A giant mural featuring the Roman god of the sea Neptune will appear at Edward Street Quarter in Brighton when renowned local artist Cosmo Sarson installs his work. At 10 meters high, the artwork will be one of the city’s biggest murals and looks set to become a meeting point
A Dudley-based furniture manufacturer has secured new funding to kickstart its recovery plans and expand its interior fit-out division. Zero Point Eight secured a £120k investment from BCRS Business Loans through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund’s (MEIF) Small Business Loan Fund – backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
Homebuyers searching for the perfect family abode can look to ten top considerations from property experts when choosing a happy family home. Whether you are looking for somewhere to settle down and start a family or need to accommodate a growing one, there are many factors that need to be
UK-based bridge design experts, Knight Architects, alongside a world-leading team of experts, reveal their innovative rail design for Network Rail’s ‘Flow’ Bridge; an innovative modular bridge which will have a wide range of applications across the network, including as a replacement to level-crossings. The new design builds upon Network Rail’s
A panel of industry experts gathered to discuss how the construction industry can and will meet zero emissions targets. The clear message was that the opportunity to reach this target is there, but more support is required from the Government for this to cascade at pace throughout the industry. Support
Keepmoat Homes continues to grow its development portfolio in the North West after acquiring three new land deals that will see the top ten UK housebuilder deliver 723 new homes, with a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of £135m. The sites are located in Leyland, Accrington and Stoke on Trent
New research from Deltek, a global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, reveals that the nation’s architecture and engineering (A&E) firms say data-rich technologies including data science, big data and machine learning, are most important to their business. The increasing urgency to process data could either indicate growth
An antique bed and mattress can transform your bedroom into a unique and beautiful place. However, due to the uniqueness of the bed, you need to know how to choose a suitable antique mattress. You have various options to choose a mattress for your antique bed. You do not have
Located on Nottingham’s picturesque riverside opposite the Lady Bay nature reserve and West Bridgford lies a brand-new waterfront development – The Yacht Club. Whilst the apartments ooze sophistication and style, the location offers an abundance of uninterrupted scenic waterside views. Overlooking the tranquil River Trent, the surroundings are striking no
Residential developer Steff Wright vlogged his thoughts on the topics to be discussed at the G7 summit whilst staying at the Carbis Bay Hotel days before world leaders are due to descend. Chairman of Nottinghamshire based Gusto Group, Steff Wright has been building sustainable, renewable focused residential developments for over
A giant mural featuring the Roman god of the sea Neptune will appear at Edward Street Quarter in Brighton when renowned local artist Cosmo Sarson installs his work. At 10 meters high, the artwork will be one of the city’s biggest murals and looks set to become a meeting point for locals, as well as a tourist attraction in its own right. Cosmo revealed his designs in a time lapse video where he discusses the challenges of creating an oil-style painting on an epic scale. Project developers First Base with Brighton and Hove City Council commissioned the classically trained painter to deliver this vibrant addition to Brighton’s thriving street art scene after a competitive selection process. “Brighton started off as a fishing village hundreds of years ago and this area was once a thriving hub for the fishing industry. Part of the brief was to showcase its heritage. As well as marking the entrance to Edward Street Quarter, I hope this classical God of the sea creates an iconic image for Brighton, ” said Cosmo, who lives in Hanover. “It’s been a very exciting process because, while I’m known for large scale murals, I’m also known for my oil paintings. I don’t think creating a mural on this scale in the style of an oil painting has ever been done before! I’m looking forward to seeing how the brush work translates onto a larger canvas.” The time lapse video reveals a smaller version of Neptune, which will soon be printed on ceramic tiles and mounted onto laser-cut steel. The mural will then be installed on an exterior wall at Edward Street Quarter, Brighton’s newest neighbourhood, a mixed-use development under construction on the site of the former AMEX-house site. A total of 37 artists put themselves forward for the job, but Cosmo was set apart by his experience creating large-scale urban artworks and his distinctive style – dubbed ‘classic with a twist’. Cosmo created the hand painted ‘Angel of Brighton’ mural, a three-story fresco, which depicts a winged woman rising from the ashes against a glittering gold background in the North Laine. Neptune will join Cosmo’s latest cackling seagulls mural at Brighton Palace Pier which is also ten metres high and features two seagulls with human bodies in striped blue and white deckchairs, laughing and holding hands. “Brighton is well known for its street art culture and we hope Neptune will be part of the fascinating tours of the city’s best outdoor art. We also predict Neptune will soon become a local landmark and an easy place for people to meet locally – he will definitely stand out in a crowd! We can’t wait for the big unveil later this year. Edward Street Quarter will be home to creative and digital businesses, residents and cafes and shops, so this beautiful piece of art will add to the vibrancy of the development,” added Steve Eccles, Project Director at First Base. Cosmo was internationally celebrated in 2013 for his giant mural of ‘Breakdancing Jesus’ which he painted opposite Banksy’s iconic ‘Mild, Mild West’ in Bristol. As a freelance scenic artist, Cosmo’s artwork can also be spotted in blockbuster films including Dumbo, The Favourite, The Avengers – Age of Ultron, Guardians of the Galaxy and Tomb Raider.
