Algeco UK OSS has shared behind-the-scenes images of its latest 75-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) complex at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford. The company has delivered a full turnkey solution, acting as Principal Contractor to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the British Army. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the April 2024 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of March 2024, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures seasonally
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has published its Be the change to lead the future of our built environment document, calling on political parties to work more closely with the built environment sector to tackle significant issues facing the country. Published to coincide with the anticipated general election,
SEGRO Park Rainham has reached full occupancy following the agreement of a new lease with Wolseley – one of the UK’s leading merchants in plumbing, heating, cooling and infrastructure with over 500 UK branches. Wolseley has agreed to occupy 27,783 sq ft of urban warehouse space across two units at
Office interior design consultancy, Office Principles North, has completed the combined CAT A and CAT B refurbishment of a new Central Co-op support centre in Lichfield. The c.32,000 sq ft facility delivers a hybrid workplace destination over three floors of Central House, Queen Street and secures Central Co-op’s presence in
This collaboration strengthens Building Heroes’ mission to support the reskilling and redeployment of military veterans into the construction industry. Building Heroes, the leading military-to-construction charity is excited to unveil its latest partnership with AmeyBriggs, which proudly joins as a Bronze Sponsoring Partner. This collaboration strengthens Building Heroes’ mission to support
Wykeland Group has announced a new development at Melton West business park in East Yorkshire. Evolve @ Melton West will comprise two larger units of 37,000 sq ft and 22,000 sq ft and a terrace of five smaller units of 5,000 sq ft each, all available to let from early
Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, secure high-end project with R G Carter on the new £20 million Broomfield Village Care Home in Chelmsford, Essex. Ahead of the care home’s grand opening in May 2024, Roann Limited has been tasked with supplying and installing the worktops and splashbacks
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, is excited to announce the official launch of its latest product, the Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System. Launched on 10th April and building on the success of the wider Sonify range, the new gridded wall absorbers promise to elevate creative possibilities
When you enter a building, regardless if it’s a one or multi-story structure, the last thing on your mind is wondering if it’s going to collapse; you just automatically presume the building is safe. After all, countless people go in and out and no one seems worried. Unfortunately, buildings can
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Algeco UK OSS has shared behind-the-scenes images of its latest 75-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) complex at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Stafford. The company has delivered a full turnkey solution, acting as Principal Contractor to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the British Army. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) refers to offsite and onsite techniques, which could include mass production and factory assembly as alternatives to traditional building methods. These are a fast way of delivering new buildings focused on the efficiency of materials and human resources. Modular buildings devised utilising MMC have the potential to deliver significant improvements in productivity and quality for both the construction industry and the end user. They also minimise the work required on-site, which can have added benefits and appeal for those in sectors such as Defence. The solution provided to MOD Stafford is a CTM Leve1 (Category 1) Pre-Manufacturing 3D primary structural system that will be used to house members of the army. The three-storey building, known as Beacon Barracks, is set to offer high-quality accommodation with integral communal areas, as well as a brick slip façade and sustainable features including solar PV and heat pumps. The modules for the barracks were manufactured in Carnaby in East Yorkshire and delivered to the site with a Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) of around 80%. MOD Stafford was designed by AHR Architects, supporting the Algeco UK OSS team on the construction stage and architectural design through its Leeds offices. A full site inspection has now been carried out with strong feedback received by attendees and participants, particularly regarding the overall quality and feel compared to comparative schemes. Volumetric Air tests are carried out on all completed projects and the SLA Block at MOD Stafford has achieved a rating of 1.18. Lee Kenton of Build Energy commented that 1.18 is “exemplary for the size of the building” and “far exceeded” the Passivhaus gold standard of 0.60, with an air change rate of 0.48. The new barracks at MOD Stafford is part of an £800M investment into SLA by the Army over the next decade. This investment into modern infrastructure is set to provide military personnel with the fit-for-purpose accommodation facilities they deserve, as well as contribute to ambitions to become Carbon Net Zero by 2050. Brigadier Pete Quaite, Head of Army Infrastructure Plans, said, “I visited the Single Living Accommodation under construction at Beacon Barracks at the start of this year. To see the finished block just two months later shows the impressive pace