Leading construction and fit out company, Gilbert-Ash has moved on site to commence work at a new 500-bedroom student hotel in the heart of Glasgow. The £50 million design and build contract will see the development of The Student Hotel (TSH) as part of a £300 million masterplan in the
The internet phenomenon and multi million pound selling global artist, Mr Doodle has commissioned Hollaway Studio to design his private artist’s studio in the grounds of his home in Tenterden, Kent. Planning has now been submitted for the design, which, once approved, is due to be completed late 2022. Mr
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has published a Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls, which comprises representation from key suppliers of operable walls. This Best Practice Guide is intended to help facility managers and owners of operable walls understand the importance of regular servicing to ensure the correct operation
Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been appointed by Vinci Construction as the lead worktop contractor for residential scheme, New Victoria, in Manchester. The £130 million project, delivered by Muse Developments, comprises 520 apartments, with 178 one-bed, 286 two-bed and 56 three-bed properties, as well as a
Bathroom product specialist Aqualisa has introduced the Quartz™ Smart Retrofit Shower – an all-in-one upgrade solution that transforms almost any make of exposed mixer shower into a voice-activated, smart digital shower system, without the need to disturb the current bathroom décor or re-tile the shower enclosure. With 15 million smart homes currently in the
A team of archaeologists have unearthed human skeletons during the excavation of a Bronze to early Iron Age settlement on This Land’s™ Burwell site, in advance of the development of 350 new homes. Following the removal of topsoil at the 6.5-hectare site on Newmarket Road, archaeologists have discovered two full
New planning requirements on fire safety for high-rise residential buildings came into force on August 1st and require developers to consider fire safety at the earliest stages of planning. While we understand this is a starting point on the road to a safer built environment, what does this mean for
Leading housebuilder Harron Homes Yorkshire has submitted a planning application to Barnsley Metropolitan Council for 236 new homes which will transform a discussed brownfield site on Bleachcroft Way in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The proposals will not only regenerate the site, which has stood empty for 50 years, but it will
Easee, the company behind ‘the world’s smartest EV charging robot’, has launched the Easee One, the latest intelligent home EV charger. The 7kW smart charger can be controlled through a smartphone app for the customer’s ease of use. Its inbuilt Open PEN Fault Detection enables faster install with no need
An architectural planning and design company is celebrating its first anniversary of trading after starting the business last September during the global pandemic. Set up by schoolfriends Ash Chana and Guv Bhangal, Amico Design Limited offers architectural design services to a wide range of clients from builders and contractors to
Leading construction and fit out company, Gilbert-Ash has moved on site to commence work at a new 500-bedroom student hotel in the heart of Glasgow. The £50 million design and build contract will see the development of The Student Hotel (TSH) as part of a £300 million masterplan in the Merchant City area. TSH currently owns and operates 15 hotels across Europe in cities including Amsterdam, Berlin, Florence, Bologna, Vienna, with a further dozen sites under development. The Glasgow TSH development is their first in the UK and marks Gilbert-Ash’s first project in Scotland for a decade. Works include hotel accommodation, co‐living and co‐working spaces, a bar and restaurant, conference rooms and fitness centre. External works comprise landscaped open spaces and accessible walkways with a new public square at its heart. TSH states that its mission is to “create boundary-blurring spaces where students, travellers, mobile professionals, creative nomads and enterprising minds can connect and thrive in smart design co-living and co-working spaces”. The Student Hotel construction signals the first phase of Candleriggs Square which will eventually see the development of a mixed-use scheme combining homes, offices, hotel, restaurants and local amenities along with landscaped open spaces and walkways and a public square. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the Glasgow project, which is earmarked for completion in July 2023, is a welcome return to Scotland for the award-winning company. “We’re delighted to be working once again in Scotland and proud to be delivering the first TSH development in the UK. We have a reputation for constructing landmark buildings and this innovative development in the centre of Glasgow has the ability to re-write the handbook on how student accommodation is constructed. Gilbert-Ash has extensive experience of working in both the hotel and student accommodation sectors, so this project really excites us,” said Ray. “In Belfast we have just completed the landmark Merchant Square development for PwC. The Grade A office space delivers a hybrid and flexible working environment where remote and office working unites. TSH offers a similar hybrid approach to hospitality. This development allows for great flexibility and Gilbert-Ash has the experience and expertise to bring these plans to life.” Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued success to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It continues to complete a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, education, science and technology, retail, residential and student accommodation.
