December 16, 2024
Skyports and Bicester Motion break ground at UK vertiport

Skyports and Bicester Motion break ground at UK vertiport

Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry and Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, have celebrated the groundbreaking of the UK’s first vertiport testbed. The vertiport, which is a key output of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, an Innovate

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Exploring Your Home Selling Options: An Essential Guide 

Exploring Your Home Selling Options: An Essential Guide 

Selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make. Whether you’re looking to upsize, downsize, or move to a new location, understanding the available options can simplify the process and help you maximize your profit. Choosing the right method also depends on factors such as

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

December 16, 2024

Skyports and Bicester Motion break ground at UK vertiport

Skyports and Bicester Motion break ground at UK vertiport

Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry and Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, have celebrated the groundbreaking of the UK’s first vertiport testbed. The vertiport, which is a key output of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, an Innovate UK Future Flight Challenge project, is under construction on a plot of 0.42 acres (0.17 hectares) which will include a compact 160 sq m passenger terminal. Once complete, it will be a critical facility for testing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight operations, ground infrastructure, and air traffic management and will play a significant role in enabling the next generation of electric, low noise aviation in the UK. The vertiport is being constructed adjacent to Bicester Motion’s existing general aviation grass runways and is due to be completed in early 2025. The facility will launch with an inauguration event at which Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium partners will test and demonstrate key outputs and findings from the project which will include demonstration flights by Vertical Aerospace. Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer, Bicester Motion said: “It’s great to see Skyports’ vertiport being built right here in Bicester. Once complete, it will support vertical take-off and landing aircraft testing as part of advanced air mobility innovation. We’re proud to support this vertiport testbed as part of our strategic vision to integrate both traditional and vertical aviation operations from our airfield and boost pioneering future mobility discovery.” Duncan Walker, chief executive officer, Skyports added: “With spades in ground and the site beginning to take shape, today we are one step closer to delivering our vertiport at Bicester Motion. Our thanks to the project and construction teams for their work so far and we look forward to opening the facility in a few months’ time to continue our efforts to develop and scale electric air taxi services.” Michael Cervenka, chief commercial and strategy officer, Vertical Aerospace added: “As a proud partner of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, Vertical Aerospace is excited to see this state-of-the-art vertiport come to life. Facilities like this are essential for enabling the seamless integration of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft into our airspace and helping people better understand the benefits they will bring. We look forward to supporting this effort with demonstration flights next year and together advancing the future of aviation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Barrack Charitable Trust donates £42,000 to support 23 charities across Scotland

Barrack Charitable Trust donates £42,000 to support 23 charities across Scotland

In the spirit of the festive season, the Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group, is delighted to announce that is has donated almost £42,000 to 23 charities across Scotland. This significant contribution is part of the Trust’s biannual giving programme, aimed at supporting a diverse range of organisations dedicated to making a difference in their communities across the country. From grassroots initiatives to nationwide efforts, the Trust’s donations will help tackle pressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and youth support. The winter tranche of funding comes at a crucial time, as many charities face increased demand for their services during the holiday season. Trust Chairman James Barrack, shared his thoughts: “We are incredibly proud to support such a wide range of worthwhile causes across Scotland, through the Barrack Charitable Trust. We believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work and this is especially meaningful as we approach the festive season. These charities provide essential support to so many and it is an honour to play a part in their vital work.” Spotlight on the Charities The 23 charities supported in this tranche represent the diversity and resilience of Scotland’s charitable sector. Below, seven of the beneficiaries share their appreciation and outline how the funding will help their efforts: Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “We are delighted to receive a grant of £5,000 from the Barrack Charitable Trust, contributing to the purchase of a new mobile arena. Thanks to their generous support, the arena will help us deliver our range of free to access activities directly into the hearts of disadvantaged communities that need it most. I am incredibly grateful to the Barrack Charitable Trust and with their support, we can continue to empower more young people to thrive.” Shirley Finlayson, Manager, Disabled Persons Housing Service Aberdeen said: “We are extremely grateful to receive this generous funding from the Trust and on behalf of the staff, volunteers and committee of DPHS Aberdeen, I would like to thank the Trustees for the award. The funding will help us greatly in assisting disabled people aged over 65 in the community who are struggling to access housing options advice and are seeking solutions to their housing needs. Many of our disabled clients have complex needs or are in hospital where we visit them to provide our advice service and we can help them access housing waiting lists or advise on other housing options.” Jim Van Nice, Treasurer of Forfar & District Men’s Shed said: “We are proud to add the Barrack Charitable Trust to our list of contributors.  With their generous grant of £4,500 we are able to replace our existing old and heavy sliding door to the workshop with a new motorised insulated roll up door. This will provide ease of operation, provide added security and prevent the loss of heat during these cold winter months.  Many thanks from the members of Forfar & District Men’s Shed.” Valerie Cox, Manager of Wester Hailes Youth Agency said: “We are grateful to The Barrack Charitable Trust for their donation of £4,000 towards the delivery of 300 hours of individual support for up to 30 young people in South West/West Edinburgh over the next six months. This support will help young people address issues which may include parental & peer relationships, lack of confidence and self-esteem, bereavement & loss, trauma, stress, anxiety and low mood. Without the generosity of supporters like The Barrack Charitable Trust it would not be possible for us to deliver this vital work. Sarah Hutchison, Volunteer Coordinator at Empty Kitchen, Full Hearts said: “Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts uses surplus food to create healthy meal packs for people living in poverty across Edinburgh. Barrack Charitable Trust’s donation will support 50 people with a month of nutritious meals, free of charge. Our meal service is combined with regular well-being check-ins and referrals to further support. This donation will provide consistent nutrition and contact during what can be a very unstable, isolating time. This allows people to have the energy and headspace to tackle other challenges in their lives.”  In the spirit of the festive season, the Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group, is delighted to announce that is has donated almost £42,000 to 23 charities across Scotland. This significant contribution is part of the Trust’s biannual giving programme, aimed at supporting a diverse range of organisations dedicated to making a difference in their communities across the country. From grassroots initiatives to nationwide efforts, the Trust’s donations will help tackle pressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and youth support. The winter tranche of funding comes at a crucial time, as many charities face increased demand for their services during the holiday season. Trust Chairman James Barrack, shared his thoughts: “We are incredibly proud to support such a wide range of worthwhile causes across Scotland, through the Barrack Charitable Trust. We believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work and this is especially meaningful as we approach the festive season. These charities provide essential support to so many and it is an honour to play a part in their vital work.” Spotlight on the Charities The 23 charities supported in this tranche represent the diversity and resilience of Scotland’s charitable sector. Below, seven of the beneficiaries share their appreciation and outline how the funding will help their efforts: Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “We are delighted to receive a grant of £5,000 from the Barrack Charitable Trust, contributing to the purchase of a new mobile arena. Thanks to their generous support, the arena will help us deliver our range of free to access activities directly into the hearts of disadvantaged communities that need it most. I am incredibly grateful to the Barrack Charitable Trust and with their support, we can continue to empower more young people to thrive.” Shirley Finlayson, Manager, Disabled Persons Housing Service

