Meenan Square re-development has taken a major step forward with the submission of a full planning application to Derry City & Strabane District Council (DCSDC). This exciting development marks the culmination of many years of hard work, determination and local engagement to revitalise and re-establish the local area as a
Door manufacturer JELD-WEN has won the Health and Safety award at the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2024, recognising its use of innovative technology in reducing workplace risks. JELD-WEN has introduced a new system to protect employees from moving vehicles in its manufacturing operations that uses radio frequency and TRUE-AI
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and
A Nottinghamshire apprentice who battles a six hour journey to complete his apprenticeship training, part-based in Newcastle, has spoken about his career transformation after enrolling on the course. 21-year-old Riordan ‘Rio’ Keetley is currently undertaking a Level 2 Bricklaying apprenticeship at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Training Hub in
STANDFIRST / PfP Thrive is a new initiative from Places for People, the UK’s largest social enterprise. Drawing on its extensive insight into the UK housing sector, Places for People has identified skill gaps in key trades and developed a range of training programmes to address them. These programmes aim
Jason Davenport has been promoted to director of traffic and transportation at East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting. He takes over from one of the founding directors of BSP Consulting, Mark Rayers, who is stepping back to become a part-time consultant to the business. Jason, who was
SITECH® UK & Ireland has appointed a new Head of Business and launched a new internal sales division to meet the increasing demand for digitalisation in the construction industry. Alex Gadd has been appointed the new Head of Business at SITECH. With a comprehensive background in business development in the construction sector,
Renowned Corporate Lawyer and Law Firm Leader will Bring Extensive Transactional Expertise, with Emphasis on the Life Sciences, Health Care and Infrastructure Sectors Hamid Yunis, a standout corporate lawyer known for helping global clients navigate highly complex transactions, will join Pillsbury’s London office as partner. Yunis will join the firm’s
ASSA ABLOY and Lorient are excited to announce their debut at the UK’s fastest-growing fire safety exhibition, the Fire Safety Event, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 8th to 10thApril 2025. Located at stand 4/G30, these industry leaders will exhibit a complete range of fire door hardware and sealing
Designing the right HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is essential when building or remodeling any structure. The HVAC system comes in handy in preserving indoor air quality, controlling temperature, and ensuring general comfort in any environment, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. When designing an HVAC system for your
Meenan Square re-development has taken a major step forward with the submission of a full planning application to Derry City & Strabane District Council (DCSDC). This exciting development marks the culmination of many years of hard work, determination and local engagement to revitalise and re-establish the local area as a thriving community. The project is being delivered by the Executive Office’s Urban Villages initiative in conjunction with Apex Housing Association (Apex) and Meenan Square Developments Ltd. It will see the construction of a mixed-use development, comprising community services, housing and essential local economic amenities which will include retail, commercial and office space. Sheena McCallion, Chief Executive of Apex Housing Association, commented: “We would like to express our thanks to all residents, community stakeholders and elected representatives who took the time to provide their feedback and support for this important project during the consultation process. The regeneration of Meenan Square is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about building a more vibrant and sustainable community and transforming a significant area of the city for the generations to come.” A separate local planning application, for the development of eight social homes on the wider site, has also been submitted by Apex to the council with a proposed housing mix of two-bed and three-bed homes. Ciaran O’Donnell, Project Co-ordinator, Meenan Square Developments Ltd added: “The Meenan Square transformation project will provide a space for all communities to live and thrive in. The submission of the planning applications to the council marks a vital step in the development process and we look forward to engaging positively with DCSDC planners and consultees as the applications make their way to planning committee in the near future. “I am extremely grateful for the support and feedback that local residents and interested parties have provided the team during the consultation process as we sought to deliver real and lasting impact in the local community through the revitalisation of Meenan Square.” The applicants have been supported by GM Design acting as the Project Architects, and Turley, providing independent Planning and Strategic Communication services. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Door manufacturer JELD-WEN has won the Health and Safety award at the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2024, recognising its use of innovative technology in reducing workplace risks. JELD-WEN has introduced a new system to protect employees from moving vehicles in its manufacturing operations that uses radio frequency and TRUE-AI cameras to create a detection zone around each vehicle. To ensure the safety of employees, a flashing light and audible warning is triggered if the systems detects a pedestrian. The vehicle will then automatically slow down and stop if a pedestrian comes into its proximity. In presenting the award to JELD-WEN, judges recognised that the initiative had seen a significant investment in emerging radio frequency identification (RFID) and AI technologies to help manage operational safety and protect employees, supply chain drivers, and visitors to the site. Helen Hewitt, BWF CEO, said: “JELD-WEN is to be commended for focusing on risk reduction and demonstrating a clear commitment to safety improvement in what is currently one of the highest severity risk areas at work. “By investing in this cutting-edge technology JELD-WEN has clearly demonstrated its willingness to go above and beyond in ensuring the safety of employees and visitors to the site.” Hamish White, Operation Director at JELD-WEN UK, added: “Health and safety is paramount within the sector, and we remain unrelenting in our aim to eliminate risk. “I congratulate all of the team at our Penrith factory for taking a comprehensive view of the need to maintain the highest health and safety standards. This is a tremendous achievement and a fantastic example of living our JELD-WEN value that we build our business ethically and safely.” Now in its sixteenth year, the BWF Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding skills, talent and achievements of the UK woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles. He currently serves as a non-executive director and senior independent director at Centaur Media, as well as Chairman of Team ITG, a digital media company. Additionally, he chairs the Design Council, a Royal Charter charity and the UK government’s strategic advisor on design. His previous non-executive roles include serving as senior independent director at Britvic, deputy chair of Clear Media Limited, and a board member at Hays. In the executive sphere, he spent 13 years at Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, where he was chief executive from 2012 to 2021, leading the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019. His career also includes senior leadership roles at BBDO Europe, Young & Rubicam EMEA, McKinsey & Co, WPP, and Interpublic Group. Looking Ahead Outgoing chair Richard Mully expressed confidence in his successor, stating: “I am delighted that William has been selected to succeed me as chair. His extensive experience in marketing, business transformation, and growth will be invaluable to GPE’s board. I know he will provide strong leadership and support to Toby Courtauld and our management team. It has been an honour to serve on the board for over eight years, and I look forward to working closely with William to ensure a smooth transition.” Eccleshare added: “I am excited to be joining the GPE Board as its future chair. With GPE’s strong market position and high-quality portfolio, I look forward to leading the board and working with the management team to drive the company’s strategy and capitalise on new opportunities. I am also grateful for Richard’s guidance during the transition period.” With Eccleshare’s appointment, GPE is set to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, leveraging his expertise to strengthen its strategic direction in the years ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Nottinghamshire apprentice who battles a six hour journey to complete his apprenticeship training, part-based in Newcastle, has spoken about his career transformation after enrolling on the course. 21-year-old Riordan ‘Rio’ Keetley is currently undertaking a Level 2 Bricklaying apprenticeship at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Training Hub in Scotswood, Newcastle. Rio travels the 161 miles for his training block weeks to the Training Hub by train from his home in Nottingham to pursue his career and achieve a nationally recognised qualification. Before starting his apprenticeship in March last year, Rio worked a number of jobs, including being a waiter, a hospital cleaner and a CCTV operator but he was left feeling unsettled about his future. Rio chose the apprenticeship route over traditional college or university education because he wanted to learn a practical skill that would serve him for life. He explains: “Construction has always interested me but I struggled to find an apprenticeship initially. I finished school during lockdown and the restrictions meant opportunities were limited. “I took on various jobs in the meantime, becoming a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. Then, a family member told me about apprenticeship opportunities at Keepmoat, and I knew this was the chance I had been waiting for. “The apprentice programme with a reputable house builder such as Keepmoat was exactly what I needed. It’s really rewarding to learn a valuable skill, help the community, and know I’m building a great future for myself. The travel is a small price to pay