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OPULENT PAVILION iNSPIRES dESIGN STYLE FROM JOSEPH GILES

Opulent Pavilion inspires design style from Joseph Giles

BDC News Team December 13, 2022

Styled after the sumptuous interior of the Brighton Pavilion and named after the one true love of King George IV, the Fitzherbert Collection is a stylish suite of door knobs from master ironmongers Joseph Giles. The gloriously eclectic style of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, built at the end of

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Bali National Landscape Awards 2022

BALI National Landscape Awards 2022

BDC News Team December 13, 2022

Accredited Contractor Maylim is celebrating at the 46th National Landscape Awards, taking home the prestigious Grand Award, sponsored by Green-tech, and Principal Award in their category for Hard Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Over £500K for the redevelopment of the unique Exchange Square, London. The annual National Landscape Awards, held at

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Greater Emphasis Needed on Designing Inclusive Workplaces

CBRE report Greater Emphasis needed on Designing inclusive Workplaces

BDC News Team December 12, 2022

The real estate industry has an opportunity to embrace inclusive design and make workplaces more appropriate, according to a new report. The analysis, from global real estate advisor CBRE, found that despite many organisations striving to improve diversity, equity and inclusion through new policies and culture, a third (32%) of respondents

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Approval granted for 157 homes on edge of Carlisle

Approval granted for 157 homes on edge of Carlisle

BDC News Team December 12, 2022

WORK to construct 157 homes on the outskirts of Carlisle will soon get under way after planning permission was granted for the development. Carlisle City Council’s Development Control Committee unanimously approved a reserved matters planning application from Penrith-based Genesis Homes for 157 high-specification homes to be built on land near

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How to Boost Restaurant with the Perfect Interior Design

How to Boost Restaurant with the Perfect Interior Design

BDC News Team December 9, 2022

No matter what type of catering industry you want to be in, you need to arrange the interior accordingly. For some time now, restaurant décor has become even more crucial. Guests mostly pay attention to what they find on the menu and the restaurant’s interior design. The interior has to

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Latest Issue
Issue 339 : Apr 2026

BDC News Team

Off-site steel frame system from Intrastack transforms Worcester nightclub into student halls

Off-site steel frame system from Intrastack transforms Worcester nightclub into student halls

BDC News Team December 13, 2022

The former site of Images Nightclub in Worcester has been transformed into 83 student flats, with Intrastack supplying the steel-frame structure and the installation being undertaken by installer, Intastruct, on behalf of the main developer, Spec Projects. Intrastack, part of the Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions division, manufactured and delivered the light gauge steel frame (LGSF) system which saw three installers erect the seven-storey student accommodation block in just 10 weeks. The demand A recent report considered there to be a lack of purpose-built accommodation (PBSA) in Worcester, with the existing stock made up mainly of conversions, houses in multiple occupation (HMO) and existing halls[i]. With these low levels of vacant PBSA facilities in the city, the Images project aimed to provide modern rooms for the student population. With over 10,000 students at the University of Worcester, local plans to increase PBSA aim to reduce pressure on the on-street rental market in order to free up accommodation for families. Meanwhile, meeting the specific needs of students with purpose-built and managed schemes makes the city an attractive prospect to future learners. Tackling this feeds directly into Worcester’s City Plan 2022-2027, which outlines the ambition for building a wide mixture of good quality housing provisions to suit the full range of needs[ii] and target growth for the city.   The project The old Images nightclub site, demolished late in 2021, now houses the new seven-storey accommodation. The building comprises five self-supporting storeys of light gauge steel frame panels atop a two-storey concrete base. The speed of construction was noticeable to onlookers, as the work took place over just 10 weeks – a reduction from the originally scheduled 12 weeks – and was noted as one of the reasons for the developers choosing LGSF for the project in the first place. The system also required fewer installers on-site at any given time, with the majority of the work completed by a team of three. Rapid turnaround of design and materials, as well as the speed of installation and safety benefits, were also indicated as reasons for going with off-site steel frame manufacture. Capitalising on LGSF’s shorter construction times can provide developers with a quicker return on investment, as students are able to move in sooner than they would be able to with a traditional build.   The build site, which was first used over 150 years ago, is very restricted with limited space available for storage of the steel panels needed for the construction. Intrastack scheduled and delivered the panels to the site on a ‘just-in-time’ basis, working with the installer to ensure materials were on site as and when they were needed. This also reduced the waste on-site at any given time, with all system elements arriving cut to size. The results Andy Higson, Business Director at Intrastack, said: “The rise in purpose-built student accommodation is a win for everyone. Students benefit from spaces designed just for them while more homes are freed up for families, helping communities become more balanced. This year, PBSA in the UK has surpassed 30,000 rooms for the first time[iii], showing that there’s demand for this type of housing. “An off-site approach is essential to deliver on the scale required. LGSF systems can help developers to build accommodation faster while tackling on-site challenges such as safety risks and labour shortages. When you discover how much smoother it makes the process, it becomes a no-brainer. ” Paul Hazelwood, Contracts Manager at Intastruct, the system installers, said: “There’s no doubt that the steel frame system sped up the job, and allowed us to comfortably build a storey every two weeks. It’s a fast system, and incredibly robust. “I also found Intrastack a pleasure to work with. Glitches were minimal and ironed out immediately. In fact, we received great management and support from day one until after the project is complete. I would certainly recommend this system to other developers as the best way to build multi-storey projects.” For more information, visit www.intrastack.co.uk/ Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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OPULENT PAVILION iNSPIRES dESIGN STYLE FROM JOSEPH GILES

