Enabling work kicks off for flagship 693-bedroom hub by Premier Inn on The Strand Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, has started construction enabling works on its flagship hub by Premier Inn hotel development at 5 Strand, a prime site just off Trafalgar Square
An underused multistorey car park in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into a green, sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the unique and independent ethos of the area. CBRE was appointed by Manchester City Council to market the Church Street site for disposal last year and, following a competitive
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has reached another milestone as engineers complete five consecutive weekends of critical work between Leeds and York, that will support the electrification of the railway. Following overhead line equipment (OLE) mast installation earlier in the year, 7.5km of wiring has now been completed between Micklefield
Throughout 2025 Ashe Construction has been looking for ways to reduce avoidable waste across its sites and has been asking for the support of subcontractors to achieve this. During the tendering process, clients often ask contractors how they are going to reduce the amount of waste through the delivery of
BPF advancing merger with AREF and IPF to create new representative body to be called Real Estate: UK Simon Carter, Chief Executive at British Land, today becomes President of the British Property Federation (BPF), succeeding Jessica Hardman, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Aboria Capital, who served as BPF President from
James Latham provides HIMACS® bringing style and strength to Lichfield Garrick Theatre’s stunning new ticket desk and bar areas The show begins long before the curtain rises at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. First impressions matter, and the theatre’s public spaces play a crucial role in shaping the audience’s experience. So, when architectural
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling systems, is proud to announce that its groundbreaking Sonify range has been awarded the internationally renowned iF DESIGN AWARD 2025. The award, a global symbol of design excellence, is presented by iF International Forum Design GmbH, one of the world’s oldest and
Lighting is playing an ever-increasingly important role in the circular economy. Luminaires are no longer seen as part of the disposable society, thanks to a recognition that they can be upgraded and refurbished to extend their lifetime. Responsible manufacturers are integrating this approach into the design of luminaires from the
Offsite housing specialist TALO has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Darren Pace as its new Head of Operations. He joins TALO as part of its continued expansion to further accelerate the delivery of ultra-low energy housing across the UK. His role is to enhance the client journey
What the new EU Buildings Directive means for planning, construction and building technology Hardly any regulation will change the construction and property industry as fundamentally in the coming years as the new EU Buildings Directive EPBD 2024. Many future topics are now gradually becoming mandatory: CO₂ balances in the energy
Enabling work kicks off for flagship 693-bedroom hub by Premier Inn on The Strand Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, has started construction enabling works on its flagship hub by Premier Inn hotel development at 5 Strand, a prime site just off Trafalgar Square in central London. The 693-bedroom hotel, which will be one of the largest budget hotels in London when it opens, is on a highly prominent and complex site metres from Charing Cross station and Nelson’s Column. Whitbread acquired the development site in August 2022 as part of its strategy to grow its presence in the popular London market. The £200m development, including land and construction costs, will comprise a 13-storey, 16,000 sq metre budget hotel, which is targeted to open in autumn 2028. John F Hunt Ltd. has been appointed for the construction enabling works which is now underway and expected to complete early next year. These works involve demolishing the remaining sections of the former office which once occupied the site, rebuilding to ground level, and constructing the hotel’s 14-storey core using slipform concrete construction. Whitbread is aiming to place the main construction contract this summer. Hester King, Project and Programme Manager for Whitbread, said: “Breaking ground at 5 Strand is a major milestone for Whitbread and a defining moment in the evolution of our hub by Premier Inn brand, which began its journey a decade ago at St Martins Lane in Covent Garden. “This flagship development – just metres from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Station – demonstrates our ability to secure, design, and deliver high-quality hotels in London’s most complex and sought-after locations. It reflects the breadth of our in-house expertise and Whitbread’s long-term commitment to growing its affordable hotel brands in the capital where branded budget hotels are in short supply. “Personally, leading the construction of such a prominent project is a career highlight and I’m very proud to be part of a team delivering a standout addition to our London network when the 693-bedroom hotel opens in 2028.” Whitbread secured planning permission for the development from Westminster City Council in October 2024. On opening the company expects around 150 team will work at the hotel, with recruitment focused within the City of Westminster and adjacent inner London boroughs. In line with the company’s sustainability programme, Force for Good, the hub by Premier Inn at 5 Strand is being designed to run solely on electricity generated from renewable sources. Whitbread is targeting to reduce the carbon emissions from its direct operations (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) to zero by 2040. hub by Premier Inn hotels offer compact hotel bedrooms – approximately half the size of a ‘standard’ Premier Inn room – with a contemporary design style, a focus on technology and a relaxed ‘Lounge’ style food and beverage offering. Whitbread currently operates nine Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels in the borough of Westminster and the company is a long-standing signatory of Westminster City Council’s Sustainable City Charter initiative. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An underused multistorey car park in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into a green, sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the unique and independent ethos of the area. CBRE was appointed by Manchester City Council to market the Church Street site for disposal last year and, following a competitive process, it is proposed that the Council will sell the 1.54acre (0.62ha) Church Street site to Glenbrook, subject to formal decision making and planning permission. The scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes, including 60 (20%) affordable homes, alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces. It is expected that the development should respect the heritage and architecture of the historic neighbourhood, helping to enhance the wider area and improve the car park site that has long fallen out of step with the wider locale. The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm, and to support active travel options to and through the area. A new flexible community and gallery space will also be part of the proposed development. The commercial space within the ground floor will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood – alongside units for food and beverage outlets. The development proposals commit to delivering high levels of sustainability, biodiversity and social value. The final legal negotiations with Glenbrook will conclude over the summer prior to public consultation to inform a future planning application. Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “For too long the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter. We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces. “As part of this, we want to make sure that the businesses that make their home here reflect the independent ethos of this community, complementing and helping to enhance the wider neighbourhood. As such, this development will also celebrate the distinct architectural heritage of the Northern Quarter and honour the history of the area. “We felt Glenbrook shared these ambitions, understood how the development of this site should sit within its context, and create a new neighbourhood that supports the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter and the wider city centre.” Director at Glenbrook, Ian Sherry commented: “The Church Street site represents a unique opportunity in the heart of the Northern Quarter, a neighbourhood and community that is alive with energy and creativity, and Glenbrook is delighted to play an important role in its future growth. “To be selected as the Council’s preferred purchaser is a huge accomplishment for our entire project team, who have all immersed themselves in the submission. We look forward to jointly delivering an outstanding project for the Northern Quarter community and supporting the city’s continued growth agenda that confidently projects its future as a globally recognised destination.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has reached another milestone as engineers complete five consecutive weekends of critical work between Leeds and York, that will support the electrification of the railway. Following overhead line equipment (OLE) mast installation earlier in the year, 7.5km of wiring has now been completed between Micklefield and Church Fenton, which will unlock faster, greener journeys in the future. Just to the east of this location, electric passenger services between York and Church Fenton are set to launch in the coming months, following last year’s successful switch-on between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge. In Cross Gates, Station Road bridge was also safely demolished and replaced so that OLE can be installed throughout the area. Around 750m of track was renewed between Killingbeck and Cross Gates, which will support smoother, more reliable travel. A new track crossover was also installed to allow trains to change from one line to another, which will enable the programme to keep more people moving on trains during a future stage of TRU delivery. Adam Sellers, senior sponsor for TRU, said: “This latest series of upgrades has taken us a step closer to the electrification of the route between York and Manchester. Wiring is now in place in the Barkston Ash area, whilst Cross Gates station can now facilitate the installation of OLE masts. “Work to deliver cleaner, greener services throughout this area will continue throughout the year, whilst attention also turns to the introduction of electric passenger services nearby, which is another huge milestone for the programme.” The delivery of these upgrades was made possible through a full closure of the line between Leeds and York, with close coordination between train operators including TransPennine Express and Northern. To keep passengers moving, diversionary routes and rail replacement buses were in operation across all five weekends. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Throughout 2025 Ashe Construction has been looking for ways to reduce avoidable waste across its sites and has been asking for the support of subcontractors to achieve this. During the tendering process, clients often ask contractors how they are going to reduce the amount of waste through the delivery of a contract. Contractors must prove that they are actively achieving the outcomes set out in their Net Zero target, and in turn reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Throughout the construction phase, waste can be reduced in a variety of ways, from minimising packaging waste and the use of single-use plastics, to reducing the environmental impact around disposing of materials left at the end of each work package. Ashe’s head of sustainability, James Bisco said: “We have a focus on seeing a 25% reduction in avoidable waste throughout 2025 as declared in roadmap to Net Zero. But this is an industry-wide issue and it’s not simple to fix so one of the ways we’re tackling the problem is by raising awareness of the wider impacts of construction waste and of disposal of materials which are fit to be reused elsewhere. This is why it’s so important to get the support of our subcontractors.” During recent trials of Ashe’s new sustainability audit process, James visited Shipston School where Ashe was carrying out a £2m refurbishment. James was struck by the amount of waste he saw in one skip on the site that was loaded with full lengths of construction products and with some still in their wrapping. He explains: “Construction traditionally generates a good deal of avoidable waste; these are generally over ordered materials which are thrown away once the contract package is complete. It is standard practice, everyone does it, the products have been paid for and ‘out of sight -out of mind’, but they could so easily be reused on another project. “I’m really interested in finding out how we can reduce waste. Could we more accurately estimate the amount of materials needed, for example, and could we reduce costs if more accurate material estimates were possible?” James asked the procurement team for Shipston School to contact contractor SEC MEP to find out if there was any way they could reduce their waste on the project. Lea Kane, sales director at SEC MEP arranged for the surplus materials on the project to be assessed. A toolbox talk with their team was quickly arranged resulting in the materials fit for purpose to be brought back to their head office stores to be reused on another project or returned to the wholesaler for a credit. Ashe’s question also triggered a senior management review of materials stored at SEC’s headquarters along with a full stock take of returned materials. Lea said: “The value of the items in our stores equated to £8.2k and we now have a comprehensive list of materials that can be used across our sites. We have put in place a new procedure for using the stores procurement schedule, as part of our overall procurement and waste management control in line with our ISO procedures. “We will always have some surplus materials like part cable drums, containment, pipe and consumables at the end of each project, and these can either be brought back to our stores or if some quantities are one-offs, they’ll get skipped for recycling.” SEC endeavours to return any larger quantities to the wholesaler for credits providing the packaging is not damaged. But one of the main concerns the company has currently is failure rates on products with manufacturers sometimes asking for faulty units to be returned or they write them off and are disposed of in a skip. Lea continues: “At SEC, we have contract reviews on all our projects to monitor costs and to review procurement schedules to ensure we are not over ordering and buying within our budgets. Therefore, the project managers have financial control including a three-quote system to obtain “best product and best buy” and we don’t have comfort for surplus materials on site or wastage. SEC also finds that clients changing their minds with variations can leave contracts with surplus materials and once paid for, wholesalers and manufactures are very reluctant to take them back, often charging a handling fee for a return if agreeable. Lea added: “SEC fully supports Ashe’s approach to its Road Map to Net Zero campaign, and we foresee ourselves providing evidence and KPIs to ensure the collaborative approach is met and fully supported across all our sites.” James concludes: “Contractors may not be able to influence wholesalers and manufacturers to make it easier to return unused items, but we’ve changed the way one of our subcontractors thinks about waste and if we can have this influence on all our projects, we’ll go a long way towards our target of a 25% reduction in avoidable waste on our sites.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BPF advancing merger with AREF and IPF to create new representative body to be called Real Estate: UK Simon Carter, Chief Executive at British Land, today becomes President of the British Property Federation (BPF), succeeding Jessica Hardman, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Aboria Capital, who served as BPF President from July 2024. Simon has been a member of the Board of British Land since 2018, first as Chief Financial Officer and as Chief Executive since 2020, where he oversees a diverse portfolio including mixed-use London campuses, retail parks and urban logistics, as well as the regeneration of a 53-acre site at Canada Water. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of Logicor and prior to that Finance Director of Quintain. Simon, who has been a BPF Board Member since 2023, will work closely with BPF Vice President Jo Allen (Chief Executive of Frogmore) and Melanie Leech, BPF Chief Executive, to champion the role of real estate in driving economic growth and regeneration and lead engagement with government to shape policy that supports long-term investment. Simon’s appointment also comes at a pivotal moment as the BPF, the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) and the Investment Property Forum (IPF) prepare to ask their members to vote on a proposal to merge and create a new representative body for the industry. It is announced today that the new organisation would be named Real Estate: UK (RE:UK). Simon Carter, Chief Executive at British Land and BPF President, said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of President of the British Property Federation. Our industry plays a vital role in shaping places and supporting communities across the country, and makes an enormous contribution to the UK economy in creating jobs, unlocking investment and enabling innovation. “Under Jessica’s leadership the BPF has seen significant success in securing crucial policy interventions and support that will unlock investment into UK real estate. I look forward to building on that strong foundation to ensure the Government fully harnesses the power of our sector. “I hope that our members will endorse our vision to build an even more powerful new industry body in RE:UK, and look forward to taking the baton from Jessica to oversee that transition during my Presidency.” Melanie Leech, Chief Executive, British Property Federation, said: “This is a critical time for our industry as we work with Government to deliver the homes, workspaces and infrastructure needed to reboot the economy and drive growth. “Simon’s extensive experience and knowledge across finance and development will be invaluable as we manage the twin challenges of helping to shape policy that will unlock investment and accelerate delivery, and – if our members agree – transitioning to a new organisation building on the strengths of the BPF, AREF and IPF. “I would also like to thank Jessica for her dedication and outstanding leadership over the past year as we have developed and refined our plans for a new body that will represent the full breadth of the real estate sector and amplify our voice.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
James Latham provides HIMACS® bringing style and strength to Lichfield Garrick Theatre’s stunning new ticket desk and bar areas The show begins long before the curtain rises at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. First impressions matter, and the theatre’s public spaces play a crucial role in shaping the audience’s experience. So, when architectural practice Design Unlimited was tasked with redesigning the venue’s busy box office and bar area, two of the venue’s most high-traffic spaces, they needed a solution that was both visually striking and built to last. To meet the challenge, the team partnered with Medlock FRB and James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of timber, panels and decorative panels. Together, they chose HIMACS, an advanced solid surface known for its design flexibility and durability, to bring their vision to life. Let’s take a closer look behind the scenes at how this transformative project came together… The essential warm-up act The Garrick’s bold brand colours, including vibrant yellows, blues, greens, and pinks, meant any new addition to the space needed to hold its own, but not compete. To balance the scheme, Designs Unlimited opted for a calm, neutral backdrop for the new box office. At the heart of this vision was a sculptural reception desk specified to be understated yet impactful. For this, Designs Unlimited was set on using HIMACS in Arctic White. Sourced through James Latham and crafted in collaboration with Medlock FRB the solid surface material was key to realising their concept. HIMACS’s ability to be seamlessly joined and its thermoformable properties made it possible to create a fluid, continuous surface, allowing for a subtle dropped section to accommodate wheelchair users. This thoughtful detail blends effortlessly into the overall design, reflecting the theatre’s commitment to inclusivity without drawing attention to accessibility features. As Jo Heyse-Moore, lead interior designer on the project explains, “The box office is the first stop for most visitors, so we wanted it to be instantly recognisable, which is why we used plain tones that contrast with the expressive colours that feature elsewhere. The ability to cut, bend, twist, and shape the HIMACS sheets meant that we could be far more playful with the furniture’s structure, giving it its own identity. It immediately stands out as a prominent feature, performing an artistic purpose as well as a functional one, much like material itself.” HIMACS Bar None HIMACS wasn’t just chosen for its sleek aesthetic, it ticked every box when it came to performance. With excellent impact and scratch resistance, a non-porous surface, and the ability to seamlessly join sheets, it’s hygienic, durable, and easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for the bustling bar areas of the theatre. Designs Unlimited selected HIMACS in Ebony Concrete for the back-of-bar workspaces, where the surface must withstand constant use, from food prep, and drink spills, to the occasional broken glass. Its durability is matched by long-term value, too, thanks to a 15-year limited warranty that extends the refurbishment cycle, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. “Designing for bar areas is a unique challenge,” explains Heyse-Moore. “They need to look inviting to customers, but the working areas behind the bar see heavy use and require frequent cleaning. That puts pressure on the materials