Wolseley Infrastructure has unveiled an exclusive look in to Fusion Utilities’ brand new and highly anticipated Horizon 29 site in Chesterfield. The new state-of-the-art warehouse, which became operational on the 1st July, will be officially launched to the public this September and will see Fusion consolidate four operations across two
Work has begun on the refurbishment of two vacant industrial/warehouse assets that will deliver more than 100,000 sq ft of Grade A accommodation in the UK’s logistics ‘golden triangle’. Formerly occupied by Knights of Old, the two properties were acquired by Cabot’s Industrial Value Fund VII in April 2024. This
Sarah Garry, CEO of the Property Care Association (PCA) has been appointed to the CITB Nations Council (England). The trade body leader has joined as an Employer Member, working alongside ten other representatives, and alongside the Nations Councils for Wales and Scotland, will provide evidence from the industry to help
Agratas, Tata’s gigafactory company, has appointed Sir Robert McAlpine to develop the new facility near Bridgwater in Somerset. Sir Robert McAlpine will commence preparations for the development, which is expected to be operational in 2026. Preparatory works have been ongoing at the site for several months, with piling for Building
The latest expansion of Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead has reached a key milestone, as new units begin to take shape. Leading investor, owner and developer of logistics property, Prologis UK has commenced erecting the steel frames for five of the most innovative new logistics facilities in the UK market. Steelworks
The Oxford Trust has submitted plans to Oxford City Council for its new Aspen Building to be built at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford, to provide additional laboratory and office grow-on space for science and tech start-ups. The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation, named
A significant milestone in the delivery of 81 affordable, low-energy homes at Greenhill Centre in Newham has been marked with an official topping-out ceremony. Higgins Partnerships was joined by the Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiza OBE and its partners Newham Council to celebrate the progress being made in delivering these
Leading regional housing association Bromford has retained its A+ stable credit rating from S&P Global Ratings. S&P highlighted Bromford’s “solid management expertise”, “prudent cost planning and financial headroom”, and “very strong liquidity” as key factors in their decision to maintain the A+ stable rating. The agency carried out its latest
Celebrating the release of their new customer portal app, Faraday Connect, leading property management and surveying agents Faraday are proud to continually evolve and improve their customers’ experience. As the first of many developments and with over 4,000 app downloads, the launch of the Faraday Connect app marks a milestone
Cala Homes has completed its first net-zero-carbon enabled home at its Hampton Lakes development in Peterborough. The project demonstrates Cala’s commitment to sustainable construction and will test the housebuilder’s net zero principles, providing essential learning to help inform Cala’s approach in the future. Residents will soon move into the four-bedroom
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Wolseley Infrastructure has unveiled an exclusive look in to Fusion Utilities’ brand new and highly anticipated Horizon 29 site in Chesterfield. The new state-of-the-art warehouse, which became operational on the 1st July, will be officially launched to the public this September and will see Fusion consolidate four operations across two locations into just one. The new facility will enable Fusion Utilities to house the biggest range of utilities products to provide better availability than ever before to its customers. In a newly released video, Wolseley Infrastructure reveals the completed interiors of Horizon 29 including its warehousing spaces. The Chesterfield-based site’s prime location at Junction 29A off the M1 offers unparalleled accessibility across the UK enabling Fusion Utilities to deliver stock quickly and efficiently around the country, keeping infrastructure projects running smoothly. The site will be used as both a fulfilment centre for delivering stock directly to customers as well as a central location for stock replenishment for Fusion Utilities’ nationwide branch network. The new Horizon 29 site has enabled Fusion Utilities to upgrade from 86,000 sq. ft of warehouse space to 150,000 sq. ft space. The multi-functional space can hold up to 4,000 pallets alongside offering cable cutting facilities and an advanced hire workshop for best-in-class service. The enhanced warehouse space is complimented by an increased yard space, growing from 0.5 acres to 2.34 acres. The new site seamlessly integrates warehouse and office space for optimised efficiency and service quality. Horizon 29 has been designed with Fusion Utilities’ commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint in mind. The new site features environmentally friendly features including 14 EV charging points, using natural light optimised for visibility and a large