Vistry Group is to provide an extra 71 properties for shared ownership or rent at its Albany Park location in Church Crookham, where construction is nearing the halfway point and a new phase of homes has been released for sale. The housebuilder is delivering an additional five shared ownership homes
The Royal College of Art (RCA) has awarded Derwent Facilities Management (FM) an integrated facilities management (IFM) contract to manage its estate for the next five years, subject to contract. The contract encompasses responsibility for all hard and soft services, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, mechanical and electrical maintenance,
Colliers has welcomed Jonathan Cook to its market-leading National Offices team in Manchester as a director. Additionally, Ella Millington is also joining the team as a graduate surveyor, further highlighting the continued expansion and expertise of the team. Cook has over 12-years of experience in the Manchester office market, including working
Consort Architectural Hardware, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of architectural hardware solutions, has launched a new RIBA-approved CPD training course, titled ‘Architectural Ironmongery Finishes: Finding the Right Balance‘. Delivered by accredited experts at Consort and part of the ‘Design, Construction and Technology’ RIBA core curriculum topics, the course explores the
Leading Italian render manufacturer, Fassa Bortolo, has successfully completed work on ‘National Star’, a £6.2 million specialist residence in Ullenwood for young people with complex needs and learning disabilities. The project was specified in collaboration with Fassa’s National Specification Manager, Stephen Gore, and Richard Moores from Coombes Everitt Architects. This
New flex provider Koba has recently announced its official entry into the UK flex market with the launch of its first venture, Koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square, in Manchester City Centre. We hear from Strategy and Sustainability Director Rob Stewart about an initiative the company has introduced to push the
International real estate advisor Savills today announced the acquisition of PMCC ACTUS, a specialist Project Management and Dispute Resolution business in Malaysia. This strategic move reinforces Savills’ commitment to expanding its Project Management services across the Asia Pacific region. Savills’ acquisition of PMCC ACTUS aligns with the company’s strategic vision
iLOQ creates customized mobile-key-based solution to provide secure access to DFMG’s rooftop sites. Founded in 2002 (as a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom), Deutsche Funkturm (DFMG) is a key player in developing infrastructure for German mobile network operators, broadcasters, operators of radio relays, and the radio networks of authorities and other
Urban spaces continuously evolve, blending functionality and aesthetics. Hardscaping plays a crucial role in this transformation. Recent innovations push boundaries, creating vibrant city environments. Think of stone pathways guiding pedestrians through lush parks or modular benches inviting spontaneous social interactions. These are more than practical elements – they shape experiences.
McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to have handed over Heart of the City’s flagship hotel. Forming part of the wider Heart of the City scheme in Sheffield City Centre, the project involved the demolition of existing buildings along Pinstone Street, with the retention of a four-storey masonry Victorian façade. Behind
Vistry Group is to provide an extra 71 properties for shared ownership or rent at its Albany Park location in Church Crookham, where construction is nearing the halfway point and a new phase of homes has been released for sale. The housebuilder is delivering an additional five shared ownership homes and 66 homes for private rent – over and above the 120 affordable properties for low-cost rent or shared ownership originally planned at Albany Park – as part of the company’s focus on partnership working. Vistry is building a total of 300 homes at the development off Watery Lane, under its Bovis Homes and Linden Homes brands. Work has now been completed on 140 homes and on Saturday (25 May), Vistry officially launched the fourth phase of the development, which is being built under the Bovis Homes brand. A selection of properties were released onto the market and two have already been reserved. Melanie Richards, sales and marketing director for Vistry Southern, said: “Our focus on delivering a mix of properties and tenures at Albany Park is having a positive effect on the availability of high-quality homes for people in this part of Hampshire. “Providing more homes for shared ownership or rent gives more local people the opportunity to stay where they’ve grown up in and keep families close together in an area where the market might normally price them out. It also allows key workers and new people to move to this lovely village and enjoy living in a well-designed and energy-efficient new-built home. “Our fourth phase of homes, which launched at the weekend, also offers a real mix of private homes to meet the needs of local people looking to buy, from one-bedroom maisonettes to three, four and five-bedroom houses.” The 125 affordable