The internet phenomenon and multi million pound selling global artist, Mr Doodle has commissioned Hollaway Studio to design his private artist’s studio in the grounds of his home in Tenterden, Kent. Planning has now been submitted for the design, which, once approved, is due to be completed late 2022. Mr Doodle, aka Sam Cox, was born and raised in Tenterden and where, following his rapid success and global following, he continues to live and work and has created his home alongside his wife, producing the ultimate work-from-home space as a personal extension of what he refers to as DoodleWorld. By commissioning Kent and London based architects Hollaway Studio, he keeps these roots at the forefront of his working ethos. This studio will act as a permanent embodiment of his artwork and will be situated like a sculpture in its own right within the beautifully landscaped Kent gardens of his home that have been redesigned by his wife, Mrs Doodle, aka Alena Cox. The studio acts as both a continuation and a direct contrast to his house, a neo Georgian building. Here the studio is a conduit for Mr Doodle’s art to be used more functionally and everlasting and is a clear example of the two separate forms of art and architecture converging and inspiring each other. A glistening and enticing cube, itself a conversation starter like his artworks, the studio will be covered in a metal sheet projected 100mm from the main building that will wrap the whole exterior in laser cut doodle shapes created by Mr Doodle. A physical ‘veil of doodles’ encasing his workspace within. The lower plinth will utilise the negative offcuts of the lasered metal doodles which will be fixed directly to the wall to ensure none of the original artwork for the studio is wasted. These doodles created by Mr Doodle utilise characters and objects, such as walking fish, floating UFOs and dancing robots, that he considers some of his favourite items that he has doodled throughout his career. This part of the design can therefore be seen to reflect how the studio represents both a space of work and inspiration to the artist. The entrance of the cube has been designed so that it lifts up at the corner as if peeking into the contents of a box, recalling a present. What starts as a confined space suddenly opens up to reveal Mr and Mrs Doodle’s workspace. The ground level comprises Mr Doodle’s studio with huge walls to hang his monumental canvases on, in addition to storage space for his canvases as well as his numerous doodle suits, a small kitchen area and a lounge area to invite clients to. The entire space is flooded with north light owing to the sawtooth windows that cover the roof allowing for the perfect lighting to be dissipated further to create the ideal lighting conditions for Mr Doodle to draw in. The building faces north to south with solar panels on the southerly facing side and air-source heat pumps making the building completely sustainable. Steel stairs lead up to a mezzanine floor where Mrs Doodle will work and from there additional stairs go up to the roof terrace from which the landscaped gardens and doodle maze that she has designed can be viewed in full ‘Doodle vision’. A massive black out curtain is installed so that Mr Doodle can film the time lapse videos of himself drawing that initially made his name on the internet and which launched Mr Doodle and DoodleWorld itself.
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has published a Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls, which comprises representation from key suppliers of operable walls. This Best Practice Guide is intended to help facility managers and owners of operable walls understand the importance of regular servicing to ensure the correct operation of walls and ongoing safety of everyone. It will also help by identifying the type of wall that has been installed, its performance, sound, fire and robustness, servicing required, and enable users to identify competent service engineers. Widely used in educational and leisure facilities, offices, exhibition halls and conference centres, moveable walls are often operated by a member of staff or a maintenance crew where damage and undue ware can be caused through not fully understanding the operating procedure or even through incorrect maintenance such as applying grease to moving parts. Furthermore, acoustic integrity can also be compromised due to damaged or poorly working peripheral seals and as a result of a lack of servicing. A good service and maintenance regime, underwritten by a service agreement is key to the wall’s serviceability and the welfare of those operating them. “The importance of this guide to ensure the ongoing performance and safety of everyone using or working around these walls is paramount. The Best Practice Guide, Servicing Operable Walls will help to identify the competence expected of the engineers and allow facility managers and owners meet their legal obligations,” commented on the launch of the guide, Julian Sargent, Chair of the FIS Operable Wall Working Group. With some operable wall panels exceeding heights of 6M and weighing 100kgs to 500kgs, training in working at height and the competence to work with specialist equipment such as chain lifts is important to check and address any health and safety legislation, where the facility team could become liable. Building managers or owners of the business have a responsibility under current health and safety laws to ensure that these systems are properly maintained and recorded as being serviced. “The FIS Operable Wall Working Group employers have developed a National Occupational Standard from which formal qualifications for service, maintenance and repair of operable walls will be derived. To get involved in this work, express your support or to see the details please go to: Interior systems reviews,” added George Swann, FIS Skills and Training Lead. FIS is the representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK. The FIS has close to 500 members drawn from contractors, manufacturers and distributors of ceilings, steel framing systems, partitions, operable walls, plastering, drylining, and specialist interior fit-out and refurbishment businesses.
