Cristina Diaconu
Lanes Group Hiring for Roles Across the UK

Lanes Group Hiring for Roles Across the UK

The UK’s largest privately owned drainage contractors has over 80 roles up for grabs at its depots across the country. Employing over 2200 staff across 25 depots throughout the UK, Lanes Group is recruiting for a wide variety of positions within the drainage industry, including drivers, engineers and groundworkers. While

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Lipton Plant Architects Transform London Apartment

Lipton Plant Architects Transform London Apartment

Lipton Plant Architects have transformed an apartment overlooking Regent’s Park in central London, part of the palatial, Grade I listed, Nash designed terrace, York Terrace. The practice was engaged by an existing client to ‘rethink’ their home and to enhance the connection between the interiors, architecture and stunning park surroundings.

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CEMEX Presents Engineered Asphalt Concrete

CEMEX Presents Engineered Asphalt Concrete

Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX is proud to present VIABASE, an engineered Asphalt Concrete specifically designed for use in the construction of housing estate roads. Perfectly timed to support construction companies as they strive to meet the government’s ambition to increase levels of housebuilding, VIABASE meets the challenges faced

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Partnership to Create New 'Future of Living'

Partnership to Create New ‘Future of Living’

MyGlobalHome, a collective of experts shaping the future of living, is pleased to formally announce its partnership with open automation company, Beckhoff, as it prepares to unveil its latest innovation in the smart home sector. The partnership, formed in early 2020, has been funded by UK Research and Innovation through

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Winners of Camden Highline Project Announced

Winners of Camden Highline Project Announced

The design of Camden Highline, the UK’s latest green infrastructure project, has been awarded to a team led by James Corner Field Operations, the firm behind South Park at Q.E. Olympic Park and New York High Line, in collaboration with vPPR Architects, following a two-stage international competition. They will now work

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New Hydrotherapy Pool Opens at Delamere School

New Hydrotherapy Pool Opens at Delamere School

Bolton-based Seddon has completed the £900,000 project to replace a 20-year-old hydrotherapy pool at Delamere School, to benefit pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Trafford. The project was funded by Trafford Council via the Department for Education’s SEND capital funding. Delamere School provides 80 places to support

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Five Ways to Add Value to Your Home Quickly

Five Ways to Add Value to Your Home Quickly

Homeowners wishing to refresh and update their homes can look to five simple ways to add value to properties quickly, as suggested by home improvement experts. Whether you are looking to sell your home this year or simply wish to make changes to improve your living space, there are a

Read More »
Keepmoat Homes Secures Planning Permission to Build 125 New Homes in Burton Upon Trent

125 New Homes Receive Planning Permission

Keepmoat Homes has been planning permission to deliver over 100 new homes in Shobnall in Burton Upon Trent. East Staffordshire Borough Council has given the green light for the national housebuilder to transform the former IMEX Business Centre off Shobnall Road, which has been vacant for several years, into a new

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The Top 5 Most Luxurious Casinos in the World

What is the first image that pops up in your head, when you think about casinos? Probably, these attracting slot machines that light up dozens of colors. And what would be the first place that you would think of if you got asked about a luxurious casino to visit? There

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Office Design Inspired by Historic Covent Garden

Office Design Inspired by Historic Covent Garden

White Red Architects completes striking, 9,000 sqft office refurbishment in the heart of historic Covent Garden, at 12-13 Henrietta Street. 12-13 Henrietta Street comprises the refurbishment of speculative office space for client Royal London, including a new reception and common parts, taking inspiration from the surroundings and the nearby London

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Cristina Diaconu

Lanes Group Hiring for Roles Across the UK

Lanes Group Hiring for Roles Across the UK

The UK’s largest privately owned drainage contractors has over 80 roles up for grabs at its depots across the country. Employing over 2200 staff across 25 depots throughout the UK, Lanes Group is recruiting for a wide variety of positions within the drainage industry, including drivers, engineers and groundworkers. While previous drainage experience is beneficial, it is not essential with extensive on the job training provided. “We are always looking for new talent to join our team and want to hear from people who are genuinely interested in building a career in the UK drainage industry. It might be messy at times, but it is a hugely rewarding industry in which to work. Our team has joined us after hugely varied careers, working in everything from hospitality and accountancy to car sales, you’d be amazed at the variety of past roles our team have held,” said about the roles on offer, Debi Bell, Head of HR Services and Lanes Group. Lanes Group are willing to consider candidates with a broad range of past experience and recognise the value of transferable skills. Some skills the team look for when recruiting, include being polite, respectful and willing to observe all health and safety procedures. The nature of onsite work means that hopefuls must be comfortable working outside, willing to deal with drainage issues and happy to work shifts. Roles are available everywhere from Plymouth and Slough to Manchester and Sheffield, and jobseekers across the UK are encouraged to apply. With a turnover of more than £200 million, Lanes Group provides long-term employment and career development opportunities for employees at every stage of their career.