homes at Albany Park include 78 homes for low-cost rent and 47 for shared ownership, with another 66 homes sold to high-quality private rental home provider Leaf Living. Vistry Group is investing £5 million in local infrastructure and services as part of its planning agreement for the development. This includes a new 40-acre country park to the west of Albany Park, with Vistry investing £1.3 million in the upkeep of this natural green open space. This will help to encourage local biodiversity to the area as it will include new planting, wildlife habitats, boardwalks and footpaths. Vistry will also contribute £2.7 million towards education, £600,000 for transport and more than £500,000 towards leisure and open spaces. With many of the new homes now occupied, a new Co-op Food convenience store has opened within the development, off Redfields Lane, to serve the new community. To find out more, visit bovishomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal College of Art (RCA) has awarded Derwent Facilities Management (FM) an integrated facilities management (IFM) contract to manage its estate for the next five years, subject to contract. The contract encompasses responsibility for all hard and soft services, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, mechanical and electrical maintenance, cleaning, security, pest control, grounds maintenance, transportation, and more. These services will be provided across 12 buildings at RCA’s three campuses in South Kensington, Battersea, and White City. Founded in 1837, the RCA has been rated the world’s top art and design university for the past ten years by QS World University Rankings. It is the world’s most influential institution for postgraduate art and design studies, with 3,000 students. Eamonn Tierney, Managing Director at Derwent FM, said: “Derwent FM are hugely proud to have been awarded the contract with The Royal College of Art, an iconic and prestigious educational institution, and look forward to working in partnership to deliver our services to the highest possible standards. “RCA is world-renowned, and to support that, its facilities must run to the very best standards, and that is what we provide. We’re really looking forward to managing such important buildings and facilities and supporting the continued success of RCA and its students.” Paul Draper, Director of Estates at RCA, said: “Student experience and customer service are at the heart of everything we do here as the RCA’s Estates team. “Our estate is not merely a collection of buildings; it is the backbone of our academic pursuits. The goal from the outset was to create a world-class environment for learning, research, and collaboration, ensuring that the Royal College of Art remains at the very forefront of higher education. “Derwent’s team were very impressive in being able to demonstrate their affinity and knowledge to support that ambition, and their pure enthusiasm to deliver our vision.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colliers has welcomed Jonathan Cook to its market-leading National Offices team in Manchester as a director. Additionally, Ella Millington is also joining the team as a graduate surveyor, further highlighting the continued expansion and expertise of the team. Cook has over 12-years of experience in the Manchester office market, including working at LSH and CBRE. He is a highly renowned and experienced agent who provides localised strategic asset management and development guidance, leasing and tenant mix advice for the North West’s prominent occupiers and landlords. In his new role, Cook will be pivotal in strengthening Colliers’ agency presence across the North West and supporting the firm’s expanding portfolio of projects in the region. Millington, as a graduate surveyor, will bring fresh perspectives and support to the team, highlighting Colliers’ commitment to nurturing new talent alongside experienced professionals. Dominic Pozzoni, head of Colliers’ Manchester office and director in Colliers’ National Offices team commented: “I am thrilled to announce Jonathan’s hire and welcome Ella to the team. Jonathan’s impressive client network and extensive industry knowledge and experience will make him an invaluable addition to our team and will ensure that we continue to provide a best-in-class service and drive real value for our clients across the North West. Ella’s addition also underlines our focus on growth and innovation through nurturing emerging talent.” Tony Horrell, Colliers CEO, UK and Ireland added: “Jonathan’s proven track record and connections within the market will undoubtedly drive Colliers’ growth and enhance our service offerings nationwide. We look forward to the significant impact he will have on our company’s continued success. Ella’s involvement in the team further demonstrates our commitment to investing in the future of the industry.” Jonathan Cook said: “The office landscape is changing but activity levels remain high, with occupiers realising the true value of collaborative and cohesive space, and I am really excited to be joining Colliers at a time of significant growth. The opportunity to work with such a highly respected agency team and impressive client portfolio, whilst bringing new contacts, ideas, and innovative solutions to drive performance and expansion, was one that I couldn’t miss.