of progress being achieved through our modular design and build programme. This new SLA is another excellent example of how ongoing Army investment is improving the quality of life for our people, providing them with modern, spacious and well-designed accommodation.” Wayne Yeomans, Algeco UK OSS Sales and Marketing Director said, “This is modular and offsite construction at its best. I must applaud the Algeco UK team as well as our supply chain partners, including AHR Architects, for making this possible. Working with architects means we have incorporated innovative features into the design, such as solar PV orientation to maximise the amount of electricity produced and optimising the number of overall modules required. “We were selected as the modular building partner by the MOD because of our track record in supplying high quality accommodation on a diverse range of other publicly funded projects, along with our willingness to collaborate with project partners and deliver excellent value for money. “The quality of these solutions is proven by results, like the industry-leading scores achieved in our recent volumetric air test, which is not an easy achievement. We have learnt so much from this project and we are proud this will also help inform the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s future Programmatic Design approach.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glenigan, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the April 2024 edition of its Construction Index. The Index focuses on the three months to the end of March 2024, covering all underlying projects, with a total value of £100m or less (unless otherwise indicated), with all figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. The April Index paints a decidedly gloomy picture, in line with the persistent decline across the construction sector. Again, project-starts are down against the previous Index period and the previous year. Ongoing pressure on household budgets, coupled with economic uncertainty, continues to negatively affect consumer confidence. This has led to unease among investors, significantly delaying project-starts across the UK, as they wait for stability to return. Against this backdrop of socio-political disruption and a looming General Election, starts remain significantly lower than last year for a third consecutive month. The situation is unlikely to change in the short term, as the industry struggles to get back on its feet whilst being continuously battered by harsh headwinds. Commenting on the results, Glenigan Economist, Drilon Baca, says, “Unsurprisingly, our latest data shows project-starts remain low, with continued economic uncertainty leading to market stagnation, prolonging delays across the industry. Like the March Index, we haven’t seen the traditional ‘spring uptick’ boost starts this month. Investor confidence is at an all-time low, resulting in a general reluctance to move projects to site. The situation is likely to persist until the autumn when a new Government is in place and conducts a long-anticipated spending review. “However it’s not all doom and gloom, there are some glimmers of hope on the horizon, with a number of non-residential verticals showing signs of improvement, including Community & Amenity, retail, and health, all of which were up on last year. Regionally, Northern Ireland was the standout area, posting growth against both periods. Taking a closer look at the sector verticals and regional outlook… Sector Analysis – Residential Residential construction experienced overall decline in the three months to March as starts fell 27% against both the preceding period and 2023 figures. Continuing on a downward trajectory, social housing performance was particularly weak, with starts down 43% against the preceding three months and 40% compared with the previous year. Private housing also dropped back, with work starting on site falling 22% against the previous three-month period and plummeted 24% on 2023 levels. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Performance was mixed for non-residential verticals. Community & Amenity project-starts experienced an impressive growth period, increasing by 36% against the previous three months to stand 19% up on a year ago. A boost to the vertical was partially delivered by a £79 million prison extension project in Shaftsbury, Dorset. It was the only vertical to experience growth against both periods. Retail project-starts were in decline over the Index period, with a fall of 13% during Q.1. However, there was a modest value increase of 1% against the previous year. Utility starts decreased 21% against the preceding three months but also saw a modest increase against 2023, up by 2%. Similarly, health starts experienced a fall of 13% against the preceding three months, but advanced 26% on the same period last year. In contrast, education experienced a mixed period, up 3% compared with the last quarter but down 17% on a year ago. Elsewhere the sector continued to slump. Industrial starts remained lower than 2023 levels, decreasing 22%, and falling 15% during the three months to the end of March. Civil works fared particularly poorly, with the value of project-starts declining 34% against the preceding three months, to stand 26% lower than a year ago. A significant driver for the decline was poor performance in infrastructure, which remained 42% behind 2023 levels, with work starting on-site also slipping back 43% against the last quarter. Hotel & Leisure and office construction-starts were also down against both the previous quarter and the previous year. Regional Analysis Northern Ireland was the strongest-performing region in the UK, with project-starts increasing 44% against the preceding quarter, to stand 28% up on this time last year. Here, growth was accelerated by the £44 million development of the