A Dudley-based furniture manufacturer has secured new funding to kickstart its recovery plans and expand its interior fit-out division. Zero Point Eight secured a £120k investment from BCRS Business Loans through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund’s (MEIF) Small Business Loan Fund – backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Since being established five years ago, furniture manufacturer Zero Point Eight’s joinery division has built a strong reputation for designing, manufacturing and installing furniture, alongside fulfilling bespoke orders using woodworking and assembly techniques. Directors Mark Baker and William Evans say the company now has its sights set on recovery and growth following a difficult year due to the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic. “We are delighted to have secured MEIF funding, which will initially enable us to manufacture pre-existing joinery and furniture orders, ” said Mark Baker. “We also plan to expand our interior fit-out division, which was established two years ago and is focused on providing turnkey interiors to the private residential care, NHS, education, retail, hospitality and commercial sectors, which includes manufactured furniture, ceilings, walls, mechanical, electrical and floor installations. With 45 full time staff at our base in Netherton, we also plan to recruit an additional two people in the coming year. Our hope is to return to pre-coronavirus turnover levels by the second quarter of 2021.” Lynn Wyke, Senior Business Development Manager at BCRS, also commented: “We are so pleased to have supported Zero Point Eight, allowing the company to achieve its growth and recovery plans. As a lender of social and economic impact, it is excellent to see that the company not only expects its turnover to return to pre-coronavirus levels this year, but also that two additional jobs are to be created, which will be vital in helping our local communities recover too. We are committed to supporting businesses across the West Midlands region that are unable to secure finance from traditional lenders.” The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank. The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), which closed to new applications on 31st March 2021, was managed by the British Business Bank on behalf of, and with the financial backing of the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and industrial Strategy (BEIS). Businesses based in the West Midlands and surrounding areas can secure loans from £10,000 to £150,000 from BCRS Business Loans to support growth and recovery plans.
