The UK construction industry continued to struggle with spending down 23% in September and planning approvals also down 13% according to the latest analysis by construction analysts Barbour ABI. Meanwhile, planning applications failed to break out of their recent holding pattern. A mixed picture for Infrastructure Infrastructure was a star
A FLAGSHIP new university building with groundbreaking sustainability features designed by international MEP consultancy CPW has been handed over to the University of Birmingham. The £80m Molecular Sciences Building will be the base for more than 500 scientists leading the field in world-class research in chemical, environmental and biomolecular sciences. Innovative technology and a
According to recent research, a significant portion of office buildings in the United Kingdom do not meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) legislation. David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Fans, urges building owners and facilities managers to conduct thorough reviews of ventilation systems to fill in any gaps
Construction is now under way on the comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade II listed Adelaide House in the City of London. Originally completed in 1924 on the site of the original London Bridge, Adelaide House was the City of London’s first steel frame building. At the time of construction, it
Organizations partner to connect the origination of sustainability with the future of building technology In a landmark effort to preserve architectural history and inspire the future of sustainable construction, the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Not-For-Profit and Mighty Buildings jointly announced the design and development of a new visitor center
Winners of the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards, 2023 have been announced Building surveying professional Carolyn Brady has been crowned “Surveyor of the Year” at the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards, which recognise the most inspiring and influential surveyors who have been qualified for up to 10 years. Carolyn, a building surveyor
Whitecode Consulting, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering, has been awarded the prestigious Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Employer of the Year Award for 2023. The company was recognised at the CIBSE Young Engineer Awards ceremony, held at the Royal College of
Guildford-based housebuilder Barratt Southern Counties has appointed a new Head of Sales and Marketing, who has taken over responsibility for sites across the Home Counties including Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex. Alex Dowling returned to the division this month (October 2023), where he began his career as a Sales Consultant more
Over 2,500 new homes, two parks, restored canal basin and high street proposed for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on brownfield site Ballymore and Sainsbury’s have submitted a planning application for a major canalside neighbourhood in Ladbroke Grove. The proposed new neighbourhood has been designed to deliver 2,519
By John Gorse, Public and Government Affairs Lead, Signify UKI Connected lighting can help AI make smart cities greener The world has become increasingly urbanised. The UN reports that since 2007 more than half the world’s population has been living in cities. That number is projected to rise to 60% by 2030.
The UK construction industry continued to struggle with spending down 23% in September and planning approvals also down 13% according to the latest analysis by construction analysts Barbour ABI. Meanwhile, planning applications failed to break out of their recent holding pattern. A mixed picture for Infrastructure Infrastructure was a star performer in planning approvals, raising 16% in September and nearly 80% year on year to 3.3bn in Q3. However, it wasn’t all good news, with infrastructure spending falling 28% to less than £900m from August to September and remaining down 41% year-on-year. Energy remains a bright spot, but activity across other sub-sectors was subdued. Barbour ABI Consultant Economist Kelly Forestcommented, “Infrastructure is currently painting an uncertain picture with policy changes around HS2 weighing heavily on the sector’s future. How fast funds are reallocated from HS2 phase 2 and to where will have a huge impact on construction businesses operating in the transport space. Meanwhile, investment in green energy projects remains an important crutch for the industry and a key driver for infrastructure activity. We will have to hope that continues despite Rishi Sunak’s recent vacillating on green policy.” Residential sees sunlight There were some rare positive indicators for residential construction in the latest analysis. While awards were still down from this time last year, they jumped 11% from August due to a revival in activity by local authorities. There was also a mini-resurgence in the latest planning application figures, with a 20% climb in August to £4bn worth of applications. “Any good news for beleaguered housebuilders is welcome as the sector continues to struggle, and September revealed some interesting trends,” said Forrest. “Local Authorities may provide an unexpected lifeline as they seek public-private partnerships to fulfil ever-urgent social housing needs. We have already seen housebuilders such as Vistry switching focus to social housing, and the latest figures show that activity is increasing in this area. “That said, Approvals remain low, so it will be interesting to see how this pans out over the as we head into 2024.” Quarterly trends As Q3 came to a close, patterns also emerged in longer-term trends. Q3 awards were 11% higher than a year ago in all sectors and 20% higher than Q2. Approvals tailed off in September, but Q3 was strong overall, up by nearly 50% against Q2 and nearly 30% higher than Q3 2022. In terms of planning applications, there have been relatively consistent levels in recent months, painting an overall picture of stabilisation – if at a slightly lower level than in 2022. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A FLAGSHIP new university building with groundbreaking sustainability features designed by international MEP consultancy CPW has been handed over to the University of Birmingham. The £80m Molecular Sciences Building will be the base for more than 500 scientists leading the field in world-class research in chemical, environmental and biomolecular sciences. Innovative technology and a range of sustainable solutions have been used throughout the design and construction of the 11,250m² phase 1 of the masterplan, now home to cutting-edge laboratories including 171 high-efficiency fume-cupboards, as well as lecture rooms, offices and collaborative spaces. An experienced design team has collaborated effectively to help the building achieve BREEAM Excellent accreditation and an EPC A [14] rating. The digital-first project includes an impressive two-storey energy centre, created on the edge of the site by CPW to mitigate the impact vibrations on the sensitive experiments and research to be undertaken. The central design achieves a desire for a highly logical building organisation that is focused around an optimised laboratory zone and maximising efficiency for ventilation services. CPW has also used pioneering heat recovery technology to reduce the building’s energy waste and consumption, with the latest air source heat pumps cutting carbon emissions by as much as 70%. Antonios Agapakis, director at CPW, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our skills in bringing progressive and sustainable buildings to life, which will have a positive effect on the environment and our net zero carbon ambitions. “It has been a major project involving in-depth collaboration with a number of partners and the result is a world-class facility that can take the university’s research in these pioneering fields to new levels.” CPW’s building services engineering expertise has seen a number of impressive sustainability measures introduced, including: Carbon benchmarking on the scheme will be used to address further carbon reductions in planned future phases of the site’s development – expected to be 50,000 sq m when completed. The ‘as-built’ model of phase 1 will act as a digital twin to the physical building and will contain all the carbon data associated with building materials and elements. The ambitious first phase has been a triumph of collaboration with the university, led by Morgan Sindall Construction working with CPW, Associated Architects, Ramboll and MGAC. CPW’s involvement followed the success of its complex work on the university’s new £40m energy-efficient Collaborative Teaching Laboratory on the Edgbaston campus, reaching both BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. Antonios added: “It is exciting to be part of the university’s long-term plans to successfully compete on the international stage thanks to these high-tech laboratories and teaching areas. Phase 1 of the building adopts the university’s aspirations for smart campus and infrastructure, which will enable the collection of data for future analysis during building operation and be used to enhance the experience of students. “We’re proud to think that the next generation will be learning from the development of sustainable scientific laboratories in such collaborative environments – it really is the key to all our futures.” The Molecular Sciences building will provide a designated hub for the university’s School of Chemistry and facilities for the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES). The University of Birmingham’s aim is for the research undertaken in the extensive facility to help address some of the biggest scientific challenges of our time, including using materials for energy applications or healthcare, making plastics recyclable and the environmental effects of drugs in the ecosystem. Trevor Payne, the University of Birmingham’s Director of Estates, said: “This building is vital in developing important research and enabling spaces for academic and commercial partnerships to flourish. It also reflects our ambition to create a sustainable and fully connected campus for the future, which we must thank our experienced project partners, such as CPW, in supporting us with. “The building has innovative technology and solutions built into its fabric. And we hope it will spark greater collaboration between different teams just by nature of being in the same building – that’s quite often where the best ideas happen.” For further information on CPW’s sustainability work visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on social media. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