for such an amazing opportunity. I’m excited to see where this career takes me.” Rio’s apprenticeship includes tailored and immersive training at the NHBC Training Hub, covering both theory and practical skills before working on site. Rio is developing his skills at Park View, a Keepmoat development in Gedling, Nottinghamshire which will deliver 400 homes. He adds: “I enjoy the physical nature of the job and knowing that what I’m doing is making a difference. It’s satisfying to watch the hard work pay off and use my NHBC industry leading training to see something built the right way by a hard working team. My apprenticeship has given me confidence, independence, and a clear path forward. I’m proud of myself and what I’ve accomplished so far.” Geoff Scott, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat, comments: “The team is extremely pleased with Riordan’s progression throughout his apprenticeship. He’s a great team player, who is both dedicated and hard working. Our apprenticeship schemes are a testament to Keepmoat’s commitment to delivering key skilled workers into the talent pipeline in the face of a skills shortage. “It is a privilege to see our apprentices thrive in their roles and become part of the next generation of much-needed bricklayers and we look forward to seeing them progress and succeed in the industry.’’ Roger Morton, Director of NHBC’s apprentice training programme and hubs, said; “It’s fantastic to see how Riordan is thriving at the NHBC Training Hub in Newcastle. Our hubs are not only creating a local supply of talent for the house-building industry but also making a significant positive impact on the lives of apprentices. “Bricklaying is at the heart of house building and is a vital skill. Through our existing training hubs and our £100 million investment in a national network of 12 new multi-skill hubs, NHBC is committed to supporting the next generation of housebuilders. Our industry-leading, recognised training equips apprentices like Riordan with the skills he needs to deliver high-quality new homes. “By immersing apprentices in real site conditions from day one, we fully prepare them for life on site. Quality drives everything we do and our tailored approach is enabling Riordan and other apprentices to qualify in just 14 to 18 months, with many achieving distinctions. That’s nearly twice as fast as traditional education routes, which can take up to 30 months.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. For more information, please visit www.keepmoat.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STANDFIRST / PfP Thrive is a new initiative from Places for People, the UK’s largest social enterprise. Drawing on its extensive insight into the UK housing sector, Places for People has identified skill gaps in key trades and developed a range of training programmes to address them. These programmes aim to futureproof the industry by equipping individuals with new skill sets while creating employment opportunities for local communities. PfP Thrive provides the essential, in-demand skills of today that will help shape successful futures tomorrow. Its offerings include apprenticeships, technical and future skills programmes, organisational development, and housing qualifications. Among Places for People most recent apprentice cohorts is Samantha Turner, who, after a decade in hospitality, was eager to make a career change. Today, Samantha is on the verge of completing her apprenticeship with PfP Thrive, with her End Point Assessment fast approaching. In this article, she reflects on her experiences over the past two years and explains why she would wholeheartedly recommend the programme to others. “It was the best feeling in the world!” I’m very lucky to be where I am today and getting my job with PfP really was the best feeling in the world! I’m in a very different place than when I started. I spent the last ten years working in hospitality – a sector that honestly wasn’t for me! I was itching for change, so when I saw the PfP advert I decided to take the plunge. I knew straight away that an apprenticeship would be perfect; I’ve always been very hands-on. I love painting, decorating, mending things, and fixing things and have always been drawn to that over a more academic path. I began the apprenticeship in 2022, at 30 years old, and I think I was one of the oldest to do it, but I’ve felt so welcome. It’s a reminder that apprenticeships are for everyone, not just those leaving school. Mentored by the Best My journey so far has been great. It began with a week of online learning, covering health and safety and standard procedures. Then came the practical elements, for which I was lucky to be paired with Dave Ure, an incredibly well-established joiner who’s given me the best experience I could wish for. Dave’s worked in the industry for years and knows everything there is to know about joinery – teaching me pretty much everything I know today. As a responsive worker, his department focuses on tenant homes, so I quickly got used to interacting with customers, which has been a valuable experience. Dave is methodical and hardworking, and I’ve adopted this approach in my own work. I’ve always been proactive and taken pride in what I do, but when it’s something you love, it feels amazing. I think having the contrast of ten years of work I didn’t enjoy makes me grateful every day that I’m doing what I love. Places