Opulent Pavilion inspires design style from Joseph Giles

BDC News Team December 13, 2022

Styled after the sumptuous interior of the Brighton Pavilion and named after the one true love of King George IV, the Fitzherbert Collection is a stylish suite of door knobs from master ironmongers Joseph Giles. The gloriously eclectic style of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, built at the end of the 18th century for the Prince of Wales (afterwards Prince Regent and eventually King) was a design collaboration between the architect John Nash and interior design firm Crace. Considerable input came from the Prince himself, who wished the Pavilion to be the ultimate pleasure palace with every latest modern convenience for stylish and comfortable living. The palace’s chinoiserie interiors and flamboyant architecture make it a “a stylistic phantasmagoria” of a property once bequeathed to Maria Fitzherbert, the Prince’s companion of many years who married him in secret in 1785. Design details at the Pavilion, such as the imposing perimeter octagonal columns, elaborate minarets, grand domes, decorative cornices and detailed marquetry all play their part in inspiring the motif of the Fitzherbert range by the Joseph Giles design team. Intricate inlays and octagonal bodies to the knobs are redolent of an interior design style that is the epitome of opulence and extravagance. Crafted from the finest grade solid brass, the Fitzherbert knob functions just as beautifully as it looks thanks to Joseph Giles’ unique sprung bearing grip tight inner rose system. Available in a combination of two standard finishes, the decorative insert panel at the centre can be selected to contrast with or match the main finish. All door knobs come with a 10-year mechanical guarantee. Joseph Giles is an innovative ironmongery company providing a carefully curated range of products with unrivalled customer service. Their hardware not only looks beautiful but also offers flawless functionality to add value and style to properties. Taking inspiration from icons of design and forming collaborations with some of the world’s most renowned architects and interior designers, Joseph Giles puts design, practicality and ingenuity front and centre of everything it does. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bali National Landscape Awards 2022