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Exploring Your Home Selling Options: An Essential Guide 

Exploring Your Home Selling Options: An Essential Guide 

Selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make. Whether you’re looking to upsize, downsize, or move to a new location, understanding the available options can simplify the process and help you maximize your profit. Choosing the right method also depends on factors such as your timeline, market conditions, and personal priorities.  This article explores the primary ways to sell your home, their benefits, and how to choose the best path for your situation.  Exploring Quick Property Sale Services  If speed and simplicity are your top priorities, quick property sale services are worth considering. These companies specialize in purchasing homes quickly, often within days, and provide an cash offer.  Moreover, the benefits of exploring quick property sale services include:   On the other hand, quick property sale services can be disadvantageous due to the following:   Therefore, if you’re in Massachusetts or similar locations and need to sell your house quickly, options like a “Quick property sale Peabody” may align perfectly with your goals. These services offer a fast, hassle-free alternative to the traditional real estate market, making them particularly appealing to sellers facing time constraints.  Listing with a Real Estate Agent  One of the most common methods of selling a home is by working with a licensed real estate agent. Agents are professionals who understand the intricacies of the housing market and can handle everything from pricing your home to negotiating with prospective buyers.  The benefits of listing with a real estate agent include:   On the other hand, working with a real estate agent has drawbacks, such as:   If you have time and want to maximize your home’s market value, partnering with a real estate agent could be the best option.  For Sale by Owner (FSBO)  Selling your home without an agent—commonly known as For Sale by Owner (FSBO)—allows you to manage the process yourself. While it requires more effort, it can save money on commission fees.  Furthermore, selling your home through FSBO has several benefits, including:   Unfortunately, FSBO comes with some drawbacks, such as the following:   Ultimately, FSBO is a viable option for those with experience in real estate or who want to save on fees while maintaining control over the process.  Utilizing Online Platforms  The rise of digital platforms has revolutionized the home selling process. Many websites allow sellers to list their homes or connect with potential buyers directly. Some platforms even offer instant cash offers.  Furthermore, with online platforms, you can manage your sale online from start to finish. You can reach a vast audience with minimal effort and use virtual tours and automated pricing tools to attract buyers.  However, some platforms charge service fees, which can cut into profits. Not all homes also sell quickly or at the desired price and these platforms may lack the personalized guidance of a real estate agent.  Choosing the Right Option for You  To determine the best and fastest way to sell your home, consider some key factors. These include:   By understanding these factors, you can choose the right selling option for your home.   Final Thoughts  Selling a home involves various options, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. By keeping the information mentioned above in mind, you can select the method that aligns best with your needs. Whether you choose to work with an agent, sell to an investor, or opt for a quick property sale service, understanding the entire process is essential for a successful transaction. 

