Following extensive community engagement, a major planning application has been submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for the extraction and remediation works of 200 acres of land at Ravenscraig, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the former steelworks. Ravenscraig is one of Europe’s largest regeneration and community creation initiatives,
A multi-million pound project to create state-of-the-art facilities to support mental health patients in Norfolk and Suffolk has achieved sectional completion for three new wards and gym facility. Service users, carers and staff have all been involved with the development of the new building to improve facilities for inpatient care
A major new build construction project in the heart of London, Mount Pleasant, required Keyfix’s market-leading and A1 fire-rated Non-combustible Cavity Tray System (NCCT) to ensure it was future-proofed for many years to come. The £45 million project, overseen by main contractor and developer, McAleer & Rushe, involved the
South Quay Regeneration: Breathing New Life into Pembroke’s Historic Heart Pembrokeshire County Council has embarked on an ambitious regeneration programme, awarding Andrew Scott Ltd the transformative redevelopment of the historic South Quay site adjacent to Pembroke Castle. The project, progressing in two distinct phases, promises to revitalise the area with
Shake Shack, the renowned New York-based burger brand, has officially opened its first Midlands restaurant at Hammerson’s Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham. The new 2,866 sq ft eatery, located in Grand Central, offers Shake Shack’s signature menu, including favourites such as breakfast burgers, the famous ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, hot
Following the publication of the revised NPPF earlier today, Ian Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group has provided a comment on: Ian Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group (LRG) What a difference a year makes. The NPPF changes announced today provide and new framework for the industry to
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is becoming a cornerstone in the building design and construction industry. As sustainability takes precedence, developers are increasingly focusing on how even small-scale projects can significantly contribute to biodiversity. Understanding and leveraging small site metrics is vital for achieving effective BNG compliance. The concept of Biodiversity
Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry and Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, have celebrated the groundbreaking of the UK’s first vertiport testbed. The vertiport, which is a key output of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, an Innovate
In the spirit of the festive season, the Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group, is delighted to announce that is has donated almost £42,000 to 23 charities across Scotland. This significant contribution is part of the Trust’s biannual giving programme, aimed at supporting a diverse range of organisations
Biophilic design has become the signature of modern architecture, blending the natural world with our built environments. With this, architects create residential and commercial places incorporating natural elements that nurture well-being, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. This approach is way more than just a passing trend but is
Following extensive community engagement, a major planning application has been submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for the extraction and remediation works of 200 acres of land at Ravenscraig, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the former steelworks. Ravenscraig is one of Europe’s largest regeneration and community creation initiatives, with a masterplan focused on sustainable and inclusive growth for a mixed-use site. Located on a former industrial steelworks facility, certain parts of land at Ravenscraig require extensive remediation before any new building can take place. This includes the removal of remnants from steel production and deep reinforced concrete foundations, preparing the land for future redevelopment. The remediation works represent a substantial investment into the community of Ravenscraig which will see the extraction, recycling and backfilling of over 2,000,000 cubic metres of material. This major planning application covers the remediation of 200 acres of land in the centre of Ravenscraig which equates to approximately 20% of the site. This includes an area known as Meadowhead, which is adjacent to the new urban park, The Craig, and Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, plus a section of land North of New College Lanarkshire Motherwell Campus (Plots TC1-TC3). Following public consultation in August and September of this year including extensive engagement with local stakeholders, further landscape and ecology studies were undertaken to enable the planning application to be submitted. Russell Wilkie, Director at Ravenscraig Limited, said, “To realise our masterplan for a self-sufficient community with high quality housing, transport links, education and employment opportunities, these remediation works are essential. “We’re making great progress with SevenFourEight, our employment land which will soon become Scotland’s best connected industrial space and the Meadowhead remediation is another piece of the puzzle for residential development. The remediated land will hold huge potential for the people of North Lanarkshire, with scope to provide over 2,000 homes. “We are confident in our proposals and its ability to unlock further opportunities for Ravenscraig and the wider Scottish economy.” A spokesperson from Ravenscraig Community Action Group (RCAG), said: “We have welcomed the open dialogue with Ravenscraig Ltd and the opportunity given, in recent months, to discuss the regeneration of the Ravenscraig community in partnership with those who live here. We recognise the importance of the proposed remediation works to enable further regeneration of a housing-led, sustainable community and look forward to continuing our engagement with them as they look to future residential, education and leisure development.” A final planning decision of this major planning application is expected in 2025. For more information on the vision for Ravenscraig and latest news visit ravenscraig.