BALI National Landscape Awards 2022

BDC News Team December 13, 2022

Accredited Contractor Maylim is celebrating at the 46th National Landscape Awards, taking home the prestigious Grand Award, sponsored by Green-tech, and Principal Award in their category for Hard Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Over £500K for the redevelopment of the unique Exchange Square, London. The annual National Landscape Awards, held at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London celebrates the skills, hard work, quality, commitment, and successes of Association members and are the largest awards of their kind in Europe. They recognise excellence in landscape design, construction, and maintenance both in the UK and overseas, as well as supplier exceptional service and employer excellence. This is the second Grand Award win for hard and soft landscaping specialists Maylim, who won back in 2017 for One Tower Bridge. They have over 20 years’ experience in executing high-quality public realm and landscaping schemes, as well as highway and civil engineering projects, across both public and private sectors. The Grand award-winning project, ‘Exchange Square’ sits at the heart of Broadgate, London’s largest pedestrianised neighbourhood. Suspended above the tracks of Liverpool Street Station, the landscape, spanning 5,000m2, unfolds across several levels to create a more natural topography. Exchange Square is a new public park, which has been re-imagined as a bucolic landscape with trees, generously planted borders, and green space.  Rather than simply demolish the existing scheme, the contractor chose to ‘deconstruct’ it, dismantling and removing the hard materials, including 300 tonnes of granite and 20 tonnes of boulders, and re-purposing them on other public realm projects. This approach has reduced the environmental impact and financial costs of the new scheme. This year’s National Landscape Awards’ Judges, led by experienced Chair John Melmoe, jointly commented that “This scheme is not only an exemplar of public realm landscaping excellence, fully deserving of the Grand Award, but also a lesson in finding and pursuing alternative solutions to the challenges faced by contractors who are replacing existing hard landscapes.” The project aimed to transform the ageing, corporate and rectilinear former square into an accessible, natural city park with sweeping curves and a four-fold increase in green space. A bespoke and unique pallet of materials was used across the scheme, quite different to any other public realm in the UK. Over 3,000 individual pieces of CNC cut terrazzo form the sweeping amphitheatre, cascading water feature and raised planters. From start to finish, placemaking was at the very heart of the project. Throughout the construction period, Maylim’s interaction and collaboration with local communities and businesses surrounding Exchange Square extended the positive impacts of the scheme, providing opportunities for rest and relaxation amidst the bustle of city life. Chair of the Judging Panel John Melmoe concluded: “The repurposing and reusing of existing materials on this project has reduced the environmental impact and financial costs of the new scheme and must surely be a sustainable way forward for future public realm projects.” Lifetime Achievement The Association is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and in recognition of the progress the Association has made in this time, the Board of Directors wished to recognise an individual who was instrumental in its founding, with the Associations first ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Nigel Bowcock, National Chair announced the first Lifetime Achievement Award was being presented to Jeffrey Bernhard OBE. Jeffrey was a founding member of the Association in 1972, and the first National Chair. He, along with the support of others, gave thousands of hours of their own time, alongside their business and personal commitments to establish the Association as a trade body representing the best interests of the whole industry. 63 National Landscape Awards bestowed on 53 members Awards entries were judged over the summer with 63 National Landscape Awards bestowed on 53 members of the Association in September and 26 Principal, 3 Special and the coveted Grand Award announced live on stage at the prestigious ceremony. Other notable wins announced at the Awards ceremony came from Accredited Contractor Nurture Landscapes who won 4 Principal Awards, for Kings Cross Estate, Winnersh Triangle Business Park, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and 250 Bishopsgate. Bowles & Wyer and Wright Landscapes were both presented with 3 Principal Awards, and 2021 Grand Award winners Graduate Gardeners won 2 Principal Awards for private gardens in Cheltenham and Painswick. Best First Time Entrant, sponsored by Makita UK, was awarded to Ellicar for their Wildlife & Water Garden in Nottinghamshire. Best Design and Build, sponsored by Springbridge Direct, went to The Garden Company for their work at a new build private residence in West Hill. Phoebe Hay of Landform Consultants was presented with a Special Award for Exemplary Horticultural Skill, sponsored by CED Stone Group, for their roof garden project, The Garden at 120. See the full list of winners Events Project Manager, Emily Feeney said: “Once again, this year’s National Landscape Awards has highlighted the fantastic work our Association members have achieved. Despite an ever-changing climate, year on year members continue to produce outstanding schemes that showcase the best the industry has to offer. A huge congratulations from myself and the rest of the Landscape House team to all this year’s winners and in particular our 2022 Grand Award Winner, Maylim!” British Association of Landscape Industries Chief Executive, Wayne Grills commented: “I am delighted to welcome back our members and guests to the 46th National Landscape Awards. Congratulations to all of our Principal and Special Award winners, with huge congratulations to Maylim, our 2022 Grand Award winner, which impressed our judges not only with the landscaping excellence of the overall project, but also the additional repurposing of existing materials, reducing the financial costs of the scheme, and highlighting the importance of sustainability”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Greater Emphasis Needed on Designing Inclusive Workplaces