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Consort Architectural Hardware, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of architectural hardware solutions, has launched a new RIBA-approved CPD training course, titled ‘Architectural Ironmongery Finishes: Finding the Right Balance‘. Delivered by accredited experts at Consort and part of the ‘Design, Construction and Technology’ RIBA core curriculum topics, the course explores the pivotal role that finishes play relative to the durability, aesthetics and functionality of architectural hardware products, and is designed to help educate architects, specifiers and other industry professionals involved throughout the hardware specification process. During the course, attendees will learn of the complexities and nuances of different coating methods, with detailed sections covering the process, applications and the opportunities and obstacles associated with Living Finishes, Surface Finishes, Powder Coatings, Electroplating and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). The course also examines industry regulations and standard considerations; including BS EN 1906:2012, BS EN 1670:2010 and BS EN 179:2008, before reviewing the environmental impact, energy efficiency and sustainability fundamentals aligned with each finish type. David Gray DipGAI, RegAI, Director of Operations at Consort Architectural Hardware, discusses the launch: “Whether restoring a heritage site or designing a modern space, choosing the most appropriate architectural ironmongery finish is essential in enhancing a project’s aesthetics and ensuring the longevity and performance of hardware solutions. “With a long-standing expertise in this area, Consort is proud to launch a new RIBA-approved CPD. Our course has been developed to support professionals in making informed decisions on future building projects and covers the fundamentals of ironmongery finishes whilst demonstrating key factors such as material compatibility, corrosion resistance and environmental considerations. “Our session will act as an invaluable resource for those looking to develop their knowledge and understanding on architectural ironmongery finishes and we welcome architects, specifiers and industry professionals to register for this CPD.” The new course will run for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, with additional time allocated for questions and answers at the end. Following successful completion of the course, attendees will be presented with a CPD certificate, recognised by RIBA and supported by the CPD certification service. To register for the CPD, visit: www.ribacpd.com/consort-architectural-hardware/235535/overview/. For more on Consort Architectural Hardware, visit: www.consort-hw.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading Italian render manufacturer, Fassa Bortolo, has successfully completed work on ‘National Star’, a £6.2 million specialist residence in Ullenwood for young people with complex needs and learning disabilities. The project was specified in collaboration with Fassa’s National Specification Manager, Stephen Gore, and Richard Moores from Coombes Everitt Architects. This high-specification project demanded precision to ensure flawless facilities, further supporting the excellence of students and residents. Additionally, the requirements of Speller Metcalfe and Coombes Everritt necessitated a cost-effective design solution with a warranty and third-party certification. Covering an area of 430 square metres, the project utilised Fassa’s renowned Fassatherm system, celebrated for its efficiency in External Wall Insulation (EWI) applications on timber frames. The process began with the application of Fassa’s proprietary A 96 adhesive, used to affix the mineral wool insulation panels. This was followed by the application of FS 412 as a primer, and finished with RSR 421 silicone resin top coat, providing both protective and decorative attributes to the system. We are thrilled to announce that National Star has been shortlisted for ‘Education Project of the Year’ in the Michelmores Property Awards 2024. We are honoured to have worked on this project and to be recognised among many esteemed projects, both in the Education category and across the board. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New flex provider Koba has recently announced its official entry into the UK flex market with the launch of its first venture, Koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square, in Manchester City Centre. We hear from Strategy and Sustainability Director Rob Stewart about an initiative the company has introduced to push the boundaries of sustainable practice and help transform the construction industry’s ability to reuse and repurpose materials via the pioneering Materials Passports system. Moving away from the construction sector’s throw away culture, we have taken the innovative approach to sustainability through the groundbreaking use of material passports in our sites. The future of work is not just about innovative spaces, but evidence-based, sustainable practices that redefine our relationship with the environment. Material passports are one of the latest original concepts we will be implementing later this year following the opening of