for People is a fantastic company to work with, and the apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity to learn with a supportive and efficient team. Throughout the programme, I had three monthly check-ins with Brittney from the Skills Academy, and monthly ‘Toolbox Talks’ with my line manager Derek, along with the freedom to speak to him whenever I needed. You’re well looked after here. A Day in the Life What’s so great about this job is the variety of work. It covers such a broad range of skills. One day I could be painting, the next I might be replacing floors or hanging doors. My absolute favourite task is fitting kitchens and transforming a blank canvas into something amazing makes me feel incredibly proud. You can see the progress with every fixture, and I absolutely love it. After a few months with Dave, I moved to the Voids department to work with Barry Horne, who’s also been a brilliant mentor. He’s taught me a lot about plumbing and shared so much knowledge with me and really helped me get to where I am today. Voids is slightly different because the homes are empty, so we sometimes spend a bit more time doing multiple jobs at once. It’s less pressured than working in homes with customers, which allowed me to get more hands-on. Both experiences have been fantastic and have given me the skills to work in either department. As time went on, I was able to take on more responsibility, even completing jobs with another apprentice on our own. This really boosted my confidence, although it was a bit daunting at times! These experiences remind me how capable I am and that this is what I want to continue doing in the future. A Bright Future I’ll soon take my End Point Assessment, so my focus is on that right now. I’m not sure what will come after, but I’d love to continue working here as a joiner or take a Level 3 qualification in advanced joinery. I’m open to where the journey takes me, but I know I’m on the right track, doing what I love every day and learning all the time. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this apprenticeship to anyone interested in joinery. It’s a fantastic platform to learn everything you need to know and hopefully start a fulfilling career. There’s also a new apprenticeship that covers both joinery and carpentry, so there are plenty of options for anyone keen to work in the industry. For anyone looking to create apprenticeships for people who want to pursue a career in joinery, PfP Thrive offers a range of packages to support businesses in bringing new talent into the sector. Find out more here: https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jason Davenport has been promoted to director of traffic and transportation at East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting. He takes over from one of the founding directors of BSP Consulting, Mark Rayers, who is stepping back to become a part-time consultant to the business. Jason, who was previously associate director of transportation at BSP Consulting, joined the company as a transport engineer just a month after it was founded in 1999 and has been a key member of the team ever since. His expertise includes transport planning, travel plans, transport assessment, access strategy, noise assessments and safety audits. Jason’s experience ranges across all sectors, having worked on schemes at airports and universities through to supermarkets and housing developments. BSP MD Carl Hilton said: “We are very pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Davenport to director of traffic and transportation at BSP Consulting. “Our ethos is to promote from within wherever possible, which provides our team with opportunities to progress their careers and also enables smooth succession planning for the business. “Jason has been a loyal, experienced, and valued part of the team at BSP right from the start and his promotion is very well deserved. “As one of the founding directors of BSP Consulting, Mark has played a pivotal role in the success of BSP – helping the company to grow to become one of the largest independent civil and structural engineering businesses in the East Midlands. “We are very pleased that he is staying with us as a part-time consultant and continuing to support the extensive network of clients that we have built up since the business began more than 25 years ago.” Throughout his time at BSP, Jason has held positions as transport engineer, senior transport engineer, associate and associate director. His appointment as director of traffic and transportation began on 1st February 2025. He said: “Under Mark Rayers, the traffic and transportation department at BSP Consulting has earned an excellent reputation as a professional and skilled team that provides outstanding service to clients. “I have worked with Mark for 28 years in total, having met him before he became a founding director at BSP, and I am proud to have been appointed to head up the team going forward and to continue the good work that BSP has become renowned for.” Jason, who lives in Gedling, Nottingham, is based in BSP’s head office in Nottingham but heads up the traffic and transportation team across the group. Mark Rayers is one of the original four founders of BSP Consulting, which was launched in Oxford Street, Nottingham in 1999. The company has since expanded with offices in Pride Park, Derby and De Montfort Street, Leicester, as well as an office in South Yorkshire, on Smithy Wood Crescent, Sheffield. He has stepped down in his role as a director but will remain a part-time consultant to BSP Consulting, working one day a week. BSP is an award-winning firm that operates across the UK, offering civil engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, geotechnical, and environmental engineering. BSP works across all sectors including housing, student accommodation, commercial, industrial, health, education, senior living, retail and heritage. For more information about BSP Consulting visit www.bsp-consulting.