Wakefield-based granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been appointed by Vinci Construction as the lead worktop contractor for residential scheme, New Victoria, in Manchester. The £130 million project, delivered by Muse Developments, comprises 520 apartments, with 178 one-bed, 286 two-bed and 56 three-bed properties, as well as a 6,000 sq. ft commercial space. “As the only dedicated high-rise residential worktop supplier in the UK, we’re really excited to be a part of this high-profile project. Working on this large-scale scheme in the heart of Manchester is a great reflection of our hard-working and dedicated team, as well as our business’ fast-paced growth. We’re really looking forward to seeing this project come together,” said Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited. Roann Limited is supplying Silestone Blanco Norte 20mm for all kitchen worktops, upstands and splash backs, and Reginox Ohio 40×40 sinks in Atlantic Grey powder coated finish, to the entire 450,000 sq. ft residential component. Scheduled for completion in 2024, Roann Limited will begin installing a sample apartment in early September, before full site works begin in November 2021. “There was a lot of competition for the works, but Roann Limited stood out from the crowd. They made the whole pre-contract process a smooth and easy one and have continued to work with us now they’re involved in the scheme. Along with their pro-active attitude – they price competitively which made our decision to work with them an easy one,” added Gordon Maudsley, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Vinci Construction. Established in 1990, Roann Limited specialises in manufacturing, supplying, and installing high-quality granite and quartz worktops within the house building, property development and construction sectors. With more than 30 years’ experience, Roann Limited is dedicated to procuring stone worktops that help developers significantly reduce costs on their projects by selling direct to them. Roann Limited’s purpose-built factory in Wakefield houses more than £2 million worth of state-of-the-art stone manufacturing machines and equipment, enabling the business to fabricate more than 15,000 worktops every year. Roann Limited proudly holds accreditations with many of the industry’s leading health & safety schemes, including SSIP certification, and is also ConstructionOnline Gold Approved.
Bathroom product specialist Aqualisa has introduced the Quartz™ Smart Retrofit Shower – an all-in-one upgrade solution that transforms almost any make of exposed mixer shower into a voice-activated, smart digital shower system, without the need to disturb the current bathroom décor or re-tile the shower enclosure. With 15 million smart homes currently in the UK, and the market set to grow by 20% year on year, the demand for smart products that enhance wellbeing, safety and lifestyle has never been stronger. For home owners or renovators who do not wish to completely replace their shower, but are ready to convert to a smart showering experience, the Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower delivers a simple, elegant and cost-effective solution that will complement any bathroom style. It also provides the home owner with a handy storage shelf for bathroom accessories and toiletries. Quick and straightforward to fit, the installer will find it effortless to assemble with no major pipework alterations required. Once in place, the home owner will enjoy the full benefits of the Aqualisa Quartz Smart Shower Collection, including: • An intuitive app enabling the creation of personalised shower profiles for all family members• Remote activation of shower or bath using voice or app control (Google and Amazon Alexa compatible)• Environmentally-friendly water usage monitoring and water-saving features• Safety and peace of mind – water programmed to run at a consistent temperature and flow As pioneers in digital and smart showers, the upgrade solution reinforces Aqualisa’s solid reputation as leading innovators in this category. The Quartz Smart Shower collection is powered by the intelligent Aqualisa Wi-Fi-enabled Smart Valve™, which can be located up to 10 metres away from the shower itself, providing flexible installation options. Setting the Smart Valve to Eco mode can reduce water consumption for the home owner by up to 33%. The Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower can upgrade almost any brand of wall-mounted mixer shower (concentric, single lever or bar valve) with 130 to 170mm pipe centres, and comes with a choice of the Aqualisa Quartz Touch™, Quartz Classic™ or Quartz Blue™ smart shower kits. Supplied with an extension rail to adjust the height of the controller, this no-mess solution is easy to install with optional fixing points, while the assembly back plate neatly covers all previous pipework and screw holes. The patented integrated storage shelf, which houses the new smart shower control, comprises two halves featuring a polished chrome finish. It also incorporates two useful hanging hooks for bathroom accessories.