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Lipton Plant Architects Transform London Apartment

Lipton Plant Architects Transform London Apartment

Lipton Plant Architects have transformed an apartment overlooking Regent’s Park in central London, part of the palatial, Grade I listed, Nash designed terrace, York Terrace. The practice was engaged by an existing client to ‘rethink’ their home and to enhance the connection between the interiors, architecture and stunning park surroundings. They drew inspiration from John Nash’s original vision for York Terrace and the landscape beyond, which was designed to interact like an auditorium and a stage. With carefully framed views and staged settings, this ‘metropolitan picturesque theatre’ was intended to be enjoyed looking to and from, between the interiors and the park. Modernising and expanding on Nash’s intended arrangement, Lipton Plant Architects has reimagined and recreated a sense of theatre. Internally, the huge 60ft central room is now framed by multiple ‘opened’ rooms, each with new views, through the columns, across the interiors and beyond across the park. The design also celebrates the terrace’s layers of history. Concrete columns created to remedy extensive WWII bomb damage have been revealed, cast and multiplied to dramatic effect. Spaces with distinctively different characters cleverly connect through new views, through staggered levels and grand double and triple height spaces. Lipton Plant Architects commissioned bespoke, hand-crafted furniture for the scheme which delicately balances both Georgian and contemporary sensibilities. Along with reinstated period features such as new shutters and cornicing, more contemporary elements have been introduced such as the bronze handrail and gaboon timber walls and eye-catching blue linen lines the walls of the living space, providing visual warmth, elegance and opulence. The view from each room and of each room is created to be both a backdrop and a dramatic setting, for the unfolding scenes of the occupant’s life. By transforming the entire interior outlook of this expansive apartment, Lipton Plant Architects has staged a completely immersive experience of landscape and architecture. “Working on this project has been a real pleasure for us. We were able to capitalise on the relative freedom from stringent rules that normally govern the refurbishment of a period-building whilst also creating beautifully crafted, elegant interior spaces and finishes that would no doubt satisfy the original designer and occupants,” said Jonathan Plant, Managing Director at Lipton Plant Architects. “We also enjoyed embracing the theatrical analogy, the wider, historical story behind the original design – we wanted to play with this idea of a performance space overlooking the park, with the two half levels above and below the central living space as ‘backstage’ spaces. It was our intention from the outset to celebrate this important story, reconnecting the apartment, as intended, with the park surroundings and creating a new home for our clients which offers both drama and tranquillity.”

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CEMEX Presents Engineered Asphalt Concrete

CEMEX Presents Engineered Asphalt Concrete

Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX is proud to present VIABASE, an engineered Asphalt Concrete specifically designed for use in the construction of housing estate roads. Perfectly timed to support construction companies as they strive to meet the government’s ambition to increase levels of housebuilding, VIABASE meets the challenges faced by roads on housing developments, where the final surface course is only laid once all building work has been finished. While the use of standard materials can run the risk of damage to the asphalt as they are exposed to the rigours of construction traffic, VIABASE uses carefully graded aggregate and a high binder content to ensure it is more able to resist the impact of these heavy vehicles. Providing a smooth, dense surface finish, VIABASE is resistant to deformation and less prone to fretting & ravelling. Additionally, the product’s close surface texture allows for easier cleaning once construction has been completed prior to the final application of surface course. VIABASE will also help housing developments to meet the requirements detailed by the government in its construction playbook, which has asked for the industry to move towards sustainable solutions that are high performing, with longevity at the core of decisions when specifying. As well as roads on housing developments, VIABASE is also ideally suited to other areas that are used by heavy duty vehicles, such as farm roads and tracks, large parking areas and industrial construction sites. “The government has been clear that housebuilding levels need to increase, with an aim for 300,000 new houses a year to be delivered. To meet this demand, our construction customers need quality, resilient products that offer solutions to specific issues that arise at these developments,” said Carl Platt, Director of Asphalt, Paving, and Building Products for Europe. “With VIABASE, we are pleased to offer a way to ensure the longevity of housing development roads, which standard materials struggle to provide if the surface course is not placed soon after. VIABASE provides a highly durable, low maintenance surface which will meet the challenges presented by heavy duty vehicles and prevent long term problems in the overall pavement construction.”