According to recent research, a significant portion of office buildings in the United Kingdom do not meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) legislation. David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Fans, urges building owners and facilities managers to conduct thorough reviews of ventilation systems to fill in any gaps in compliance with the MEES and also Part F of the Building Regulations. Leading UK property consultancy Carter Jonas conducted research revealing only 31.6% of the office stock currently meets the minimum proposed MEES standard of EPC band C or better, which is needed by 2027. Even more concerning, a mere 8.3% of office stock sits in EPC band B, which is the minimum MEES requirement by 2030[1]. With the tightening of MEES regulations, a substantial proportion of office buildings could be unlettable by 2027 unless necessary upgrades are carried out. Following this revelation, David encourages building services stakeholders to look into how ventilation systems are performing. David said: “Keeping a close eye on energy consumption related to ventilation systems can not only help quickly identify performance issues but also contribute to overall sustainability efforts. Addressing these inefficiencies translates into reduced operational costs and a more environmentally friendly operation that complies with the MEES. “We encourage building owners and facilities managers to collaborate with ventilation experts, to pinpoint areas where energy efficiency improvements can be made. As MEES regulations continue to evolve, the need for proactive action becomes increasingly evident. Taking these steps now secures the long-term sustainability and marketability of non-residential properties while providing more comfortable and energy-efficient spaces for tenants.” To meet the impending legislative requirements of MEES, it is essential to also align operations with other regulations such as Part F of the Building Regulations, which governs ventilation, stresses David. One uplift that came during the uplift of the regulations last year is that it is now required for CO2 monitors to be installed to measure air quality in new build office spaces[2]. “At the same time of conducting a review, we advise that to maintain optimal indoor air quality and be compliant with Part F, continuous monitoring is essential, especially in populated spaces such as offices. Although CO2 monitoring is only mandated for new build offices, we encourage everybody to install these systems as they provide lots of other benefits and can help define indoor air quality strategies,” said David. “Monitors provide continuous tracking of crucial indoor air quality parameters. Last year, we launched our partnership with Airthings for this reason to allow building and facilities managers to track CO2 levels, particulate matter, noise levels, relative humidity, temperature, relative light intensity and more. Moreover, the Airthings systems receive constant improvements and over-the-cloud upgrades directly to the device, ensuring accurate and up-to-date data.” “This approach not only promotes occupant health and enhanced productivity but also ensures compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. By combining efficient ventilation system management with continuous indoor air quality monitoring, building owners and facilities managers can create safer, healthier, and more sustainable indoor environments,” concludes David. To find out more about air quality monitoring solutions click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is now under way on the comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade II listed Adelaide House in the City of London. Originally completed in 1924 on the site of the original London Bridge, Adelaide House was the City of London’s first steel frame building. At the time of construction, it was also considered the tallest building in the City. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for St Martins Property Investments, the refurbishment will enhance and celebrate the existing structure of the building, whilst improving accessibility and weaving in contemporary services and facilities as required by tenants today. New interventions and materials pay homage to the building’s historic elements, whilst referencing the modern context. Staff and visitors will have access to high quality amenities onsite which include a new business lounge within the reception area on the ground floor. The roof top, originally a rose garden and putting green for building occupiers, will once again be accessible to tenants as it is converted into a communal terrace with extensive views over the River Thames. The BREEAM Excellent design will provide double the number of cycle parking spaces and changing facilities than currently recommended by the British Council of Offices, facilitating a greener commute to work. With Galliford Try appointed as the Main Contractor, the building us expected to be complete in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Organizations partner to connect the origination of sustainability with the future of building technology In a landmark effort to preserve architectural history and inspire the future of sustainable construction, the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home Not-For-Profit and Mighty Buildings jointly announced the design and development of a new visitor center and museum at the site of the legendary architect’s iconic “Bucky Dome” home. Located in Carbondale, IL, this architectural marvel has earned its rightful place on the National Register of Historic Places, and has captivated visitors for decades. The joint project is intended to connect Fuller’s impressive legacy to innovations that represent the future of sustainable building, thanks to Mighty Buildings’ new materials and groundbreaking offsite 3D printing construction methodologies. R. Buckminster Fuller, celebrated as a pioneer in architectural innovation, called the Bucky Dome “home” from 1960 to 1971. Today, it stands as a symbol of his visionary work, with a recent restoration breathing new life into this historic gem, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its significance. An exciting next phase of the restoration project is the construction of a state-of-the-art 2,400 square-foot visitor center and