Onduline Building Products, a leader in lightweight roofing systems and waterproofing solutions, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming Public Sector Estates and Facilities Management Show, where it will showcase its renowned sub-roof system, ISOLINE LOW LINE. Taking place at the Pendulum Hotel in Manchester on 30th January
ABB has launched the ACS8080, its newest medium voltage air-cooled drive. The new drive represents an evolution, building on over 50 years of experience in delivering drives to industrial applications and bringing reliability, performance, and flexibility to the next level thanks to innovative motor control, versatile design, and digital capabilities.
A transformative housing project is set to take shape in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, as developers Persimmon and Barratt Homes Bristol join forces to deliver up to 2,500 new homes. This landmark collaboration marks a significant step forward in meeting housing demand and enhancing local infrastructure. Persimmon has been working closely with
ACCELERATING educational development, work on two new schools with an emphasis on sustainability has completed in Bedfordshire, delivering space for up to 1,740 pupils within a growing local community. The regional projects, Wixams Academy and Willow Grove Primary School, form part of an ambitious £100m schools development initiative within Bedford,
Construction begins to build the UK’s largest purpose- built village for rough sleepers Once complete, Embassy Village will transform the site below 22 railway arches into accommodation for 40 homeless men with a village hall, outdoor green spaces, mini allotments and a multi-use sports area. The team behind a pioneering
OP has been appointed to deliver a revolutionary workplace transformation for MMD, a global leader in material processing solutions for the mining, quarrying and recycling industries. The project will create a vibrant two-storey extension to MMD’s central office building in Derbyshire. It is designed to foster collaboration, celebrate the company’s
Q-Bot’s floor insulation technology, installed by robots and using AI, will improve the energy efficiency and housing quality of 100,000 homes in the West of England Q-Bot is pleased to announce that it is now a Retrofit West Trusted Professional, joining a directory of high-quality retrofit service providers. This significant
Civils contractor ISC has been awarded a £34 million contract by the Cory Group (Cory) to build a Waste Transfer Station (WTS) facility by the River Thames in Barking. ISC, the civil engineering arm of materials group GRS, is the principal contractor for the River Road waste scheme, a key part
By Alex Bardett, Managing Director at Ambar Kelly With the Grenfell Tower tragedy bringing fire safety in higher risk buildings (HRB) sharply into focus, the role of riser shafts in reducing fires and improving safety has never been more important. However, they still face many misconceptions. Alex Bardett, Managing Director
Module-T Prefabrik, a global leader in modular construction with over 15 years of expertise, is expanding its operations into the UK market. The company offers a comprehensive range of modular solutions, including office containers, sanitary containers, locker containers, dormitory complexes, and modular office buildings, with a particular focus on labour
Onduline Building Products, a leader in lightweight roofing systems and waterproofing solutions, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming Public Sector Estates and Facilities Management Show, where it will showcase its renowned sub-roof system, ISOLINE LOW LINE. Taking place at the Pendulum Hotel in Manchester on 30th January 2025, the event gathers Facilities Managers, Heads of Estates, and Project Managers, with a central goal of advancing sustainable, efficient public estates across the UK in a cost-effective manner. Attendees can visit Onduline to explore the unique benefits of ISOLINE LOW LINE – the only system in the UK that has been BRE tested and BBA Accredited for low-pitch applications as low as 10°, backed by a 30-year guarantee. Designed with versatility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in mind, the ISOLINE LOW LINE system provides an ideal sub-roof solution for projects where cost and functionality are key. It guarantees waterproofing for even the most complex projects, and seamlessly works beneath both new and existing roof tiles, meaning it can meet the needs of a range of applications from retrofit to heritage. In renovation projects, contractors can reuse the building’s original tiles or slates, preserving historical or aesthetic integrity while saving costs. For new construction, ISOLINE LOW LINE offers a watertight, resilient roofing solution that meets modern performance standards, featuring a durable corrugated sheet made from 50% recycled fibres. The system not only delivers superior protection but also enhances the roof’s ventilation, helping to maintain a healthy, well-ventilated roof space. Paul Duffy, Managing Director at Onduline UK, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Public Sector Estates and Facilities Management Show, which is an invaluable opportunity for Onduline to connect directly with key decision-makers in the public sector. “The public sector market is a crucial audience for us, as we understand the unique demands they face in balancing cost-effectiveness with sustainability and long-term resilience. Through our ISOLINE LOW LINE sub-roofing system, we aim to demonstrate how innovative solutions can meet these needs, offering public sector teams a reliable, sustainable choice backed by decades of performance.” For more information on Onduline’s bitumen roofing solutions, visit: www.onduline.