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Partnership to Create New 'Future of Living'

Partnership to Create New ‘Future of Living’

MyGlobalHome, a collective of experts shaping the future of living, is pleased to formally announce its partnership with open automation company, Beckhoff, as it prepares to unveil its latest innovation in the smart home sector. The partnership, formed in early 2020, has been funded by UK Research and Innovation through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and is fully aligned with the governmental pledge for carbon neutrality by 2050. Beckhoff brings precision engineering and a wealth of automation experience to the project, perfectly complementing MyGlobalHome’s deep understanding of user experience within the home and enabling a fresh new approach to smart home design, deployment and development. “Beckhoff is incredibly well-established in the world of open automation, having built up a reputation for delivering robust hardware and processes for brands like BMW who are themselves recognised for precision engineering by consumers. In short, they were the natural choice of partner for MyGlobalHome and it has been a pleasure working alongside them to re-imagine the future of living,” said Lee McCormack, CEO, MyGlobalHome. As a result, MyGlobalHome has been able to create a suite of smart home products which are able to respond seamlessly to residents’ needs as they evolve, whilst maintaining the reliability and quality of industrial automation hardware which Beckhoff is renowned for. This responsiveness encourages greater energy and space efficiency in line with users’ needs, thereby acting as a positive step towards more sustainable homes. “MyGlobalHome’s vision for accommodation that can dynamically adapt to the user’s requirements, incorporate new and emerging technologies, remain easy to deploy and maintain at large scale and offer up the same reliability and security demanded by the industrial world perfectly matches Beckhoff’s ethos of a single control platform that can only be realised with open PC-based technology,” added Karl Walker, Market Development Manager at Beckhoff. Sam Stacey, Challenge Director, Transforming Construction, Innovate UK, also commented: “UK homes account for up to 15% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s vitally important we financially support projects which are taking meaningful steps towards a future of sustainable living. The partnership between MyGlobalHome and Beckhoff is one such project, and we believe that their development of sustainable smart home solutions will play a key role in bringing this future to life.”

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Winners of Camden Highline Project Announced

Winners of Camden Highline Project Announced

The design of Camden Highline, the UK’s latest green infrastructure project, has been awarded to a team led by James Corner Field Operations, the firm behind South Park at Q.E. Olympic Park and New York High Line, in collaboration with vPPR Architects, following a two-stage international competition. They will now work with the local community to reimagine a three-quarter mile of disused railway viaduct as a new walking route, park and open space for community activity. Grassroots charity, Camden Highline, has announced a winner following their five-month search for the design team who will deliver London’s new elevated park, linking Camden Town to King’s Cross. The highly sought-after prize saw a distinguished jury deliberate 76 entries and 5 shortlists before allocating the successful bid to James Corner Field Operations. First stages will see the winning design team consult with the local community and key stakeholders to create an inclusive design plan for the ambitious new walkway and advance it through the planning process. Camden Highline will be a positive example of London’s post-Covid recovery, connecting neighbourhoods, increasing local access to green space, and enticing national and international tourists back to the capital. It will build community pride and sense of place, providing much-needed greenery and opportunities for cultural programming. “Camden Highline has the potential to become a really important new asset for the local community in Camden and people across the capital. This is exactly the sort of innovative, environmentally sustainable and locally-driven project which could make an important contribution to London’s recovery from the pandemic. I really look forward to seeing these ambitious plans take shape,” commented Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. The competition winners have brought together an alliance of applied and creative specialists, including Kentish Town-based vPPR Architects, London artist Hew Locke, community consultation organisation Street Space and Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, among others. This multidisciplinary team incudes newly emerging local talent and internationally experienced firms, working together to design the Camden Highline as a considered resident amenity and ground-breaking visitor’s destination.