Homebuyers searching for the perfect family abode can look to ten top considerations from property experts when choosing a happy family home. Whether you are looking for somewhere to settle down and start a family or need to accommodate a growing one, there are many factors that need to be considered to ensure your new home works for you and your household. As many of us are spending more time at home than ever due to working remotely or looking after loved ones, it’s important that your home enriches and complements your lifestyle, routines and habits, rather than restricting you due to a lack of space and flexibility. With so much to consider, searching for the ideal home can be daunting, but with proper planning and careful thought, finding the dream home for you and your family need not feel like an impossible task. Michael Taggart, CEO of Taggart Homes, says: “Finding your ideal family home can be a challenge, but it’s also an exciting prospect if you’ve chosen to move to improve you and your family’s lifestyle and environment. “There is a lot to take into consideration, from the space and location that a home provides, to the potential and resale value it has in the future. During the pandemic, the importance of our homes has become even more significant – and many people are deciding to move because their current property is no longer working for their new routines. “At Taggart Homes, we are proud of the care we take in considering who our homes are designed for and always put ourselves in the customers’ shoes. Quality, practicality, energy efficiency and value for money are at the top of our aims when designing new homes and neighbourhoods – that’s why we’ve compiled this list of our top ten considerations for finding a happy family home, to help buyers make the right choice for both the short and long term.” Here are the top ten considerations for finding a happy family home: Space One of the most important aspects of any home is the space it affords you and your family – and that does not just mean the amount of space there is, but how it is used too. Smaller, compact houses still offer plenty of room if laid out and utilised in the best possible way, giving you plenty of options when creating rooms for working, dining and relaxing. When looking for your family home, try to envisage how each room would work for you and your loved ones – what it would be used for, how you can make the most of the natural light and layout, and what you might like to alter when it comes to décor and style. Consider your future plans – whether it’s to grow your family, downsize, or move out in the years to come, so any home you choose needs to be flexible to meet your changing needs, or have resale value in a desirable or up and coming area. Location It’s the classic property cliché, but location really is everything when it comes to house-hunting. Proximity to local amenities such as shops, restaurants and bars, as well as schools, health and leisure facilities and places of interest, all add to the value and quality of life that a home can offer. Do your research around the area and surrounding neighbourhoods to get a good feel for the location. Remember to consider the proximity of the property to beauty spots and places of interest too – if you enjoy a short break to the seaside or nearby nature reserve for example, choosing a home with easy links to main roads and motorways within an hour’s drive from these attractions might be the right choice for you. Quality The quality of a home – from the materials used to build it down to the finishing touches – will determine how enjoyable the space is to live in. Practicality, aesthetics and energy efficiency are key aspects of an ideal home, with durability and value for money of materials and products used being equally important, to ensure several lifetimes of wear. The ideal family home is one that you can create memories in, and when planning for the long term, it is important to consider the quality of a property, so it will last and will not cause you problems in the long run. New build vs traditional When choosing a new family home, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether you would like to purchase a traditional or new-build house. There are benefits and advantages to choosing either, and it really comes down to your personal preference and taste. If you are planning to buy a new-build home, you have the added luxury of getting a ‘blank canvas’ that you can truly stamp your personality on. Many high-standard new-build homes will come with tasteful décor and quality fixtures and fittings already installed, so you can move in seamlessly and quickly. If you are choosing a new-build property, research the housebuilder thoroughly to get a feel for the price range, style of homes, and areas that they are active in – this will help you to determine whether you are getting a quality home that will last. Fixtures and fittings To ensure a richer quality of living, choosing a property that offers convenient and efficient fixtures and fittings will keep your family home running smoothly. Spending a little extra on a home that comes with quality appliances or has the potential to install new fittings over time, will be worth it for a more enjoyable living experience. From high spec kitchen appliances and fibre broadband, to smart technology such as lighting, heating and speakers – there is so much you can add to your home that is going to provide practical and useful features you’ll love. The neighbourhood Researching the neighbourhood you would like to live in will help you to decide on your next home