our first flagship flex site in Manchester – Koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square – where our sustainability manifesto will be realised. They enable the circular reuse of materials and a design that minimises the environmental impact during a building’s construction and its operation. This in turn helps address the challenges of the climate emergency and advance the sector towards its net zero targets. The key to the efficient reuse of structural elements of a building, material passports work much like your own passport, a digital ID that follows the material and stores information on the travels it has made. It contains all the information about the construction, materials, and life cycle of one of our spaces from the inception to its decommissioning, providing a comprehensive record that delivers transparency and accountability for sustainability at every step. We have selected Madaster as the platform through which to create these material passports, measure their circularity and importantly feed this data back to customers. Madaster is a leading platform for material passports and circular economy solutions in the built environment and we are excited to join their partner network which enables us to capture and share data insights about our project portfolio. The ability to display that data within our sites will be a big part of our brand proposition. But why do material passports matter? They provide transparency in both design and materials, aligning with this value and offer detailed insights into the sustainability of projects. They also champion the circular economy. The use of material passports helps us to track and manage these materials more effectively, making our office solutions both innovative and environmentally responsible. It is also our mission to reduce environmental impact, creating office interiors that are as sustainable as they are functional. Material passports help drive prioritised materials that have lower environmental impact. Our approach to sustainable office interiors allows us to deliver customised sustainable solutions because we understand that each office has unique needs. Building passports enable us to precisely tailor our sustainability efforts to ensure that our designs are both innovative and demonstrably sustainable. This commitment to sustainability is also reflected in our choice of materials. With material passports, we’re incentivised to obtain greener materials and products that are better for people and planet. In line with our goal to leave a positive impact on the planet, material passports help to minimise construction and demolition waste, as we seek to increase reuse and recycling. We’re not just creating office spaces; we’re designing the future of work where sustainability is at the core. Material passports are a vital tool in this journey, ensuring that every office we design is a step towards a more sustainable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International real estate advisor Savills today announced the acquisition of PMCC ACTUS, a specialist Project Management and Dispute Resolution business in Malaysia. This strategic move reinforces Savills’ commitment to expanding its Project Management services across the Asia Pacific region. Savills’ acquisition of PMCC ACTUS aligns with the company’s strategic vision to expand its Project Management services across the Asia Pacific region. With strong businesses across APAC in India, Australasia, and South East Asia, this move demonstrates Savills’ commitment to enhancing its offerings and delivering comprehensive solutions to its clients, cementing its position as a leading provider in the project management and building services industry. The integration of PMCC ACTUS’ expertise in project management and dispute advisory for investors, developers, and end-users, seamlessly complements Savills’ existing service offerings. This acquisition enables Savills to deliver an even broader spectrum of innovative and sustainable property solutions, further catering to the evolving needs of the Asia Pacific property market. “The acquisition of PMCC Actus is a testament to Savills’ commitment to providing best-in-class project management solutions” said Mr. Will Forwood, Managing Director, Savills Projects, APAC. “Our combined expertise and geographic reach will drive growth and deliver exceptional value to our clients across the region.” Since its establishment in 2019, PMCC ACTUS has successfully secured new and repeat projects with renowned multinational clients. PMCC ACTUS focuses on two market segments: Project Management and Construction Claims & Disputes. Post acquisition these services will be established as Savills Projects for Project Management and ACTUS for Construction Claims & Disputes. This expansion will broaden and amplify Savills’ professional services in APAC by offering construction industry advisory related to claims, dispute strategy, contract administration, advocacy, and mediation. “I’m very excited by the opportunity this acquisition brings to the PMCC ACTUS team,” added Mr. Jamie Duncan, who will assume the role as Managing Director, Savills Projects, Malaysia. “The announcement today from Savills will enable the company to further expand its clientele, footprint and service offering, which we are poised to capitalize on within the growing APAC markets.” “Savills has always been at the forefront of empowering businesses through the strategic development of national delivery platforms. I’m delighted to welcome Jamie into our Malaysia team. With the expansion of Savills Projects, we are set to redefine the landscape of project management in Malaysia, ensuring that we continue to help people thrive through places and spaces,” Datuk Paul Khong, Managing Director, Savills Malaysia, finished. “ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