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A multi-million pound project to create state-of-the-art facilities to support mental health patients in Norfolk and Suffolk has achieved sectional completion for three new wards and gym facility. Service users, carers and staff have all been involved with the development of the new building to improve facilities for inpatient care at Hellesdon Hospital. The investment is the single largest capital investment ever to improve facilities at the Trust which will modernise inpatient mental health care and benefit service users, their families and carers, and staff. Construction of the new Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) mental health facility near Norwich is expected to welcome service users and staff at the end of January 2025. The new Rivers Centre wards will allow the Trust to provide modern, purpose-built environments and therapeutic space as well as additional capacity, providing an extra 15 beds for the Trust. This will help to reduce the use of out of area and independent sector placements for people living locally who need inpatient mental health care, treatment, and support. VINCI Building’s Regional Director, Paul Tumelty said: “At IHP our purpose is to contribute our skills and expertise to benefit and improve the lives of people that live and work in our communities. We are delighted that Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust gave us the opportunity to fulfil our purpose at the Rivers Centre and bring their vision to life for a state of the art facility to support mental health patients.” Katie Fenn, Senior Project Manager at VINCI Building said: “This project is an example of what can be achieved with the right planning, design, dedication and collaboration to create a centre that will impact positively on communities, businesses, and local people. “I am extremely proud of the team and our supply chain partners who have worked tirelessly on the new Rivers Centre, and I look forward to the buildings becoming a reality.” This investment will play a significant role in enhancing care for local people, recognising wherever possible people needing inpatient care should receive care in a facility as close to home as possible. The project consists of three new ward buildings, a purpose-built gym and a hub, which has been carefully designed to promote a feeling of community. This central area will house a main reception and café and will be the ‘heart’ of the development. The project has focused on ensuring a sustainable future, with electricity supplied from solar panels and heating via air source heat pumps. The new facility makes full use of the natural environment with the aim of providing a haven where both patients and staff can relax away from clinical areas. It is hoped that this will have a positive impact on everyone’s wellbeing, while also playing an important role in service users’ recovery. The project has been delivered by Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new build construction project in the heart of London, Mount Pleasant, required Keyfix’s market-leading and A1 fire-rated Non-combustible Cavity Tray System (NCCT) to ensure it was future-proofed for many years to come. The £45 million project, overseen by main contractor and developer, McAleer & Rushe, involved the transformation of the former Royal Mail Mount Pleasant sorting office in Farringdon, London, into 131 new mixed-tenure residential apartments across three blocks, varying in heights of four, eight, and 10 storeys. The development also includes external communal spaces, cycle storage, car park spaces, and a wellness centre comprising of a gym, sauna, swimming pool, and treatment facilities. With McAleer & Rushe keen to meet tight deadlines, speed of installation was imperative. As a result, Keyfix’s expertise and proven Pre-Formed Corner units were required from Phase Two of the project. Keyfix supplied 2,400m of its NCCT, including 1,830 pre-formed Corner Units and 9,500 Non-combustible Weeps. Keyfix’s sister company Keystone Lintels also provided Non-combustible Cavity Tray Lintels (NCCTL). Additionally, IG Masonry Support, another member of the Keystone Group, designed and manufactured Folded Angles, Folded Angle Piers, and Welded Masonry Support for Blocks B, C, and D of the development. This close collaboration of Keystone Group companies meant that our teams could offer a combined solution to McAleer & Rushe, ensuring that the slab edge remained decongested, safe-proofing the building. This level of collaboration helps limit downtime, reduces the level of re-work, speeds up the build programme, and ultimately reduces unnecessary costs. With future-proofing the building a major focus for McAleer & Rushe in case regulations become more stringent, Keyfix’s A1 fire-rated NCCT was chosen as it exceeds the current building regulations and does not contribute to fire loading. Furthermore, the enduring quality of the stainless steel ensures the system typically outlasts the lifespan of the building. McAleer & Rushe designed this build