The UK construction sector is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a specialised AI training programme. The AI Construction Training (ACT) modules offer free live sessions designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to lead AI-driven initiatives, bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical
Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that
By Tom Brown, Managing Director, Real Estate at Ingenious As we move toward 2025, the UK real estate market is navigating a complex and ever-evolving landscape. Investors must weigh evolving factors such as political uncertainties, shifts in rental demand, and the impact of economic pressures on borrowing costs. Here’s five
Competition fosters innovation in AI and technology development to solve common pain points and drive the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry forward Trimble® (Nasdaq: TRMB) announced the winners of the SketchUp® 0-60 Challenge, an initiative created by Trimble SketchUp and Trimble Ventures to foster innovation and discover the next big idea that will transform how
The construction industry is constantly evolving, striving for efficiency and sustainability. Scandinavian countries lead the way with innovative design practices. Learning from their success could transform UK construction. Looking to the north, you can discover invaluable lessons from Scandinavian construction practices. These regions are renowned for their commitment to sustainable
MP35N is a high-performance alloy for applications requiring a high-stress level in demanding conditions. With its high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent biocompatibility, MP35N has become one of the most used materials in the aerospace, medical, and energy fields. This guide will provide a detailed understanding of MP35N’s composition
The UK construction sector is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a specialised AI training programme. The AI Construction Training (ACT) modules offer free live sessions designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to lead AI-driven initiatives, bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical application within the industry. The modules form part of the Innovate UK BridgeAI ‘AI in construction: Skills for the future’ Programme, which is being developed and implemented by Trilateral Research. The Importance of AI in Construction Facing challenges such as labour shortages, increasing project complexities, and sustainability demands, the construction industry can significantly benefit from artificial intelligence (AI). AI enhances efficiency, predicts risks, and supports sustainable practices, transforming how construction projects are designed and executed. This programme ensures SME managers are equipped to adopt AI effectively, enabling them to drive innovation and improve their organisations’ competitiveness. About the Training Modules ACT comprises four comprehensive modules, each addressing a key aspect of AI adoption and implementation in construction: Data and AI: Understanding the fundamentals | Attendees will gain a strong foundation in AI and data, exploring their transformative potential and relevance to the construction industry. AI business cases: Securing buy-in | Attendees will learn how to build compelling business cases for AI adoption, convincing stakeholders of its value and aligning with organisational goals. AI project management: Ensuring success | Attendees will discover strategies to manage AI projects effectively, from planning to execution, ensuring they deliver measurable results. Responsible AI: Establishing standards | Attendees will develop an understanding of the ethical and regulatory considerations for AI, establishing robust governance frameworks to ensure responsible implementation. Programme Highlights Expert Endorsements “These modules are a timely and essential resource for SME managers looking to embrace the future of construction,” said Sara El-Hanfy, Head of AI & Machine Learning, Innovate UK. “By offering practical tools and knowledge, we aim to empower construction professionals to drive meaningful change through AI.” Launch Details The first cohort of ACT will run throughout February and March 2025, with registrations now open. The fully online format ensures accessibility for professionals across the UK, allowing participants to enhance their skills without disrupting their work commitments. How to Register Spaces are limited to maintain a high-quality learning experience. For more information and to secure your place, visit https://aiconstructiontraining.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that GB gas-fired output totalled 72.6TWh in 2024 – down on the 86.8TWh recorded the previous year – and a significant drop on the 111.4TWh generated in 2022. The decrease in demand for gas was attributed to a rise in renewables output, which totalled 118.1TWh in 2024 – up on the 116.9TWh recorded in 2023. On average, renewable generation (including biomass) increased by 0.14GW to reach 13.5GW, which meant renewables contributed 45% to the overall GB power generation mix. Wind generation was the major contributor to renewable output with a 70% share. Based on historic data, average wind generation also reached a record high of 9.43GW, which was 0.39GW higher than the previous year. This record would have been even higher if wind generation had not needed to be curtailed due to constraints in the capacity of the transmission system during periods of high wind generation. Electricity imports were also a key reason for the record low gas-fired output. GB interconnectors saw average net imports of 3.8GW last year, a 40% increase compared to 2023 and the highest level on record in the last ten years. The top two major contributors to this total were France (2.2GW), and Norway (1.1GW). Gas prices began last year by declining through January and February, continuing a downward trajectory seen during Q4 2023, before generally following an upward trend throughout the remainder of the year. The subsequent uptick in prices was influenced by several factors, including intermittent production outages in Norway, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supply disruptions to Ukraine due to the ongoing war with Russia, and occasional cold spells during winter. Despite these increases, the average gas price for the year fell by 16% from 2023 levels to £28.63/MWh. In a similar fashion, the profile of wholesale day-ahead electricity prices followed that of gas prices but dropped to a greater extent due to the increase in renewable output, falling by 23% year-on-year to an average of £72.58/MWh. The rise of renewables led to 139 hours of negative prices in GB – the highest level since 2019 when negative prices were first observed. The 2024 figure is significantly higher than the 86 hours recorded in 2023 and the 91 hours observed in 2020, when low demand during Covid lockdowns was a significant contributory factor. Phil Hewitt, Director at Montel Analytics said: “Last year gas prices were lower on average than in 2023, despite rising again from March onwards. These increases were recorded