we specify, especially for surfaces.” She adds, “Stainless steel is a popular choice, but it scratches and dents easily. Timber is beautiful but needs a lot of upkeep to stay that way. HIMACS offered the best of both worlds – robust performance with a premium finish. And the colour range is impeccable. While we stuck to neutrals for this space, the bold shades open up exciting possibilities for future projects.” To find out more about HIMACS, click here. To find out more about James Latham and its extensive catalogue of premium décors click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling systems, is proud to announce that its groundbreaking Sonify range has been awarded the internationally renowned iF DESIGN AWARD 2025. The award, a global symbol of design excellence, is presented by iF International Forum Design GmbH, one of the world’s oldest and most respected independent design organisations. The Sonify innovation won in the Product Discipline, Building Technology Category, distinguishing itself from nearly 11,000 entries submitted from 66 countries. This prestigious recognition affirms Zentia’s dedication to innovation, functionality, and aesthetic excellence in architectural design. Sonify by Zentia redefines the possibilities in acoustic ceiling solutions. At its core is a patented fastening system that delivers unprecedented precision in rafts and baffles alignment while reducing installation time by up to 50%. This design breakthrough ensures a faster, more efficient construction process without compromising design quality. Sonify empowers architects and designers with complete planning reliability, from concept to completion. Produced in the North East of England, the system offers exceptional lead times and a wide range of customisable shapes and colour options, allowing for total creative freedom. Whether for educational, commercial, or cultural environments, Sonify adapts to diverse architectural needs while maintaining acoustic performance and visual impact. “Winning the iF Design Award 2025 is a tremendous honour and a proud moment for everyone at Zentia,” said Gert Van Doormalen, Managing Director, at Zentia. “Sonify represents our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, innovation,acoustic performance and ease of installation. From its inception, our goal was to create a system that not only meets technical requirements but elevates the sensory experience of a space, how it sounds, how it feels, and how it inspires. Receiving this recognition is a proud milestone for our team, whose hard work, creativity, and belief in what Sonify could achieve has truly paid off. What’s even more exciting is seeing Sonify already in use on a diverse range of real-world projects, bringing dynamic, design-led acoustic solutions to life. This award is more than a celebration; it’s a validation of our vision and a powerful motivator as we continue to support architects and designers across the UK and beyond in rethinking what ceilings can do.”” The international jury, composed of 131 independent design experts from across the globe, praised Sonify’s blend of technical sophistication, user-focused design, and architectural versatility. The award reinforces Zentia’s position at the forefront of ceiling innovation and celebrates its ongoing commitment to elevating interior environments through smart, sustainable solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lighting is playing an ever-increasingly important role in the circular economy. Luminaires are no longer seen as part of the disposable society, thanks to a recognition that they can be upgraded and refurbished to extend their lifetime. Responsible manufacturers are integrating this approach into the design of luminaires from the outset, providing greater convenience to sustainability. David Goddard, Head of UK Projects from LEDVANCE explores this principle. For many years the lighting industry faced the challenge of reducing electronic waste. The barrier to achieving this was the limited lifespan that traditional light sources, and even early generation LEDs, offered. To address this, responsible manufacturers have adopted manufacturing practices that enable luminaires to be part of the circular economy. At its heart, the circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves reusing, repairing, refurbishing existing products for as long as possible. The lifecycle of products is subsequently extended and is a move away from the linear economic model society had become reliant on. The unsustainable linear model is one which involves large quantities of cheap, and therefore rapidly disposable, products. These are never recycled or upgraded and ultimately end up being sent to landfill on an all too frequent basis. One example of the circular economy in practice is LEDVANCE’s EVERLOOP approach. This principle enables the replacement of individual light sources and drivers in a convenient way, rather than having to replace luminaires in their entirety. The purpose behind EVERLOOP is that it is integrated into the LED from the offset, allowing for the straightforward upgrade with new drivers and new LED light sources at any time. This means the luminaires have an almost unlimited lifespan. The ease of replacement is key to the success of this sustainability practice. Having the ability to change the driver and light source embedded into the luminaire offers a convenient choice for many across the industry. This includes installers, planners, and facilities managers, among others wanting to secure sustainable efficiency of industrial and office applications, as well as public buildings. The EVERLOOP approach is one way that LEDVANCE is contributing to the EU’s plan to reduce electronic