museum, designed by architect Thad Heckman of Design Works, that will be erected adjacent to the Bucky Dome. The museum aims to educate visitors about the profound legacy of Buckminster Fuller while exploring the future of architecture and sustainable building. “Preserving Buckminster Fuller’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of sustainable design has been an incredible honor,” said Thad Heckman. “Through our collaboration with Mighty Buildings, this project represents a bridge between the past and the future, inviting visitors to explore the rich history of architectural innovation and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.” Mighty Buildings, a trailblazer in 3D printing construction technology, has worked alongside Mr. Heckman to create parametric panels that pay homage to the Dome Home’s original design. These panels, which emulate the geodesic geometry Fuller pioneered, will be 3D printed offsite and assembled on location next to the Dome. This innovative approach highlights the unique capabilities of Mighty Buildings’ next generation Mighty Kit System, an easy-to-configure platform that features rigorously tested and internationally certified building materials that are designed to be sustainable, climate resilient, and offer significant improvements over prior 3D printed technologies. These innovations can significantly reduce onsite construction timelines and enable building sites with near-zero waste. Additional essential services that are critical to the success of this project have been selflessly donated by W. Gray Hodge, P.E., S.E., of Hodge Structural Engineers, and Civil Engineer Sean Henry, P.E., of Klingner & Associates, P.C. Local student construction assistance is provided by the Construction Management Program at John A. Logan College. Scott Gebicke, CEO of Mighty Buildings, commented, “We are proud to partner with the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Not-for-Profit in creating a sustainable future in harmony with Fuller’s masterful vision. The design of our parametric panels pays tribute to his groundbreaking work while showcasing the capabilities of 3D printing in construction. Together, we are advancing the cause of sustainable architecture combined with advanced construction technology.” The City of Carbondale, IL, has been instrumental in providing approvals and support for the project, with City Manager Gary Williams adding, “The City Council’s decision to invest in the R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home restoration reinforces the City’s commitment to sustainability and embodies Fuller’s assertion that ‘to change something, you have to build a new model that makes the old model obsolete.’ We believe that this 3D printed visitor’s center does just that.” For more information about the Bucky Dome project, please visit https://fullerdomehome.com/index.html. About Mighty Buildings Founded in 2017, Mighty Buildings is committed to transforming the housing construction sector through the development of beautiful high-quality, sustainable, and climate-resilient prefab homes. By leveraging 3D printing, advanced material science and automation for offsite prefabrication, Mighty Buildings can build houses up to 3-4 times faster than the industry standard, with near zero waste, and significantly reduced environmental impact. Mighty Buildings works with compliance and regulatory agencies to develop future-forward materials that are tested and certified to the most rigorous standards, and have been certified for high-velocity hurricane, earthquake and water damage resistance. Mighty Buildings is actively collaborating with developers to build communities of single-family homes in various configurations, based on its unique, panelized and patented Mighty Kit System. For more info, visit www.mightybuildings.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winners of the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards, 2023 have been announced Building surveying professional Carolyn Brady has been crowned “Surveyor of the Year” at the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards, which recognise the most inspiring and influential surveyors who have been qualified for up to 10 years. Carolyn, a building surveyor and regional lead partner for global quantity surveyor and construction consultancy firm Rider Levett Bucknall in Belfast, won the Building Surveyor/Control Surveyor of the Year award, in addition to securing the overall RICS Matrics Surveyor of the Year title in the face of stiff competition from other category winners from around the UK. Carolyn was one of five women on the list of 11 category winners in a year when female professionals represented just under 45% of those shortlisted, despite making up just 18% of UK surveyors. The number of women shortlisted this year is 150% higher than in 2018, and 350% higher than in the award’s inaugural year in 2014; an increase that has happened in a period when representation of women in the industry has become much stronger with many more female role models. The judges described Carolyn as, “Someone who inspires others and supports them with passion and commitment to the profession. Driven by a desire to make a change and transform the sector was clear in this submission and it is why they are a worthy winner.” “Already a leader in our sector, an incredibly strong application that is very impressive.” “This candidate is head and shoulders above many in respect of giving back to the profession.” Carolyn is a Liverpool John Moores University building surveying graduate who worked with Atkins in Warrington, England, before starting with Rider Levett Bucknall in 2017. Carolyn was responsible for