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ABB has launched the ACS8080, its newest medium voltage air-cooled drive. The new drive represents an evolution, building on over 50 years of experience in delivering drives to industrial applications and bringing reliability, performance, and flexibility to the next level thanks to innovative motor control, versatile design, and digital capabilities. The converter can achieve up to 98% efficiency, targeting optimal performance for the entire drive system. The new motor control technology MP3C pushes efficiency and motor friendliness to the limit, while preserving the dynamic performance and robustness of the predecessor DTC. It also reduces harmonic distortions by around 50% compared to classic control and modulation schemes, thereby extending equipment lifetime and achieving energy savings. Designed for versatility and ease of integration, the new ACS8080 easily adapts to a wide range of applications and industries. The modular and flexible design includes the possibility of utilizing an external transformer and selecting a sine filter option, making it an optimal match not only for new applications, but also for retrofitting existing drive systems or direct online (DOL) machines. A high degree of flexibility is also possible due to the advanced digital features: the integration of the open software platform, Crealizer™, into the ABB drive operating system allows for advanced programming capabilities that enable the rapid development and deployment of innovative application-specific functionalities, reducing reliance on external controllers. “At ABB, we invest in R&D to deliver new solutions that enhance productivity while reducing emissions and operating costs. With over 50 years of experience in mission-critical applications, we recognize the importance of reliability and flexibility. This is why we continue to evolve—integrating clean, adaptable designs, stepping up our testing capabilities, and embedding the latest digital technologies. This product reflects our commitment to advancing reliability, performance, and flexibility to help the industries outrun- leaner and cleaner,” says Chris Poynter, President of Systems Drives Division, ABB Motion. The leaner design of the ACS8080 translates into a lower number of components than its predecessors, increasing reliability but also simplifying maintenance and service processes. For this new drive, being reliable also means being able to withstand extreme conditions, and this has been tested through rigorous accelerated lifetime tests carried out in the ABB Drives testing facility in Estonia, simulating 20 years of operations. Enhanced sensing capabilities and a next generation control hardware enable the collection of up to 10 times more diagnostic data for better and faster monitoring solutions. The new ABB Connectivity Edge Gateway allows connectivity whether on premises or to the cloud, making it an optimal fit for many digital needs. The built-in sensing solutions enable Asset Health and Performance Management (AHPM) capabilities, reliability monitoring, and data supported inspection for faster troubleshooting and failure detection. Fully embedded in the new drive are advanced safety and protection systems designed to prevent foreseeable hazardous situations and effectively manage unexpected ones. The new ACS8080 is developed to protect against unauthenticated access, malicious firmware, data breaches, and insecure connectivity allowing customers to benefit from all modern digital capabilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A transformative housing project is set to take shape in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, as developers Persimmon and Barratt Homes Bristol join forces to deliver up to 2,500 new homes. This landmark collaboration marks a significant step forward in meeting housing demand and enhancing local infrastructure. Persimmon has been working closely with Wiltshire Council to secure outline planning permission for the expansive 177-hectare urban extension. Now, with half the site acquired by Barratt Homes Bristol, the ambitious project moves closer to realisation. The scheme will be delivered jointly by Persimmon, Charles Church, Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, and Redrow Homes, with outline planning permission expected early in the new year. The development promises high-quality, energy-efficient homes alongside a multi-million-pound investment in local services, including education, healthcare, transport, and recycling facilities. Residents will benefit from 68 hectares of public open space, incorporating play areas, green spaces, sports pitches, and allotments. A strong emphasis on biodiversity is central to the plans, with the retention of key habitats, extensive planting, bird and bat boxes, and sustainable drainage systems. The project also includes measures to protect and support bat species near Biss Wood and Green Lane Nature Park, alongside the creation of an ecology visitors’ centre. Additionally, the scheme will feature the Yarnbrook and West Ashton Relief Road, a critical infrastructure project to improve local connectivity. Developers’ Vision for a Thriving CommunitySeb Spiller, Deputy Managing Director for Persimmon Homes and Charles Church Wessex, highlighted the project’s wide-ranging benefits:“Persimmon is thrilled to collaborate with Barratt Redrow on this exciting development. With strategic highway improvements, biodiversity initiatives, environmental features, and significant investment in public services, this project will meet local and national housing needs while creating a vibrant community in Trowbridge. “Large-scale projects like this alleviate the housing crisis, drive economic growth, and provide wider benefits for the local area. We look forward to working with Wiltshire Council