scanning programme with a set of scans that identify the most pertinent environmental issues facing the built environment over the next ten years. Developed by leading academics, The Environmental Challenge themed horizon scans provide foresight into the most significant actions architects can take to help mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, adapt buildings to withstand weather extremes, promote biodiversity and scale up engagement and activism. Key themes across the scans include: The Environmental Challenge themed horizon scans are the first in a series on the four global megatrends that will shape society, the built environment, and the architectural profession over the next ten years. Scans relating to economics, population change, and technological innovation will follow over the coming months. RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “As an architect, I know how busy we all are day to day. It can be difficult to get into the headspace to look to the future. But we need to pay attention to what’s coming. The environment, the economy, the global population and technology are all changing. While none of the individual issues or actions in these horizon scans come as a surprise, together they indicate the true scale and speed of climate change – and just how much we need to do within the next ten years to mitigate and adapt to its devastating effects. We must challenge the status quo and keep engaging and debating. We must think global, act local – recognising the impact of individual actions. We must all become agents of change. I urge the profession to see The Environmental Challenge themed scans as a foundation for action.” Editor of RIBA Horizons 2034: The Environmental Challenge, Professor Alice Moncaster, who is Professor of Sustainable Construction at the University of West of England and Visiting Academic Fellow at the University of Cambridge,said: “The next ten years will be key in our fight against climate change and its worst impacts. We need to radically reduce the impact of our built environment, while ensuring that it is resilient to changing climates and fit for future generations. The experts who have written these horizon scans are not talking about simple add-ons to business as usual, but about fundamental paradigm shifts. This needs to change every aspect of what we do as architects and building professionals.” Read RIBA Horizons 2034: The Environmental Challenge. Read an introduction to the RIBA Horizons 2034 programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Easter weekend will mark the launch of a unique retrofit development in Devizes, Wiltshire. Designed to offer a more sustainable way of life, Marlborough Close by Annington will bring to the market just five four-bedroom homes, each having been carefully refurbished to become smarter and more efficient. Each home at Marlborough Close has been brought up to EPC A – a standard achieved by only the most energy efficient homes. Smart technology has been optimised to bring these homes up to 21st Century standards, meaning homeowners can enjoy lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Sustainable upgrades include an AI-powered Mixergy Smart Cylinder Tank to each property, alongside an air source heat pump, 14 photovoltaic panels, and brand-new double-glazed windows, thermal rendering, and energy-efficient appliances. The houses will go on the market on Good Friday (29th March) following exceptionally high demand, with nearly half of all pre-enquiries coming from local homebuyers living in the SN postcode. Proving to be particularly popular with movers seeking the countryside, Annington has seen interest from a balance of upsizers looking for room to grow, and downsizers pursuing sustainable living at an achievable price point. Marlborough Close combines traditional country living with an environmentally-friendly lifestyle, thanks to its setting on the outskirts of the historic market town of Devizes, overlooking the rolling fields nearby. The development itself comprises five spacious detached and link-detached four-bedroom homes, located within an exclusive private gated close. Each property offers an abundance of living space, thanks to an open plan kitchen/diner, a dual-aspect lounge, alongside four spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. Stacy Whitehead, Marketing Manager at Annington, comments: “Homes like these simply aren’t available elsewhere – Marlborough Close is truly a unique offering in Devizes. Tucked away in an idyllic countryside setting, these homes are a peaceful retreat for buyers seeking a more sustainable way of life without compromising on modern comforts. These properties really must be seen to be appreciated, which is why we will be opening the doors to our thoughtfully-designed show home on the launch weekend. Visitors will be able to experience firsthand the lifestyle on offer at Marlborough Close. “With just five homes available to buy, demand is already incredibly high. To avoid disappointment, we strongly encourage anyone interested to book a viewing for the launch weekend on 29th March, so please get in touch!” Devizes is one of Wiltshire’s best kept secrets. The town has retained its market heritage, hosting a monthly farmers’ market, and a Food and Drink Festival in September. On the town’s bustling high street can be found a selection of independently-owned businesses, shops, and cafes, alongside their chain counterparts. Marlborough Close is located on the edge of Wiltshire’s famous rolling landscape, ideal for countryside walks and excursions. The Kennet and Avon Canal is just a short walk away, while the millennium Devizes White Horse chalk hill figure proves an exciting day out for experienced walkers. To find out more about Annington, visit www.annington.