CBRE report Greater Emphasis needed on Designing inclusive Workplaces

BDC News Team December 12, 2022

The real estate industry has an opportunity to embrace inclusive design and make workplaces more appropriate, according to a new report. The analysis, from global real estate advisor CBRE, found that despite many organisations striving to improve diversity, equity and inclusion through new policies and culture, a third (32%) of respondents felt that inclusive design was ‘not important at all’ or ‘not relevant’ to real estate. As well as considering the physical or ‘built’ environment, the report – Building Belonging – highlighted that human and digital components must be considered when planning a space. For example, in addition to physical elements such as designated collaborative and quiet areas, the human desire to socialise and the need for appropriate training on digital tools must be considered in order for a space to be fully inclusive and accessible for all.  Jennet Siebrits, Head of UK Research, CBRE, said: “Inclusive design benefits everyone and is incredibly important in attracting a diverse range of talent to the workplace. A workplace that promotes inclusion enables all employees to feel welcome and perform at their best, but sadly incorporating inclusive design remains a relatively low priority for office occupiers, despite its growing importance for organisations to attract and retain diverse talent. “We know that there are several factors contributing to employees leaving their jobs, including lack of flexibility, salary and poor management. However, a primary reason that continually leads to attrition is a toxic workplace culture, suggesting that lack of inclusion and respect are common deciding factors. People don’t stay where they don’t feel they belong, and the pandemic has only magnified this. Making a space usable, flexible and adaptable through inclusive design is key to supporting people.” The CBRE report identified five key areas where organisations can overcome barriers to inclusive design: For behaviours, mindsets and values to truly change, leadership teams must lead by example. If leaders understand the benefit of initiatives before they are launched, they can be instrumental in promoting and championing these. Organisations should take the time to understand their situation as a first step towards identifying gaps, for example by undertaking an assessment by engaging with stakeholders, employee networks or engaging a specialist. Organisation should consider connecting with local charities and organisations with the resources to help to accelerate progress. Opportunities to consider inclusion are not limited to refurbishing an office. For example, when selecting a new office building it’s important to consider its location in terms of accessible transport links and access to nearby green space. Engaging an expert consultant can help to navigate inclusive design and ensure the latest legislation and best practice guidelines are adhered to. Georgina Fraser, Head of Human Capital at CBRE, added: “The spaces that we design and manage should be deliberately and thoughtfully created for people to feel safe and that they belong, while enabling them to do their best work. We need to create and maintain spaces that do this for all users, regardless of age, gender, ability, neurodiversity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification or reassignment. Now, more than ever, offices must be destinations that people want to work in; they must now compete with home-working and the hyper-personalisation that provides. It is a great time to ensure inclusion is at the heart of post-Covid workplace strategy, design and operation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Winvic Wins Another Contract with IM Properties to Begin the Final Phase of Hinckley Park

Winvic Wins Another Contract with IM Properties to Begin the Final Phase of Hinckley Park

BDC News Team December 12, 2022

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has been appointed by IM Properties to deliver phase three of Hinckley Park. Winvic has returned to the 82-acre Hinckley Park to construct the speculative 340,000 sq ft logistics and manufacturing unit with IM Properties targeting Net Zero Ready in line with the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) framework. The delivery of Hinckley 340 is on the remaining 18 acres at Hinckley Park, located next to Junction 1 of the M69. The park is home to DPD who has one of Europe’s largest and most technically advanced parcel depots and a 532,000 sq ft unit let to Amazon. Winvic constructed both of these facilities. Winvic will be constructing the BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rated Hinckley 340 in line with the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) framework for IM Properties to target Net Zero Ready by achieving Net Zero in Construction and introducing renewable tech into the building specification. The unit has two-storey office space totalling 14,000 sq ft, a 3,000 sq ft pod office, a haunch height of 15m, 30 docks, and parking for 305 cars and 54 HGVs. Winvic commenced earthworks for this next phase at Hinckley Park in September 2022 and will conclude the contract with the final landscaping works in November 2023. In addition to Hinckley 340, phase three will also include two other, Net Zero Ready smaller buildings of 47,000 sq ft and 60,000 sq ft. Working in partnership, Winvic and IM Properties continue to play an active role in the community, committing through an Employment and Skills Charter to provide training and employment opportunities for local businesses and individuals during construction. Winvic’s Head of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, Danny Nelson, commented: “Our relationship with IM Properties continues to go from strength to strength, and once again we’re delighted the leading developer has put its trust in us to construct a new industrial and manufacturing facility with sustainability at its heart. We work extremely well together due to our values being aligned – from meeting quality and commercial goals to social value and sustainability targets – and the whole team is looking forward to completing the remaining external works in June and the unit in late 2023.” Jason Jasper, UK Project Director at IM Properties said: “The increased transparency required for all businesses on the sustainability front allows Hinckley 340 to aid occupiers in futureproofing their operations ahead of regulation and set a benchmark within their own sectors. As a major investor in the Midlands, we hope to use our influence to help set industry standards and work alongside our occupiers and supply chain to create positive change and reduce carbon emissions. “Winvic is part of our trusted supply chain and has worked in partnership with us across our schemes to deliver our sustainability ambitions and we are delighted to be working with them on Hinckley Park to deliver our next level of targets in line with our Sustainable Futures framework.” Further information is also available at https://hinckleypark.co.uk. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit Twitter @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.   Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Two new Land Directors appointment to drive regional developer to the next level