and our partners to make this vision a reality.” Rob Hart, Managing Director of Barratt Homes Bristol, echoed these sentiments:“We’re delighted to play a key role in this venture, bringing much-needed homes to Trowbridge. Alongside high-quality housing, our initiatives, such as the key worker deposit scheme and shared ownership options, are helping more people achieve homeownership and strengthen the local community.” With its focus on sustainable development, robust infrastructure, and community well-being, the Trowbridge project represents a major milestone for housing in Wiltshire, setting a new standard for urban living in the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACCELERATING educational development, work on two new schools with an emphasis on sustainability has completed in Bedfordshire, delivering space for up to 1,740 pupils within a growing local community. The regional projects, Wixams Academy and Willow Grove Primary School, form part of an ambitious £100m schools development initiative within Bedford, which is being led by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard and Bedford Borough Council. Building on its opening in 2017, Wixams Academy, on Green Lane, has been extended to cater for an additional 900 students as part of a £34m project, with the creation of a three-storey teaching block, eight classroom modular block, all-weather sports pitch, and sports hall. Wixams Academy has also received a £250,000 grant from the England Cricket Board (ECB) to enhance its facilities per ECB standards and make the sport accessible to all pupils. The new enhancements include upgraded lighting, flooring, netting, and bowling machines. Meanwhile, Willow Grove Primary School, designed according to Department for Education (DfE) guidelines, is net zero carbon in operation and has space for 840 pupils across a 3.4-hectare site. Claire Peacock, senior project manager at Pick Everard, said: “This has been a fantastic project to be part of and a great opportunity to deliver more school spaces for young people in Bedford. “Wixams Academy in particular now has some industry-leading sports facilities, while Willow Grove Primary School is an exciting new space for younger children to take their early pathways into education. “We look forward to both environments becoming cornerstones of the Wixams community.” Sustainability was a key development objective for both schools, with designated cycle parking spaces and facilities encouraging green travel habits. More than 400 solar panels were installed on the roof of Willow Grove Primary School, helping generate its own renewable energy. Pick Everard, operating via Perfect Circle, was appointed by Bedford Borough Council under the SCAPE Consultancy framework and delivered project management, quantity surveying, NEC supervisor, and principal designer services on the two projects, working closely alongside principal contractor Willmott Dixon. Stewart Brundell, managing director at Willmott Dixon said: “We are proud to have continued our strong partnership of delivering high quality educational facilities with both Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough councils and our wider partners. “The completion of Willow Grove Primary School, alongside a new sports hall and teaching block at Wixams Academy, is a testament to our education expertise and collaboration. With Willow Grove Primary School delivered from start to finish in just 27 months, this incredible achievement highlights what a dedicated project team can accomplish.” Sean Conneely, director at Pick Everard, said: “These are exciting times in Bedford, which like most places across the country, is striving to meet the demands of an ever-growing population. “With modern and accessible teaching environments housed in a sustainable, high-quality build, both of these schools set the standard in creating lasting legacies in their communities. “It’s been a huge positive to see all this achieved within a short period of time, with families now able to benefit from new and expanded schools close to their homes.” Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, said: “Wixams is continuing to grow into a thriving community, with these new state-of-the-art facilities being an illustration of the bright future which awaits the young people who will grow up here. “Across Bedford Borough, we’re determined to invest in the future, build up and support our communities. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.” In addition to educational projects, the relationship between Pick Everard and Bedford Borough Council has also seen it undertake cross-sector operations in the region, with healthcare centres, heritage works, residential, and commercial projects among its portfolio, alongside the new railway station in Wixams. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction begins to build the UK’s largest purpose- built village for rough sleepers Once complete, Embassy Village will transform the site below 22 railway arches into accommodation for 40 homeless men with a village hall, outdoor green spaces, mini allotments and a multi-use sports area. The team behind a pioneering homelessness project in Manchester city centre have come together to celebrate a significant milestone moment as work starts on site to build Embassy Village. The purpose-built community for the homeless will provide a long-term and sustainable solution to help address the challenges around the growing number of homeless and vulnerable men within the city region. In 2021 Greater Manchester-based charity, Embassy, joined forces with a pro-bono team led by developers Peel Waters – part of The Peel Group and Capital&Centric, alongside the city’s business community to bring forward Embassy Village and provide 40 new purpose-built homes with wrap-around