to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 certification, so Keyfix’s sustainability and buildability-focused NCCT was the ideal choice as Keyfix’s NCCT is manufactured from Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel which is 100% recyclable. Keyfix’s NCCT also features a unique design that enables the stainless steel tray to be self-supporting across the cavity. This commercially-viable and rapid-build system is self-supporting and does not connect to the internal structure making it more thermally efficient, whilst avoiding issues typically associated with differential movement. Keyfix’s technical team actively supported the project by conducting site visits to monitor progress, participating in design team meetings, and delivering CPD webinars and toolbox talks. They also prepared a detailed component schedule and layout plan that integrated all three Keystone Group products on a single drawing, based on the architect’s plans. For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions download the brochure, visit https://keyfix.com/ or for technical support call 028 8676 7508 or email info@keyfix.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Quay Regeneration: Breathing New Life into Pembroke’s Historic Heart Pembrokeshire County Council has embarked on an ambitious regeneration programme, awarding Andrew Scott Ltd the transformative redevelopment of the historic South Quay site adjacent to Pembroke Castle. The project, progressing in two distinct phases, promises to revitalise the area with a sustainable mix of uses, enhancing the town’s appeal and functionality. Phase One: Honouring Pembroke’s Tudor Legacy The initial phase of this £18m initiative, supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and the Transformation Capital Grants Scheme, celebrates Pembroke’s rich history as the birthplace of the Tudor dynasty. This phase will introduce a Henry Tudor visitor centre, a modern library and information hub, a café, and beautifully landscaped gardens, creating a vibrant cultural and community space. Phase Two: The Pembroke Hwb The second phase, known as ‘The Pembroke Hwb’, is funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up programme and the Welsh Government’s Integrated Rebalancing Capital Fund. This phase centres around the regeneration of numbers 7 and 8 Northgate Street and will deliver an integrated three-storey community hub. Facilities will include spaces for day opportunities, learning, and skills development aimed at fostering independent living across all age groups. Additionally, it will offer supported employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity at its core. Enhancing the Environment and Accessibility The project will restore South Quay’s historic buildings while introducing a new sunken garden and upgraded parking facilities. Improved pathways will enhance connectivity between the Henry Tudor visitor centre and the waterfront, further enriching the site’s accessibility and aesthetic appeal. Leadership and Vision Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, remarked: “Pembrokeshire’s leadership and financial investment of over £10 million into the South Quay development will provide a civic and social asset with lasting benefit to Pembroke and the county as a whole.” Preserving Heritage for Future Generations Mark Bowen, Managing Director of Andrew Scott Ltd, shared his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to have been awarded this project by Pembrokeshire County Council. We will collaborate with the Council to help conserve Wales’s heritage by breathing new life into the historic South Quay site, sensitively refurbishing and repurposing it for the 21st century.” The South Quay regeneration is set to become a cornerstone of Pembroke’s future, preserving its history while fostering growth and inclusivity for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shake Shack, the renowned New York-based burger brand, has officially opened its first Midlands restaurant at Hammerson’s Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham. The new 2,866 sq ft eatery, located in Grand Central, offers Shake Shack’s signature menu, including favourites such as breakfast burgers, the famous ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, hot dogs, ShackMeister ale, and their indulgent milkshakes. This launch marks another milestone for Bullring & Grand Central, which has become a hotspot for international food, beverage, and leisure brands. Shake Shack joins an impressive line-up that includes Lane 7, Sandbox, Toca Social, Slim Chickens, Mrs Chew’s Chinese Kitchen, Mowgli, and Five Guys. An Expanding Dining Destination Katy Letch, Head of Leasing at Hammerson, expressed her excitement about the new addition: “Shake Shack is the latest international brand to make its debut at Bullring & Grand Central, further enhancing the diverse food and beverage options available. Combined with our existing line-up of top names in the hospitality sector and our extensive leisure offering, Bullring & Grand Central is firmly established as Birmingham’s premier destination for dining and socialising.” A Key Milestone for Shake Shack Colin O’Kane, Managing Director at Diverse Dining, the UK operator of Shake Shack, highlighted the significance of the Birmingham opening: “With locations across London and the South East, expanding the Shake Shack portfolio to new regions in the UK is a key part of our strategic growth plan. This debut Midlands site at Bullring & Grand Central is an important milestone. As the country’s second-largest city, Birmingham has been on our radar for some time, and Grand Central’s prime location above the bustling Birmingham New Street Station makes it the perfect choice for our regional expansion.” With