Two new Land Directors appointment to drive regional developer to the next level

BDC News Team December 12, 2022

Hertfordshire-based developer Griggs Homes is on course for a major expansion – and to spearhead growth and seek out fresh development opportunities it has appointed two new Land Directors, Matt Green and Ollie Myrants-Wilson. Griggs Homes is a third-generation family business, based in Borehamwood, which is currently best known for its small, boutique developments and bespoke homes in the surrounding area. Griggs already has an exciting pipeline of land, controlling a number of large scale strategic residential and commercial sites either in planning or with the benefit of planning permission. The appointment of Green, 33, as Land Director, and Myrants-Wilson, also 33, as Land and Planning Director, marks a commitment to crystalising their existing assets and gearing up in scale, as they will concentrate on bringing forward new land to facilitate development across all sectors. Matt Green explained: “Griggs is a very strong company locally, with an unrivalled reputation within Hertsmere and the surrounding areas for delivering complex planning permissions and premium homes. We have the opportunity to take the group from being strong locally to expanding both in terms of the geographical area and the size of projects.” Previously a Chartered Surveyor at Lambert Smith Hampton, Green is determined to steer the company towards growth and to be seen as more than just a premium housebuilder : “Griggs is not only known for the quality of its product but also its drive and creativity. We want to take these qualities and apply them to larger projects including urban sites and investment properties with long term redevelopment potential for a variety of end uses.” Ollie Myrants-Wilson spent the last three years as Land Director on the Board at Troy Homes, and nearly 12 years at Housebuilder Linden Homes, so he has the experience to lead the company into larger-scale projects – but, he said, Griggs intends to do things differently from most mid-sized developers. “Griggs is a growing business and very entrepreneurial, so we are looking at taking more planning risk, and buying and promoting sites without planning permission,” he explained. “It’s a challenge – but with greater risk comes greater reward. There is an opportunity in the land market to go about things differently and we want to be a trusted and dynamic partner for landowners, other developers, local authorities and key stakeholders. We have an expert team with an established track record in delivery and we want to bring a positive and refreshing approach to development.” Griggs’ new Land Directors intend to use their combined expertise to engage with a wide range of landowners with development sites that could be unlocked. One of their strengths will be their ability to make quick, informed decisions and provide certainty to all stakeholders. “We have a short chain of command here and decisions can be made extremely quickly” stressed Myrants-Wilson. “We are an ambitious company, we have a brand-new purpose-built office where landowners, agents and partners can visit, and they can see first-hand the quality of the finished product on our sites. Griggs has the appetite, drive and ambition to grow, whereas other companies this size are more risk averse.” Green added: “Griggs’ strength is in our creativity and our skillset will add to that. Our strategy is straightforward – we want to buy sites where we can add value through planning for residential, commercial or mixed use development. We are a company that can act swiftly and between Ollie and myself we have built up a significant and varied number of contacts and relationships across the industry which we will be putting to good use in the months ahead.” Green and Myrants-Wilson are already hard at work with the company’s expansion plans and are ready to meet with interested agents and landowners to discuss any sites that might be suitable for the next premium development of Griggs Homes. For more information visit www.griggshomes.co.uk. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Striking “Bellingham” bridge set to light up HS2’s gateway into Birmingham

