Cala Homes has completed its first net-zero-carbon enabled home at its Hampton Lakes development in Peterborough. The project demonstrates Cala’s commitment to sustainable construction and will test the housebuilder’s net zero principles, providing essential learning to help inform Cala’s approach in the future. Residents will soon move into the four-bedroom
Regional sub-contractors are joining forces and providing all their time, labour, and costs for free to offer SENCO enhancement works for the Grace Academy in Coventry – as part of its vision for the future. Led by McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division and Opus Land, ‘The Big Build’ charitable
A successful event at Castle Meadow Campus hosted by G F Tomlinson and Henry Brothers Construction provided an opportunity for Fbe and ProCon members and guests to look at the new University of Nottingham city centre redevelopment site. The collaborative event was held at the Grade II Listed site where
Rebuilding after accidents presents a unique challenge, but sustainable building practices offer a promising solution. Innovations in green construction not only enhance the quality of repairs but also promote safety and environmental responsibility. Utilizing materials like recycled steel and techniques such as modular construction, these methods ensure efficient rebuilds with
Custom branded gear in construction isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s practical, safe, and boosts morale. Want to know more? Dive into the real benefits of branded gear for your team. Learn how it enhances safety, unity, and professional image. Join me as we explore why investing in these items makes
The architecture of casinos in the UK has gone through spectacular changes, impelled by wider social changes, technological developments, and shifting gaming cultures. From the most luxurious and elite institutions in the 19th century to the modern vibrant settings that are more user-friendly and all-inclusive entertainment centres, casino architecture has
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Cala Homes has completed its first net-zero-carbon enabled home at its Hampton Lakes development in Peterborough. The project demonstrates Cala’s commitment to sustainable construction and will test the housebuilder’s net zero principles, providing essential learning to help inform Cala’s approach in the future. Residents will soon move into the four-bedroom property, offering the opportunity for the business to learn about the technical viability and user experience of sustainable technology in a ‘lived in’ home. Through monitoring data, including qualitative feedback from the residents gathered throughout the summer and winter months, Cala will gain valuable insights into the practicalities of implementing these technologies and, importantly, the user experience of sustainability features in an occupied home. Cala has worked with its subcontractor partners to bring together various technologies already trialled and implemented on its sites across the UK. The sustainable features within the home have also been informed by desktop studies and initial comparative testing with the same Cala house type built to current regulations. The learnings from the Hampton Lakes home around installation, implementation and performance will support another positive step towards Cala’s ambitious goal of delivering operationally net-zero-carbon enabled homes by 2030. Steve Rule, Group Technical Director at Cala, said: “We have calculated that this home has the potential to use 95% less primary energy* compared to the same Cala house type built to current regulations. Early comparative in-situ testing has seen a 40% better thermal performance than our current homes built to the latest regulations, even with all the advances and efficiencies of new homes today. This means it achieves a Heat Loss Parameter (HLP) which ranks it in the ‘excellent’ category of the heat loss scale. “This is obviously significant for our customers, but it’s important that the customer experience is enhanced. Living in a net-zero-carbon enabled home should be seamless and that’s something we’ve strived to achieve here.” The home has been built using modern methods of construction including timber frame and low-carbon bricks, and features triple glazing and enhanced insultation. Other features include: Outside, biodiversity enhancing measures include bird and bat boxes, bug hotels, rain gardens, bat bricks, hedgehog highways, a dedicated vegetable patch, and home composting facilities, bringing Cala’s Urban Wildlife Strategy to life. Kathryn Dapré, Head of Sustainability at Cala Group, said: “Our net-zero-carbon enabled home is a positive step forward in our sustainability journey, but what’s important to us is that we take customers on that journey with us. Our Hampton Lakes property therefore aims to integrate sustainable measures into a ‘real’, lived in home – to design the home around the customer, not the technology. “Gathering real-life, real-time feedback from the people living in this home will help us to understand how the net-zero-carbon enabled home performs both in terms of reducing carbon emissions and for Cala customers.” Cala’s Sustainability Strategy will see the business achieve net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It has also set a wider target of net-zero total greenhouse gas emissions across the business by 2045. So far, Cala has achieved a 28.5% reduction in operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its 2021 baseline. Operational