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SITECH® UK & Ireland has appointed a new Head of Business and launched a new internal sales division to meet the increasing demand for digitalisation in the construction industry. Alex Gadd has been appointed the new Head of Business at SITECH. With a comprehensive background in business development in the construction sector, Gadd brings a wealth of experience in sales, operations, product and aftermarket. In addition to Alex’s sales and operational expertise he brings solid strategic experience which will support the continued growth of the company’s on and off machine technology solutions provision. Along with this new appointment SITECH UK & Ireland, the UK leading connected construction technology specialist and UK authorised dealer for Trimble® machine control systems, has launched a new internal sales division. The division will support the company’s growth as demand increases for digital solutions. The new team also incorporates an internal promotion, with this person responsible for connecting with new customers, developing key relationships and cultivating sales across the UK and Ireland to support increasing demand in the industry. Current projections estimate that the construction industry in the UK and Ireland is on track to grow by 8% in 2025, and by 10% in 2026. However, the shortage of skilled workers combined with this growth means it is vital for the industry to diversify to meet demand, according to Gadd. Gadd said: “My role is to build on the existing success of SITECH and ensure that the company continues to be at the forefront of providing connected technology solutions. Given the projected growth in the industry and shortage of skilled workers, we are seeing our customers looking at new ways to increase on-site efficiencies. “By launching the new internal sales division, we are expanding our capability to ensure customers can bridge the gap between demand and engineer. With support from SITECH it is possible for skilled engineers to focus on more complex tasks. For instance, Trimble® technology can complete surveys reliably and efficiently – a process which would otherwise require multiple on-site engineers. “I am looking forward to collaborating with the rest of the SITECH team to provide an unrivalled customer technology solution to our customers, ensuring they are able to adapt to the changing landscape of the construction industry today.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renowned Corporate Lawyer and Law Firm Leader will Bring Extensive Transactional Expertise, with Emphasis on the Life Sciences, Health Care and Infrastructure Sectors Hamid Yunis, a standout corporate lawyer known for helping global clients navigate highly complex transactions, will join Pillsbury’s London office as partner. Yunis will join the firm’s Corporate practice from McDermott Will & Emery, where he had previously served as the London Office Managing Partner for five-and-a-half years and head of the London Health Care group, having been a key part of the team responsible for significantly growing the office’s headcount and revenue. “Hamid operates a sizeable, multifaceted practice that spans Life Sciences & Digital Health, Health Care, Infrastructure, and Private Wealth—areas that align with Pillsbury strengths, increasing client needs and global trends,” said Firm Chair David Dekker. “He will add new dimensions to our growing London office, expand our substantial cross-border M&A team, and bring valuable connections internationally, especially across the Middle East region.” Yunis operates a diverse transactional practice, advising clients on mergers & acquisitions, private equity investments, projects and corporate finance matters in jurisdictions around the world. He is recognised by Chambers UK for his work on corporate and commercial healthcare matters and has an established track record of bringing innovative joint venture, public-private partnership, and funding structures to market. He also has deep connections in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—where Pillsbury recently announced its intentions to build upon decades of work in the country by opening an office in Riyadh, in partnership with AlArfaj & Partners—the United Arab Emirates, and the wider Middle East region, regularly advising sovereign wealth funds on health, infrastructure and other investments and transactions. “Hamid joining our Firm will present material benefits to Pillsbury’s global clientele,” said Jeffrey Delaney, Pillsbury’s global Co-head of Corporate & Securities. “His proven ability to achieve ‘trusted advisor’ status with those he represents is a testament to his vast legal knowledge, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to clients. We are thrilled that he will soon be on our team.” “Our ability