its debut in Birmingham, Shake Shack continues its mission of bringing its unique dining experience to new audiences, further solidifying Bullring & Grand Central’s reputation as the go-to hub for culinary and leisure excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the publication of the revised NPPF earlier today, Ian Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group has provided a comment on: Ian Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group (LRG) What a difference a year makes. The NPPF changes announced today provide and new framework for the industry to work to and a flurry of activity on LinkedIn as everyone seeks to understand the key points and how they will affect their projects. The key points are: There have been many grand announcements in my time in planning and development. The priority has always been to build enough houses for the country’s population in the right places in a manner that protects the most valuable landscapes and environmentally sensitive areas. So are the latest announcements in any different to what we’ve all heard before? On paper – yes absolutely. The conviction and tone as well as the content (and indeed the fact it’s announced ahead of when most people expected!) does suggest that this time at least the Government is serious. The new NPPF gives an opportunity for the whole narrative on development and housing delivery to change. Whilst some would like to have seen more in terms of strategic planning, today’s NPPF at least gives a new window of opportunity for many sites that are suitable for development and which have been held up by inefficiencies and lack of resources, meddling local politics and NIMBYism to come forward. Delivering 1.5m houses in the first term is ambitious and unrealistic but it was utterly impossible under the previous planning system. The time for delivery is here and it’s the responsibility of everyone in the industry – developers, landowners, planners and local authorities to do what is needed. The framework is there – but it will take time to bed in and what we need now more than anything after a new NPPF update for the last two Christmases is stability so we can get on with the task ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is becoming a cornerstone in the building design and construction industry. As sustainability takes precedence, developers are increasingly focusing on how even small-scale projects can significantly contribute to biodiversity. Understanding and leveraging small site metrics is vital for achieving effective BNG compliance. The concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has emerged as an essential framework in promoting sustainable development within the construction sector. This approach ensures that new developments leave biodiversity in a better state than before. As the focus on environmental sustainability heightens, industry professionals must navigate the complexities of BNG compliance, particularly when dealing with small site metrics. These metrics present unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a keen understanding of their role in enhancing biodiversity on smaller scales. The integration of a BNG calculator in project planning facilitates accurate assessment and implementation of these metrics, ensuring compliance and ecological enhancement. Comprehending small site metrics Small site metrics play a pivotal role in the context of BNG, serving as benchmarks to gauge the ecological value of a project. They ensure that even minor developments contribute positively to local ecosystems. By measuring elements such as habitat quality and connectivity, these metrics help project planners make informed decisions that align with BNG goals. The integration of a BNG calculator in project planning facilitates accurate assessment and implementation of these metrics, ensuring compliance and ecological enhancement. These metrics are crucial because they hold all projects accountable, regardless of size, to maintain or improve the ecological balance. In this way, developers can contribute to broader biodiversity objectives by recognising the cumulative impact of small-scale developments. Maintaining stringent small-site metrics can lead to significant long-term benefits for local wildlife and plant life. When implementing small site metrics, it’s essential to consider both quantitative and qualitative aspects of biodiversity assessment. This includes evaluating factors such as species richness, habitat distinctiveness and ecological connectivity. Understanding these components helps developers create more targeted and effective biodiversity enhancement strategies. The metric system typically assigns numerical values to different habitat types, considering their condition and strategic significance within the local ecological network. The role of BNG calculators BNG calculators are indispensable tools for developers aiming to achieve BNG compliance effectively. These digital solutions provide detailed assessments and projections that guide planners through the intricate process of metric evaluation and improvement plans. With these calculators, you can create comprehensive biodiversity metric sheets that map out necessary steps for enhancing local habitats while meeting legal requirements. The ease of using digital tools like BNG calculators cannot be overstated. They simplify complex calculations and offer real-time data analysis, enabling efficient resource allocation and strategic planning. These tools have revolutionised project management by providing clear pathways to achieving net gain outcomes. Challenges in implementing small site metrics Despite their importance, implementing small site metrics poses several challenges. Limited space and resources