recycling centre. Simon Dennis, former National Operations Director at Wolseley Infrastructure said: “We are thrilled with our new warehouse and are excited to give people a look inside before the official launch in September. The investment in Horizon 29 highlights our dedication and unwavering commitment to adaptability and excellence in customer service delivery. Horizon 29 will ensure we can remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of our customers, allowing us to better serve both them and their communities.” “With the Horizon site, we’re not just investing in infrastructure, we’re investing in our capacity to deliver exceptional service and support that puts our customers first.” With the site opening officially to the public in September, Fusion Utilities will be unlocking a brand-new chapter of innovation and service excellence. This landmark development emphasises Wolseley’s commitment to unparalleled service and innovation in the Utilities sector. To find out more about Wolseley Infrastructure and its brands, visit here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has begun on the refurbishment of two vacant industrial/warehouse assets that will deliver more than 100,000 sq ft of Grade A accommodation in the UK’s logistics ‘golden triangle’. Formerly occupied by Knights of Old, the two properties were acquired by Cabot’s Industrial Value Fund VII in April 2024. This represented the Fund’s 4th investment in the UK, and Cabot’s 52nd investment overall in the UK since 2012. Cabot Kettering comprises a pair of modern, detached units on an 8.11-acre plot (site cover of 27%) at Kettering Venture Park, a premier distribution location in Northamptonshire, off Jct 9 of the A14. The largest of the units is Cabot Kettering 86, an 86,148 sq ft warehouse, which lies adjacent to Cabot Kettering 15, a separate building of 15,233 sq ft. The two units will be made available as a whole or on an individual basis. Cabot Kettering 86 benefits from an additional 14,000 sq ft covered loading canopy. Both units will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment, and upon delivery provide Grade A space as well as an upgrade to the available power supply to a minimum of 750 KvA. The scheme will target EPC A and BREEAM In-Use certification in cooperation with prospective new occupiers. The site offers outstanding flexibility for users, providing ample space for truck parking and manoeuvrability, along with high visibility and presence along the A14. The refurbished units are expected to be available from Q4 2024. Jed Raymond, director of asset management for UK and Europe, said: “Our team continues to source and execute on value-add opportunities in the UK. Cabot Kettering is one of several refurbishment or development projects we’re undertaking in order to bring modern products to market. We’re excited to see this project take shape in the coming months.” Christian Smith, industrial and logistics director at Savills Birmingham, said: “This represents a great opportunity to bring high quality buildings to a market lacking in stock, in a popular location. The large secure yards on each building mean they will appeal to both warehouse and industrial occupiers alike.” Richard Baker, director of Prop-Search, said: “Cabot Kettering will bring some much needed Grade A space to the market and we are confident that it will be sought after by local, regional and national occupiers, and we look forward to bringing it to the market.” Cabot Kettering is located on the southern edge of Kettering and provides direct access to the motorway network, including M1 and M6 to the west and A1 (M) and M11 to the east. The site benefits from a mainline railway service, with connections to London St Pancras International, and connects to the UK’s largest container port at Felixstowe. For more information on availability at Cabot Kettering, please contact retained agents, Prop-Search and Savills or visit: https://www.cabotkettering.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sarah Garry, CEO of the Property Care Association (PCA) has been appointed to the CITB Nations Council (England). The trade body leader has joined as an Employer Member, working alongside ten other representatives, and alongside the Nations Councils for Wales and Scotland, will provide evidence from the industry to help shape CITB’s strategic plan. Sarah’s appointment comes after she joined the PCA in November 2023, with a remit to draw on her extensive experience in membership associations. Her work with the Association includes amplifying links with Government and policymakers and developing an agile training programme to meet the demands for a modern, healthy and energy-efficient housing stock for all in the UK. Sarah said: “There’s never been a greater need to focus on skills for the future, and I am really pleased to be taking up the CITB role to help shape that. “I’ll be actively pushing for more accessible training for PCA members and the wider sector and looking at ways we can signpost the industry to claim the right funding. “We are going through major changes in the construction sector, with factors such as the Building Safety Act requiring competence to be demonstrated across all building work. “Training is going to be vital and CITB is going to have a role in ensuring that. “With factors such as energy efficiency and climate having an impact on the UK’s current housing stock, PCA members have the expertise to play a key role in upgrading homes, whilst contributing their technical knowledge so that new homes can be built and existing homes can be retrofitted, safely and sustainably. “There are careers for everyone in the construction industry and we need to attract more talent and inspire them to play a part in providing healthy and safe homes.” The PCA is the leading representative organisation for the UK’s building protection industry, with a skilled and audited membership operating across domestic, commercial and civil sectors in the structural repair, structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp protection, flood remediation and invasive weed control industries. Focused on the complete building envelope, its members’ expertise protects the integrity and comfort of domestic buildings in both new build and refurbishment projects, guarding against moisture damage, damp, mould and decay. They also deliver cutting edge techniques to protect commercial and civil structures against water penetration and ground gases, as well using the latest scientific methods to tackle invasive weeds, including Japanese Knotweed, across all urban, rural and watercourse environments. Sarah added: “One in eight people in the UK work in construction and the wide variety of opportunities within our membership profile lends itself to interesting and varied career choices. “The PCA will be further developing training programmes and initiatives that ensure new recruits benefit from long-lasting careers, and have the technical expertise to support building owners and tenants, framed around the Government’s need to transform the nation’s homes. “This approach aligns with the CITB’s role to help the construction industry attract talent and to support skills development and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Agratas, Tata’s gigafactory company, has appointed Sir Robert McAlpine to develop the new facility near Bridgwater in Somerset. Sir Robert McAlpine will commence preparations for the development, which is expected to be operational in 2026. Preparatory works have been ongoing at the site for several months, with piling for Building One set to begin in the coming weeks. Joe Hibbert, VP for Capital Projects at Agratas, commented: “The beginning of this partnership with Sir Robert McAlpine is another pivotal moment for our nationally significant project. The team brings an unrivalled commitment to technical excellence, client service, sustainability, and exemplary project delivery, and most importantly, they live and breathe our shared vision of placing community at the heart of everything we do.” Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover will be the main UK customer, but the batteries will likely also be used by other automotive companies and in energy storage solutions. Once all phases of construction are complete, the 40GWh facility is set to be the largest of its kind in the UK and by the early 2030s will contribute almost half of the projected battery manufacturing capacity required for the UK automotive sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest expansion of Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead has reached a key milestone, as new units begin to take shape. Leading investor, owner and developer of logistics property, Prologis UK has commenced erecting the steel frames for five of the most innovative new logistics facilities in the UK market. Steelworks have been completed on two units with work progressing on the remaining three units. The units, ranging between 20,000 and 75,000 sq. ft., will introduce a further 280,000 sq. ft. of prime industrial and logistics (I&L) space to Hemel Hempstead. The expansion, under construction at Maylands Business Park, is an example of Prologis’ commitment to pushing the boundaries with market-leading design features focused on sustainability, customer and community needs. Directly addressing the growing need for office space to complement logistics and fulfilment operations in the area, three of the five new units will be built with flexible mezzanine spaces above the dock doors. Making use of the space above loading dock doors is an innovative new design approach, allowing for either office areas to be expanded, or configured to provide extra storage space, benchwork, assembly or racking, across the lifespan of the unit. Also featured in the new unit designs are terraces, directly accessible from the first-floor offices, increasing the amenity space available and employee wellbeing allowing them to easily access further outdoor space for breaks. Each of the new units will also come complete with well-appointed external amenities such as cycle shelters with green roofs and repair points, timber benches and extensive landscaping, as well as capability for electric bike charging. As construction has progressed, Prologis UK has planned significant new strategies to further reduce carbon emissions, through the use of cement replacement in concrete, and steel produced in an electric arc furnace, which emits 65 per cent less carbon than traditional blast furnace manufacturing. This environment-first approach has been further implemented during the construction phase with the site cabins being powered by hydrogenated vegetable oil. Overall, Prologis expects to drive out around 2,400 tonnes of embodied carbon from the project through these measures. The new units are also being built with the future in mind and the installation of large photovoltaic arrays generating between 49,000 and 228,000 kWh per annum, will allow them to generate their own energy reducing reliance on grid power. Leading the way in sustainable development, all five of the units will achieve net-zero regulated energy use in line with the requirements of an EPC A+-rated building and embodied carbon will be measured, reduced and mitigated in line with the UKGBC net zero carbon framework. Pioneering best practice, each unit is on track to achieve BREEAM “Outstanding”, awarded to less than 1% of non-domestic buildings. This industry-leading rating is the result of integrating cutting-edge technologies and design principles to reduce environmental impact, highlighting Prologis UK’s exceptional commitment to sustainability. Martin Cooper, VP Development Management at Prologis UK, said: “These are exemplar sustainable buildings that are designed to suit our customers’ needs now, whilst ensuring long-term flexibility and future proofing. We’ve worked closely with local authorities to provide an outstanding Prologis Park setting and surroundings, reinforcing Hemel Hempstead as a leading destination for long term growth.” The expansion of Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead is set to be completed in January 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Oxford Trust has submitted plans to Oxford City Council for its new Aspen Building to be built at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford, to provide additional laboratory and office grow-on space for science and tech start-ups. The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation, named after the Trust’s late founder Sir Martin Wood’s favourite tree, has been designed in response to the increased demand for grow-on laboratory space in Oxford, particularly within the globally significant Headington Science Cluster. It will enable the Trust to further its mission and support for scientific research, discovery and education. It will total 12,926 sq ft (1,200 sq m) over two floors to provide flexible CL II laboratory and office space. The building will also include a new STEM resources and preparation room that will allow the Trust to support the increase in demand for its outreach delivery to schools across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire as well as local communities and further the impact of its Science Oxford education programme. The building will target BREEAM Excellent and include photovoltaic roof panels, a green wall, cycle parking, shower and locker facilities and a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain to enhance its surrounding 15-acres of woodlands, ponds and grassland. Harvesting and storing rainwater will provide grey water for toilets and, separately, additional flow for the ponds. The Aspen Building has been sensitively and sustainably designed and carefully positioned in the site on the existing car park to fit into its surroundings by a leading group of local architects, landscape designers, ecologists, project managers and planning consultants. The design will mirror and complement the existing buildings and will be landscaped to enhance the site. Car parking will remain at the same level and, to continue the encouragement of sustainable travel, additional rapid electric vehicle charging bays will help the adoption of this technology. The Wood Centre for Innovation, which was opened in 2019 and is also the Trust’s HQ, totals 14,961 sq ft (1,390 sq m) of CL II laboratory and workspace across two floors and is home to pioneering science and technology companies, Barclays Eagle Lab incubator and Oxford Hospital Charity which together employ 191 people. Companies include: DJS Antibodies, PicturaBio, Helio Display Materials, RedShiftBio, Jack Fertility, Samsara Therapeutics, Lumai and Spintex. The Wood Centre for Innovation adjoins the Trust’s Science Oxford Centre, which is the first indoor-outdoor hands-on science education centre for primary-aged children in the UK. Since opening the Centre five years ago, Science Oxford has run more than 600 term time school visits and 240 Family Days on Saturdays. Under the Trust’s charitable business model, the funds generated from leasing the laboratory and office space will be reinvested in its innovation and STEM education and engagement programmes. Steve Burgess, chief executive officer, The Oxford Trust said: “All our Wood Centre for Innovation companies are pushing the boundaries of research and development with breakthroughs in biotech and deep tech, driving positive change. “This multi-million pound investment funded by the Trust underlines our commitment to the Headington Science Cluster. The Aspen Building will mean we can continue expanding our support of science and tech start-ups by providing high-quality R&D lab and office space for grow-on companies to further scientific research and discovery, create local jobs, and contribute to Oxfordshire’s impressive wider innovation ecosystem. “The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation will also allow the Trust to further expand the impact of its Science Oxford education programme with a new resources and preparation room to support the growing demand for outreach delivery in local schools and communities. We hope to inspire even more young people about the wonders of STEM.” Glen Moses, architect and project director, ADP Architecture added: “Our brief was to design a new carbon-efficient building with flexible laboratory and workspace to both enhance the Wood Centre for Innovation site and sit beautifully within its surroundings. We have worked hard with the consultancy team and carried out public consultation with the Trust to ensure that the Aspen Building is low impact while helping to boost life-enhancing discovery. It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to build on the success of the Science Oxford Centre and the Wood Centre for Innovation and to assist The Oxford Trust in continuing is mission on its important and sensitive site in Headington.” The project team includes ADP Architecture, Carter Jonas, BSG Ecology, Landshape, Glanville, Gleeds, Sylva Trees and CPW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A significant milestone in the delivery of 81 affordable, low-energy homes at Greenhill Centre in Newham has been marked with an official topping-out ceremony. Higgins Partnerships was joined by the Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiza OBE and its partners Newham Council to celebrate the progress being made in delivering these new homes, which will achieve Passivhaus Classic certification. This ensures the homes will have reduced energy costs and improved comfort and air quality for residents. Located in Manor Park, the development features three blocks: an eight storey building, a five storey building and a multi-level building with heights varying from two to seven storeys. Of of the 81 homes, 56 will be available at London Affordable Rent and 25 will be offered for low-cost shared ownership, with partial funding from the Greater London Authority. Designed by architects Haworth Tomkins, the scheme will also include a new gym space and landscape improvements, with a focus on preserving existing mature trees on the site and creating a new community garden. Colin Ricketts, Regional Director of Higgins Partnerships commented, “We are proud to welcome the Mayor of Newham here to Greenhill Centre to mark this significant point in the delivery of these affordable homes, which have been designed to ensure residents benefit from increased thermal comfort, improved indoor air quality and lower energy bills. “As part of our commitment as a socially responsible developer, we are also working closely with the local community to provide a wide range of social value initiatives, including Eat Clubs, volunteering opportunities, community garden and environmental initiatives, working with schools and colleges to provide career and work of work sessions, and community sport sessions.” Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “This development forms part of our ambition to deliver homes that our people can afford. In the face of this country’s crushing housing crisis, we are making the case to the new government that they need to support councils like Newham to deliver more and more homes. “I am working with the Cabinet and council officers to make that ambition a reality, along with Higgins Partnerships, who are supporting us on this particular scheme which will deliver 56 new homes at London affordable rent and 25 homes at low-cost shared ownership. “This is an example of our commitment to deliver more affordable housing and I look forward seeing the completed scheme next Autumn.” Higgins is also providing a range of apprenticeship and work placement opportunities, throughout the construction of Greenhill Centre. One such apprentice is Mikael Mustafa, a local Newham resident who is now a Business Admin Apprentice in Higgins’ head office and part of the Social Value team. Mikael shared his experience, saying: “Doing an apprenticeship means I am able to put what I learn in college into practice working in the Social Value team. I really enjoyed maths at school and so use my skills to support the rest of the team by recording all the social value data as well as taking part in a variety of employability volunteering events in the local community. “Every day brings different challenges which keep me motivated to become better. If I am unsure of anything I can ask my team and Manager for help, and they take their time to explain everything to me. I really enjoy the flexibility and the range of tasks in my role. I am grateful for the support Higgins and Ixion have given me and am hoping to move onto a Level 4 apprenticeship once I have completed my Level 3.” For further information about Higgins Partnerships please visit www.higginspartnerships.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading regional housing association Bromford has retained its A+ stable credit rating from S&P Global Ratings. S&P highlighted Bromford’s “solid management expertise”, “prudent cost planning and financial headroom”, and “very strong liquidity” as key factors in their decision to maintain the A+ stable rating. The agency carried out its latest review of the Gloucestershire-based housing association earlier in July, examining the progress against its new strategy and business plan which sets out Bromford’s ambitions to build 11,000 new homes by 2032 and to invest £2 billion in maintaining and upgrading its existing homes, including improvements to make them more energy efficient. Bromford recently announced that it had entered into discussions with Flagship Housing Group to create one of the largest housing associations in the country, with 80,000 homes across the central belt of England and the capacity to build up to 2,000 new homes every year whilst maintaining a sector leading A+ / A2 credit rating platform. S&P Global have reviewed the combined organisation’s initial financial analysis and confirmed it continues to reflect an A+ rating, commenting: “Bromford’s currently strong financial indicators would mitigate pressure of the potential business combination, and hence we do not expect it to have an immediate impact on our rating on Bromford.” In the S&P report published yesterday, the agency pointed to the flexibility in Bromford’s robust financial plans around its investment in existing and new homes among the reasons for the housing association retaining its rating. The global ratings agency, said: “The affirmation of the A+ rating reflects our view that Bromford’s prudent cost planning and financial headroom, along with expected improvement in economic conditions, will support the group’s solid credit metrics.” The S&P report, added: “We view favourably Bromford’s flexibility over its investments in new and existing homes. With a proven track record, we expect the group to continue generating some cost efficiencies. This, along with the solid quality of the group’s existing assets, will provide Bromford the headroom to adjust costs, if needed.” Earlier in the year, the housing association held a dedicated workshop with the agency and a small group of its customers, who shared their experiences living in a Bromford home and discussed how this is taken into account by credit rating agencies. Bromford’s director of treasury Imran Mubeen said: “We’re delighted that S&P has recognised our performance over the past year by re-affirming our A+ rating with a stable outlook. The A+ stable rating is also testimony to the opportunity and capacity we can create through the proposed merger with Flagship, with £5 billion of new funding over the next 15 years delivering over 30,000 new, affordable, energy efficient homes perfectly curated within our existing financial framework and A+ rating envelope. We arrive here by design and through intent, with a full shadow credit analysis run on every iteration of the business plan we produce. This is particularly important at a time when we are seeing continued pressure in our sector and a migration to the weaker single A or BBB. “Throughout the rating process, we believe it’s important to showcase how we are delivering for our customers. It is also our responsibility to explain our business plan and treasury strategy to them. That’s why we were pleased to give S&P the opportunity to meet our customers during the year, allowing the agency to hear directly from customers about their lived experiences in their homes and their engagement with our broader services. “The confirmation of this rating, along with our A2 rating from Moody’s will support us when we return to the market to seek additional funds, helping us achieve our goals of tackling the housing crisis by building more homes, investing in our existing properties, and progressing towards net zero, all underpinned by sector leading funding deals.” Bromford has retained its rating after a year in which it has successfully unlocked its balance sheet capacity to deliver new funding through expanding its portfolio of revolving credit facilities to £450 million, securing new private placements with UK and US investors worth £100 million, and co-creating a new pathway to funding with Legal and General Investment Management worth £50 million. In June 2024, Bromford also completed a £200 million sustainability linked loan with key funding partner NatWest. Read the full report from S&P Global Ratings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Celebrating the release of their new customer portal app, Faraday Connect, leading property management and surveying agents Faraday are proud to continually evolve and improve their customers’ experience. As the first of many developments and with over 4,000 app downloads, the launch of the Faraday Connect app marks a milestone for Faraday in transforming the way leaseholders and property owners engage and communicate with their property managers and surveyors. With enhanced access to the portal anytime and anywhere, Faraday understands the significance of convenience for their customers. By extending the portal’s availability with a user-friendly app, users can now access Faraday Connect from any mobile device. Following their recent launch, Faraday are already planning