support for those who need it most. Once complete, Embassy Village will transform the site below 22 railway arches which has been provided by Peel Waters, into high-quality homes with communal outdoor green spaces, including mini allotments to grow vegetables and a multi-use sports area. Embassy will be responsible for the management and operation of Embassy Village. The Greater Manchester based charity launched in 2019 and specialises in reintegrating people back into society, breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing a home, skills training and wraparound support to give them the life skills to be independent. Embassy Village will not be a homeless shelter but will instead be a purpose-built community in which residents will have to commit to six hours of training per week in shopping, cooking and budgeting. The village hall within Embassy Village will be complete with a counselling room, laundry room and communal computers, plus a training kitchen to help residents learn to cook. Since planning consent was granted in 2021, Embassy and partners have been focused on fundraising. Through a £3.5million donation from the Moulding Foundation and further substantial donations from the Garfield Weston Foundation and Benefact Trust, the first phase of the village can now begin which will include the village hall, completion of 24 homes and staff accommodation. Vermont Construction Group has been appointed to build the scheme for no profit and expect to complete phase one of Embassy Village by late 2025. James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital&Centric, and Sid Williams the Co-Founder and Director of Embassy marked the start on site at a special event with the organisations who have offered their services for free to design and plan Embassy Village. James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “Starting the build of Embassy Village is a very significant moment for us and our partners who have worked on this meaningful project. “From forming the initial concept of using our land for the most vulnerable in our society during a breakfast with Mayor Andy Burnham, to pulling together the huge team of consultants working on a pro bono basis, we are extremely proud of our involvement and continuous support of this amazing project. “Today’s launch event is an important milestone, marking years of hard work and collaboration to deliver the UK’s first purpose-built community village and we want to say a huge thanks to all those who have got involved in supporting Embassy Village so far. “We look forward to completing the build of Embassy Village and seeing the first residents move in, providing much needed housing, training and wrap-around support for some of our most vulnerable members of society; transforming their lives and breaking the cycle of homelessness.” Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital&Centric and Chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity added: “Initiatives such as this show how big things can happen when the people and businesses of Greater Manchester come together. A city is judged on how it looks after its most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents and once again our city region is leading the way. Nobody should have to spend a night on our streets, and this project will ensure hundreds of people will have somewhere to call home, with the help and support needed to ensure they don’t end up homeless in the future.” Mark Connor, Founder and CEO of Vermont Group also added: “Being able to commence the Embassy Village today is such an achievement. Homelessness is a huge issue in Manchester as the city has some of the highest numbers of rough sleepers in the country. We all have a collective responsibility to deal with this issue and our work at Embassy Village doesn’t just set out to offer warm homes and a village hall, but to create a real community and support system for people who need it. It’s a huge honour for Vermont to be part of solution in dealing with this issue and watching Embassy Village come to life.” A further £1million is required for the remaining units and to complete phase two of Embassy Village. Embassy is now working with the business community, individuals and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity to secure funds for the long-term village running costs. Sid Williams, Co-Founder and Director of Embassy said: “Buying an A-lister tour bus to house homeless people seemed a big vision when we started, and yet here we are not so long later at the start of building an entire village. We couldn’t have done this without the incredible companies, individuals and trusts who have given their support to the project and believed in our vision. “Special thanks go to Matt and Jodie Moulding for their significant financial backing and the teams at Peel Waters, Capital&Centric, the Mayor’s Charity and Manchester City Council for making this happen. Whilst this is a huge moment for the project, the hard work doesn’t stop there and we still need further funds to complete all 40 homes and for the long-term running costs. If you can help by sponsoring a home or supplying materials please get in touch.” Jodie Moulding, Co-founder