UK-based bridge design experts, Knight Architects, alongside a world-leading team of experts, reveal their innovative rail design for Network Rail’s ‘Flow’ Bridge; an innovative modular bridge which will have a wide range of applications across the network, including as a replacement to level-crossings. The new design builds upon Network Rail’s expanding catalogue of signature footbridges and follows their ‘Principles of Good Design’. The ‘Flow’ Bridge is designed in high-strength composite materials, providing freedom in design and cost effectiveness, amongst numerous other benefits. Knight Architects were appointed to develop a concept design in Spring 2020, and have developed the design almost entirely remotely with Network Rail, Jacobs, Flo Flo, KS Composites, Sui Generis, Q-Railing, Rapid Root, Epsilon Optics, Sentry Systems and Mabey Bridge. Using Composite Materials Knight Architects’ ‘Flow’ Bridge design uses modern composite materials which have numerous benefits – they are light weight, cost-effective, and strong. They also offer a great deal of freedom in design – a wide-range of forms are achievable. Given this flexibility, the team wanted to develop a solution which significantly enhanced the user experience of crossing the railway, starting first by thinking about people using the bridges, rather than the objects themselves. This approach is echoed in Network Rail’s ‘Principles of Good Design’ which set out the ambitions for new structures across the network. People First Design Network Rail’s bridges play a vital role as part of a holistic end-to-end passenger journey. They have to provide a safe crossing of the tracks, yet often the safety and security requirements of the railway can lead to bridges which are unwelcoming, and are seen as a negative part of the journey. Knight Architects subsequently developed the ‘Flow’ Bridge concept, alongside the rest of the team, to focus on greatly improved user experience. It is designed to meet the required standards, whilst also creating a welcoming, enjoyable, and safe crossing for all. Key Aspects of the Innovative Rail Design The Corner – Traditionally, ramps and stairs are positioned at 90 degrees to the main span which when combined with high-containment parapets creates a ‘blind corner’ to turn around. This creates an uncomfortable moment for users, unable to see who or what is around the corner. Smoothing this corner out is important, as it creates a much safer, more welcoming user experience. However, doing so can lengthen the bridge, pushing the stairs/ramps away from the rail fence line and clearance envelope. This increases the cost, material use, and the land required for crossings. The ‘Flow’ Bridge resolves this with the addition of a structural ‘spine’. Whilst the deck turns smoothly around the corner, the supporting spine remains orthogonally aligned to the railway. This ‘disconnect’ between spine and deck allows the deck to ‘flow’ around the corner, whilst maintaining a minimalistic structural footprint. The addition of a spine also unlocks other benefits. On site, it allows deck modules to be lifted in incrementally, allowing for smaller, more manageable components to be transported and installed, or even replaced if necessary. It provides rigidity between deck modules, resulting in more refined connections, and allows precise connection to the concrete-free ‘Rapid-Root’ foundation system. The Parapet – The containment requirements of the railway often lead to solid, tall parapets, which create an oppressive, tunnel-like experience. The view from the structure is restricted, and the resulting enclosed space being poorly overlooked can even feel unsafe. In response to this, the team wanted to return bridges to being enjoyable ‘moments’ within a walk, opportunities to take in a new view, a vantage point from which to experience the surrounding environment. But this is also about safety – the view of the bridge is also opened up, and with more visibility of who is on the bridge, people can see their entire route before they embark upon it. Knowing that they can be seen on the bridge will make people feel safer when using it. Opening up these views requires transparency, and so a glazed parapet system has been developed. At low level the composite material extends up above the deck, but only as far as is necessary from a structural standpoint. Beyond this, the containment is achieved through laminated frameless glazing, held by an aluminium channel; a system designed by Q-Railing. The glazed element is one of the ‘variables’ of the scheme, with a multitude of options available to suit all site conditions. For example, a layered glass/composite solution has been developed to improve the glazing durability in sites particularly prone to vandalism. Modular Aesthetics of the Innovative Rail It is essential that any modular solution carefully considers the identity of the railway and also the identity of the specific sites in which the bridges will sit. Local stakeholders often view standardised solutions as insufficient, utilitarian and inward-looking – focusing only on the requirements of the rail, often at the expense of local objectives. The ‘Flow’ Bridges are inherently outward-looking. The crossings are designed to be assets within their communities, with each design taken as an opportunity to provide a beneficial, tangible link between the railway and the people which surround it. One of the key challenges for any ‘standard’ bridge solution is how one design can ‘fit’ a variety of sites. Standardisation is driven by consistency and repetition, yet good design traditionally seen as a specific response to context. The ‘Flow’ Bridge addresses this with contemporary, refined forms paired with careful detailing and a ‘human-scale’, all driven through enhancing the user experience. The aim is to ensure that even the ‘base’ design offers an attractive, fitting and welcomed addition to new sites. To respond to the specific characteristics of a site, the system offers a wide-variety of configurations. These extend from geometric adaptability such as altering the span or width of the deck, through to texture, pattern and colour modifications all of which are readily achievable with composites. Whilst the current prototype has been built as a stair-only version, the completed system will be capable of offering accessible crossing with the addition of ramps