emissions per square meter of developed floor space have fallen by over 25% since 2021. *(heating, hot water, lighting and electricity) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regional sub-contractors are joining forces and providing all their time, labour, and costs for free to offer SENCO enhancement works for the Grace Academy in Coventry – as part of its vision for the future. Led by McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division and Opus Land, ‘The Big Build’ charitable programme of works will deliver brand-new classrooms and sensory facilities, enriching the lives of students at the Academy who are in desperate need of these spaces. McLaren Construction Midlands and North and Opus Land have been supported in this community project by our designers who helped provide the vision for this scheme; Architect – Webb Gray, Structural Engineer – SBK, Mechanical & Electrical Engineers – CPW and Landscaper – Whiting’s, who are also providing all the landscape and raised beds works. The works will include a complete refurbishment and remodelling of existing classrooms to form larger teaching spaces and a new sensory room with access to outside spaces. New walls, ceilings and floorings will also be installed, complemented by new LED lighting, heating, security, and fire alarm systems. The dedicated space will allow a new environment for student needs, offering room for small group intervention and 1-2-1 support with internal staff and external agencies. The school enhancements will ensure students with special educational and emotional needs can be as fully equipped as possible for success. Works will take place from 22 July until Friday 2 August, and the academy will be holding an opening ceremony to celebrate and view the new spaces on 2 September. Head of Grace Academy, Natasha Whiles, said: “We are so grateful that this space and build has allowed us to really take the time to consider the individual needs of some of our most vulnerable learners. We’ve really enjoyed working alongside McLaren Construction Midlands and North and all parties involved, to develop the space which otherwise would be completely unaffordable. We’re looking forward to the new facilities helping special educational and emotional needs students work towards their limitless potential through ‘The Grace Way’.” Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Shaun Colley, said: “The Big Build works at Grace Academy will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities to improve the lives of the current and future intake of students and we are proud to be part of this fantastic project. “We commend all of the designers and contractors who have committed to supporting this project and it’s been an honour to be part of this process and driving it forwards for such a worthy school in the region. “I would like to thank the below contractors personally, without you none of this would have been possible, thank you.” Joint Managing Director of Opus Land, Richard Smith, said: “We are most grateful to McLaren Construction Midlands and North and all of the other companies involved in the BIG Build for their tremendous generosity here. “Opus originally got involved in The Grace Academy through their development of the nearby Prospero estate on the Ansty Business Park and soon came to realise the tremendous results that the school fulfils for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A successful event at Castle Meadow Campus hosted by G F Tomlinson and Henry Brothers Construction provided an opportunity for Fbe and ProCon members and guests to look at the new University of Nottingham city centre redevelopment site. The collaborative event was held at the Grade II Listed site where current works include the transformation of the former HMRC headquarters – the Central Building being delivered by G F Tomlinson, and the remodelling of Buildings D and F, by Henry Brothers, into modern office spaces. Encompassing seven buildings, the complete redevelopment is set to establish the Castle Meadow Campus as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for its community of students, academics, and industry partners. 60 members of the Fbe (Forum for the Built Environment) East Midlands and ProCon Nottinghamshire – both of which are professional regional construction and property groups – attended the event, and were treated to a morning of insightful presentations, networking opportunities and firsthand experiences of the ongoing redevelopment works. While enjoying breakfast sandwiches and hot refreshments, representatives from the University of Nottingham, Arup, and Bond Bryan provided detailed site plans, offering a comprehensive overview of the campus scope and objectives. Visitors were given guided tours of the current works by G F Tomlinson and Henry Brothers, providing a unique insight into the intricate renovation processes. A highlight of the event was the demonstration of the large-scale Projection Augmented Relief Model (PARM) by Dr. Gary Priestnall from the University’s School of Geography. The interactive 3D model of Nottingham city centre showcased the innovative use of digital and data tools in urban planning and development. Led by Director, Prof. Paul Grainge, University of Nottingham, ‘City as Lab’ also presented work on leveraging digital and data innovation to address real-world challenges in the Nottingham city region, emphasising the role of the campus as a catalyst for technological advancement and community engagement. G F Tomlinson, a longstanding partner of the