Hamilton Dock Hotel in Belfast. The outlook for the East of England was also optimistic. It was the only other region to experience growth against both periods, up 13% on the preceding three months, as well as 25% on the previous year. Growth in the region was helped by the £74 million commencement of a 246 residential unit development in Maldon, Essex. London experienced a 23% decrease against the preceding three months and remained 18% down against the previous year. The West Midlands experienced particularly poor performance, with the value of project-starts falling 56% against the preceding three months and by 45% compared with the same time last year. This was the steepest decline of any region. Work starting on site in the East Midlands (-49%), Wales (-33%), and Scotland (-25%) all remained distinctly behind 2023 figures. Every other region of the UK experienced a weakening in project-starts against both the previous quarter and the year before. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has published its Be the change to lead the future of our built environment document, calling on political parties to work more closely with the built environment sector to tackle significant issues facing the country. Published to coincide with the anticipated general election, CIAT’s document focuses on three core issues; low carbon and retrofit, building safety, and skills shortages and recognition. The Institute is calling for greater collaboration within the sector to address these critical areas, to ensure that we can create sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities for future generations. CIAT President, Eddie Weir PCIAT, said: “We present this three-point plan to the next UK Government, outlining key areas of focus to build a sustainable future for our nation. This will require a coordinated effort from Government, the sector, and communities to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment.” The document can be accessed and downloaded here: https://architecturaltechnology.com/about/ciat-recommendations-improved-built-environment.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO Park Rainham has reached full occupancy following the agreement of a new lease with Wolseley – one of the UK’s leading merchants in plumbing, heating, cooling and infrastructure with over 500 UK branches. Wolseley has agreed to occupy 27,783 sq ft of urban warehouse space across two units at the development. The company will join a diverse range of occupiers including Transport for London and London Ambulance Service. With BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC A+ rating, the high-quality, flexible industrial units are designed to maximise space and natural light, and feature smart sensors that monitor electricity usage, heating and airflow, to enable the customer to benefit from cost reductions. In line with the company’s Responsible SEGRO commitment to Champion low-carbon growth, every unit at SEGRO Park Rainham incorporates highly efficient sustainability measures built for the long term, including photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs and walls, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points as standard. SEGRO Park Rainham is part of the company’s East Plus regeneration scheme – a partnership with the Greater London Authority which will deliver 1.4 million sq ft of modern industrial space, spanning the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Newham, and regenerating previously derelict land. Roger Connett, Managing Director (Specialist and Acquisitions Division) at Wolseley, said: “The investment at SEGRO Park Rainham further strengthens Wolseley’s growth strategy across the UK and Ireland. The unit will be occupied by Neville Lumb, a specialist market-leading supplier of commercial sanitaryware to new build and refurbishment projects. “The new location will further enhance Neville Lumb’s proposition for customers in London and the South whilst, materially improving the environmental impact of its operations.” Bonnie Minshull, Head of London at SEGRO, said: “This new letting to Wolseley is an important milestone for SEGRO Park Rainham, as all units that form part of the second phase of development are now fully let. “It is fantastic to see that our deliberate design and focus on sustainability, longevity and innovation has created a vibrant and thriving business community for customers of all shapes and sizes, and we’re pleased that Wolseley is joining us here as the latest and final occupier.” Space is still available at the development’s Enterprise Quarter. With a range of units, it provides customers with options to take up more space as their businesses expand, and offers flexible leases, additional support services and access to amenities to aid growth. It comprises two parts: The Innovation Business Centre, which is tailored to meet the needs of start-ups; and the Enterprise Business Centre, which offers slightly larger units for growing SMEs. SEGRO Park Rainham is located adjacent to the A13, with fast access to central London and the M25. The development is on the perimeter of the UK’s largest market – with 46% of the UK’s population within a 90-minute drive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Office interior design consultancy, Office Principles North, has completed the combined CAT A and CAT B refurbishment of a new Central Co-op support centre in Lichfield. The c.32,000 sq ft facility delivers a hybrid workplace destination over three floors of Central House, Queen Street and secures Central Co-op’s presence in the city. Its open plan design houses a variety of adaptable work settings to promote collaboration among teams and provide individuals with autonomy in how and where they work. Features include bespoke event spaces, themed meeting rooms and areas for focused activities. A breakfast bar and dining area doubles as social and entertainment space, while an outdoor terrace on the building’s third floor caters for meetings and events. The refurbishment has been shaped by Central Co-op’s commitment to the environment and social responsibility. Office Principles North has reused materials wherever possible – including reupholstering c.80% of existing furniture – while there is also new, sustainable lighting and external landscaping. Central Co-op has made a significant long-term investment in the infrastructure of Central House, including necessary roofworks, brickwork and new windows to ensure it complies with the latest building regulations. A focus on energy efficiency has secured an EPC ‘A’ rating. Office Principles North was chosen as delivery partner for the refurbishment following completion of an initial workplace consultancy project that involved Co-op colleagues. In addition to the CAT B works, the contractor has also delivered the CAT A refurbishment of 12,460 sq ft space that will be sublet by Central Co-op. Tina Batham, joint managing director of Office Principles North, said: “It has been a huge pleasure to work in partnership with Central Co-op to deliver its new Lichfield support centre. Together, we’ve created a modern, sustainable workplace that embodies the organisation’s culture and values and cements its place in the heart of the local community. The design has been shaped by Co-op colleagues and succeeds in fusing functional and creative spaces that promote both hybrid and collaborative ways of working. The project has undoubtedly enhanced Central Co-op’s existing property portfolio.” Liz Hanshaw, head of change at Central Co-op, said: “With sustainability being so core to our purpose, we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved, with a modern, light and airy space where colleagues can be at their very best to make a difference for Members and customers. Not only have we created modern, convenient spaces where colleagues can work collaboratively together, we’ve also created a place where we can proudly host our events such as our Members meetings, in the heart of the city centre.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This collaboration strengthens Building Heroes’ mission to support the reskilling and redeployment of military veterans into the construction industry. Building Heroes, the leading military-to-construction charity is excited to unveil its latest partnership with AmeyBriggs, which proudly joins as a Bronze Sponsoring Partner. This collaboration strengthens Building Heroes’ mission to support the reskilling and redeployment of military veterans into the construction industry. Building Heroes provides comprehensive support to military personnel, reservists, and their families during their transition from military to civilian life. Participants receive support which encompasses essential skills, training, and guidance to facilitate successful careers in the construction sector. AmeyBriggs are recognised for supplying vehicles and equipment to ensure the safety of our military and managing the Ministry of Defence’s construction and material handling fleet, playing a crucial role in supporting the British Armed Forces on operations at home and overseas. Commenting on the collaboration, AmeyBriggs Managing Director Phil Crick said, “We are delighted to be a Bronze sponsoring partner with Building Heroes. As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we have pledged our support to the Armed Forces Community, both past and present, and are delighted that our support will help train ex-force personnel to support their future employment opportunities.” Building Heroes is actively working with training providers in both the North and South of England to identify suitable Plant training programmes for launch later this year. These funded training programmes will cater to former military community members and service leavers in their resettlement process. The collaboration with Amey Briggs will help to provide graduates with potential employment opportunities upon completion of these specialised plant training programmes. Nicola Schneider, Head of Corporate Partnerships, expressed her enthusiasm, stating: “We are delighted to welcome AmeyBriggs as a sponsoring partner of the Building Heroes Education Foundation. The forthcoming launch of plant training programmes, with employment outcomes supported by AmeyBriggs, signifies a key step in identifying employment pathways for our graduates within the construction industry. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this collaboration will have on our Armed Forces community.” For those interested in pursuing a career in the construction and infrastructure sector, Building Heroes invites you to explore future course details, timings, and application processes. Contact info@buildingheroes.org.uk for more information. Organisations looking to enhance their teams and contribute to ESG objectives, social value, equality, diversity, and inclusion are encouraged to partner with Building Heroes. Learn more about becoming an academy, corporate charity, or employer partner at https://www.buildingheroes.org.uk/our-partners. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wykeland Group has announced a new development at Melton West business park in East Yorkshire. Evolve @ Melton West will comprise two larger units of 37,000 sq ft and 22,000 sq ft and a terrace of five smaller units of 5,000 sq ft each, all available to let from early 2025. Leading Yorkshire commercial property developer Wykeland Group has announced a new speculative development, Evolve @ Melton West. This computer-generated image shows one of two larger units within the scheme. The development will form part of the wider Melton West site, off the A63 west of Hull, and will create a total of 84,000 sq ft of business space, to enable companies to grow and expand their operations. The £10 million development is being delivered speculatively by leading Yorkshire commercial property developer Wykeland as the latest major investment at Wykeland’s thriving Melton West site. Construction is expected to begin in May, with the new units due to be ready for occupation late in the first quarter of 2025. Evolve @ Melton West will feature a terrace of five smaller units, as well as two larger buildings. The new development, forming part of the wider Melton West business park, will provide modern, energy-efficient and fully fit-for-purpose facilities for growing businesses. Wykeland Development Director Jonathan Stubbs said: “We’re delivering Evolve @ Melton West to provide much-needed modern space to meet the needs of growing businesses. The market is telling us there is a shortage of high-quality facilities of this kind and a pent-up demand for them. “We are approached regularly by businesses looking for a new space to move into, to support their growth. Those companies are looking for facilities that are ready-made, modern, energy-efficient and fully fit for purpose. “The shortage of such facilities is stifling investment and growth within the region and that’s an issue that Evolve @ Melton West will help to address.” The buildings will be EPC A-rated, with rooftop solar panels, green living walls and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Cycle storage shelters will form part of the development, which will also feature planted green roofs, with fast electric vehicle charging also available for public use. The buildings allow high levels of natural light in, thanks to translucent roof panels, creating bright and attractive workplaces and reducing the length of time when artificial lighting is required. The project will create almost 100 jobs during the construction phase, with employment for around 150 full-time equivalent positions once the facilities are occupied. Evolve @ Melton West will feature a terrace of five smaller units, as well as two larger buildings. This image shows the living wall on the building’s side elevation of the building featuring the smaller units. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, secure high-end project with R G Carter on the new £20 million Broomfield Village Care Home in Chelmsford, Essex. Ahead of the care home’s grand opening in May 2024, Roann Limited has been tasked with supplying and installing the worktops and splashbacks for 27 kitchens within the luxury 137-bed care home complex. This high-end project, acting as the barrier between the residential developments and Broomfield Hospital, will feature 30mm of Cosentino Silestone Classic Calacatta worktops. Eternal, and distinguished in appearance, this design is timeless and familiar whilst also highly-resistant to stains making it durable for the new luxury care home. Focused on constructing an environmentally-friendly building, it was imperative that all those involved in the process supported this aim hence, choosing Roann Limited to be the worktop provider. After pursuing its own sustainable endeavours as well as recent success, 30 years of experience and £2m worth of manufacturing machinery to produce 15,000 worktops a year, Roann Limited was the superior choice to work alongside R G Carter on this project. Thrilled to be working with R G Carter on this project, Scott Wharton, Operations and Technical Director of Roann Limited commented “It is our first time partnering with the construction firm but with our similar ethics, we think it’s a perfect match. We are shortly heading to the site to begin installing our products ahead of its opening this spring. The care home is a crucial addition to the community and we are grateful that we get to be a part of it”. Despite being primarily a new-housing development supplier, Roann Limited continues to push its own boundaries by reaching out and providing its innovative range to other projects similar to that of the Broomfield Village Care Home. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, is excited to announce the official launch of its latest product, the Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System. Launched on 10th April and building on the success of the wider Sonify range, the new gridded wall absorbers promise to elevate creative possibilities in acoustic design. Expanding on Zentia’s commitment to providing architects, interior designers, and outfitters with unparalleled flexibility, the Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System introduces a mounted grid system for wall absorbers. This innovative approach replaces the traditional method of gluing absorbers to the wall, offering greater design precision and ease of dismounting for convenient access to services. The new Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System offers several key features and benefits: The Sonify Wall Absorbers Grid System is set to offer professionals the tools they need to be more creative with innovative and impactful ceiling design. It is another product within a growing range that exemplifies Zentia’s commitment to creativity and innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When you enter a building, regardless if it’s a one or multi-story structure, the last thing on your mind is wondering if it’s going to collapse; you just automatically presume the building is safe. After all, countless people go in and out and no one seems worried. Unfortunately, buildings can and do collapse, and some even make the national headlines. The Surfside Condo collapse in Miami is a recent example of a building suddenly going down. Injuries are often catastrophic in a building collapse, so who’s responsible for the damages? Determining liability in a building collapse is often a time-consuming and complicated process. Often, more than one party is liable for any damages. Investigating a Building Collapse The reason a building experiences a structural failure isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, the cause is the result of negligence going back months and even years. Extreme weather like a hurricane may seem like an obvious reason for the collapse, but it’s not always the primary cause. The building’s structural supports may already be damaged before the storm hits. An investigation is typically necessary to pinpoint the precise cause of the collapse. So, what does a building collapse investigation process involve? The investigation is extensive and may take years to complete, and the process includes: The investigation will also look over all accident and medical reports. Sometimes, determining the area where the most severe injuries occurred can provide clues as to why the building suddenly collapsed. Who’s Liable in a Building Collapse If you’re injured, sustain property damage, or both in a building collapse, chances are, you want to receive compensation. You’re also entitled to compensation for your damages. The only reason this doesn’t apply is if you’re the responsible party. However, before starting the accident claim process, you need to know who’s liable. Without this information, your personal injury case isn’t going to go very far. You need to know who to name in your claim as the responsible party. In other words, you can’t file a claim against an unnamed defendant. So, who’s liable in a building collapse claim? Sometimes, it’s only one party and in other cases, multiple individuals are responsible for the accident. Property Owners Even buildings designed and constructed to withstand strong storms and hurricane-force winds can experience structural degradation over time. The property owner is responsible for ensuring the building is properly maintained. This includes conducting regular inspections, usually once a year, and making any necessary repairs. Property owners have a legal responsibility to their tenants. This includes both residential and commercial tenants. Property owners have a duty to provide a safe environment for their tenants. This means taking all reasonable precautions to ensure the building’s safety. Failing to do so may meet the standards for negligence if the building collapses. This means the property owner may be fully or partially financially responsible for covering any resulting damages. Construction Companies Construction companies, along with contractors and subcontractors, are often facing tight deadlines. Sometimes, they’re also dealing with budget shortfalls. This can result in some corners being cut to save time, money, or both. From the outside, this may not seem like it’s affecting the structural integrity of the building. An example of this behavior is the 2019 collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans. Several construction workers suffered injuries, including three fatalities. The accident resulted in OSHA issuing citations to 33 contractors working on the project. The citations range from unsafe work practices to issues with the structural integrity of the building. A construction company and/or contractor may also be liable if they fail to properly train and supervise their staff. For example, improper training and supervision can lead to a worker making a costly mistake. Material Manufacturers Construction companies, whether it’s a new building or repairing an existing one, depend on manufacturers to provide quality materials. Remember, construction crews don’t manufacture the building’s materials. This is the responsibility of another company. While defective building materials are rare in construction projects in the U.S., it can happen. The materials may develop a flaw during the manufacturing process. Sometimes, even the materials used may be subpar. For example, the steel in a support beam may be of a lesser quality. This can weaken the overall support system. If the materials used during the building’s construction don’t meet regulatory standards, the manufacturer may be liable for the collapse. Condo Associations If you’re not sure what a condo association is, think of it as the governing body for the complex. Like an HOA (homeowners association), the group is responsible for creating the guidelines residents are required to obey. These guidelines can include when the building’s pool is open and what color you’re allowed to paint your front door. The condo association is also responsible for maintaining the building’s safety in all public areas. Since the building is technically a public space, only the individual units are considered private areas, the association is responsible for all upkeep and repairs. Condo associations assume many of the responsibilities of a property owner, meaning that if the building collapses due to inadequate maintenance, the association may be the liable party in your injury claim. Architecture Firms Architecture firms are rarely liable for a building collapse, but this isn’t saying architects can’t make mistakes, only that there are multiple safeguards in place to ensure their designs and construction plans meet all building safety requirements. However, sometimes a design flaw slips through the cracks and it eventually results in a building collapse. Determining Liability Can Be a Complicated Process Hopefully, you’re never involved in a building collapse—however, if the unexpected does actually occur, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. Before you can initiate a personal injury claim, it’s crucial to accurately identify the liable party or parties, a task that can be intricate and multifaceted. Consulting with an experienced building collapse attorney can streamline this process, offering you specialized legal insight and support to navigate the complexities of liability and