iLOQ creates customized mobile-key-based solution to provide secure access to DFMG’s rooftop sites. Founded in 2002 (as a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom), Deutsche Funkturm (DFMG) is a key player in developing infrastructure for German mobile network operators, broadcasters, operators of radio relays, and the radio networks of authorities and other institutions. With more than 35,000 antenna sites, it is the largest operator of radio infrastructure in Germany and the 3rd largest in Europe. The company’s portfolio includes around 20,000 rooftop locations. The sites are currently accessed using mechanical keys. To minimize operating and administrative costs, DFMG decided to replace the previous access solution with a customized solution from iLOQ. In 2021, iLOQ created an initial prototype for the lids based on the battery-free and keyless iLOQ S50 solution. With iLOQ S50, an NFC-enabled smartphone is both a key and a power source. The smartphone’s NFC induction generates enough electrical energy to identify access rights and open the lock. Access rights, which are centrally managed using a single cloud-based SaaS platform, are sent remotely and in real time to an app running on the technician’s smartphone. They can be updated as necessary or blocked immediately to eliminate security risks involved with lost, stolen, or unreturned keys, reduce unauthorized access and safeguard on-site equipment. iLOQ’s prototype fulfilled all legal and regulatory requirements and the customized product, which has been certified by DFMG, is now being rolled out to all rooftop sites as a first step. “ilOQ’s intelligent, digital products increase security and simplify the management of access to our radio sites and critical infrastructures. The user-friendly software solution enables us to grant or withdraw new access rights quickly and efficiently. Both we and our customers and contractors are delighted,” states Cornelia Essing, Head of Site Access, DFMG Deutsche Funkturm GmbH. After the roll-out at the rooftop sites, DFMG will implement the intelligent, secure, and sustainable solutions from iLOQ for its radio towers in Germany. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Urban spaces continuously evolve, blending functionality and aesthetics. Hardscaping plays a crucial role in this transformation. Recent innovations push boundaries, creating vibrant city environments. Think of stone pathways guiding pedestrians through lush parks or modular benches inviting spontaneous social interactions. These are more than practical elements – they shape experiences. Innovative hardscaping trends now set new standards, merging cutting-edge technology with timeless design principles to redefine urban landscapes like never before. 1. Permeable Pavers Enhancing Water Management Imagine your favorite rain jacket, designed to let water seep through just enough to keep you dry without becoming soaked. This is how permeable pavers function in urban environments. They allow water to filter through the surface, reducing runoff and promoting natural groundwater recharge. Landscape stone contractors leverage these materials to create sustainable and visually appealing pathways. Rock Products Inc., known for its innovative hardscaping solutions, showcases several projects where permeable pavers reduce flooding risks while maintaining aesthetic appeal. This trend promises more eco-friendly cities ahead. 2. Smart Irrigation Systems for Efficient Urban Landscaping Think of smart irrigation systems as the autopilot mode for urban greenery. These advanced systems use sensors and weather data to deliver precise water amounts, ensuring plants thrive without waste. Efficiency shines here – no more overwatering or dry patches. Cities integrating these technologies enjoy lush landscapes with reduced water consumption. This approach significantly contributes to sustainable architectural landscape design by optimizing resource use. These systems seamlessly blend into hardscapes, combining form and function effortlessly. This innovation also makes urban maintenance smarter and greener, promising sustainability at every drop. 3. Artistic Stone Installations as Functional Art Pieces Artistic stone installations redefine urban spaces by merging aesthetics with functionality. These structures serve dual purposes, acting as both decorative elements and practical features like seating or barriers. Skilled contractors craft these pieces to enhance visual appeal while ensuring durability. Urban planners increasingly incorporate these installations to create engaging environments that invite interaction. With a growing focus on public art, artistic stone designs transform mundane areas into captivating urban landscapes, enriching city life through innovative hardscaping. 