Striking “Bellingham” bridge set to light up the new HS2 gateway into Birmingham

BDC News Team December 12, 2022

HS2 Ltd has revealed designs for the 150-metre section of viaduct as part of the approach to Birmingham’s new Curzon Street Station, including a 25-metre-high truss which will create a new icon on the city’s skyline. A unique light installation, designed by British artist Liz West, will introduce a dynamic colour palette to the apertures of the steel truss, framing views of the city. Titled Out of the Blue, the proposed artwork will establish the bridge as a stunning feature of the city’s landscape both during the day and at night, when the artwork will come to life. The Curzon 2 bridge, which has been nicknamed “The Bellingham Bridge” by the team in honour of England superstar and Stourbridge-born Jude Bellingham’s performances at the World Cup, is the tallest structure in the sequence of viaducts and structures that make up the Curzon Street Approaches. These Approaches take HS2 into Birmingham’s new city centre station. The bridge consists of a gently curved truss in weathering steel which carries HS2 over the Victorian brick rail viaduct below. A truss bridge is light but strong, composed of connected elements that form triangular units, and is economic to build because it’s constructed using a relatively small amount of material. This makes the truss form ideal to assemble offline and then launch from one end and in one piece across the existing railway viaduct below. The team believe this construction method will be among the longest bridge launches ever delivered in the UK. HS2 Ltd’s Design Director, Kay Hughes said: “Our design ambition for the Curzon 2 bridge is to create an elegant, iconic structure, fitting of its prominence on the Birmingham skyline, creating a legacy for HS2 and contributing positively to the city’s identity day and night. “The curved truss design celebrates Birmingham’s industrial heritage, and we’re pleased that we’ve been able to engage a prominent artist to work with our architects to create a distinctive lighting installation, which will be a striking addition to Birmingham’s city skyline.” The gently curved truss is 150-metres long and 25 metres tall. It will be assembled on the ground and then launched into its final position over the existing Victorian brick rail viaduct at around 17 metres above the ground, so the whole structure will be 40 metres high. A truss is the most efficient structural form for a launching process, and this is likely to be one of the largest bridge launches ever carried out in the UK.  HS2 trains will cross the truss bridge to leave the city towards HS2’s Washwood Heath Depot. The site, located northeast of Birmingham City Centre, will maintain, service, and store HS2 trains when not in use, generating over 500 long-term jobs for local people. Acclaimed artist Liz West has worked across the UK and the world with organisations including the National Trust, Natural History Museum, London Design Festival and Natural England. Using a variety of materials and exploring the use of light, she blurs the boundaries between sculpture, architecture, design and painting to create works that are both playful and immersive. Liz is based near Manchester with close family ties to Birmingham and knows the city and the West Midlands area well.  Artist Liz West said: “The core concept of my work is to depict and symbolize a physical and metaphorical meeting point of colours, people and spaces, linking locations through the creation of an immersive, atmospheric and experiential encounter. The use of colour, light and form creates a sense of connectivity and movement, echoing the ways in which the public use, navigate and experience train travel.” The artwork will ‘paint’ the triangular structures within the new Curzon 2 viaduct with a mixing of multiple linear coloured light. The blending and merging of the light will create dynamic colour-ways and frame the sky beyond and create new vantage points of the city. Anne Mullins, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Art and Culture said: “HS2 is delivering an ambitious arts and culture strategy that will enhance the design and delivery of HS2 for communities up and down the country. I am delighted that artist Liz West has created a new public artwork for HS2 in Birmingham, which will become a new regional landmark that celebrates the creativity and vibrancy of the West Midlands.”  The design for the Curzon Street Approaches section of HS2’s Phase One is being developed by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and Systra and architects Weston Williamson + Partners, all working for HS2’s civils contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI joint venture. Nick McGough, Lead Architect for the BBV Design Joint Venture said: “Conceptually, the Curzon Street Approach Viaducts are a series of moments along a coherent thread of structures which will bring HS2 trains into Birmingham. The Curzon 2 bridge, above its V-shaped piers, represents a special and unique moment when the herculean engineering of HS2 will be on full display as it crosses the Victorian viaduct below. This has only been possible with the close collaboration between contractor, engineer, architect and artist. “The curved truss is made from weathering steel, a highly robust material that will pick up tones from the surrounding area as its protective patina develops while reducing maintenance costs across the lifespan of the high speed rail line.” A number of refinements have been made to the design, which is now set to be submitted to Birmingham City Council. These include how the truss has been designed to ‘wrap’ around the viaduct, extending the bottom of the steel to wrap underneath the viaduct deck and forming a visual connection to the steel girders of the adjacent structures. The nodes where the diagonal members meet will have curved corners to provide longevity to the steelwork whilst softening the silhouette of the bridge. The width of the viaduct deck itself has also been increased by four metres, allowing the bridge to carry three parallel high speed rail tracks over the existing east-west rail line. Closer to Curzon Street, the tracks will split even further