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Biophilic Design: Bringing the Natural Outdoors Indoors into Modern Architecture

Biophilic Design: Bringing the Natural Outdoors Indoors into Modern Architecture

Biophilic design has become the signature of modern architecture, blending the natural world with our built environments. With this, architects create residential and commercial places incorporating natural elements that nurture well-being, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. This approach is way more than just a passing trend but is actually a response to the bond between man and nature.  Greenery, natural light, and organic materials all come together in harmony to make spaces into sanctuaries. It is not all about great looks, though—biophilic design is serious about function, sustainability, and a thoughtful approach to integration. Whether one is building afresh or upgrading, the list of how to bring nature indoors is endless. That said, let’s dig in and see how this trend in nature-inspired design is changing the way we build. Even the busiest of urban settings can feel connected to nature’s tranquillity with the right elements. It is a design philosophy that contributes to the health not only of the planet but also the people inhabiting these spaces. Why Biophilic Design Matters  Humans have an inborn desire to connect with nature—a concept called biophilia. The bond between man and nature is innate; it gets lost in urban and industrial setups, which leaves most people yearning for greenery and fresh air. Biophilic design closes that gap by bringing the soothing, healing properties of nature into spaces where people live, work, and play. Studies show that environments infused with natural elements can improve mental health, boost productivity, and even aid in physical recovery. It is not only about aesthetics for architects or designers; rather, it’s a question of building spaces that nurture well-being. Whether it is your house, office, or public space, biophilic design creates an environment of equilibrium and serenity. This is the kind of design that not only looks good but feels good to experience. Thoughtfully applied, it can transform even sterile environments into places that inspire comfort and connection. By incorporating greenery into spaces, biophilic design also enhances cognitive performance, making it particularly beneficial in workspaces and learning environments. Biophilic design brings natural materials, flora, and light together to create spaces that mimic the outdoors. Picture a room washed in natural light, featuring earthy textures and abundant greenery. It’s a place where stress evaporates, and focus thrives. Biophilic elements remind us of nature’s beauty while improving air quality and energy efficiency. Whether you’re installing a living wall, optimizing window placements, or integrating nature-inspired finishes, each decision elevates the space. Bringing these natural elements indoors helps blur the boundary between interior and exterior, creating a refreshing and intentional flow. The inclusion of biophilic elements in healthcare settings has even been shown to accelerate patient recovery times, underscoring the profound impact of nature on human health. Natural Light The Heart of Biophilic Design Light generally plays a major role in how we experience a space. Natural light, in particular, does wonders for mood, energy, and overall health. Making the most of natural light arguably is one of the easiest and most available methods of bringing biophilic design into your home. This cuts down on artificial lighting, thus helping reduce energy consumption and support sustainability. Large windows, skylights, and open areas allow a plethora of sunlight into interiors. This not only beautifies a space but makes one more connected to the natural world. These dynamic shifts of natural light throughout the day create an ever-changing environment, thus making spaces alive and interactive. Optimizing Windows and Skylights Windows and skylights, thoughtfully placed, are hallmarks of biophilic architecture. They invite sunlight to penetrate deep into spaces, reducing dependence on artificial lighting while creating uplifting atmospheres. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood interiors with brightness and provide uninterrupted views of outdoor greenery. Skylights, on the other hand, allow diffused light to filter in softly, shifting throughout the day. When designed with care, these features allow nature to permeate even enclosed areas. Beyond their functional benefits, they emphasize the beauty of natural textures and materials. Light and Shadows Natural light interacts dynamically with interiors, creating patterns and shadows that evoke feelings of calm and peace. For example, the dappled light that filters through leaves can be mimicked using screens, shutters, or textured materials. These subtle touches bring life to a space, replicating the outdoor experience indoors. The interplay of light and shadow is both visually stimulating and emotionally calming. By carefully considering how light flows throughout a room, architects can establish spaces that feel warm, inviting, and alive. Natural light has a number of well-being benefits, including regularization of circadian rhythms, quality of sleep, concentration, and general health. It elevates mood, diminishes fatigue, and raises productivity at work. Besides energy savings, daylight is very important in maintaining human well-being. A house filled with natural light gives the impression of being more spacious and alive, creating a sense of energy and connectedness to the outside environment. Biophilic design provides a perfect balance of brightness with energy efficiency, considering the incorporation of elements such as windows, reflective surfaces, and well-thought-out design strategies to create everyday living more comfortable and vital. Living Walls and Indoor Gardens  Plants are the essence of biophilic design. They purify air, soften rigid edges, and create a calming presence that few other elements can replicate. From vertical living walls to compact planters, greenery can redefine any space. Living Walls A living wall, or green wall, is a vertical garden that turns blank surfaces into thriving, vibrant focal points. These installations are not only visually stunning but also functional, offering insulation, soundproofing, and improved air quality. They excel in open-concept layouts, where they can double as natural partitions. Living walls are highly adaptable, accommodating diverse plant species suited to specific lighting and environmental conditions. Whether they serve as statement pieces in a living room or subtle additions to hallways, green walls bring vitality and character. Features like moss walls or plant-filled partitions can also improve acoustics, making spaces feel quieter and more serene. Indoor Gardens When living walls are not feasible, indoor gardens offer versatile

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