to attract someone of Hamid’s stature onboard is a reflection of Pillsbury’s reputation for excellence, in London and globally,” noted Matthew Oresman, Managing Partner of the Firm’s City office. “Hamid has a wealth of expertise in the dynamic Life Sciences and Health Care sectors and a global profile that fits with the London office’s role as a nexus for international clients. His robust network and successful experience as a London law firm leader position Hamid well to further accelerate Pillsbury already impressive growth in London.” With English and U.S. law capabilities, Pillsbury’s London office helps clients navigate high-stakes and cross-border disputes, transactions and regulatory issues across Europe and throughout the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Over the past year, the London office has welcomed four partners and nearly a dozen lawyers in total, reinforcing its market leading practices in the office and affording additional depth to meet growing client needs. Recent notable arrivals include Laurence Lieberman, a cross-border disputes partner with deep connections to the Indian and Israeli markets; partner Audrey Koh, with a leading Corporate Investigations & White Collar Defence practice; Korea-focused International Trade partner Sungbum Lee, who splits time between Washington, DC, and London; and Gawain Hughes, an investment funds partner with a standout reputation for work on secondary and co-investment deals. Like Yunis, both Lee and Hughes are Chambers-ranked in their respective practice areas. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ASSA ABLOY and Lorient are excited to announce their debut at the UK’s fastest-growing fire safety exhibition, the Fire Safety Event, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 8th to 10thApril 2025. Located at stand 4/G30, these industry leaders will exhibit a complete range of fire door hardware and sealing system solutions. Spanning an impressive 84SQM, the stand will highlight the critical role of door hardware and intumescent sealing systems in fire safety, showcasing how these components safeguard lives and property. Engaging Experiences and Live Demonstrations Experience the power of fire safety in action! Watch compelling fire test footage that vividly demonstrates the critical importance of properly specified and installed intumescent sealing systems. See firsthand the dangers posed by unprotected ironmongery and inadequate seals with mini burnt doors on display. Attendees can also witness the transformative reactions of various intumescent materials and discover their suitability for different fire safety applications. Interactive Zones and Product Showcases Visitors will embark on a journey through ASSA ABLOY and Lorient’s comprehensive fire door solutions guided by their highly experienced teams. Full-sized door models will showcase real-world applications of rigorously tested and certified products, highlighting the latest innovations designed to meet the diverse needs of various sectors. Interactive zones on the stand will provide attendees with a hands-on experience; and feature samples and miniature door models from a broad range of products such as: A key highlight at the event will be ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio®, an award-winning software solution featuring a powerful, asset tag-enabled, fire door inspection app. This end-to-end Golden Thread Solution streamlines the entire building lifecycle, from design and construction to ongoing compliance, maintenance, and future inspections. Insightful Seminars at the Innovation & Compliance Theatre During the event, ASSA ABLOY and Lorient will host two engaging seminars: Join Us at the Fire Safety Event Visit ASSA ABLOY and Lorient at stand 4/G30 during the Fire Safety Event 2025 to view the latest advancements in fire safety and building compliance. Lorient is part of the ASSA ABLOY Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Designing the right HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is essential when building or remodeling any structure. The HVAC system comes in handy in preserving indoor air quality, controlling temperature, and ensuring general comfort in any environment, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. When designing an HVAC system for your new construction, keep the following points in mind: Understand the building requirements Understanding the building requirements is one of the most crucial things to consider when planning your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems. Understanding the requirements for the building should be your main focus. This calls for you to consider the dimensions and design of the area where the system will be set up. To provide a better layout, the HVAC technicians should work closely with the architect, to help understand and compute the building’s requirements. Large, open office spaces are one example of a space type with varying cooling requirements and such spaces need special attention. Buildings with multiple stories also require a different setup. The HVAC company should consider the size of the building, the local weather and climate zone when coming up with a design. Know the available space for the HVAC system. Another important consideration is the amount of room needed to install the HVAC equipment. Depending on the building’s size and architecture, the HVAC system