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Approval granted for 157 homes on edge of Carlisle

Approval granted for 157 homes on edge of Carlisle

BDC News Team December 12, 2022

WORK to construct 157 homes on the outskirts of Carlisle will soon get under way after planning permission was granted for the development. Carlisle City Council’s Development Control Committee unanimously approved a reserved matters planning application from Penrith-based Genesis Homes for 157 high-specification homes to be built on land near Cumberland House Clinic, west of Cumwhinton Drive. Outline planning permission for the construction of up to 160 homes on the site was granted in 2020 on behalf of government agency Homes England, which acquired the site to promote is use for housing. The Woodlands development from Genesis Homes, which will comprise a range of one to five bedroom houses, flats and bungalows including the conversion of Victorian building Cumberland House into six apartments, will preserve surrounding woodlands to encourage biodiversity to thrive. John Blue, the company’s Land Director, said: “Genesis Homes is committed to making all our developments as environmentally friendly as possible, and a main aim of ours is to enhance the biodiversity and ecology of the local area. “We are delighted to be able to create a distinctive, characterful housing development which is sensitively embedded within the existing landscape, and preserve the beautiful surrounding wooded areas.” The development will be located close to the proposed St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, an ambitious housing and economic development scheme planned to regenerate the local area. The St Cuthbert’s development, identified as one of 14 garden villages across the UK by the Government, proposes to construct thousands of new homes, create new employment opportunities, build new community facilities and improve local transport links. The Woodlands development will complement the garden village and provide a further boost for the community. John said: “There is a strong vision for regeneration in the area and plans to create a new market area locally, and we are excited to form a positive relationship with the nearby development to boost the community even further.” Thirty of the homes on the Woodlands development have been designated affordable housing to help local people onto the property ladder. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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How to Boost Restaurant with the Perfect Interior Design