often constrain how much can be done within a given project area. Additionally, there may be gaps in knowledge or expertise among project teams regarding best practices for incorporating these metrics into design plans. One strategy to overcome these challenges involves leveraging digital tools alongside expert guidance. Engaging with ecologists or environmental consultants can provide valuable insights into optimising space usage for biodiversity benefits. Moreover, integrating innovative technologies into your workflow can streamline processes and enhance accuracy in metric calculations. Examples of small site metrics in use Several compelling examples showcase the effective application of small site metrics to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in construction projects. For instance, residential development in a compact urban area can utilise these metrics to integrate living walls, bird boxes and pollinator-friendly plants, resulting in measurable increases in local biodiversity. Similarly, a small-scale commercial site in a suburban setting can apply small site metrics to enhance on-site green infrastructure, including the creation of a native wildflower meadow and rain gardens to support wildlife and improve water management. Another example is the redevelopment of a brownfield site where metrics guide the installation of green roofs and restoration of nearby hedgerows, creating ecological corridors that benefit both flora and fauna. These examples demonstrate that even on constrained plots, small site metrics can enable tailored, impactful actions that contribute to broader biodiversity goals while meeting regulatory requirements and enhancing community value.
Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry and Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, have celebrated the groundbreaking of the UK’s first vertiport testbed. The vertiport, which is a key output of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, an Innovate UK Future Flight Challenge project, is under construction on a plot of 0.42 acres (0.17 hectares) which will include a compact 160 sq m passenger terminal. Once complete, it will be a critical facility for testing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight operations, ground infrastructure, and air traffic management and will play a significant role in enabling the next generation of electric, low noise aviation in the UK. The vertiport is being constructed adjacent to Bicester Motion’s existing general aviation grass runways and is due to be completed in early 2025. The facility will launch with an inauguration event at which Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium partners will test and demonstrate key outputs and findings from the project which will include demonstration flights by Vertical Aerospace. Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer, Bicester Motion said: “It’s great to see Skyports’ vertiport being built right here in Bicester. Once complete, it will support vertical take-off and landing aircraft testing as part of advanced air mobility innovation. We’re proud to support this vertiport testbed as part of our strategic vision to integrate both traditional and vertical aviation operations from our airfield and boost pioneering future mobility discovery.” Duncan Walker, chief executive officer, Skyports added: “With spades in ground and the site beginning to take shape, today we are one step closer to delivering our vertiport at Bicester Motion. Our thanks to the project and construction teams for their work so far and we look forward to opening the facility in a few months’ time to continue our efforts to develop and scale electric air taxi services.” Michael Cervenka, chief commercial and strategy officer, Vertical Aerospace added: “As a proud partner of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, Vertical Aerospace is excited to see this state-of-the-art vertiport come to life. Facilities like this are essential for enabling the seamless integration of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft into our airspace and helping people better understand the benefits they will bring. We look forward to supporting this effort with demonstration flights next year and together advancing the future of aviation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the spirit of the festive season, the Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group, is delighted to announce that is has donated almost £42,000 to 23 charities across Scotland. This significant contribution is part of the Trust’s biannual giving programme, aimed at supporting a diverse range of organisations dedicated to making a difference in their communities across the country. From grassroots initiatives to nationwide efforts, the Trust’s donations will help tackle pressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and youth support. The winter tranche of funding comes at a crucial time, as many charities face increased demand for their services during the holiday season. Trust Chairman James Barrack, shared his thoughts: “We are incredibly proud to support such a wide range of worthwhile causes across Scotland, through the Barrack Charitable Trust. We believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work and this is especially meaningful as we approach the festive season. These charities provide essential support to so many and it is an honour to play a part in their vital work.” Spotlight on the Charities The 23 charities supported in this tranche represent the diversity and resilience of Scotland’s charitable sector. Below, seven of the beneficiaries share their appreciation and outline how the funding will help their efforts: Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “We are delighted to receive a grant of £5,000 from the Barrack Charitable Trust, contributing to the purchase of a new mobile arena. Thanks to their generous support, the arena will help us deliver our range of free to access activities directly into the hearts of disadvantaged communities that need it most. I am incredibly grateful to the Barrack Charitable Trust and with their support, we can continue to empower more young people to thrive.” Shirley Finlayson, Manager, Disabled Persons Housing Service Aberdeen said: “We are extremely grateful to receive this generous funding from the Trust and on behalf of the staff, volunteers and committee of DPHS Aberdeen, I would like to thank the Trustees for the award. The funding will help us greatly in assisting disabled people aged over 65 in the community who are struggling to access housing options advice and are seeking solutions to their housing needs. Many of our disabled clients have complex needs or are in hospital where we visit them to provide our advice service and we can help them access housing waiting lists or advise on other housing options.” Jim Van Nice, Treasurer of Forfar & District Men’s Shed said: “We are proud to add the Barrack Charitable Trust to our list of contributors. With their generous grant of £4,500 we are able to replace our existing old and heavy sliding door to the workshop with a new motorised insulated roll up door. This will provide ease of operation, provide added security and prevent the loss of heat during these cold winter months. Many thanks from the members of Forfar & District Men’s Shed.” Valerie Cox, Manager of Wester Hailes Youth Agency said: “We are grateful to The Barrack Charitable Trust for their donation of £4,000 towards the delivery of 300 hours of individual support for up to 30 young people in South West/West Edinburgh over the next six months. This support will help young people address issues which may include parental & peer relationships, lack of confidence and self-esteem, bereavement & loss, trauma, stress, anxiety and low mood. Without the generosity of supporters like The Barrack Charitable Trust it would not be possible for us to deliver this vital work. Sarah Hutchison, Volunteer Coordinator at Empty Kitchen, Full Hearts said: “Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts uses surplus food to create healthy meal packs for people living in poverty across Edinburgh. Barrack Charitable Trust’s donation will support 50 people with a month of nutritious meals, free of charge. Our meal service is combined with regular well-being check-ins and referrals to further support. This donation will provide consistent nutrition and contact during what can be a very unstable, isolating time. This allows people to have the energy and headspace to tackle other challenges in their lives.” In the spirit of the festive season, the Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group, is delighted to announce that is has donated almost £42,000 to 23 charities across Scotland. This significant contribution is part of the Trust’s biannual giving programme, aimed at supporting a diverse range of organisations dedicated to making a difference in their communities across the country. From grassroots initiatives to nationwide efforts, the Trust’s donations will help tackle pressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and youth support. The winter tranche of funding comes at a crucial time, as many charities face increased demand for their services during the holiday season. Trust Chairman James Barrack, shared his thoughts: “We are incredibly proud to support such a wide range of worthwhile causes across Scotland, through the Barrack Charitable Trust. We believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work and this is especially meaningful as we approach the festive season. These charities provide essential support to so many and it is an honour to play a part in their vital work.” Spotlight on the Charities The 23 charities supported in this tranche represent the diversity and resilience of Scotland’s charitable sector. Below, seven of the beneficiaries share their appreciation and outline how the funding will help their efforts: Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “We are delighted to receive a grant of £5,000 from the Barrack Charitable Trust, contributing to the purchase of a new mobile arena. Thanks to their generous support, the arena will help us deliver our range of free to access activities directly into the hearts of disadvantaged communities that need it most. I am incredibly grateful to the Barrack Charitable Trust and with their support, we can continue to empower more young people to thrive.” Shirley Finlayson, Manager, Disabled Persons Housing Service
Biophilic design has become the signature of modern architecture, blending the natural world with our built environments. With this, architects create residential and commercial places incorporating natural elements that nurture well-being, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. This approach is way more than just a passing trend but is actually a response to the bond between man and nature. Greenery, natural light, and organic materials all come together in harmony to make spaces into sanctuaries. It is not all about great looks, though—biophilic design is serious about function, sustainability, and a thoughtful approach to integration. Whether one is building afresh or upgrading, the list of how to bring nature indoors is endless. That said, let’s dig in and see how this trend in nature-inspired design is changing the way we build. Even the busiest of urban settings can feel connected to nature’s tranquillity with the right elements. It is a design philosophy that contributes to the