A panel of industry experts gathered to discuss how the construction industry can and will meet zero emissions targets. The clear message was that the opportunity to reach this target is there, but more support is required from the Government for this to cascade at pace throughout the industry. Support in the form of legislation and incentives around Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) were outlined as the driving factors for real change in the construction industry. With Government support a clear path forward will become apparent rather than developers scrambling to make this reality at the final hour. This legislation must be brought forward in the form of ensuring the building materials that are used in construction are renewable and sustainable. Cement contributes 8% to the overall 40% of the carbon emissions in the construction industry. Timber is an obvious renewable alternative that is a regulated building material, with many homes in the UK constructed with timber frame. The Welsh Government have committed to all affordable housing being built with timber frame by next year. The panel was unanimous in agreeing that this is the kind of leadership seen in Wales is what is needed across the board. “There has never been a better time to change how we build our homes in the UK. The pandemic has given us time to stop and consider our industry’s impact and as the world regains some normality, we, as an industry, should want to move forward rather than simply returning to how we have always done things, as it is clear from the figures that this is devastating the planet,” said Panellist, Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association (STA). “There are two things that will drive this forward and two things that will drive the change. The former is a collaborative culture and an integrated supply chain. The later, regulation and legislation from the government, and housebuilders getting on board with the larger vision. MMC is the answer to achieving a carbon neutral construction industry.” In a traditionally fragmented industry, the resounding notion in the room was for all sectors within the construction industry to come together to inform a collaborative approach to really move towards carbon neutrality. The last 12 months have been a time of reflection for many, with industries across the globe forced to pause and take stock of their impact on the planet. With the government’s net zero by 2035 initiative, this reflection has been vital for the construction industry. “Legislation will give the industry clear direction in how exactly we will move forward to meet the government’s targets, but in order to change the mindsets of the decision makers in the industry, this needs to be incentivised. The benefits for building with timber frame are widely known, if the government is truly behind building back greener, then buildings constructed from timber frame should be subsidised or at the very least incentivised,” added Richard Swayne, Managing Director of Paramount Timber Group.
Keepmoat Homes continues to grow its development portfolio in the North West after acquiring three new land deals that will see the top ten UK housebuilder deliver 723 new homes, with a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of £135m. The sites are located in Leyland, Accrington and Stoke on Trent and have all obtained planning approval from local authorities. The three schemes are: A 520-plot development Farington Mews, Leyland A 157-plot development at Biddulph, Stoke on Trent A 46-plot development Acorn View, Accrington The developments will offer two, three and four bedroom homes which will be available in multiple house types and various purchasing options from open market sale to shared ownership. Homebuyers will also be able to benefit from the Government-backed mortgage guarantee, allowing first-time and current homeowners to obtain a 95% mortgage from lenders. Gareth Owen, Land & Partnerships Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “Our team has been working hard over the 6 months with local authorties and registered providers and the latest acquisitions are a testament to their efforts. We’re delighted to have aquired these three significant sites, all in ideal locations, which brings our total of active developments in the North West to 15. “As a business, our ethos is to not just build homes, but transform communities and improve the lives of local people. We’re driven to deliver increasingly sustainable and affordable homes and we’re taking action to reduce carbon emissions from our operations, our supply chain and the homes we build and adapt our operations and homes to our changing climate. Our Acorn View development in Accrington will feature car charging points for those with electric vehicles at each of the homes and we take pride in providing green open spaces for both residents and the local community to enjoy. “We can see from our existing developments, across the North West in particular, that demand for new homes is increasing and following these successes, we’re driven to remain active across the region and are seeking new land opportunities for residential led developments.”