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Farming equipment is the backbone of any successful agricultural operation. Tractors, harvesters, planters—these machines are crucial for every step of the food production process. But just like any workhorse, farm machinery needs proper care and attention to keep running smoothly for years to come. The good news? There are simple strategies that can help extend the lifespan of your equipment and avoid costly breakdowns during critical farming seasons. Here are some essential tips to keep your farm machinery in top shape: 1. Regular Maintenance Is Key Like any valuable asset, farming machinery thrives on regular check-ups and maintenance. Think of it as a health routine for your equipment. Setting up a regular maintenance schedule can prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs. Here’s how to do it: Make it a habit to check the basics: oil levels, tire pressure, and any signs of wear and tear. By catching problems early, you’ll save both time and money in the long run. If you need replacement parts, engage with professionals and visit this site to learn more information. 2. Cleanliness Goes A Long Way After a long day’s work, it’s tempting to leave cleaning for another day. However, dirt and debris are among the main culprits in machinery wear and tear. They can clog up systems and accelerate corrosion. So, make it a point to clean your machinery thoroughly after use. Here are some benefits of maintaining cleanliness: A proactive approach to cleanliness may increase the longevity and reliability of your farming equipment. It’s a straightforward practice that pays off by keeping your machinery in prime condition, allowing you to boost your farm’s performance. 3. Invest In Quality Parts When repairs are necessary, it’s tempting to go for cheaper parts to save money. However, this can end up costing more in the long run. Quality parts may come with a higher upfront cost, but they tend to last longer and perform better. If possible, always opt for parts that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications. This investment pays off by reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of your machinery. Here’s why investing in quality parts makes a difference: Choosing the right parts is not just a matter of maintenance; it’s a decision that impacts the overall health and efficiency of your farming operation. 4. Train Your Operators Machinery that’s mishandled or used improperly is bound to suffer. Ensuring that everyone who operates your equipment is properly trained can prevent accidents and undue wear. Comprehensive training should cover the basics of operation and maintenance checks and safety procedures. Well-trained operators are your first line of defense in preserving the condition of your machinery. Here are a few points to consider: By investing in comprehensive training for your operators, you’re not only extending the life of your machinery but also enhancing the efficiency and safety of your farming operation. 5. Monitor And Manage Workloads Overworking your machinery can lead to premature wear and breakdowns. It’s vital to heed the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding workloads and operational limits. Here’s how to keep things balanced: By closely monitoring and managing the workloads of your equipment, you avoid pushing it beyond its capacity. This extends the lifespan of your machinery and ensures it operates at peak efficiency. Adopting a balanced approach to machinery use is a proactive step towards sustainable farming operations. 6. Keep An Eye On Fluids Fluids are the lifeblood of your machinery. They cool, lubricate, and clean various components, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Regularly checking the levels and condition of all fluids, including oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid, is non-negotiable. Here are a few specifics to keep in mind: Check fluid levels before each use: Before starting up any piece of equipment, make it a routine to check oil and coolant levels. This simple step can prevent overheating and excessive wear. By keeping a vigilant eye on fluids, you ensure that your machinery operates within optimal parameters, safeguarding its longevity and reliability. 7. Update And Upgrade When Necessary Technology in the agricultural sector is always advancing, offering new ways to enhance the performance and efficiency of farming machinery. Keeping up with these advancements can provide opportunities to upgrade parts of your machinery, which can have multiple benefits: Staying informed about the latest in machinery technology can seem daunting, but it’s an investment in the future of your farming operation. Consider subscribing to industry newsletters, attending agricultural shows, or joining farming forums online to keep a pulse on new technologies and equipment upgrades that can benefit your business. 8. Store Your Equipment Properly When it’s time to take a break from the fields, proper storage goes a long way in protecting your equipment. Depending on your facility and the size of your machinery, there are different storage options to consider: Regardless of the storage option you choose, always ensure that the area is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to rust and corrosion. Additionally, consider the security of your storage location to protect your investment from theft or vandalism. Proper storage is not just about protecting your machinery from the elements—it’s about ensuring that your equipment remains in peak condition for the next planting or harvest season. 9. Embrace Technology Modern farm equipment is often designed with advanced diagnostic tools and onboard computers. Familiarize yourself with these features and use them to your advantage. These systems can provide valuable insights into the machine’s health, alerting you to potential problems before they become major issues. Here’s how embracing technology can be a game-changer for your farming machinery: Incorporating technology into your machinery maintenance strategy enhances the efficiency of your operations and serves as a proactive measure against unforeseen breakdowns. 10. Establish A Relationship With A Reliable Mechanic Even with the best care and maintenance, machinery will occasionally need professional repairs. Establishing a good relationship with a reliable mechanic can be a game-changer. Here are a few reasons why: Choosing someone with a good reputation and experience in agricultural machinery is crucial.