A team of archaeologists have unearthed human skeletons during the excavation of a Bronze to early Iron Age settlement on This Land’s™ Burwell site, in advance of the development of 350 new homes. Following the removal of topsoil at the 6.5-hectare site on Newmarket Road, archaeologists have discovered two full human skeletons as well as a vast number of post holes, pits and pieces of pottery which date from 1200-350BC. The number of post holes indicate that there was a large community which used to live at the site, whilst the layout implies the timber structures would have been both round and rectangular in shape. The team also uncovered animal bones and broken pottery which may well have been used to throw away unwanted food remains and other goods. The excavation of the settlement is the first of two phases being carried by Oxford Archaeology East who are supported by Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) and appointed by specialist archaeological and heritage consultants Orion. An area identified as a cremation burial ground will be excavated and examined ahead of construction of Phase Two of the scheme. On completion of the fieldwork, there will be a programme of post-excavation assessment and analysis of the artefacts and environmental samples which will be recorded and followed by a full publication of the results. The information will be built into a story of the site and archived, and the artefacts will be donated to CCC and made available for public viewing. “These are exciting new discoveries and we are delighted with the team’s ongoing work at this historically significant site in Burwell. It’s been fascinating to learn about the history of the site, which will provide an archival legacy of artefacts for future generations to enjoy,” commented on the ongoing archaeological fieldwork, Brenda Kibblewhite, Head of Sales and Marketing of This Land™. On the conclusion of the archaeological dig, This Land™ will commence the main infrastructure for the development of a community of 350 new homes, including affordable housing. The scheme will include a mix of housing. The archaeological dig, which began in May, is expected to be finished in September depending on any further findings.
New planning requirements on fire safety for high-rise residential buildings came into force on August 1st and require developers to consider fire safety at the earliest stages of planning. While we understand this is a starting point on the road to a safer built environment, what does this mean for other buildings such as those in the industrial and commercial sector which have similar challenges when it comes to fire safety? Planning Gateway One is the first of a series of ‘gateway points’ and a key measure to ensure high-rise developments consider fire safety at the earliest stages of planning. It comes in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Review of Building Regulations, which was commissioned by the government following the Grenfell tragedy. As part of this, developers of higher risk buildings will need to submit a fire statement which sets out fire safety considerations specific to the development before planning permission can be granted. A higher risk building is classed as any building which is 18 metres or more in height and contains two or more dwellings or educational accommodation. The concept of a fire statement within the new planning gateways is a positive step, as it ensures that the thinking on fire safety is included at an early stage. Whilst we understand government wanting to be proportionate, the BSA’s view has always been that this should happen for a range of buildings. It ties to the thinking on being clear on outcomes in the event of a fire. It is also an opportunity for clarity and to avoid a gap between the parties involved. However, as we view this change, as we have stated before, our long-term concern is that this fosters a two-tier system. The implication being that those outside the scheme perhaps need less attention and this will pose challenges as it will offer opportunities to play the system. Clearly fire safe design should not be an afterthought and is essential for all building types. While the intention is for hotels and care homes to be added down the line, the risk of loss of life and property inherent in many other building types is also too high. It is also important to point out that the system is predicated on the existing (i.e. old) classification of buildings and we are building differently now, both in techniques and materials, and using buildings differently too. Bluntly, the nature of risk will continue to evolve as will the hazards these buildings will pose, especially as they age, so we should ensure that all buildings are safe throughout their lifespan. Whilst we understand these changes are a starting point, all buildings, including high-rise will need such a strategy. This will be important to all people seeking to understand the direction the design is taking. Similarly, it will inform those seeking to manage the building when it is in use. I understand government wants to focus in a certain area, but do we really think we do not have similar challenges in other buildings?