to introduce new features to ensure the platform continues to enhance their communications. Aimed at empowering users, Faraday Connect enables customers to conduct real-time financial monitoring, effortlessly engage with their community, and instantly raise and track requests, all at the touch of a few buttons. Faraday’s Managing Director, Russell O’Connor, added: “In today’s digital world, it is increasingly important that information is easily accessible. With the development of Faraday Connect, we prioritise our customers’ ability to instantly connect with their property managers and retrieve important documents such as key building and leasehold documents. As ethical and transparent agents, we pride ourselves on making it easy for customers to find important information, which is why our portal acts as an easy-to-use hub for service charge details, fostering open lines of communication and tracking their request progress.” Director’s Area By extension, Faraday Connect grants Directors improved access to information through a secure and dedicated area. This exclusive Directors area also offers easier ways to communicate with their property management teams transparently and efficiently, further enhancing the platform’s functionality. Faraday’s dedicated team brings years of specialised experience in building surveying and property management. Whether you have a historic or new build, using the latest technology, Faraday is equipped to support your property’s unique needs and enhance your property management experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cala Homes has completed its first net-zero-carbon enabled home at its Hampton Lakes development in Peterborough. The project demonstrates Cala’s commitment to sustainable construction and will test the housebuilder’s net zero principles, providing essential learning to help inform Cala’s approach in the future. Residents will soon move into the four-bedroom property, offering the opportunity for the business to learn about the technical viability and user experience of sustainable technology in a ‘lived in’ home. Through monitoring data, including qualitative feedback from the residents gathered throughout the summer and winter months, Cala will gain valuable insights into the practicalities of implementing these technologies and, importantly, the user experience of sustainability features in an occupied home. Cala has worked with its subcontractor partners to bring together various technologies already trialled and implemented on its sites across the UK. The sustainable features within the home have also been informed by desktop studies and initial comparative testing with the same Cala house type built to current regulations. The learnings from the Hampton Lakes home around installation, implementation and performance will support another positive step towards Cala’s ambitious goal of delivering operationally net-zero-carbon enabled homes by 2030. Steve Rule, Group Technical Director at Cala, said: “We have calculated that this home has the potential to use 95% less primary energy* compared to the same Cala house type built to current regulations. Early comparative in-situ testing has seen a 40% better thermal performance than our current homes built to the latest regulations, even with all the advances and efficiencies of new homes today. This means it achieves a Heat Loss Parameter (HLP) which ranks it in the ‘excellent’ category of the heat loss scale. “This is obviously significant for our customers, but it’s important that the customer experience is enhanced. Living in a net-zero-carbon enabled home should be seamless and that’s something we’ve strived to achieve here.” The home has been built using modern methods of construction including timber frame and low-carbon bricks, and features triple glazing and enhanced insultation. Other features include: Outside, biodiversity enhancing measures include bird and bat boxes, bug hotels, rain gardens, bat bricks, hedgehog highways, a dedicated vegetable patch, and home composting facilities, bringing Cala’s Urban Wildlife Strategy to life. Kathryn Dapré, Head of Sustainability at Cala Group, said: “Our net-zero-carbon enabled home is a positive step forward in our sustainability journey, but what’s important to us is that we take customers on that journey with us. Our Hampton Lakes property therefore aims to integrate sustainable measures into a ‘real’, lived in home – to design the home around the customer, not the technology. “Gathering real-life, real-time feedback from the people living in this home will help us to understand how the net-zero-carbon enabled home performs both in terms of reducing carbon emissions and for Cala customers.” Cala’s Sustainability Strategy will see the business achieve net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It has also set a wider target of net-zero total greenhouse gas emissions across the business by 2045. So far, Cala has achieved a 28.5% reduction in operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its 2021 baseline. Operational emissions per square meter of developed floor space have fallen by over 25% since 2021. *(heating, hot water, lighting and electricity) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