4. Modular Hardscape Designs for Flexible Urban Spaces Modular hardscape designs offer unparalleled flexibility in urban planning. These elements, which include modular benches and pathways, can be reconfigured to suit changing needs. Much similar to the LED street lighting initiatives in Krakow and Warsaw, Poland, this approach emphasizes adaptability and future-proofing. Urban planners can quickly adapt public spaces without significant disruptions. As cities grow and evolve, modular designs ensure that urban areas remain functional and aesthetically pleasing, ready to meet diverse community demands efficiently. 5. Interactive LED Paving Solutions for Safety and Aesthetics Another trend that’s gradually gaining momentum in 2024 is interactive LED paving solutions. These innovative surfaces integrate lighting directly into the pavement, offering multiple benefits: Much like public art installations, these LED pavers transform ordinary walkways into vibrant, functional spaces. Urban planners increasingly adopt this technology to create safer and more engaging environments for city dwellers. 6. Eco-Friendly Materials Reducing Environmental Impact in Cities Eco-friendly materials are becoming staples in modern hardscaping projects, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability. Several sustainable options stand out: These materials reduce urban heat islands and lower carbon footprints, making cities greener and more resilient against climate change. This trend ensures future urban landscapes harmonize with nature. 7. Solar-Powered Benches Offering Sustainable Seating Options Solar-powered benches represent a forward-thinking approach to urban seating, blending sustainability with convenience. These benches harness solar energy to provide USB charging ports for electronic devices. They also feature integrated lighting for nighttime use, enhancing safety and usability. Cities adopting these smart benches benefit from reduced energy costs and a lower environmental impact. This innovation showcases how hardscaping can support modern urban needs while promoting green initiatives. In summing up, innovative hardscaping trends are reshaping our urban environments, merging sustainability with functionality. From smart irrigation to solar-powered benches, these advancements promise more vibrant and resilient cities. As we continue embracing these technologies, our public spaces will not only look better but also serve us in smarter, greener ways.
McLaughlin & Harvey is delighted to have handed over Heart of the City’s flagship hotel. Forming part of the wider Heart of the City scheme in Sheffield City Centre, the project involved the demolition of existing buildings along Pinstone Street, with the retention of a four-storey masonry Victorian façade. Behind the retained façade, a new steel-framed Radisson Blu Hotel was constructed. The hotel includes 154-bedrooms, flexible banqueting and meeting spaces, and an upmarket rooftop bar and terrace affording views over the Peace Gardens. Renowned for its unparalleled service and style, the arrival of Radisson Blu is seen as a key driver in helping attract new business opportunities. Raising the city’s profile as a major destination for business and leisure. Construction works also included the refurbishment of the existing Gaumont Building, with retention of the structural frame, to transform the former cinema and nightclub into a mixed-use leisure complex with retail units at ground level. The site is prominent within the centre of the city and located in the city centre conservation area. Facing principal city landmarks such as City Hall on Barker’s Pool, and the Town Hall and Peace Gardens on Pinstone Street. McLaughlin & Harvey Operations Director Gary Bell commented, “As the main contractor for this flagship project, we’re proud to hand it over to Sheffield City Council. This has been an interesting but challenging project, retaining the historic Victorian façade while completing the hotel and leisure facilities to a high-quality modern standard. Our approach involved careful pre-planning and regular reviews of the ongoing impact of our works to maintain a positive image of the site. This couldn’t of happened without the commitment and collaboration of our project team and supply chain partners.” Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, said, “We are delighted that our new Radisson Blu hotel is now open. Our significant investment and regeneration projects in the city centre are helping us attract some world-class brands and Radisson Blu undoubtedly raises the bar for hospitality in South Yorkshire. It will be a tremendous asset to Sheffield, featuring a public rooftop bar and restaurant, conference and event spaces to support our business community, and setting a new benchmark for accommodation that will help us attract visitors from far and wide.” Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry, added, “Radisson Blu is recognised across the globe for its quality and style, and perfectly reflects the ambition and impact of Heart of the City. A lot of hard work has gone into making this hotel a reality and I’m incredibly proud of Sheffield Council, Queensberry and the whole project team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