opening Rider Levett Bucknall’s first office in Northern Ireland and in a short space of 18 months, she grew the team to 16 across building surveying, project management, quantity surveying and health and safety disciplines. Carolyn has been an active member with RICS over the years, she has been an APC counsellor and assessor for the past four years, and in 2021, Carolyn was appointed the RICS NI regional board, and chairs the RICS Northern Ireland High Street Regeneration Forum. Marking a decade of these awards, the winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Cherry Healey on 20th October at The Londoner, Leicester Square. The following surveyors were recognised for their outstanding career achievements in their respective sectors and disciplines: This year’s judging panel consisted of 18 industry leaders including Justin Sullivan, RICS Senior Vice President who said: “The RICS Matrics Surveyor of the Year Award is a true testament to Carolyn’s dedication to the industry over the years. She is a well-deserving winner who goes above and beyond for not only her company, but also RICS in Northern Ireland. “Year on year we see immense levels of talent from high-achieving professionals who are the industry’s future leaders. Each winner is having a profoundly positive impact in their local community, and we’re proud to champion and recognise the hard work of each of these surveyors.” Full details on each category winner can be found here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitecode Consulting, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering, has been awarded the prestigious Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Employer of the Year Award for 2023. The company was recognised at the CIBSE Young Engineer Awards ceremony, held at the Royal College of Engineers on 12th October 2023, demonstrating Whitecode’s dedication to nurturing young engineering talent and promoting the engineering profession. CIBSE’s Employer of the Year award acknowledges companies that excel in the training and development of young engineers. Whitecode Consulting was honoured as the overall winner of the small business category, exemplifying its commitment to the professional growth of its young engineers. Alex Hill, Managing Director at Whitecode stated, “At Whitecode, we are highly committed to the training and progression of our talented pool of young engineers who will not only contribute to our organisation but also play a crucial role in shaping the future of engineering. A huge well done to our entire team for helping us to achieve this brilliant accomplishment.” Whitecode’s emphasis on education is made evident through its “Apprenticeship-to-Directorship” approach which offers structured career paths for young engineers. Jason Tramontano, Whitecode’s Technical Director, who is also a former degree apprentice, has spearheaded the company’s CIBSE Training and Development Scheme alongside Katie Maxwell, Human Resources Manager. This initiative, launched in 2021, seeks to receive full CIBSE accreditation, providing employees with a structured route to becoming engineers and gaining CIBSE membership. Moreover, to ensure the continuous growth of its engineers, Whitecode consistently invests in training and development, with 30% of staff undergoing training at any given time. The company frequently runs internal training sessions and attends external CPDs to support the development of its engineers. Likewise, Higher education is a priority for Whitecode, with several trainees currently attending the London South Bank University (LSBU) pursuing Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) courses. Notably, three trainee engineers achieved BEng Degrees with First Class Honors, with their accomplishments formally recognised within the company, including Amy Webb, who received an award for Best Dissertation and has since been promoted to Intermediate Sustainability Consultant. Whitecode’s promotion of engineering as a viable career choice extends to its Apprenticeship Scheme, where the company actively engages with local schools. As a testament to its efforts, Whitecode has trained a total of 60 engineers through degree apprenticeships over 28 years, creating a positive impact on students’ lives and the engineering industry. Mikolaj Ogorek, a Junior Building Services Engineer at Whitecode, shared his experience: “Whitecode’s commitment to nurturing the professional growth of its young engineers is clear from the moment you step into the company. Whitecode is generously sponsoring my Bachelor of Engineering degree, giving me a strong foundation for my career, and has also encouraged me to apply for a Master’s Degree in the future if it aligns with my professional goals.” The CIBSE Employer of the Year award reflects the company’s ambition to support the next generation of engineers and promote diversity and equality within the industry, presenting Whitecode as an exemplary employer that truly values and invests in its talent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Guildford-based housebuilder Barratt Southern Counties has appointed a new Head of Sales and Marketing, who has taken over responsibility for sites across the Home Counties including Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex. Alex Dowling returned to the division this month (October 2023), where he began his career as a Sales Consultant more than 15 years ago. Alex will be responsible for leading the sales function and implementing marketing strategies across the division. Alongside this, Alex will oversee pilot schemes aimed at boosting first time buyer homeownership, with the newly-launched Rent then Buy programme available across selected