Leading housebuilder Harron Homes Yorkshire has submitted a planning application to Barnsley Metropolitan Council for 236 new homes which will transform a discussed brownfield site on Bleachcroft Way in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The proposals will not only regenerate the site, which has stood empty for 50 years, but it will also bring significant enhancements to the existing ecological features of the site, including Dob Sike. The development will deliver a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes all with electric car charging points and will feature green open spaces with picnic benches, a Trim Trail, a play area, footpaths, wildlife habitats, a woodland and 12.5 hectares of wildflower areas. The Dob Sike waterway is a historic area of high ecological value which is home to ancient trees, water voles and other wildlife. It will be restored and maintained by Harron and incorporated into the new development. The development will also feature an area of Birch Oak woodland that in previous plans for the site was lost. “We are delighted to have submitted a planning application for this new development. We are hopeful that our plans will rejuvenate this derelict site while maintaining the rich variety of wildlife which calls this site home, and bring much needed homes to the Barnsley area,” says Tony Lee, Managing Director of Harron Homes Yorkshire. Harron Homes was founded in Yorkshire in 1992 and now, the company builds luxury homes in handpicked locations across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire from its two regional offices in Leeds and Barlborough.
Easee, the company behind ‘the world’s smartest EV charging robot’, has launched the Easee One, the latest intelligent home EV charger. The 7kW smart charger can be controlled through a smartphone app for the customer’s ease of use. Its inbuilt Open PEN Fault Detection enables faster install with no need for additional earthing solutions. “All our chargers are easy and quick to install, but the Easee One is tailor-made for UK homes. The increased speed, affordability and ease of installation will make it a real hit with UK installers,” said Effie Vraka, Country Director UK at Easee. The Easee One is future ready for aspiring multi-EV households, with an automatic load balancing system that enables up to three Easee One Charging Robots to run from a single supply. When two or more Easee One chargers are in use, they communicate to ensure vehicles are charged evenly and that the fuse is never overloaded. “The Easee One comes in three parts – the Easee Ready docking station, the Charging Robot, and the cover. So, if a customer thinks they might want to add more chargers at a later point, the installer can connect extra docking stations and fit them with blank covers. When a new Charging Robot is required, a competent person can clip one on within minutes,” Effie Vraka added. Features include: Compact size – 69% smaller than other comparable solutions. Integrated Open PEN fault detection – reduced time and cost to install and no additional earthing solution required. WiFi and 4G connected. Free Cloud-portal offering: Remote fault detection Site/workplace charging management Consumption reporting Five different colours to choose from. Fully dynamic charging power 1.4-7.4kW. Works with all EVs and PHEVs. The Easee One home EV charger is being launched at a time when many EV charger producers are struggling due to a global shortage of semi-conductors. However, Easee has secured significant component supplies and is well on track to meet its production targets and anticipated market demand.
An architectural planning and design company is celebrating its first anniversary of trading after starting the business last September during the global pandemic. Set up by schoolfriends Ash Chana and Guv Bhangal, Amico Design Limited offers architectural design services to a wide range of clients from builders and contractors to individuals looking to secure planning permission for a domestic project. Services include architectural design, refurbishments, planning applications, CGI and 3D modelling. It was an uncertain start, launching just weeks before the country’s third lockdown, but the dynamic duo were determined to succeed. Despite a challenging landscape, the pair had employed three technical members of the team within just six months, and over the past year have worked on some inspirational projects like The Paddocks in Hinten Hedges and the Everglades on Golf Lane. “We are so proud of what we have achieved. While we have faced some tough challenges and started our business in the worst time possible for economic stability, we have proved ourselves. We have established a stable, profitable business. We have taken on staff and we have managed to secure and work on some amazing projects and provide fantastic customer service,” said Guv. With all the uncertainty in the world since Covid 19 struck, Guv and Ash were concerned that people might hold fire before starting new projects. Thankfully construction was one of few sectors that the government allowed to continue during Lockdown 3, so the impact was minimal. Using their combined skills – Ash is a qualified architectural technician and Guv a sales specialist – the team work tirelessly to exceed customer expectation. “The most inspiring and rewarding part of the job for us is making a client’s vision become reality through providing our guidance and expertise. Whether it is a new build dream home or a small home extension, we take the time to listen to what our clients would like to achieve, and we advise on how we think this could be best accomplished. Receiving the positive feedback that we do and seeing the client’s satisfaction makes it all worthwhile,” Guv added. “We love that by doing what we do, we are creating a legacy for the people of Northampton and beyond. We have worked on some amazing projects that will be around for generations.” Ash and Guv now aspire to grow the team further over the next few years and continue their influential work on the Northamptonshire skyline.