University of Nottingham, is leading the refurbishment of the Central Building, including the complex replacement of the tensile fabric roof and the addition of a new mezzanine level, designed to enhance the building’s functionality and sustainability. Adrian Grocock, Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: “The event at Castle Meadow Campus was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the extensive work being done to transform the Central Building. “We were delighted to share our progress with the community and our industry peers and we are extremely proud to contribute our expertise to such a landmark project. “We have a long-standing working relationship with the University of Nottingham, with this being our 8th scheme working together. It is a real pleasure to combine our university and heritage experience to help the university to deliver another world class facility.” Henry Brothers Construction, alongside a consortium of leading industry experts, is nearing completion of the remodelling works on Buildings D and F. Managing Director of Nottingham-based Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “The Castle Meadow Campus is a hugely exciting project for the University of Nottingham and for the city as a whole and we are proud to be playing a part in it. “Henry Brothers has extensive experience of working with universities across the Midlands to improve their facilities. This is our first contract with the University of Nottingham, and we are really pleased to see the partnership creating such fantastic new facilities in our home city. They will be a tremendous asset to the community, and we are honoured to have jointly hosted this event for our peers in the local construction and property sector.” James Hale, Building and Design Lead for Castle Meadow Campus, University of Nottingham, said: “We’re pleased to be working together with our partners on the Castle Meadow Campus development. The chance to welcome ProCon and Fbe members and guests to showcase the great work that’s already happening to transform the site was excellent. “We’re pleased that members and guests showed a keen interest in this historically significant site. With more work to come, we are determined to create an accessible and sustainable world-class campus environment.” The event underscored the importance of fostering partnerships in technological advancement and sustainable development. With the University of Nottingham, G F Tomlinson and Henry Brothers at the forefront, the Castle Meadow Campus is poised to make a lasting impact on the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rebuilding after accidents presents a unique challenge, but sustainable building practices offer a promising solution. Innovations in green construction not only enhance the quality of repairs but also promote safety and environmental responsibility. Utilizing materials like recycled steel and techniques such as modular construction, these methods ensure efficient rebuilds with minimal waste. Advanced Sustainable Materials: Revolutionizing Post-Accident Rebuilds Integrating advanced sustainable materials in post-accident rebuilds can significantly enhance both durability and environmental impact. Materials like recycled steel, bamboo, and reclaimed wood offer superior strength compared to traditional options. These materials also reduce waste, making them environmentally friendly choices for reconstruction projects. For example, using bamboo—known for its rapid growth and robust properties—can lead to faster completion times while maintaining structural integrity. By adopting these innovative materials, builders can create safer, more resilient structures that stand the test of time. Legal Considerations in Construction-Related Personal Injury Claims Navigating the legal landscape following a construction-related accident can be daunting. Personal injury accident claims often arise from negligence or faulty construction practices during rebuilds, making it essential to have expert legal guidance. An experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that all aspects of the claim are meticulously handled, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements. For instance, if sustainable materials fail due to improper installation, resulting in injuries, a lawyer will scrutinize the construction process and material quality. They protect your rights by holding responsible parties accountable and securing fair compensation for damages. Moreover, understanding building codes and regulations is crucial; non-compliance can lead to severe penalties and complicate claims further. Engaging a knowledgeable attorney early on can prevent these pitfalls, ensuring a smoother resolution process while safeguarding your interests throughout reconstruction efforts. Modular Construction Techniques: Speeding Up Recovery with Precision Modular construction techniques offer a game-changing approach to post-accident rebuilds, emphasizing speed and precision. Using building components that are manufactured off-site drastically reduces construction time and minimizes waste on-site. Each module is meticulously crafted in controlled environments, ensuring high quality and consistency. Once transported to the site, modules are assembled like building blocks, streamlining the entire process. This technique not only accelerates recovery but also enhances structural integrity and safety for occupants. Energy-Efficient Systems: Reducing Operational Costs Post-Reconstruction Implementing energy-efficient systems in rebuilt