despite reduced demand for gas-fired generation, with total output at its lowest level for at least 20 years as a result of very high levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports through the interconnectors, particularly from France and Norway. Renewable output would have been higher because almost 10% of potential wind output could not be used because of transmission system constraints. Meanwhile, the importance of electricity transfer though the interconnectors has been accentuated following Ofgem’s recent approval of five major new undersea energy links, which will further strengthen connections between Britain and Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland”. “The initial decline in gas prices was driven by elevated wind generation as a consequence of storms Isha and Jocelyn in the early part of 2024, although prices generally rose during the rest of the year. At this time of year, gas price spikes are not uncommon as additional gas reserves are often needed to meet higher-than-usual demand during periods of cold, calm weather. The recent cold snap sparked a media frenzy recently when British Gas owner Centrica announced that the UK had less than a week of gas reserves in store although National Gas, which owns the UK gas network, has insisted that storage levels remain healthy.” The Montel study also highlighted the demise of coal in Britain after 142 years, with the last coal station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar closing at the end of September. The report also showed that nuclear power generation dropped to a record low of 38.2TWh, largely due to outages and delayed restarts which reduced the output of most units in the nuclear fleet Renewables were the dominant contributor to Britain’s fuel mix in 2024, accounting for 44.8% of the total. Gas-fired generation accounted for 27.5%, with nuclear (14.5%), imports (12.6%) and coal (0.6%) accounting for the rest. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Tom Brown, Managing Director, Real Estate at Ingenious As we move toward 2025, the UK real estate market is navigating a complex and ever-evolving landscape. Investors must weigh evolving factors such as political uncertainties, shifts in rental demand, and the impact of economic pressures on borrowing costs. Here’s five areas to watch in real estate in 2025: The political landscape continues to present risks for real estate in 2025. Key uncertainties include potential changes in global leadership, especially within major economies like the United States, and the ongoing repercussions of the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union. Challenges around trade deals, tariffs, and economic isolation remain a threat to market confidence and transaction volumes. For property investors and developers, these uncertainties make long-term planning increasingly complex. In a volatile political climate, many may adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on adaptable strategies to mitigate risk and anticipate shifts in policy. The rental market is expected to maintain strong momentum as homeownership remains difficult for many. The discontinuation of government schemes like Help to Buy, combined with high mortgage rates and inflation, have left first-time buyers struggling. Consequently, rental demand, particularly in urban areas, is set to grow, with residential rents seeing double-digit increases. Traditional buy-to-let investors continue to feel the pinch from a changed tax framework, increased regulations and a tougher compliance environment, reducing rental supply. This can only further elevate rents by reducing supply and underscores a shift towards Build-to-Rent developments. These purpose-built projects are designed with long-term renters in mind, providing stable and attractive returns for investors. Interest rates will remain a key driver for the real estate market in 2025. Although expectations are for gradual reductions, borrowing costs will stay elevated compared to pre-pandemic norms due to broader economic pressures, such as high global debt and inflation concerns. For homebuyers, developers, and the buy-to-sell market, this means persistent challenges in accessing affordable financing and moving forward with large-scale investments. The construction industry remains vulnerable to high inflation, despite anticipated base rate reductions. Rising costs for materials and labour have already strained smaller contractors, and a resurgence of inflation could see further financial stress. The introduction of a stricter regulatory environment under the Building Safety Act adds another layer of complexity and cost, potentially leading to delays in project timelines and further contractor difficulties. Co-Living continues to gain traction in dense urban areas like London, appealing particularly to young professionals seeking flexible, community-driven living arrangements. These modern spaces provide not just accommodation, but a lifestyle—with shared amenities and communal environments fostering a sense of connection. Investors are recognising the long-term growth potential of the Co-Living sector, which aligns with broader trends towards affordability and flexible living options. As housing costs remain high, Co-Living is poised to complement traditional rental models and become a key part of the housing market in 2025 and beyond. Conclusion The UK real estate market in 2025 is set to navigate a complex landscape shaped by political, economic, and regulatory factors. From political uncertainties and shifting rental dynamics to interest rate pressures and construction challenges, adaptability and strategic foresight will be key for investors. Emerging trends like Co-Living underline the sector’s evolution, offering flexible, community-driven solutions that resonate with changing market needs. As these dynamics unfold, the focus on resilience and innovation will define success in an increasingly demanding environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Competition fosters innovation in AI and technology development to solve common pain points and drive the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry forward Trimble® (Nasdaq: TRMB) announced the winners of the SketchUp® 0-60 Challenge, an initiative created by Trimble SketchUp and Trimble Ventures to foster innovation and discover the next big idea that will transform how architects, designers and project managers work. The 0-60 Challenge invited entrepreneurs, early-stage startups and developers to leverage SketchUp to develop transformative technology solutions that solve common industry pain points. Nine finalists selected from over 100 applicants were given an opportunity to collaborate with leading subject matter experts, innovators and technologists from within the global Trimble network to transform their ideas into reality. After a three-month development process, the finalists demoed their solutions for a live audience at 3D Basecamp at Dimensions, Trimble’s annual user conference. To learn more, visit: https://3dbasecamp.sketchup.com/en/SketchUp-0-60-Challenge-2024. “The ideas and solutions that came to light through the