waste. As well as meeting legislative requirements and targets, it also represents how lighting manufacturers are demonstrating efforts and measures that go above and beyond to address sustainability matters. There are many reasons why focusing on the reduction of electronic waste is crucial. Firstly, the re-use of existing products slows down the use of natural resources and raw materials. This means a reduction in landscape and habitat disruption as materials do not need to be mined. A circular economy further protects the natural environment by lowering the amount of waste that is sent to landfill, or disposed of through burning. Figures from the World Resources Institute show that each year, 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced globally. This is in addition to 54 million tonnes of electronic waste. Designing products that can be used for much longer will reduce waste levels, and therefore pressure on the environment. Adding to this, creating more efficient and sustainable products from the beginning of its lifecycle helps to lower energy and resource consumption. This is because, according to research published by the European Parliament, it is estimated that more than 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined during the design phase. To put this into context, data shows that around 45% of global greenhouse gas comes from product use and manufacturing. By implementing circular economy strategies that reduce this need to keep producing more and more, will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. This has the ability to reduce and potentially reverse some of the negative implications of climate change. The circular economy also secures benefits that go beyond the individual products themselves. A reduction in the number of new products also lowers the associated packaging that needs to be disposed of. By upgrading the products that are in situ, there is less packaging for the replacement products – only what is needed to transport and store them safely. This in turn lowers the amount of waste, that in too many cases is still non-recyclable, that will be sent to landfill. The role of lighting in the circular economy is clear to see, especially when there is an easy solution to challenging the outdated and detrimental linear model. The move to refurbishing and upgrading luminaires is becoming increasingly commonplace, and LEDVANCE is proud to be part of this movement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Offsite housing specialist TALO has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Darren Pace as its new Head of Operations. He joins TALO as part of its continued expansion to further accelerate the delivery of ultra-low energy housing across the UK. His role is to enhance the client journey post-planning, including offsite manufacturing and site installation. Darren brings around 30 years of experience to his new role, having worked in both timber-framed construction and MMC for a number of industry leaders. Most recently, he led the construction of luxury homes in the Cotswolds for a global developer, which used timber offsite technology. At TALO, Darren will lead all aspects of project delivery, working closely with developer clients and housebuilders, their design teams, and TALO’s offsite manufacturing and logistics operations to ensure seamless project delivery to exceptional standards. Bengt Magnussen, Commercial Director at TALO: “Darren’s deep operational knowledge of all types of housing delivery, together with his passion for improving outcomes, is exactly what we need to help scale TALO’s impact. With his project leadership and a series of other new appointments, we are strengthening the entire product lifecycle – from design to delivery – and ensuring our clients benefit from an integrated, high-quality experience that lends itself very well to repeat business.” Darren Pace, Head of Operations at TALO: “TALO is doing something genuinely different. I have worked extensively with a number of different timber-framed systems for three decades, and the standard way of doing things has barely changed in that time. The housebuilding industry still uses wet timber and so has to accept shrinkage, cracking and weather-related delays. But that shouldn’t be the norm. TALO’s entirely dry, high-performance system avoids all of that. It is about speed, consistency, and quality. I am excited to help our clients deliver better homes, more quickly – ultra-low energy homes that exceed Passivhaus standards, and that aren’t handed over with snag lists. I also feel passionately about TALO’s wider vision to eradicate fuel poverty.” TALO’s panelised timber superstructure is currently manufactured in Finland using slow grown, dry Nordic timber. The system arrives on site complete with insulation, triple glazing, and internal plaster boarding. This dry, closed-panel solution ensures homes are watertight within days – not weeks – enabling faster fitout and higher performance for air tightness and insulation. As Head of Operations, Darren will work closely with TALO’s commercial and design teams to ensure a seamless transition from project inception to handover. Together, they will give housebuilding clients a streamlined pathway to achieve better quality, ultra-low energy housing with less risk, cost efficiency, fewer trades on site, shorter build times, faster return on investment and earlier occupation. TALO partners with residential developers, housebuilders and architects to deliver homes that radically exceed UK Building Regulations and the new Future Homes Standard – at no cost premium. Applications include homes for market sale, private rent, shared ownership and affordable housing. TALO’s solutions for low rise housing include the highly engineered timber superstructure, energy package and standardised foundations to enhance build quality, and deliver outstanding energy performance, verified by independent testing. For more information about TALO’s timber offsite solutions for housebuilders and property developers, see www.talo.co.uk or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