OP has been appointed to deliver a revolutionary workplace transformation for MMD, a global leader in material processing solutions for the mining, quarrying and recycling industries. The project will create a vibrant two-storey extension to MMD’s central office building in Derbyshire. It is designed to foster collaboration, celebrate the company’s rich mining heritage, and embrace sustainable technologies. At the heart of the development is a ground-floor dining facility featuring a commercial-grade kitchen and servery, complemented by modern shower facilities and a dedicated gym area. The first floor will house a flexible games and training space, complete with a boardroom buffet room and an expansive roof terrace. The office design seamlessly blends historical elements with contemporary functionality, incorporating repurposed materials including recut and repolished granite table tops from the existing building. Heritage features such as traditional panelling and brass lighting pay homage to MMD’s 1970s coal mining origins while creating a modern interpretation of a classic British social atmosphere. The interior scheme features durable, wipeable surfaces throughout to accommodate both office and warehouse staff, creating an inclusive environment that encourages interaction between all departments. The new extension provides dedicated spaces for movement and collaboration, encouraging employees to step away from their desks and engage with colleagues in a more social setting. Gary Tailby, Joint Managing Director of OP, said: “We’re delighted to partner with MMD on this transformative project that perfectly balances heritage with innovation. The design not only creates essential amenity spaces but facilitates a cultural shift towards more collaborative ways of working. By incorporating sustainable technologies and celebrating MMD’s industrial heritage, we’re creating a workplace that will serve their team well into the future.” Graham Griffiths at MMD said: “This development represents a significant step in MMD’s evolution, creating spaces where our teams can come together, collaborate and relax. OP’s understanding of our heritage and vision for the future has resulted in a design that will transform how we work and interact as a company.” The fast-track project is scheduled for completion in December 2024, and the new dining facility will host the company’s Christmas celebrations. For more information, please visit https://officeprinciples.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Q-Bot’s floor insulation technology, installed by robots and using AI, will improve the energy efficiency and housing quality of 100,000 homes in the West of England Q-Bot is pleased to announce that it is now a Retrofit West Trusted Professional, joining a directory of high-quality retrofit service providers. This significant achievement underscores the company’s dedication to excellence in the retrofit industry, ensuring homeowners receive the best possible home retrofit experience. Retrofit West, funded by the West of England Combined Authority, is committed to connecting homeowners in the region with professionals who uphold the highest standards of skill, service, and product quality. As part of this trusted network, Q-Bot combines robotics and AI to install underfloor insulation with minimal disruption, while reducing energy bills. For many homes with suspended timber floors, there is no other practical solution to reduce heat loss, improve comfort, and tackle damp and mould risk. Q-Bot’s insulation also improves the efficiency of heat pumps. Q-Bot is improving over 100 British homes every month, making them warmer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient. “Our inclusion in the Retrofit West Trusted Professionals directory is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering a superior level of floor insulation,” said Leigh Fairbrother, Q-bot’s Head of Commercial. “We are dedicated to maintaining high standards of workmanship and expertise, ensuring our clients – private homeowners, social housing landlords and private landlords – benefit from a reliable and effective retrofit solution.” Funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Retrofit West evaluates professionals on various criteria, including quality assurance, customer satisfaction, environmental responsibility, and ethical practices. By meeting these standards, Q-Bot demonstrates Retrofit’s West commitment to excellence and its dedication to enhancing the sustainability and energy efficiency of homes across the region. Head of Technical Services, George Pearson said “We are thrilled to have Q-Bot onboard. Underfloor insulation can be a disruptive and difficult measure to install but is one that significantly improves the comfort and energy efficiency of a home. Q-bot’s innovative approach is a great solution for homeowners.” “Homeowners looking for trusted retrofit services can now find us in the Retrofit West directory,” added Leigh Fairbrother. “We encourage anyone planning a retrofit project to explore our profile and see how we can help achieve their goals.” To learn more about our floor insulation technology and how we can assist with your retrofit project, visit our website www.q-bot.co Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Civils contractor ISC has been awarded a £34 million contract by the Cory Group (Cory) to build a Waste Transfer Station (WTS) facility by the River Thames in Barking. ISC, the civil engineering arm of materials group GRS, is the principal contractor for the River Road waste scheme, a key part of Cory’s Riverside 2 development, a new energy-from-waste (EfW) plant that will divert 550,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste from landfill a year, and generate electricity for the equivalent of 176,000 homes. Barking WTS will provide additional capacity for handling and transporting waste destined for Riverside 2, which is currently under construction in Belvedere on the south side of the river. Uniquely, Cory transports the majority of the waste it processes via its fleet of tugs and barges on the River Thames, removing around 100,000 lorry movements from London’s roads every year. Riverside 2 is expected to remove another 80,000 lorry movements. The project involves modernising some of the existing site facilities, reactivating a Safeguarded Wharf and delivering a new purpose-built industrial WTS