developments. “It is a difficult market at the moment, and I would say the first truly challenging market I have experienced in the industry, given the changes over the last 18 months in particular,” says Alex. “Yet this isn’t a time to shy away, and there is a unique opportunity here to spearhead homeownership for first time buyers through our pilot Rent then Buy scheme. I’m passionate about helping buyers on every rung of the ladder to achieve their homebuying goals.” Alex has more than 20 years’ experience in the new homes industry, initially beginning his career as a Sales Consultant in London before securing his first role at Barratt Southern Counties. After five years’ as a Sales Consultant for the division, Alex progressed to a Project Sales Manager, followed by Part Exchange Manager and then Head of Customer Service. Alex comments: “I managed to gain experience in a variety of roles early on in my career, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of the customer journey. I was involved in the creation and execution of numerous processes that are still in practice today, benefitting our customers and ensuring we maintain our excellent standards for buyers.” In 2015, Alex moved to FABRICA by A2 Dominion for a year on a project-basis, but was drawn back to Barratt in 2016 where he joined the Southampton division as a Sales Manager. “I enjoyed working in London for a year, but when I was offered the opportunity to return to Barratt, it was an easy decision,” says Alex. “As a PLC housebuilder, there are endless opportunities for progression, including transferring between divisions for personal development.” Looking for the next step in his career in 2020, a Senior Sales Manager position arose within Southampton division. Here, Alex was responsible for selling landmark schemes including Harbour Place, New Quarter and Heritage Quarter. Alex comments: “Progressing to Senior Sales Manager, particularly in the height of the post-lockdown property bubble, presented a new challenge and it was an exciting time to be selling new homes. We were extremely busy, and I enjoyed working in a new area.” When the position of Head of Sales and Marketing became available at Southern Counties division, this was the natural next step for Alex following his wealth of experience over the years. “Barratt is an excellent company to work for and champions promotion from within if you are willing to work hard. It feels like a full-circle moment to be back in the Guildford office, leading a 29-strong sales and marketing team.” Alex adds: “The property market is never straightforward, and whilst it is undeniably a challenging time, I am confident that we are a resilient division. Our land team is strategic in its investments, and as a result we have a number of new developments recently launched or due to launch over the next 12 months that are in desirable patches across Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex. Cost-of-living remains top of the agenda for buyers, who are more conscious than ever before on factors such as sustainability, energy efficiency and connectivity.” Barratt Southern Counties has a number of new developments planned to launch in the coming months, including 199 homes at The Poppies in Aylesford, and nearly 400 homes in Westham, including at Brookwood Meadows. In addition, the housebuilder recently launched its Finchwood Park development in Finchampstead, with an initial 100 homes delivered in the first phase. All new developments have been planned in preparation for Future Home Standards with enhanced energy efficiency measures including combi boilers with integrated flue gas heat recovery, waste water heat recovery system, photovoltaic panels, decentralised mechanical extract ventilation and electric vehicle charging points. To find out more about the enhanced energy efficiency measures visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/efficiency-built-in/features-and-benefits. For further details about Barratt Southern Counties visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 355 8498. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over 2,500 new homes, two parks, restored canal basin and high street proposed for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on brownfield site Ballymore and Sainsbury’s have submitted a planning application for a major canalside neighbourhood in Ladbroke Grove. The proposed new neighbourhood has been designed to deliver 2,519 new homes, of which at least 500 will be affordable, plus two parks and a local high street with a reinstated, historic canal basin at its heart. Plans also include over 90,000 sq ft of high street shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a new Sainsbury’s Supermarket (130,000 sq ft) – with no day of trading to be lost between the transition from the current store to the new. The proposed neighbourhood would deliver much-needed new homes for London on a brownfield site already allocated for development by RBKC and the GLA / Mayor of London. The 19-acre site is one of the largest remaining brownfield sites in RBKC, and a large proportion of the site has been closed off to the public for over 40 years as a former gasworks site. In addition to the current Sainsbury’s Ladbroke Grove Supermarket, the site has most recently been occupied by industrial uses, including a scrap metal processing facility and commercial storage. Bordering the Grand Union Canal to the north and railway tracks to the south, the site is part of the Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area, identified in the Mayor’s London Plan. The masterplan, by FaulknerBrowns Architects, has been shaped over the last three years, in close consultation with