SketchUp 0-60 Challenge are nothing short of transformative,” said Christopher Cronin, VP & GM, architecture, design and education at Trimble SketchUp. “We created the challenge to stimulate creative problem solving, encourage collaboration and connection, and help turn ideas into solutions that will have a real-world impact on AEC workflows. Together with a talented third-party developer community, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and seeing how the integration of AI unlocks new levels of efficiency, interoperability and creative exploration for the SketchUp community.” The SketchUp 0-60 Challenge Winners are: First Place: ScaffPlan developed an extension that allows temporary works companies — builders of temporary structures required to enable the safe, efficient and permanent construction of a project — to create detailed drawings and documentation for scaffolding, formwork, propping and shoring projects in SketchUp. The solution solves the complex challenges temporary works companies face by optimizing material utilization and enabling precise delivery scheduling to reduce waste and delays. It also facilitates accurate on-site installation, compliance with stringent legal requirements, and thorough identification and mitigation of safety hazards. Second Place: To streamline the design to construction documentation workflow between SketchUp and Revit®, Skema‘s new integration addresses the need for greater interoperability between both solutions. The integration provides designers, developers, builders and owners a seamless way to leverage SketchUp’s early design capabilities to develop Building Information Models (BIM) more quickly for project delivery. This process reduces data loss and minimizes the need to re-model, allowing users to work more efficiently and confidently. Third Place: A plug-in from Spacely AI accelerates the process of creating high-quality renders of interiors by auto-populating 3D spaces with the appropriate entourage. The solution accelerates the time-consuming process of populating and rendering stylized 3D spaces, allowing interior designers to win more business, reduce costs and explore creativity. Amazon Web Services “Scaled Thought” Award: Extracting precise data from designs and manually labeling components is tedious and error-prone, often leading to incomplete or inaccurate data. Scene Intelligence, a SketchUp plugin created by Loci, uses state-of-the-art AI models to classify components in SketchUp to IFC 4 standard at the click of a button. Scene Intelligence makes it easy to filter and view critical elements such as furniture and structural components, and generate an accurate bill of materials in minutes, not hours. Judges selected the winners based on three product categories and against six different criteria to measure the efficacy of the proposals. First, second and third place winners received cash prizes and Loci will receive technical expertise in three complimentary workshops led by Solution Architects at Amazon Web Services. The innovation doesn’t end here — expect more from Trimble & SketchUp’s ongoing collaborations with the winners. All features are available to download and try on the SketchUp Extension Warehouse today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction industry is constantly evolving, striving for efficiency and sustainability. Scandinavian countries lead the way with innovative design practices. Learning from their success could transform UK construction. Looking to the north, you can discover invaluable lessons from Scandinavian construction practices. These regions are renowned for their commitment to sustainable and efficient design, a pursuit that resonates with the modern push for eco-friendly and cost-effective building solutions. As the demand for innovative construction grows, integrating these practices, including efficient metal deburring methods, can significantly enhance project outcomes. Scandinavian Design Principles Scandinavian design is characterized by its minimalist approach, focusing on functionality and simplicity. This style contributes to efficient construction by reducing material waste and streamlining project timelines. Essential to this is the integration of efficient metal deburring methods, which play a crucial role in achieving smoother finishes while minimizing resource wastage. By embracing these principles, UK projects can reduce costs and improve overall project efficiency. These design principles also promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of renewable materials and energy-efficient technologies. The seamless blend of aesthetics and utility ensures that buildings not only look appealing but also contribute positively to environmental goals. This approach aligns well with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints in the construction industry. Furthermore, Scandinavian architecture often incorporates large windows to maximize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This design feature not only saves energy but also enhances the well-being of building occupants by creating brighter and more inviting spaces. Efficient Construction Techniques In addition to design aesthetics, Scandinavia excels in implementing efficient construction techniques that can benefit UK builders. Prefabrication is a common practice, allowing for components to be manufactured off-site, ensuring precision and reducing on-site waste. Electropolishing in manufacturing is another method employed to ensure high-quality finishes and durability of metal components, further enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The focus on automation and advanced technology within construction processes helps minimize human error and accelerates project timelines. This technological integration ensures that projects are completed on schedule without compromising quality or environmental standards. By adopting such techniques, you can increase productivity while maintaining high standards of quality control. The integration of these methods into UK projects not only meets the growing demand for sustainable solutions but also positions the industry as a leader in innovative construction practices. Sustainability Practices Scandinavian countries prioritize sustainability through their choice of materials and design strategies. Eco-friendly materials like recycled steel and wood are commonly used, promoting a circular economy within the construction sector. Energy-efficient designs such as passive houses are also prevalent, minimizing energy consumption through superior insulation and airtightness. The environmental benefits of these practices are significant, reducing carbon emissions and lowering operational costs over a building’s lifecycle. By adopting similar strategies, UK projects can contribute to global sustainability goals while offering cost-effective solutions to clients. Moreover, these sustainable practices enhance a building’s value by meeting increasing market demands for green certifications and energy performance standards. Implementing these strategies offers competitive advantages in an increasingly environmentally conscious industry.