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New Hydrotherapy Pool Opens at Delamere School

New Hydrotherapy Pool Opens at Delamere School

Bolton-based Seddon has completed the £900,000 project to replace a 20-year-old hydrotherapy pool at Delamere School, to benefit pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Trafford. The project was funded by Trafford Council via the Department for Education’s SEND capital funding. Delamere School provides 80 places to support local children and is one of only three dedicated SEND schools in Trafford. Designed by Bowker Sadler Architecture (BSA), delivery of the project was also aided by structural engineer, Ridge and Partners LLP, and specialist pool installers, Unique Pool Ltd. The new hydrotherapy pool replaces the previous facilities which were well-worn and no longer fit-for-purpose. The existing pool area has been remodelled to provide a larger, more inclusive, and spacious changing facility. The extension houses a new level-deck pool to replace the existing one, which sat 600mm above floor level. Its design provides a level threshold and a modern pool hoist lift from the changing rooms into the pool, making direct entry into the water both easier and safer for those with reduced mobility. The new pool incorporates a stimulating bubble bed, colour changing/mood lighting, an audio system and image projection to enhance the sensory experience for the children. The hydrotherapy facility will prove to be a huge asset for the school by providing a wealth of benefits for children with SEND, helping to maintain joint and muscle movement and contributing to positive wellbeing. Fixed poolside seating offers parents and carers a comfortable place to watch their loved ones. During the build, the Seddon team worked with local sub-contractors and their own apprentices to offer live experience of the plumbing trade and to give a boost to local businesses, while the site management worked closely with the school to minimise disruption and maintain safety. This was commended by the headteacher throughout the build. “Bringing a project like this to life is an absolute pleasure. It was great to do our bit to improve these important facilities that benefit the school so much, by providing a more modern and usable space the children can get the very best support,” said John Shannon, divisional director at Seddon. “We were also able to undertake a site viewing with members of the children’s School Council, where they could see the works that were ongoing. Under the current circumstances, this really helped them to look forward to the new facility being completed, and I believe they were even reporting back to the staff about what pool toys and floats they want to add. We hope everyone at Delamere School and in the wider community can make the most of the new pool for years to come.” Pupils and staff were also given the opportunity to visit the site, as part of a safe, socially distanced tour while everything was under construction. The school plans to offer their improved and modern facilities to members of the local community, including plans for parent and baby classes. This will be scheduled around the school’s timetable and will maximise the benefit provided by this development. This will support the local community and generate much-needed income for the school to offset running costs and provide commercial sustainability for the facility. “The build has been completed on time by Seddon, which is unbelievable in the context of COVID. BSA inspired confidence that they understood the issues with our previous pool, and that they were experienced enough to deliver a high quality, bespoke product. They consulted at every stage, kept us very well informed and really cared about the success of our project and understood how much it meant to me and my children,” added Sally Burston, headteacher at Delamere School.

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Five Ways to Add Value to Your Home Quickly

Five Ways to Add Value to Your Home Quickly

Homeowners wishing to refresh and update their homes can look to five simple ways to add value to properties quickly, as suggested by home improvement experts. Whether you are looking to sell your home this year or simply wish to make changes to improve your living space, there are a number of ways you can add value to your property that will prove to be a worthwhile investment, lasting for years to come. As many of us are now spending more time indoors and working from home, it is important to consider upgrades to your home that can improve your quality of living and prospects of selling, so the home improvement experts at Stormclad have compiled their top suggestions for adding value to your home quickly. “With everyone spending more and more time in the comfort of their own homes during lockdown, the start of 2021 is the ideal time to make new and valuable home improvements. For homeowners thinking about selling their property this year to relocate – while it is now too late to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday before 31st March, it’s still worth ensuring your home is the best it can be to maximise your living enjoyment, and should the time come to put your property on the market, you know it will be ready for the future,” said Managing director of Stormclad, John Evans. “As home improvement experts with over 20 years’ experience, we have listed five ways you can add value to your home – from installing a conservatory, to upgrading windows and doors – giving your home a facelift will not only add value, but also guarantee quality fixtures that will last well into the future.” Here is the list of five ways to add value to your home: A new front door A front door is one of the first things that guests – and potential buyers if you’re selling your home – will notice in a property, so making a good first impression is key. Whether you are looking to make a quick sale in the current market or just want to add value to properties for the future, a new front door will improve the focal point of any home and help with the success of a sale. From the materials used, to the colour, glass and energy efficiency – there are many things to consider when choosing a new front door. The best way to begin is by ascertaining a realistic budget, so you can narrow down the most suitable options available to you. Aside from kerb appeal, a new front door will also help heat retention in your home, potentially saving you money on energy bills, as well as providing added security with the latest locking systems. Replace existing patio and back doors A new patio or back door can breathe new life into the interior and exterior of any property, adding unique character to all architectural home styles – from contemporary builds to period pieces – often maximising natural light in any property. With an array of patio door styles available including French doors, bi-folding doors and sliding doors, a back door upgrade can be a great way to bring the outdoors in, further securing access points and depending on the door option, improving the view out to a rear garden or courtyard – something you may find yourself yearning for as you spend more time at home. Replace windows Replacing windows is one of the single biggest improvements you can make to your home, with the largest impact. Not only will new windows improve the performance of your home in terms of energy efficiency, by retaining heat and regulating the temperature during the summer months, but it will also provide added security and aesthetic appeal to your property. Windows are one of the areas most prone to heat loss in the home, with single paned windows capable of emitting around 84% of a room’s heat. To safeguard your home for the future and add sell-on value, consider investing in double glazing to retain heat in your property and save money. Older windows can look outdated, so replacing them with a durable frame such as aluminium, will transform the look of your home outside and in, and continue to look smart over time. Refurbish your existing conservatory Conservatories that may be suffering with damp or a leaking roof, or struggling with temperature control, may be in need of refurbishment. Refurbishment is a great way to utilise some of the old components or rebuild a new structure on your old conservatory’s base to provide a refreshed space. Consider transforming an under-utilised conservatory into an entirely new room – such as somewhere to enjoy a hobby you have chosen to start in the new year. This can provide you with a tranquil place to escape to for some much-needed down time during lockdown, and will also demonstrate how the space can be used to potential buyers, if you’re looking to place your home on the market. A brand-new conservatory A brand-new conservatory extension is a great way to add a light and airy room to your home which can serve as a versatile space that could function as a dining room, living area, playroom or home office. This option may suit you and your family more than a traditional extension, as it will bring you closer to your garden or outdoor space, connecting you with nature, greenery and blue skies. It is a great option if you are looking to enjoy a peaceful setting, away from the rest of the house.