the local community, local councillors, planning officers and the GLA, to create a place that meets the area’s current and future needs. These contributions have been invaluable in guiding the design process. The architectural approach takes its inspiration from local Regency and Victorian design, as well as its setting close to Kensal Green Cemetery, the Grand Union Canal and the wider area’s rich cultural mix. Two public parks and inclusive play spaces, designed by landscape architecture and design practice, Spacehub, form part of the proposals, as well as diverse natural habitats and interventions to support urban wildlife and biodiversity net gain. This includes grassland, woodland, wetland and canal basin habitats. In total, the neighbourhood will offer over 8.5 acres of high quality, publicly accessible open space. Situated around 15 minutes’ walk from four tube stations (Kensal Green, Kensal Rise, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park), the plans encourage sustainable travel with new bus stops, pedestrian links and cycle routes and improved access to the canalside path. In response to Transport for London’s focus on active travel and pedestrian and cyclist safety as a priority, signalised junctions will be introduced on Ladbroke Grove and Kensal Road. A comprehensive sustainability strategy aims to maximise renewable generation and green infrastructure to produce zero emissions on site.. Heating and cooling will be provided by air source heat pumps and the development will feature solar panels and sustainable urban drainage systems. The scheme has been based on sustainable design and construction practices, adopting circular economy principles by considering the lifecycle of materials and minimising waste. John Mulryan, Group Managing Director, Ballymore, said: “Kensal Canalside is one of the last remaining major brownfield sites to be developed in London and the largest in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The scale and location of the site – in one of London’s 48 Opportunity Areas – presents a real opportunity to create a thoughtfully designed, accessible and sustainable canalside neighbourhood with strong transport links. “There are over 3,000 households on RBKC’s housing waiting list. Our proposals will make a positive and significant contribution towards reducing that figure. Kensal Canalside will provide a significant number of much-needed homes, plus a variety of retail spaces as well as open green spaces and a community leisure and amenity space that our residents and the local people can enjoy.” Patrick Dunne, Group Property and Procurement Director, Sainsbury’s, adds: “The development of the Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area will revitalise a key brownfield site in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, delivering places for people to live, work, shop and relax, and providing a significant boost to the local economy. “The plans will allow us to deliver a brand-new, state-of-the-art Sainsbury’s supermarket for the local community to enjoy, and we’re proud that we are providing continuity to our customers by keeping our existing store open until the new one arrives. The larger, more modern and more spacious superstore will stock a wider range of our great value, high-quality food and non-food products and will build on our track record of offering fantastic service to our customers in Ladbroke Grove.” Ben Sykes, Partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects, said: “The masterplan is inspired by its characterful setting, where Ladbroke Grove meets the sweeping Grand Union Canal and the open space at Kensal Green. In response, our design has been built around public spaces, including a restored canal basin, play spaces and adding gardens and groves to the borough, to create a series of smaller neighbourhoods with a rich mix of uses and a strong sense of personality and place. “We are delighted to see the proposals submitted, after working with local residents, the local council, Ballymore, Sainsbury’s and the entire project team for almost four years, to research, design and develop the masterplan.” The development will create a minimum of 2,000 permanent long-term jobs and provide a significant boost to the local economy, amounting to approximately £37 million annually. The scheme will also deliver funding for social infrastructure within the local community such as healthcare and schools. The Notting Hill Carnival, which launches from the site, will be preserved as a close and long-term partner, and plans to create a new family friendly Carnival experience are being explored. If planning is successful, the 11-year construction programme is estimated to start in 2025. The first homes will be delivered in 2030, along with the new Sainsbury’s store and the neighbourhood centre around the restored canal basin. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice
By John Gorse, Public and Government Affairs Lead, Signify UKI Connected lighting can help AI make smart cities greener The world has become increasingly urbanised. The UN reports that since 2007 more than half the world’s population has been living in cities. That number is projected to rise to 60% by 2030. Increased urbanisation brings with it increased responsibility for cities, especially regarding the environment. Cities account for roughly 70% of global carbon emissions and over 60% of resource use. Put simply, the world is on a collision course with an ecological reckoning and cities are one of the leading contributors. It follows that cities must also be leading drivers of change if we are to make good on our currently faltering climate pledges. And to successfully take climate action, artificial intelligence (AI) has a vital role to play. What is AI? AI is hard to define, both because it covers a wide range of offerings and because it is essentially a moving target—constantly learning and evolving is intrinsic to its purpose. At the most basic level, AI is digitalisation solution that leverages computers and machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind. Essentially, it turns human-defined goals into mathematical ones. AI has long been touted as the technological tool that possesses both the greatest potential for advancement and the greatest degrees of risk. Data privacy is one such risk. Smart city technologies rely on data provided by citizens, but that data must be kept out of the hands of bad actors. A hacker with access to a smart traffic control system, for example, could cause mayhem. Legitimate organisations can potentially misuse AI as well, harvesting and exploiting data in ways that infringe on individual privacy. How can smart cities ensure that they’re using AI correctly? How can they use AI to advance their sustainability agendas in responsible and equitable ways? Read on to learn more. AI in cities AI has the potential to impact nearly every aspect of a smart city. It can bolster security with incident detection and intelligent CCTV. It can increase efficiency with traffic and parking management on roads, as well as automated updates and tracking options on public transportation. It can monitor air quality, manage waste, analyse energy usage—and that barely scratches the surface. To do any of these things, AI relies on data. Processing data, recognising patterns, and devising solutions based on those patterns—even predicting potential future difficulties that can be mitigated—are AI’s fundamental pillars. As such, any city that recognises and wants to capitalise on AI’s potential must ensure that its urban services are collecting data as effectively as possible. That’s where connected street lighting can play an important role. Sustainable partners: AI and connected lighting Sensors in streetlights can monitor air quality and temperature. They can also detect sounds—such as gunshots or smashed windows— and then alert first responders in real time, helping citizens feel more secure. Additionally, they help streamline traffic management by offering real-time traffic information and smart parking. This information can be shared with city traffic managers or directly with drivers via an app. Connected lighting is pivotal from a sustainability standpoint too. According to Climate Group, “A global switch to energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) technology could save over 1,400 million tons of CO2.” That’s equivalent to the energy produced by 1,250 power stations. Potential pitfalls AI will be key to addressing social, economic, and ecological challenges at a global scale. However, its limitations must also be acknowledged. AI & Cities: Risks, Applications and Governance, a report published by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in collaboration with the Mila-Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, points to some of these limitations. “In order for an algorithm to reason, it must gain an understanding of its environment,” the authors write. “This understanding is provided by the data. Whatever assumptions and biases are represented in the dataset will be reproduced in how the algorithm reasons and what output it produces.” As noted earlier, AI turns human-defined goals into mathematical ones. But if the human-defined goals are based on existing preconceptions, then the data will end up reinforcing those assumptions. AI also falls short in evaluating its own performance. As the UN-Habitat report notes, “While it may be tempting to see algorithms as neutral ’thinkers,’ they are neither neutral nor thinkers.” AI has no grasp of wider context, and so can only produce results based on its pre-defined optimisation goals, which may be at odds with wider considerations—or worse, serve a misleading agenda. AI systems are mathematical and cannot integrate nuance. This means AI can sometimes end up excluding or underrepresenting subjective, qualitative information from its findings. Minimise risk with governance and accountability There are ways to mitigate the risks associated with AI’s shortcomings. Key among these are governance and accountability. Accountability ensures that some entity is always held responsible—and more importantly, always feels responsible—for AI’s impact. Algorithmic systems evolve, often unpredictably. A change in purpose will change their effects. Proper accountability can help negate mission creep, where technologies are intentionally repurposed for surveillance and other extraneous purposes. It can also help ensure that bad-faith actors aren’t able to willfully mishandle AI’s goals, or to repurpose them over time. AI governance refers to the sum of AI regulations, ethics, norms, administrative procedures, and social processes. Governance helps ensure AI is used in an inclusive and equitable way, and that preconceptions or lack of awareness in the early stages don’t allow AI findings to widen the digital divide or exacerbate existing inequalities. Governance lets local authorities evaluate the opportunities and risks afforded by AI, so they can then apply it in accordance with local context. Consulting citizens and communities is vital, too. The public is every city’s primary stakeholder; it needs to have a voice in how a tool as powerful as AI is being used in a community. This helps ensure AI is fixing local problems, not aggravating them. Responsible AI AI’s capacity for generating and expanding the possibilities of smart