structures significantly reduces long-term operational costs while promoting environmental sustainability. Technologies such as solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and LED lighting minimize energy consumption without compromising comfort or functionality. Additionally, smart thermostats and automated controls optimize energy use based on real-time data and user preferences. These innovations ensure that rebuilt properties remain cost-effective over their lifespan while reducing carbon footprints—benefiting both property owners’ wallets and the planet. Community Involvement in Sustainable Reconstruction Projects Community involvement plays a crucial role in sustainable reconstruction projects after accidents. Engaging local residents fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards newly built structures. Collaborative efforts can include volunteer labor, crowd-sourced funding for green materials, or input on design choices reflecting community needs. This inclusive approach ensures that rebuilds not only meet environmental standards but also resonate with those who inhabit them daily—creating safer neighborhoods through a shared commitment to sustainability. Building Resilient Communities Through Sustainability Adopting sustainable building practices in post-accident reconstruction is more than just a trend—it’s a commitment to creating resilient communities. By integrating advanced materials, modular techniques, and energy-efficient systems, we ensure that rebuilt structures are safer and more durable. Community involvement further strengthens this process, fostering a collective sense of responsibility and pride. As we look towards the future, embracing these practices will not only enhance our built environment but also contribute to healthier, more connected neighborhoods where everyone can thrive.
Custom branded gear in construction isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s practical, safe, and boosts morale. Want to know more? Dive into the real benefits of branded gear for your team. Learn how it enhances safety, unity, and professional image. Join me as we explore why investing in these items makes sense for any construction project. Professional Image: Why It Matters on Construction Sites First impressions count, even in construction. A professional image sets the tone for everything you do. Custom hoodies or other branded gear can make your crew look unified and reliable. Think about how potential clients react when they see a well-dressed team versus one without any identifiable uniform. A polished appearance suggests organized, high-quality work. Beyond clients, it also affects interactions with the public and other stakeholders on-site. Clear branding helps everyone know who’s part of your team and instills confidence in your project management abilities. You show professionalism at every level when you invest in branded apparel for your workers. Enhancing Safety with Branded Gear Safety always comes first in construction. Custom branded gear can significantly improve safety on your worksites. When every worker wears the same custom hoodies, visibility and recognition skyrocket. Imagine spotting team members quickly during an emergency or ensuring that only authorized personnel access restricted areas. High-visibility materials and distinctive branding make this possible. For example, using companies like Custom Ink for custom hoodies ensures each piece is designed for maximum visibility and comfort. This approach means workers stay warm without compromising on safety standards. Branded apparel also reinforces safety protocols by making it clear who’s part of the team, reducing mix-ups with subcontractors or visitors. So, think about how investing in branded gear can create a safer environment while maintaining a professional image. Choosing the Right Materials for Custom Workwear Selecting the right materials for your custom workwear is crucial. It impacts comfort, durability, and safety. Here’s a quick guide on what to consider: Consider these factors when designing your branded gear to ensure optimal performance in any condition. Managing Worksites Easier with Uniforms Uniforms simplify worksite management. When every worker wears custom branded gear, it’s easier to identify team members and streamline communication. Consider a busy construction site where quick recognition can prevent accidents and save time. Custom hoodies or other branded apparel make it simple to spot who belongs on-site versus visitors or subcontractors. Plus, uniforms help enforce company policies more consistently. You ensure everyone adheres to safety standards and presents a unified front. In essence, branded workwear acts as a visual shorthand for your crew’s roles and responsibilities, reducing confusion and boosting efficiency on the job site. Technology Integration in Modern Construction Apparel Technology has made its way into construction apparel, enhancing both safety and functionality. Today’s custom gear can include built-in features like GPS tracking, temperature regulation, and even health monitoring. For example, smart helmets now monitor vital signs and detect fatigue levels. Wearable sensors in custom hoodies alert workers to hazardous conditions or falls. These innovations not only protect your team but also improve overall productivity. Incorporating tech into branded workwear ensures you stay ahead of industry standards while providing the best for your crew. Investing in high-tech gear shows a commitment to innovation and worker well-being.