may require specific space for components like air handlers, condensers, and ducting. To create a system that works well within the building’s limitations and permits adequate ventilation and maintenance access, your contractors should carefully evaluate the available area. It’s from the available space that they will decide the size of the HVAC system they should get and how to strategically install it for the best results. Consider energy efficiency and sustainability. The most important considerations when constructing an HVAC system for your new construction are sustainability and energy efficiency. Sustainable approaches sustain reduced utility prices and significantly cut energy consumption. Supporting a greener environment also lessens the impact on carbon footprints. To maximize functionality, the contractors you are working with should plan and design energy-efficient systems with sustainable technology, such as variable refrigerant flow systems, high-efficiency heat pumps, and smart thermostats. Better sustainable designs should consider renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and pertinent solutions. The system that you go for should encourage keeping expenses down and maximizing energy efficiency. Pay attention to health and safety requirements Proper ventilation is necessary to provide clean air in an interior environment. You should design your system in such a way that the pollutants and other dangerous substances are removed in a carefully planned manner. You also should ensure that your system regulates humidity and prevents the entry of hazardous compounds such as carbon monoxide. The plan should include installing a robust air filtration system to provide better ventilation. The HVAC experts should carefully calculate the available area and design the system to provide optimum airflow and improved temperature and indoor air quality. Ensure proper installation of the ductwork When constructing a system, it is important to consider adequate ductwork installation. Design based on size, insulation, and ducting to provide appropriate air circulation. To maintain optimum interior air quality, ducts and ventilation must be installed appropriately, including fresh air intake and exhaust. The HVAC technician should follow standard practices for duct design and installation. Air flow distribution and cooling loads are other essential factors to consider. The load calculation requirements for a building are determined by its size, area, orientation, and insulation. It is best to consider the cooling load when developing it. Ensure compliance with the industry standards Designing an HVAC system requires adherence to industry standards. HVAC contractors are subject to several laws and guidelines that they must adhere to. When implementing these systems in commercial buildings and other facilities, the engineers and contractors must abide by the building requirements and local legislation. Let’s say you develop and create a system that complies with building codes and the local regulatory framework. In such a scenario, the system will be better installed and perform flawlessly, lasting a long time. Think about redundancy and reliability. In the event that a system or piece of equipment fails, commercial buildings require backup solutions to continue operating. When creating your HVAC system, keep this issue in mind. Be cautious to incorporate appropriate safety requirements into your design. Suggest top-notch equipment and systems for installation. The greatest ways to give the system and equipment long-term functionality and a long lifespan are high-quality equipment and guaranteed components. Remember that purchasing high-quality equipment and parts helps avoid costly repairs and damages. Plan for better system integration. Your contractor should plan for improved HVAC system integration. The heating and cooling system should be well-connected to the building’s automation system for easier centralized control. This type of connection also makes monitoring and optimization of energy levels easy, as well as better control of energy use and performance. Planning should consider the system’s integration with advanced technical solutions and devices. Many business buildings and shopping malls use smart gadgets to connect to their systems. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems should be interoperable and complete enough to work with modern gadgets and smart systems. Understand the cooling loads. Designing an HVAC system that can efficiently control indoor temperatures requires understanding the building’s cooling loads. The cooling load requirements are influenced by several factors, including equipment heat gain, building orientation, insulation, and occupancy levels. Mechanical contractors should apply load calculation techniques to find the correct HVAC system configuration and capacity to satisfy the space’s cooling needs. Parting shot These are some of the things to consider when designing an HVAC system for your new construction. For a great experience, ensure that you work with a professional HVAC contractor. The professional will oversee the system’s appropriate planning and design in compliance with the construction rules and regulatory frameworks. To plan and develop complex systems based on sustainable principles, professional contractors have access to the best engineers and skilled architects who will