building on a designated Safeguarded Waste Site. The modernisation of the site represents a substantial investment by Cory, which currently processes waste for nine boroughs in London and the South East. One of the two berths, Rippleway Wharf, is to be reconstructed to allow container stacking and the loading of barges. That means the modernised waste facility will move waste operations from road-to-road to road-to-river and will result in a reduction in waste vehicles on the road. In line with Cory’s use of river freight, ISC will use Thames barges to remove most of the of demolition waste, spoil and dredged material for recycling, as well as for the delivery of aggregates and other construction materials. Darren Quinton, Managing Director of ISC, said: “We are proud to be leading such an important project that showcases our civil engineering capabilities as principal contractor. The Riverside 2 development is a transformative project, particularly in the areas of sustainability and innovation, and it’s a great one for the team to be part of.” “We’ve wasted no time in getting onto site at River Road for site preparation and demolition of existing structures, and our team is fully committed to delivering the project to the highest standards our customers have come to expect of ISC.” Chris Girdham, Development Director at Cory, said: “We are pleased to be working with ISC on this project, which will bring over £50 million of investment into Barking and maximise the potential of the site. As well as providing essential capacity for London’s non-recyclable waste, this project will also allow us to reduce the environmental impact of the site on local ecology, reduce pollution and, through the use of the River Roding for transport of materials, substantially improve air quality across London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Alex Bardett, Managing Director at Ambar Kelly With the Grenfell Tower tragedy bringing fire safety in higher risk buildings (HRB) sharply into focus, the role of riser shafts in reducing fires and improving safety has never been more important. However, they still face many misconceptions. Alex Bardett, Managing Director of Ambar Kelly, underlines the importance of educating the industry on the truth behind these misconceptions and the vital role that modular riser flooring can play in improving HRB fire safety. When it comes to fire safety, the construction industry faces many challenges, not least a lack of understanding of the perils of installing combustible materials in any UK buildings. This is exacerbated by the perceived notion that non-combustible materials are more expensive. As the Grenfell Tower inquiry highlights, the chosen material can have a significant impact on the spread of fire and smoke throughout any building – especially HRBs. In fact, the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 involved a combustible material being lit and then, amongst other things, a fire rising in a void and forming a vertical shaft due to the lack of a horizontal fire break. Furthermore, the King’s Cross station fire of 1987 involved a shaft ‘trench effect’, when a discarded match lit a combustible material and then developed into a ‘flash over’ due to the fire rising in the ‘trench’ of the wooden escalators. While upcoming Building Regulation changes are set to sharply focus attention on fire testing and certification, more education is needed on the vital roles that non-combustible products play in improving fire safety in HRBs. Upcoming changes to building regulations and fire safety The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) recently issued a new parliamentary statement that will see changes to fire safety and evacuation provisions, including Approved Document B. Fire safety information must be given to the relevant dutyholder when the project is complete or when the building is first occupied. To further support enhanced fire safety from 2nd March 2025 onwards, the new updates will remove references to the national classification system for fire resistance, known as BS476. Parts 6 and 7 will require construction products to be classified in accordance with EN13501-1, with performance classes A1 and A2 for non-combustible products and B, C, D, and E for combustible products. Non-combustible products are believed to be more expensive Non-combustible steel plate materials, featuring pre-cut holes for M&E services that are covered by a lid, are often seen as being too expensive. While the initial cost will typically be more, that cost won’t increase as the project progresses. However, the outlay for combustible GRP grating riser flooring options will increase over time, due to post-installation works. For example, GRP grating has to have holes cut into it to account for any services being fed through. Temporary fire doors will need to be fitted on every floor to meet codes of practice and prevent the spread of fire during construction, as by its very nature, grating allows smoke and flame to pass through. This increases the overall project cost. Products are often labelled as having a fire rating – that doesn’t mean they’re not combustible Specifiers will often see suppliers promoting products that have a BS476 Part 6 & 7 fire rating, which is actually a measure of the spread of flame. This is typical for GRP grating used by UK contractors as a riser flooring solution. However, all GRP grating is combustible and will add fuel to any fire that occurs in a riser shaft. The Grenfell Tower inquiry found this surface spread of flame test (BS476 Part 6 &7) does not measure combustibility, hence why it’s being withdrawn on March 2025. If the designed product for riser flooring in an HRB is specified as non-combustible at Gateway 2, contractors may believe the GRP grating has the required ‘fire rating’ and attempt to hand the project over to ‘Gateway 3’. However, despite it having a BS476 Part 6 or 7 declaration, it is combustible, meaning it will likely be rejected. Which leads us to… Mistaken assumptions of responsibility (or lack of) Often, a contractor will be under the impression that the product’s supposed fire rating is correct, handing over the project to the next person in the chain. Indeed, there are many occasions when a main contractor will say ‘The sub-contractor has bought it and said it’s fire rated, so it’s not my problem.’ However, the situation isn’t always that straightforward. Unfortunately, the main contractor will often hold all the risk and they won’t even realise they’re in this position. Additionally, if a non-combustible class A1 steel riser flooring product is specified in Gateway 2 and replaced by a combustible Class C GRP product, this needs to be recorded in the change control plan so the impact of these combustibility changes can be considered by the relevant teams. Furthermore, it must be documented before the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) signs off the building for handover at Gateway 3. Education is essential Helping suppliers and main contractors understand the benefits of non-combustible materials will go a long way towards improving fire safety in the built environment. The Golden Thread will ensure that anyone involved has up-to-date information readily available, ensuring a better understanding of the fire risks of using certain materials and the earlier identification of issues. Industry leaders and the government also need to ensure quality standards are adhered to and regulations met. This will improve the quality of materials being used in construction for the benefit of the end user. While it’s essential that contractors know their responsibilities if they change a specified non-combustible product for a cheaper combustible alternative, suppliers also play a huge role. Their products must be tested and certified to EN13501-1 to allow design teams and contractors to make an informed comparison between products. With fire safety a vital aspect of any building’s construction, it’s imperative contractors are aware of the non-combustible opportunities, and associated benefits, available to them.
Module-T Prefabrik, a global leader in modular construction with over 15 years of expertise, is expanding its operations into the UK market. The company offers a comprehensive range of modular solutions, including office containers, sanitary containers, locker containers, dormitory complexes, and modular office buildings, with a particular focus on labour accommodation facilities designed to meet the urgent needs of various sectors quickly and efficiently. Speed and efficiency for commercial projects and public sector needs Module-T’s expansion into the UK market introduces modular construction technology that prioritises speed, flexibility, and sustainability. “Our modular solutions are specifically engineered to minimise on-site disruption and accelerate construction timelines,” said Yigit Ozdemir, Regional Sales Director at Module-T. “Entire modules are built off-site in factories and assembled on-site, allowing for rapid deployment. This method not only reduces noise and pollution but also significantly lessens the environmental impact.” A 2022 study by academics from the University of Cambridge and Edinburgh Napier University found that modular construction can reduce embodied carbon by up to 45%. Embodied carbon refers to emissions generated during the construction process, including the production and transportation of materials, highlighting the sustainability benefits of off-site modular construction. Multipurpose solutions for a range of applications that minimise environmental impact Module-T provides solutions tailored for various applications, including permanent or temporary office spaces for companies across sectors. The company also offers WC cabins, canteens, classrooms, and other facilities for municipalities and local institutions, meeting the diverse requirements of public sector projects. “Our modular facilities are designed to provide flexible, high-quality solutions that cater to the specific needs of the UK’s construction industry,” added Özdemir. By manufacturing buildings entirely off-site and assembling them on-site, Module-T reduces construction time and minimises disruption in local communities. This approach not only enhances efficiency but aligns with industry trends favouring sustainable construction methods. “Our off-site approach offers a practical solution to the demands of commercial and public sector projects while reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction,” noted Özdemir. “We aim to lead the UK market in providing efficient and sustainable modular construction solutions.” Strategic growth and commitment to quality With the UK’s modular construction market expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.3%, reaching a projected value of £12 billion by 2025, Module-T is well-positioned to establish a strong presence. By combining innovative design with extensive international experience, the company aims to deliver adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of both commercial and public sector clients in the UK. Whether for office spaces, educational facilities, or sanitary units, Module-T’s temporary site accommodationare built to be efficient, durable, and comfortable. “At Module-T, we are committed to offering efficient and quality solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients across the UK,” said Özdemir. “Our expertise in modular construction will contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and support the delivery of essential projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals