New flex provider Koba has recently announced its official entry into the UK flex market with the launch of its first venture, Koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square, in Manchester City Centre. We hear from Strategy and Sustainability Director Rob Stewart about an initiative the company has introduced to push the
International real estate advisor Savills today announced the acquisition of PMCC ACTUS, a specialist Project Management and Dispute Resolution business in Malaysia. This strategic move reinforces Savills’ commitment to expanding its Project Management services across the Asia Pacific region. Savills’ acquisition of PMCC ACTUS aligns with the company’s strategic vision
iLOQ creates customized mobile-key-based solution to provide secure access to DFMG’s rooftop sites. Founded in 2002 (as a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom), Deutsche Funkturm (DFMG) is a key player in developing infrastructure for German mobile network operators, broadcasters, operators of radio relays, and the radio networks of authorities and other
Urban spaces continuously evolve, blending functionality and aesthetics. Hardscaping plays a crucial role in this transformation. Recent innovations push boundaries, creating vibrant city environments. Think of stone pathways guiding pedestrians through lush parks or modular benches inviting spontaneous social interactions. These are more than practical elements – they shape experiences.
New flex provider Koba has recently announced its official entry into the UK flex market with the launch of its first venture, Koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square, in Manchester City Centre. We hear from Strategy and Sustainability Director Rob Stewart about an initiative the company has introduced to push the boundaries of sustainable practice and help transform the construction industry’s ability to reuse and repurpose materials via the pioneering Materials Passports system. Moving away from the construction sector’s throw away culture, we have taken the innovative approach to sustainability through the groundbreaking use of material passports in our sites. The future of work is not just about innovative spaces, but evidence-based, sustainable practices that redefine our relationship with the environment. Material passports are one of the latest original concepts we will be implementing later this year following the opening of our first flagship flex site in Manchester – Koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square – where our sustainability manifesto will be realised. They enable the circular reuse of materials and a design that minimises the environmental impact during a building’s construction and its operation. This in turn helps address the challenges of the climate emergency and advance the sector towards its net zero targets. The key to the efficient reuse of structural elements of a building, material passports work much like your own passport, a digital ID that follows the material and stores information on the travels it has made. It contains all the information about the construction, materials, and life cycle of one of our spaces from the inception to its decommissioning, providing a comprehensive record that delivers transparency and accountability for sustainability at every step. We have selected Madaster as the platform through which to create these material passports, measure their circularity and importantly feed this data back to customers. Madaster is a leading platform for material passports and circular economy solutions in the built environment and we are excited to join their partner network which enables us to capture and share data insights about our project portfolio. The ability to display that data within our sites will be a big part of our brand proposition. But why do material passports matter? They provide transparency in both design and materials, aligning with this value and offer detailed insights into the sustainability of projects. They also champion the circular economy. The use of material passports helps us to track and manage these materials more effectively, making our office solutions both innovative and environmentally responsible. It is also our mission to reduce environmental impact, creating office interiors that are as sustainable as they are functional. Material passports help drive prioritised materials that have lower environmental impact. Our approach to sustainable office interiors allows us to deliver customised sustainable solutions because we understand that each office has unique needs. Building passports enable us to precisely tailor our sustainability efforts to ensure that our designs are both innovative and demonstrably sustainable. This commitment to sustainability is also reflected in our choice of materials. With material passports, we’re incentivised to obtain greener materials and products that are better for people and planet. In line with our goal to leave a positive impact on the planet, material passports help to minimise construction and demolition waste, as we seek to increase reuse and recycling. We’re not just creating office spaces; we’re designing the future of work where sustainability is at the core. Material passports are a vital tool in this journey, ensuring that every office we design is a step towards a more sustainable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International real estate advisor Savills today announced the acquisition of PMCC ACTUS, a specialist Project Management and Dispute Resolution business in Malaysia. This strategic move reinforces Savills’ commitment to expanding its Project Management services across the Asia Pacific region. Savills’ acquisition of PMCC ACTUS aligns with the company’s strategic vision to expand its Project Management services across the Asia Pacific region. With strong businesses across APAC in India, Australasia, and South East Asia, this move demonstrates Savills’ commitment to enhancing its offerings and delivering comprehensive solutions to its clients, cementing its position as a leading provider in the project management and building services industry. The integration of PMCC ACTUS’ expertise in project management and dispute advisory for investors, developers, and end-users, seamlessly complements Savills’ existing service offerings. This acquisition enables Savills to deliver an even broader spectrum of innovative and sustainable property solutions, further catering to the evolving needs of the Asia Pacific property market. “The acquisition of PMCC Actus is a testament to Savills’ commitment to providing best-in-class project management solutions” said Mr. Will Forwood, Managing Director, Savills Projects, APAC. “Our combined expertise and geographic reach will drive growth and deliver exceptional value to our clients across the region.” Since its establishment in 2019, PMCC ACTUS has successfully secured new and repeat projects with renowned multinational clients. PMCC ACTUS focuses on two market segments: Project Management and Construction Claims & Disputes. Post acquisition these services will be established as Savills Projects for Project Management and ACTUS for Construction Claims & Disputes. This expansion will broaden and amplify Savills’ professional services in APAC by offering construction industry advisory related to claims, dispute strategy, contract administration, advocacy, and mediation. “I’m very excited by the opportunity this acquisition brings to the PMCC ACTUS team,” added Mr. Jamie Duncan, who will assume the role as Managing Director, Savills Projects, Malaysia. “The announcement today from Savills will enable the company to further expand its clientele, footprint and service offering, which we are poised to capitalize on within the growing APAC markets.” “Savills has always been at the forefront of empowering businesses through the strategic development of national delivery platforms. I’m delighted to welcome Jamie into our Malaysia team. With the expansion of Savills Projects, we are set to redefine the landscape of project management in Malaysia, ensuring that we continue to help people thrive through places and spaces,” Datuk Paul Khong, Managing Director, Savills Malaysia, finished. “ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
iLOQ creates customized mobile-key-based solution to provide secure access to DFMG’s rooftop sites. Founded in 2002 (as a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom), Deutsche Funkturm (DFMG) is a key player in developing infrastructure for German mobile network operators, broadcasters, operators of radio relays, and the radio networks of authorities and other institutions. With more than 35,000 antenna sites, it is the largest operator of radio infrastructure in Germany and the 3rd largest in Europe. The company’s portfolio includes around 20,000 rooftop locations. The sites are currently accessed using mechanical keys. To minimize operating and administrative costs, DFMG decided to replace the previous access solution with a customized solution from iLOQ. In 2021, iLOQ created an initial prototype for the lids based on the battery-free and keyless iLOQ S50 solution. With iLOQ S50, an NFC-enabled smartphone is both a key and a power source. The smartphone’s NFC induction generates enough electrical energy to identify access rights and open the lock. Access rights, which are centrally managed using a single cloud-based SaaS platform, are sent remotely and in real time to an app running on the technician’s smartphone. They can be updated as necessary or blocked immediately to eliminate security risks involved with lost, stolen, or unreturned keys, reduce unauthorized access and safeguard on-site equipment. iLOQ’s prototype fulfilled all legal and regulatory requirements and the customized product, which has been certified by DFMG, is now being rolled out to all rooftop sites as a first step. “ilOQ’s intelligent, digital products increase security and simplify the management of access to our radio sites and critical infrastructures. The user-friendly software solution enables us to grant or withdraw new access rights quickly and efficiently. Both we and our customers and contractors are delighted,” states Cornelia Essing, Head of Site Access, DFMG Deutsche Funkturm GmbH. After the roll-out at the rooftop sites, DFMG will implement the intelligent, secure, and sustainable solutions from iLOQ for its radio towers in Germany. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Urban spaces continuously evolve, blending functionality and aesthetics. Hardscaping plays a crucial role in this transformation. Recent innovations push boundaries, creating vibrant city environments. Think of stone pathways guiding pedestrians through lush parks or modular benches inviting spontaneous social interactions. These are more than practical elements – they shape experiences. Innovative hardscaping trends now set new standards, merging cutting-edge technology with timeless design principles to redefine urban landscapes like never before. 1. Permeable Pavers Enhancing Water Management Imagine your favorite rain jacket, designed to let water seep through just enough to keep you dry without becoming soaked. This is how permeable pavers function in urban environments. They allow water to filter through the surface, reducing runoff and promoting natural groundwater recharge. Landscape stone contractors leverage these materials to create sustainable and visually appealing pathways. Rock Products Inc., known for its innovative hardscaping solutions, showcases several projects where permeable pavers reduce flooding risks while maintaining aesthetic appeal. This trend promises more eco-friendly cities ahead. 2. Smart Irrigation Systems for Efficient Urban Landscaping Think of smart irrigation systems as the autopilot mode for urban greenery. These advanced systems use sensors and weather data to deliver precise water amounts, ensuring plants thrive without waste. Efficiency shines here – no more overwatering or dry patches. Cities integrating these technologies enjoy lush landscapes with reduced water consumption. This approach significantly contributes to sustainable architectural landscape design by optimizing resource use. These systems seamlessly blend into hardscapes, combining form and function effortlessly. This innovation also makes urban maintenance smarter and greener, promising sustainability at every drop. 3. Artistic Stone Installations as Functional Art Pieces Artistic stone installations redefine urban spaces by merging aesthetics with functionality. These structures serve dual purposes, acting as both decorative elements and practical features like seating or barriers. Skilled contractors craft these pieces to enhance visual appeal while ensuring durability. Urban planners increasingly incorporate these installations to create engaging environments that invite interaction. With a growing focus on public art, artistic stone designs transform mundane areas into captivating urban landscapes, enriching city life through innovative hardscaping. 4. Modular Hardscape Designs for Flexible Urban Spaces Modular hardscape designs offer unparalleled flexibility in urban planning. These elements, which include modular benches and pathways, can be reconfigured to suit changing needs. Much similar to the LED street lighting initiatives in Krakow and Warsaw, Poland, this approach emphasizes adaptability and future-proofing. Urban planners can quickly adapt public spaces without significant disruptions. As cities grow and evolve, modular designs ensure that urban areas remain functional and aesthetically pleasing, ready to meet diverse community demands efficiently. 5. Interactive LED Paving Solutions for Safety and Aesthetics Another trend that’s gradually gaining momentum in 2024 is interactive LED paving solutions. These innovative surfaces integrate lighting directly into the pavement, offering multiple benefits: Much like public art installations, these LED pavers transform ordinary walkways into vibrant, functional spaces. Urban planners increasingly adopt this technology to create safer and more engaging environments for city dwellers. 6. Eco-Friendly Materials Reducing Environmental Impact in Cities Eco-friendly materials are becoming staples in modern hardscaping projects, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability. Several sustainable options stand out: These materials reduce urban heat islands and lower carbon footprints, making cities greener and more resilient against climate change. This trend ensures future urban landscapes harmonize with nature. 7. Solar-Powered Benches Offering Sustainable Seating Options Solar-powered benches represent a forward-thinking approach to urban seating, blending sustainability with convenience. These benches harness solar energy to provide USB charging ports for electronic devices. They also feature integrated lighting for nighttime use, enhancing safety and usability. Cities adopting these smart benches benefit from reduced energy costs and a lower environmental impact. This innovation showcases how hardscaping can support modern urban needs while promoting green initiatives. In summing up, innovative hardscaping trends are reshaping our urban environments, merging sustainability with functionality. From smart irrigation to solar-powered benches, these advancements promise more vibrant and resilient cities. As we continue embracing these technologies, our public spaces will not only look better but also serve us in smarter, greener ways.