How to Boost Restaurant with the Perfect Interior Design

BDC News Team December 9, 2022

No matter what type of catering industry you want to be in, you need to arrange the interior accordingly. For some time now, restaurant décor has become even more crucial. Guests mostly pay attention to what they find on the menu and the restaurant’s interior design. The interior has to comply with current regulations, be user-friendly, consistent with the character of the cuisine served, easy to maintain, sustainable, safe and visually appealing. Buildeo, explain how you meet all these requirements? Quality of the Entrance – Vital Element of a Successful Restaurant For the restaurant with an entrance directly from the street, ensure the use of high-quality flooring materials. The renovation experts recommend materials that are resistant to contact with abrasive contaminants such as particles of sand, mud, soil, and dust, often in combination with rainwater and snow. In such premises, especially in the entrance area, it is advisable to use ceramic tiles with the highest possible abrasion resistance or unglazed porcelain stoneware, which can also be visually attractive, especially those produced with double-fill technology. Clinker tiles will also work well. Before making a final decision, check that the selected tiles have the documents required by the regulations, such as technical approvals and health and safety certificates. Restaurant Remodelling – Health and Safety First Health and safety regulations are of fundamental importance throughout a restaurant – from the storage area through the kitchen to the dining area. Sanitary inspections are frequent and often unexpected. All surfaces must be safe and easy to clean. They must therefore be resistant to moisture, chemical cleaning agents and staining substances. Ceramic flooring has the advantage that, even after intensive use over many years, it shows no signs of so-called ‘fatigue’ and can be easy to maintain daily. Restaurants Renovations – Furniture-based Interior Design Restaurants often change their menus and decorative elements with the seasons. For this reason, it is advisable to use a versatile interior design that will be functional and suitable, surrounded by different décor elements. Restaurant furniture made of solid materials with a simple and minimalist form will be an excellent choice in this case. Bespoke furniture provides the possibility of creating a unique space and is worth consideration. In case of a smaller budget, custom-made furniture is a perfect alternative. Digital signage is one of the best ways to create an atmosphere in your restaurant whilst informing guests of menu changes, specials, and other information. Manoe Media’s digital signage software is one of the leading solutions.  Match the Décor of the Restaurant with the Type of Cuisine Restaurants that serve foreign cuisine refer to the culture of a particular country. The interiors of such establishments are usually reminiscent of picturesque corners from various places in the world. For example, the restaurants serving Greek cuisine use blue and white colours in their interior design because of the blue roofs of the white houses. Restaurants serving Chinese cuisine use the ubiquitous red colour, and the décor accessories are usually stately Chinese lanterns. The Role of Restaurant Interior Lighting The right vibe has a significant influence on guest satisfaction. Restaurant lighting is an essential element of the atmosphere. Consider dimming the dining area for a romantic ambience. However, two crucial considerations need to be balanced: the efficiency of the restaurant staff and the guests’ experience. The light must not be too intense but also too dim so as not to impede the work of the service staff. Lamps of all kinds – ceiling lamps, table lamps, floor lamps – are vital lighting elements. The correct positioning of the artificial light sources will not only help to create a unique atmosphere in the restaurant but, more importantly, will make up for any lack of natural light. Consider using more than just ceiling lighting. Restaurant Space and Interior Designers’ Solutions When opening a restaurant business, we sometimes opt for smaller premises for financial reasons or because we do not find a suitable property. Refurbishment companies often work with interior designers who effectively use optical enlargement methods. The use of colour, reflections, texture, lines, and uniform or varied tile formats will separate various functional zones. In summary, many factors influence the appearance of a restaurant. The restaurant furnishings should harmonise with the business concept and the cuisine. It is also crucial to match the décor to the customer’s preferences. The key to success is to create a comfortable interior and thus introduce a pleasant atmosphere. It is worth considering hiring a general contractor and an experienced renovation team to ensure the project goes smoothly and without delays. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New contract signed with DEME Group and LS Cable and System for export cables for Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm

New contract signed with DEME Group and LS Cable and System for export cables for Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm

BDC News Team December 9, 2022

Following the recent agreement to provide export cables for sister project the Norfolk Boreas Wind Farm, Vattenfall has today signed a contract with preferred bidders, DEME Group and LS Cable & System, for export cables for Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm. The consortium will provide around 180km of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) export cables for the onshore route and around 320km for the offshore route for the whole of the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone and will connect it to the national transmission electricity grid. Choosing innovative HVDC cables has allowed Vattenfall to cut the size of the cable route by a third, reducing the impact on the local area and making the project more sustainable. Catrin Jung, Head of Offshore Wind at Vattenfall, said: “We’re delighted to have taken the next step with LS Cable & System and DEME Group who will provide the export cables for the whole Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone. This is a big milestone for the project which is vital to deliver fossil-free living within a generation.” Rob Anderson, Project Director of Vattenfall’s Norfolk Zone, said: “It’s great to be working with our partners and using innovative, sustainable technologies for the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone. Alongside the potential to level-up East Anglia with new green collar jobs and supply chain opportunities, the Zone has a critical role in delivering net zero in the UK.” Philip Scheers, Business Unit Director at DEME Offshore, said: “We are very proud that Vattenfall has again chosen to partner DEME and LS Cable & and System for this scope and that we will ultimately provide the cables for the entire Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone. DEME is doing its utmost to achieve net zero emissions and it is fantastic to stand shoulder to shoulder with pioneers such as Vattenfall, who shares our vision for a sustainable world.” Mr. Hyungwon Kim, LS Cable and System Executive, said: “We are pleased to announce the 320kV DC XLPE offshore cable being supplied by LS Cable and System will be manufactured solely with renewable energy which is also certified by LS’s Environmental Product Declaration Certification. We would like to thank our client Vattenfall and our partner DEME offshore with whom we look forward to working to bring clean, green energy to the UK from British offshore wind. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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