New research from Deltek, a global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, reveals that the nation’s architecture and engineering (A&E) firms say data-rich technologies including data science, big data and machine learning, are most important to their business. The increasing urgency to process data could either indicate growth in data maturity as businesses roll out their digital transformation, or show that operational shortcoming during the pandemic have revealed a need for greater enterprise visibility. The research, which comes from the Deltek Clarity Architecture and Engineering Industry report, found that: 82% of UK architecture firms and 72% of UK engineering firms cite data science as the most important technology to their business 80% of UK architecture firms and 71% of UK engineering firm believe that IoT is one of the most important technologies 79% of UK architecture firms and 69% of UK engineering firms say that big data is one of the most important technologies 79% of UK architecture firms and 69% of UK engineering firms say that AI is one of the most important technologies However, despite firms seeing the value in a suite of emerging technologies, only around a third of UK A&E firms are applying big data and no more than four in 10 are applying data science today. Deltek identified cost of technology (60%) as the standout barrier to adoption for UK firms. A lack of strategic technology understanding is a clear issue in this market: 52% of firms have difficulty prioritising applicable technologies and 43% cite lack of employee education about trends and how they apply to the industry as major barriers. To overcome these challenges, Deltek says businesses must recalibrate to boost performance. To do this, UK A&E firms are planning to develop strategic implementation plans and a budget for strategic investment. However, the UK is also far more likely than the total sample to be identifying technology partners (49% v 40%). Commenting on the research findings, Neil Davidson, Regional Vice President of EMEA & APAC at Deltek, said “The UK is leading the way when it comes to digital transformation maturity: 10% of firms describe themselves as ‘Advanced’ compared with just 4% of the total sample. In five years, 49% expect to be Advanced. However, the results show still a heavy reliance on spreadsheets and relatively low adoption of emerging technologies. This shows there is great upside potential from accelerating transformation, and more data-driven business management.”
An antique bed and mattress can transform your bedroom into a unique and beautiful place. However, due to the uniqueness of the bed, you need to know how to choose a suitable antique mattress. You have various options to choose a mattress for your antique bed. You do not have to choose an old school mattress just because an antique bed is old school. Here are tips to help you select an antique size mattress. Consider a Custom Mattress Some old-style antique beds come in awkward sizes, making it hard to get a mattress that fits in. However, that should not be an issue since you can get a custom mattress. If you do not know what to change the frame of the bed, consider a custom mattress. A custom mattress comes with flexibility and comfort since you choose a specific style. You can select your desired materials for the mattress and get it the way you expect. While a custom mattress is costly, it is worth your money and time because it gives you value and comfort. Remember, when you approach a company that sells the products, ask questions about custom beds to help you make informed decisions. For example, find out if the mattress will have box springs. Also, ask about the mattress depth and height and any other components to help you choose the right mattress. Choose a Firm Mattress When sleeping, you need to be comfortable to enjoy the night. However, this is not possible if you do not have a firm mattress. The best way to choose a firm mattress is by considering your body weight and comfort. If you like to sleep on the side, a firm antique mattress will be a good option. A medium tension mattress is the most popular type, especially for a couple of variable weight. You can also choose a medium-firm tension mattress if you want a firmer feel. If you weigh above sixteen stone, then a firm tension mattress can be the best option. An extra firm tension mattress is also another option if you need additional support for your back. In short, choose a mattress that suits your lifestyle and needs. Determine the Measurements Knowing the size of your bed can help you choose the right antique size mattress. You may think that looking at the bed is enough to determine the mattress size. But you could be wrong. It is best to get the actual measurements and choose a mattress that fits in well. First, measure the outside corner as you stretch out the tape towards the other edge. Then, when done with one side, move to the next side and do the same thing. Ensure you have accurate measurements for the length and width before you start shopping for a mattress. Inquire about any additional features that come with the mattress. Take a Picture or Video After taking the bed measurement, it is imperative to take a photo or video of your bed frame when visiting the seller. This will help the seller to identify the best mattress for your bed. You can also call the company and send a video or photo if you want to buy the mattress online. The company will help you make the right choice. The Bottom Line When selecting a mattress for your antique bed, ensure you understand the nitty-gritty before making an order. Using the tips above can help you choose the best mattress that suits your lifestyle and needs. You may also want to compare prices and mattress features from different companies before making the final choice.