MP35N is a high-performance alloy for applications requiring a high-stress level in demanding conditions. With its high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent biocompatibility, MP35N has become one of the most used materials in the aerospace, medical, and energy fields. This guide will provide a detailed understanding of MP35N’s composition and properties, application versatility, and processing and use, which is why it shines in critical environments. Form and Nature of MP35N MP35N is a nickel-cobalt chromium molybdenum-based alloy that is famous for the distinct characteristics it possesses. Its composition typically includes: Other minor constituents enhance its characteristics, including iron, which should not exceed 1.0%, and manganese, which should not exceed 0.15%. Key Characteristics of MP35N The first reason manufacturing firms use MP35N is its corrosion resistance qualities. Here is a list of some important characteristics of this material: Manufacturing and Processing The beneficial properties of MP35N are due to the intricate manufacturing and processing of the alloy. These methods allow manufacturers to fine-tune the alloy’s characteristics to fit particular uses. Processing techniques Machinability Although MP35N has higher strength, it could be easily machined with tools such as carbide and ceramic. Because of the work-hardening effect, low cutting velocities with high feed rates are preferred during machining. Welding It states that MP35N is weldable using TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. Nevertheless, post-weld heat treatment is usually required to fully restore the material properties. Properties and Performance MP35N has several qualities that make it the choice of manufacturers. Here are its properties and performance. Mechanical properties These properties make MP35N ideal for components that demand high strength and flexibility simultaneously. Corrosion resistance MP35N resists various forms of corrosion, including: Temperature performance MP35N resists rapid temperature changes in subzero environments and temperatures over 600°F or 315°C. This characteristic is important for aerospace and energy uses where temperature variations are typical. Applications Thanks to its extraordinary properties, MP35N finds use in various critical sectors: Aerospace MP35N is largely employed in aerospace applications where components must be highly strong, fatigue-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Examples include Faster, spring, and actuator parts. Medical Due to the biocompatible and non-magnetic nature of the alloy, it has potential medical applications such as use in implantation surgeries. Common applications include pins and screws used in orthopedic surgeries, stents that are used in cardiovascular surgeries, and dental implants. Oil and gas MP35N’s corrosion resistance and strength in the energy sector make it suitable for downhole tools, drill collars, and various valve parts. It is also used in deep water piping to prevent equipment corrosion. Marine A marine environment requires materials that can resist the corroding effects of seawater and mechanical loads. MP35N is used in Connectors for deep-sea applications, springs of marine instruments, and parts of the propulsion system Other industries MP35N is also applied in electronics, chemical processing, and high-performance motors because it works reliably in harsh environments. Advantages Over Other Alloys When compared to stainless steels, titanium alloys, or other nickel-based alloys, MP35N offers distinct advantages: Limitations and Challenges While MP35N is a top-tier alloy, it does have some challenges: Future Developments As industries demand more robust and sustainable materials, innovations in MP35N processing could further enhance its capabilities: Resource management involves working on the best ways of disposing of materials without polluting the environment. Conclusion MP35N boasts one of the highest tensile strengths while resisting corrosion and is bio-compatible. This makes it ideal for harsh conditions. From aerospace applications to medical implants, this material’s flexibility and durability make it essential in high-usage contexts. Existing issues, such as the cost and availability of MP35N, may still persist; however, future developments will still hold more opportunities for MP35N. Whether you are working on constructing pieces used for deep-ocean research or developing medical instruments, MP35N is a material to depend on to achieve the best, even in extreme conditions.