health not only of the planet but also the people inhabiting these spaces. Why Biophilic Design Matters Humans have an inborn desire to connect with nature—a concept called biophilia. The bond between man and nature is innate; it gets lost in urban and industrial setups, which leaves most people yearning for greenery and fresh air. Biophilic design closes that gap by bringing the soothing, healing properties of nature into spaces where people live, work, and play. Studies show that environments infused with natural elements can improve mental health, boost productivity, and even aid in physical recovery. It is not only about aesthetics for architects or designers; rather, it’s a question of building spaces that nurture well-being. Whether it is your house, office, or public space, biophilic design creates an environment of equilibrium and serenity. This is the kind of design that not only looks good but feels good to experience. Thoughtfully applied, it can transform even sterile environments into places that inspire comfort and connection. By incorporating greenery into spaces, biophilic design also enhances cognitive performance, making it particularly beneficial in workspaces and learning environments. Biophilic design brings natural materials, flora, and light together to create spaces that mimic the outdoors. Picture a room washed in natural light, featuring earthy textures and abundant greenery. It’s a place where stress evaporates, and focus thrives. Biophilic elements remind us of nature’s beauty while improving air quality and energy efficiency. Whether you’re installing a living wall, optimizing window placements, or integrating nature-inspired finishes, each decision elevates the space. Bringing these natural elements indoors helps blur the boundary between interior and exterior, creating a refreshing and intentional flow. The inclusion of biophilic elements in healthcare settings has even been shown to accelerate patient recovery times, underscoring the profound impact of nature on human health. Natural Light The Heart of Biophilic Design Light generally plays a major role in how we experience a space. Natural light, in particular, does wonders for mood, energy, and overall health. Making the most of natural light arguably is one of the easiest and most available methods of bringing biophilic design into your home. This cuts down on artificial lighting, thus helping reduce energy consumption and support sustainability. Large windows, skylights, and open areas allow a plethora of sunlight into interiors. This not only beautifies a space but makes one more connected to the natural world. These dynamic shifts of natural light throughout the day create an ever-changing environment, thus making spaces alive and interactive. Optimizing Windows and Skylights Windows and skylights, thoughtfully placed, are hallmarks of biophilic architecture. They invite sunlight to penetrate deep into spaces, reducing dependence on artificial lighting while creating uplifting atmospheres. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood interiors with brightness and provide uninterrupted views of outdoor greenery. Skylights, on the other hand, allow diffused light to filter in softly, shifting throughout the day. When designed with care, these features allow nature to permeate even enclosed areas. Beyond their functional benefits, they emphasize the beauty of natural textures and materials. Light and Shadows Natural light interacts dynamically with interiors, creating patterns and shadows that evoke feelings of calm and peace. For example, the dappled light that filters through leaves can be mimicked using screens, shutters, or textured materials. These subtle touches bring life to a space, replicating the outdoor experience indoors. The interplay of light and shadow is both visually stimulating and emotionally calming. By carefully considering how light flows throughout a room, architects can establish spaces that feel warm, inviting, and alive. Natural light has a number of well-being benefits, including regularization of circadian rhythms, quality of sleep, concentration, and general health. It elevates mood, diminishes fatigue, and raises productivity at work. Besides energy savings, daylight is very important in maintaining human well-being. A house filled with natural light gives the impression of being more spacious and alive, creating a sense of energy and connectedness to the outside environment. Biophilic design provides a perfect balance of brightness with energy efficiency, considering the incorporation of elements such as windows, reflective surfaces, and well-thought-out design strategies to create everyday living more comfortable and vital. Living Walls and Indoor Gardens Plants are the essence of biophilic design. They purify air, soften rigid edges, and create a calming presence that few other elements can replicate. From vertical living walls to compact planters, greenery can redefine any space. Living Walls A living wall, or green wall, is a vertical garden that turns blank surfaces into thriving, vibrant focal points. These installations are not only visually stunning but also functional, offering insulation, soundproofing, and improved air quality. They excel in open-concept layouts, where they can double as natural partitions. Living walls are highly adaptable, accommodating diverse plant species suited to specific lighting and environmental conditions. Whether they serve as statement pieces in a living room or subtle additions to hallways, green walls bring vitality and character. Features like moss walls or plant-filled partitions can also improve acoustics, making spaces feel quieter and more serene. Indoor Gardens When living walls are not feasible, indoor gardens offer versatile