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Keepmoat Homes Secures Planning Permission to Build 125 New Homes in Burton Upon Trent

125 New Homes Receive Planning Permission

Keepmoat Homes has been planning permission to deliver over 100 new homes in Shobnall in Burton Upon Trent. East Staffordshire Borough Council has given the green light for the national housebuilder to transform the former IMEX Business Centre off Shobnall Road, which has been vacant for several years, into a new housing development. The 8.6-acre piece of land, now owned by Keepmoat Homes, has been purchased from Homes England to create 125 new homes, comprising of two, three, and four bedroom detached and semi-detached houses. “We’re delighted to have secured planning consent for this exciting new project. The development, which will be known as Malthouse Place, represents a £24 million investment into the area and our aim is to transform the disused site into a new and sustainable community, bringing much-needed new homes to Burton,” said Charlotte Goode, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes. “Using modern construction methods, the new homes will support first time buyers with their first steps onto the property ladder, and with assistance from the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme they will be able to achieve their dream of owning a new home which is within close proximity to the town centre and with great public transport connections.” As part of their commitment to create a sustainable community, Keepmoat Homes have pledged to support the local area and help generate opportunities in training and employment through the use of sub-contractors and work placements, which will be delivered throughout the lifetime of the project.    “Developing homes on brownfield land is at the heart of our mission and we’re pleased to be working with Keepmoat Homes to create a new neighbourhood in Burton upon Trent. We have a long and established relationship with the homebuilder and look forward to seeing construction commence at the development, which will bring about a range of high-quality homes that will meet the needs of the local people, from first time buyers to those looking to upsize.” Work is due to start on site in Spring 2021 and the development will take around two years to complete.  

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The Top 5 Most Luxurious Casinos in the World