What the new EU Buildings Directive means for planning, construction and building technology Hardly any regulation will change the construction and property industry as fundamentally in the coming years as the new EU Buildings Directive EPBD 2024. Many future topics are now gradually becoming mandatory: CO₂ balances in the energy performance certificate, the phase-out of fossil heating systems, zero-emission standards for new buildings and digital building models for every project. Many people are now asking themselves: Are our existing processes and products still sufficient? What specific requirements will we face? And when? If you wait too long, you run the risk of being left out of tenders, authorisations or financing. The good news is that those who deal with the new requirements in good time can not only avoid risks, but also gain competitive advantages. The revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024) came into force on 28 May 2024. It forms the regulatory framework for the decarbonisation of the European building sector. The EPBD 2024 sets binding targets, minimum standards and verification obligations. All member states must transpose the requirements into national law within 24 months. The aim of the directive is to make the EU’s building stock climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest. The pressure to act is high: buildings currently account for around 40 per cent of energy consumption and 35 per cent of CO₂ emissions. Three quarters of existing buildings are considered energy inefficient and the annual refurbishment rate is just one per cent. The EPBD 2024 aims to significantly improve these values. The directive requires specific measures to be taken over the entire life cycle of a building: from planning, construction and operation through to dismantling and disposal. The decisive factor here is not just the energy requirement during operation, but the overall balance of all emissions. Overview of the five core areas of the EPBD Directive 2024 The EPBD 2024 not only places new requirements on buildings, but also restructures the rules for planning, construction and operation. The focus is on five central requirements: From 2030, new buildings must no longer have any CO₂ emissions caused on site. This will already apply to new public buildings from 2028. Energy requirements must be low and covered by renewable sources. At least 16 per cent of non-residential buildings with the worst efficiency class must be renovated by 2030, and as many as 26 per cent by 2033. National reduction targets for primary energy consumption apply to residential buildings. From 2025, subsidies for new fossil fuel boilers will be cancelled. The complete phase-out is to take place by 2040 at the latest. Member states can issue national installation bans. From 2028, the global warming potential of new buildings with more than 1,000 m² must be shown in the energy performance certificate, and from 2030 for all new buildings. The entire life cycle is assessed. BIM models, digital verification systems and automated monitoring solutions are becoming mandatory. They serve as the basis for planning, operation, verification and funding. Why the EPBD Directive 2024 is also changing building technology With the EPBD 2024, technical building equipment is also moving to the centre of the CO₂ assessment for the first time. In future, pipework systems, insulation materials and distribution systems will have to demonstrate their environmental impact over their entire life cycle: from production to dismantling. Grey energy is particularly relevant here – i.e. the emissions generated during the manufacture, transport, installation, maintenance and disposal of a building product. In energy-efficient new buildings, it often accounts for more than 50 per cent of total emissions. From 2028, the corresponding data must be included in the energy performance certificate, and from 2030 for all new buildings. This also changes the role of products. Systems with verified environmental product declarations (EPD) and digital interfaces for BIM models and carbon footprints are required. How aquatherm contributes to the achievement of objectives with documented pipe systems aquatherm piping systems are documented in accordance with the future requirements of the EPBD. All relevant environmental data is available in the form of verified environmental product declarations (EPDs). The aquatherm EPDs are based on a cradle-to-gate approach and cover the life cycle from raw material extraction to the factory gate. In addition, the aquatherm environmental product declarations also include modules C (disposal phase) and D (next product system) in accordance with the requirements of EN 15804+A2. The environmental product declarations are not only the basis for CO₂ balances in the energy performance certificate, but also for sustainability certificates such as LEED, BREEAM and DGNB. Roadmap in several phases The EPBD 2024 is more than just a technical specification. It is a roadmap with clear deadlines, binding targets and specific requirements. It will be implemented in several phases. The new aquatherm white paper, which can be downloaded at https://info.aquatherm.de/en/whitepaper-epbd-directive, also provides all the important details on the EPBD 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