The architecture of casinos in the UK has gone through spectacular changes, impelled by wider social changes, technological developments, and shifting gaming cultures. From the most luxurious and elite institutions in the 19th century to the modern vibrant settings that are more user-friendly and all-inclusive entertainment centres, casino architecture has been changing with the times to suit the needs and tastes of their clientele. From the imperial and exclusivist past to modernity and popularization, each age has left its trace on this landscape. Early Beginnings: The Birth of the British Casino Casino history in the United Kingdom began in the 19th century when gambling establishments were legitimized. It was during this age that many casinos opened their doors to players within the most sumptuous settings possible, either as part of a large hotel or even as part of some private club accessible only to rich and powerful individuals. These casinos exuded opulence and grandeur with intricately designed details and lavishly furnished decorations; expansive gaming rooms lit by chandeliers and decked with fine art. The aim was to attract high society into this place through exclusiveness and sophistication, to set up an atmosphere of refinement, and in return, to provide them with a setting in which to gamble. The first casinos in Britain were therefore influenced by designs from other parts of Europe, especially Monte Carlo and Venice—names synonymous with luxury and class. Thus, this provided a platform for the architecture of casinos in the UK and a precedent for further developments. Today, while the grandeur remains, the integration of modern technology, including online slots, has added a new dimension to the casino experience. Mid-Century Modernization: Trends in Change The architecture of casinos underwent dramatic changes in the middle of the 20th century. With relaxed laws on gambling and shifting social dynamics, the casino was moving from being an exclusive playground for high society to a venue more oriented toward the general public. The democratization of gaming required a different approach to the architecture, targeting functionality, accessibility, and entertainment. Architects began to apply modernistic design, with a focus on simplicity, clean lines, and open spaces. Casinos became bright and full of life in their interior with colourful ornamentation, themed areas, and great diversity of gaming. Other salient characteristics of the time period were new materials and technologies: neon lighting and electronic gaming machines helped add to the dynamic atmosphere of the new space. Contemporary Casino Design: Technology and Innovation Casino architecture in the UK has continued changing into the 21st century with the integration of cutting-edge technology and innovative design ideas. Contemporary casinos incorporate digital and physical experiences in a seamless and immersive way for players. Probably one of the most prominent trends in modern casino design is interactive technology. Touchscreen displays, virtual reality gaming areas, and augmented reality experiences will soon become standard for any new casino development. These technologies enhance gaming by providing new ways players can engage with their favourite games. Modern casinos are also designed to provide maximum flexibility and adaptability of space. This is achieved by modular design elements easily reconfigured for various gaming areas and multiple events and promotions. This is critical in the competitive market, allowing a casino to be relevant and attractive to diverse audiences. Sustainability is another important consideration in today’s casino architecture. Designers increasingly incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems into their designs to reduce the impact of such large entertainment complexes on the environment. Among the features that have been lately integrated into the very process of building construction for casinos are green roofs, solar panels, and highly efficient HVAC systems, indicating a greater trend in society toward sustainability and responsible development. The Impact of Global Trends The trends in casino architecture in the UK are greatly influenced by designs from other places around the world. Designers have been largely influenced by previously successful designs globally. A significant influence is that of the integration of entertainment and hospitality, as witnessed in places like Las Vegas and Macau. These would include luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, shopping malls, and performance venues—elements which would help make a comprehensive entertainment complex that could be a model for the casinos in the UK. Basically, the idea is to come up with spots that would attract people—tourists and locals alike—by giving them everything in one place. The UK casino architecture has been further driven by the global trend of digital integration. Across international casinos, advanced technologies complement game playing—experiences now finding their way into the UK market. In conclusion, the history of casino architecture in the UK mirrors wider social, technological, and cultural changes. The journey from the opulent and exclusive of the 19th century to modern, inclusive entertainment hubs today is a testament to the ability of the industry to adapt and innovate. With the further development of technology and changing trends in society’s preferences, the outlook for casino architecture will only grow more vivid and exciting. Casinos of the future will be defined by digital experiences, sustainability initiatives, and global design trends. Casino architecture in the UK will be unlike any other form of entertainment.