What is the first image that pops up in your head, when you think about casinos? Probably, these attracting slot machines that light up dozens of colors. And what would be the first place that you would think of if you got asked about a luxurious casino to visit? There is a high chance that you would name Las Vegas with its hundreds of casinos of all types, where everyone can find something to their taste. Fair enough, because it is tacitly considered to be the center of the casino world – a place of luxury, gamble, and both happy and sad moments. Las Vegas might be a must-visit for many, but we may all agree on one thing – it has become somewhat, a cliché, since we’ve seen it so many times in the movies, travel shows and so on. Now, let’s explore the world of new, up-to-date abodes of the elite. Apart from being a high-end hotel for those, who opt for palatial accommodation, impeccable service and extensive facilities, this building in the shape of three columns with a giant ship on the top, also has a grand casino. It possesses more than 2,000 slot machines and around 500 tables for gaming.  After an evening at this paradise of gambling, you can have a swim at the rooftop pool with a view, which covers the whole city. Even Gclub Casino with their famous slot games can’t compete with that luxury. More than 500k square feet space, full of gambling tables and slot machines – pure pleasure for gamblers. What’s more, this place has multiple replicas of Venice’s most popular tourist attractions, including canals! Yes, you heard it right, you can have a boat ride down the canals right inside the building, what a wonder. You can see lots of such things in many casinos of Asian region. If you are a parent, you won’t have to worry about bringing your child in, since there is a big area for kids, where they can play and simply have some good time, interacting with their peers. This casino is one of the most luxurious and popular out there. It is an embodiment of luxury and wealth, so if you want to approach that lifestyle even if for a day, pay a visit to this wonderful place. You may also stop by the cars, parked at the entrance, to see what are the latest trends in the motor industry. The name of the casino itself, suggests us that spending some time there may result in the highest pleasure. Surrounded by one of the most beautiful national parks in South Africa, this casino provides its visitors with a real African experience. Once you see this place, with its large pool and all of the attractions the casino has to offer, you won’t regret travelling this far. One of the oldest casinos in the world is located alongside a high-end SPA resort. Even though this casino can’t boast of its grandiose size, it has a lot of other things to offer, otherwise Marlene Dietrich wouldn’t entitle it as the most beautiful casino in the world. The chandeliers, the furniture – all has the smell of luxury. Find our more about arabic real money earning games https://arabcasinohex.com/real-money-earning-games/ with HEX

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Office Design Inspired by Historic Covent Garden

Office Design Inspired by Historic Covent Garden

White Red Architects completes striking, 9,000 sqft office refurbishment in the heart of historic Covent Garden, at 12-13 Henrietta Street. 12-13 Henrietta Street comprises the refurbishment of speculative office space for client Royal London, including a new reception and common parts, taking inspiration from the surroundings and the nearby London Transport Museum. White Red Architects’ aim was to give this historic building back some of its personality; a stronger character that would connect it positively with the people that work there. They decided to step back from the traditional approach of focussing on the office floor plate and instead designed the shared reception as the centre of the proposal. “We didn’t want this to be just another indistinct, speculative office project. There was an opportunity in this historic building to tackle the challenge of office refurbishment differently and create something that prospective users might be really fond of. We were determined to adopt a daring design in this prestigious location and were grateful that our client embraced this approach,” added Joe Haire, director at White Red Architects. The shared reception area forms the centre of the proposal. Being visible from the street and the first space you enter it is vitally important to the building. It has been designed to double-up as both a traditional reception, controlling the flow of people into the building, but also as a space that invites you to wait, to socialise or work, making it a natural extension of the office spaces above. A generous solid oak ‘dining’ table occupies the centre of the space inviting groups to sit and talk while more discreet high benches around the perimeter and in the windows are placed for individuals to sit and work. This activity in the building’s entrance makes for a more attractive space to spend time and activates a previously dormant facade. Colour and shape have been used to add character. Racing green is already present throughout much of Covent Garden and this classical colour has been carried through the building in paint, floor resin, handmade tiles and acoustic panels, linking the spaces together. The distinctive arches that line the reception come from the beautiful Victorian ironwork of the semi-circular green windows of the London Transport Museum nearby. Also key to the character of the building is its historic facade. After years of neglect and pollution, the stone mouldings, brickwork and metalwork had dissolved into the background. The facade was thoroughly cleaned, brickwork repointed with lime mortar and the metalwork repainted, bringing the frontage back to life. The central attribute of the office floors is the racing green ductwork with golden ‘top hat’ diffusers against the structure of the concrete waffle slab above. Exposing structure and services is not typically seen in commercial spaces in this more traditional part of Central London, and so it was crucial that this was designed and set out neatly. White Red Architects worked closely with the M&E consultant in Revit to design and model every conduit, duct and detector. These were reflected in the developing CGIs and passed on to the Contractor during construction allowing the team to collectively control the process and be confident of the outcome. The services are fed by a central spine running down the centre of the long floor plates, concealed with a raft of acoustic panels. These panels are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. The fit-out and finish of the two office floors were approached differently. The third floor is finished as far as Cat A and more traditionally without colour, whilst the second floor is finished to Cat B, in full colour and includes meeting rooms, floor finishes, kitchen, desks, sofas and storage. This is the show floor and immediately ready for a prospective tenant to move in and start work. The furniture and furnishings have been selected in line with the character of the design and offer something bolder and more adventurous in what is typically a very reserved office market.

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