Located on Nottingham’s picturesque riverside opposite the Lady Bay nature reserve and West Bridgford lies a brand-new waterfront development – The Yacht Club. Whilst the apartments ooze sophistication and style, the location offers an abundance of uninterrupted scenic waterside views. Overlooking the tranquil River Trent, the surroundings are striking no matter the season and the location is conveniently within walking distance of West Bridgford, Nottingham train station and the bustling city centre, whilst still being far enough away to maintain a peaceful ambience, for a central yet serene lifestyle. The Yacht club consists of 81 beautifully designed apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms and each and every property has views of the river and is fitted with contemporary furnishings. All apartments feature either a generous balcony or terrace with views over Lady Bay nature reserve and the picturesque views will remain uninterrupted, allowing natural light to penetrate through, creating a spacious and breathable living space for optimum wellbeing. Jules Hunt, director at FHP Living, said: “Everything about these properties and the location of the development is idyllic. From the stunning surrounding scenery, to the convenient location and abundance of lighting. Every single feature is crafted to enhance the natural surroundings, for a truly beautiful living environment.” Jules continues: “Each room has been designed carefully, ensuring the décor and natural lighting go hand in hand to create a harmonious setting – neutral tones, soft textures and plush furnishings all contribute to a contemporary and chic, yet calming home, which can be adapted to the homeowner’s personality by adding personal touches and finishes.” This open plan living and kitchen area allows a smooth flowing transition from dining to living, creating a social environment which is fantastic for entertaining. Marble flooring adds a fresh yet timeless appearance, contributing to the luxurious tone of this property, whilst the metallic pendant lighting creates a decorative and dramatic addition. Furthermore, the handle-less designs of the cupboards contribute to the sleek and streamlined feel of the room. Soft and neutral hues with hints of mint work well with the large windows, enabling natural light to flood and fill the living and dining area. The master bedroom presents itself as the epitome of luxury. Contrasting textures of soft materials and clean lines add character to the room, whilst the muted background makes way for the deep pop of colour in the headboard. Jules continues: “The deep tones of the royal blue headboard go hand in hand with the views of the water immediately outside of the window, allowing the outdoors in for a tranquil sanctuary.” Smart polished fittings with a mixture of marbled and wooden textures help strike the perfect balance between a clean-cut and homely feel in the en-suite bathroom. The overall minimalistic aesthetic helps create a relaxing environment, whilst the use of natural materials accentuates the warmth and comfort of the room. A combination of neutral tones, natural materials, botanical elements and a statement mirror wall complete the elegant and polished reception area and corridor, which is an impactful and modern aspect of the property. Wherever you are in this delightful home, you are never far from the stunning views of the serene river, glistening in the background.
Residential developer Steff Wright vlogged his thoughts on the topics to be discussed at the G7 summit whilst staying at the Carbis Bay Hotel days before world leaders are due to descend. Chairman of Nottinghamshire based Gusto Group, Steff Wright has been building sustainable, renewable focused residential developments for over 20 years and talked passionately on camera about his vision for the future on key topics such as the climate emergency and empowering local communities. Steff said “During a stay at the Carbis Bay Hotel and seeing the preparations underway for the G7 summit I started considering what should be discussed at a more local level. Whilst the G7 message is aimed at political leaders and global businesses mine is aimed at small local businesses, community leaders and the people in those communities who can use their lifestyle and purchasing choices to change the world.” Steff was quick to point out that this wasn’t a rant at the current landscape as so much an opportunity for SMEs to embrace net carbon business practices far earlier than legislation might demand. “I think we should be creating healthier and more sustainable communities because that’s what people want, not just because the Government might dictate it in decades to come” Steff added. Gusto Homes has already pledged to be net zero carbon by 2025 and vowed that no new house built by them from 2022 will be heated by gas. Steff was critical of the slow move of house builders to follow suit – “We need local planning authorities to make it mandatory for all new developments to be net zero carbon. It’s not difficult, don’t wait for Barrett’s to switch to Zero carbon in 2040 or for the likes of Persimmon who use whatever method they can to reduce their build costs and maximise profits. By ensuring all new homes are built to zero carbon standards now, the building systems and technologies needed will become more mainstream and reduce in cost enabling the bigger challenge of improving the older existing homes in communities so they too can stay warm without burning gas and oil. Every year we delay starting this process we end up with more homes that are not fit for the future.”
